Despite “I’m over yogurt” rumblings from a few of you (and a few more “I just don’t get this frozen yogurt thing at all” from others), one company is hoping you’re not over it yet. Red Mango is opening a location at the Ilume on Cedar Springs later this summer (their first in Texas), and they have “major growth plans” for all of Dallas-Fort Worth. They are even moving their headquarters here from California, we learned today, so expect to see all kinds of Red Mango pub in the next few months.
Here’s the deal with it: It is non-fat, all natural, gluten free, and has been certified by the National Yogurt Association’s Live and Active Culture Seal for meeting the required criteria for healthy frozen yogurt. They were founded in South Korea is 2002, and opened up in LA in 2007 (they were doing Pinkberry before Pinkberry was). They have 45 stores in the U.S. (and for those with $275,000 at their disposal, head to Hotel ZaZa on Monday at 1pm for a Red Mango franchising seminar). They dropped some off for us yesterday. Jump for tasting notes.
They were only able to bring the “original” flavor, because there is not a store around here yet, but the stores will have green tea, a pomegranate flavor, and something called “tangomonium.” Toppings will include Ghiradelli chocolate, cereal, and fruit. Based on the sample we had today, I can tell you the yogurt is a little bit sweet and very tangy. Because of the probiotics and live active yogurt cultures, it’s a very yogurt-y yogurt. I would say the flavor is stronger than that of the “plain” at Yogilicious (my favorite). But I’m a topping girl, so I’ll be happy when I can get some cereal and/or fruit on top. When it gets closer to opening I’ll let you know and we can have a taste-off.
