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The dessert options available in India have grown considerably in the last decade. From cupcakes and macarons to Japanese cheesecakes and Indian twists to Western desserts, foodies with a sweet tooth are spoilt for choice. Popular among these various choices are ice creams which have been loved all over the world and frozen yoghurts which made their appearance in India much later but soon became a popular choice for those who were fitness-conscious.
The origins of ice cream can be traced back to ancient civilisations. It is believed that Roman Emperor Nero would send runners to the mountains to fetch snow, which was then mixed with nectar, fruit pulp, and honey to create a rudimentary form of ice cream. In 1843 Nancy Johnson, an American, invented the hand-cranked ice cream freezer in 1843, which made it easier to produce ice cream at home.
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The history of frozen yoghurt is closely linked to the history of yoghurt itself, which dates back to ancient cultures in the Middle East and Central Asia. The fermented dairy product, has been consumed for thousands of years for its health benefits and longevity. Frozen yoghurt experienced a significant boom in the 1980s, particularly in the United States when companies began offering frozen yoghurt as a healthier, low-fat alternative to ice cream. The introduction of sweeter and more palatable flavours helped increase its popularity.
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If one was to do a taste test, it is safe to say that frozen yoghurt offers a tangy and lighter taste compared to the rich and creamy flavour of ice cream. The choice between the two often depends on personal preference for sweetness, tanginess, and texture.
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How They Are Made
Ice cream is made from a base of cream, milk, sugar, and sometimes egg yolks. It has a higher fat content compared to frozen yogurt, typically ranging from 10% to 18% fat. The fat content contributes to its rich, creamy texture and mouthfeel. Ice cream is churned more vigorously during freezing, resulting in a dense and creamy texture.
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Frozen Yoghurt is typically made from yoghurt cultured with beneficial bacteria (probiotics), which gives it a tangy flavour similar to plain yoghurt. The base ingredients include yoghurt, milk solids, sweeteners such as sugar or artificial sweeteners, and sometimes natural or artificial flavours. It often has a lower fat content compared to ice cream, making it a lighter alternative. It tends to have a smoother and softer texture too. It is churned less vigorously during freezing, which results in a lighter and airier consistency which is refreshing and less heavy on the palate.
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Pick Your Flavour
One of the appeals of frozen yogurt is its versatility in flavours. It can be found in a wide range of options, from traditional fruit flavours such as strawberry and mango to more exotic blends such as matcha green tea or salted caramel. However, Ice cream comes in a wide array of classic and innovative flavours too. Traditional favourites include vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, while modern variations may feature ingredients such as cookies and cream, or even savoury flavours such as avocado.
Ice cream is typically scooped into cones or bowls and can be served with toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, nuts, or cherries. Its versatility in presentation allows for a variety of serving styles, from simple cones to elaborate sundaes. Frozen yogurt is often served in self-serve style shops where one can choose their flavours, pipe the soft serve from a tap and add toppings such as fresh fruits, nuts, candies, or syrups.
Health Factor
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Just like the other points for consideration, this section doesn’t have a clear winner either. Because of its higher fat content, ice cream tends to be more calorie-dense than frozen yoghurt. Ice cream's creamy texture and richness make it a quintessential indulgence for dessert lovers. The higher fat content is delightful especially on warm days or as a dessert after a meal. It provides more energy per serving but is also higher in saturated fats.
However, newer versions of ice cream may offer lower-fat options or use alternative sweeteners for those seeking healthier alternatives. The inclusion of probiotics in frozen yoghurt has potential digestive health benefits. Probiotics can help maintain gut health. However, the actual health benefits can vary based on the quantity and type of probiotics present. How healthy the frozen yoghurt is can also vary widely depending on added sugars and toppings. Some varieties may contain similar calorie counts as ice cream, especially when loaded with toppings such as chocolate chips or syrups.
