Fruity Yogurt and Twist

Fruity Yogurt and Twist both sell essentially the same product: frozen yogurt (often called "froyo") and toppings by the ounce. Being so similar and only three blocks apart, they are most directly in competition and most customers seem to have a clear preference of one over the other; therefore, I thought it'd be more appropriate to consider them side by side in the same post.

Unfortunately, I only got videos from our trip to Fruity Yogurt:

But that doesn't mean we can't compare the experiences!

As one can tell by the signs outside, both shops appeal to the customer's personal touch with the notions of "self-serve" and pay by the ounce. Both boast a huge array of rotated flavors: on any given day, there are 8 choices at Twist and 12 at Fruity Yogurt. From Twist, we tried Mango, Blueberry Acai, Eurotart, Pink Lemonade, and Peanut Butter; we found them refreshing but the flavors somewhat subdued in taste. Michelle also deemed the Pink Lemonade a little "odd," though she couldn't pinpoint why.

The day's flavor's at Twist

By the time we got around to Fruity Yogurt most of us were too stuffed to eat anymore; however, we got a cup of New York Cheesecake, which was, again, refreshing but not strong tasting. I came back with another friend later in the week and we chose Mango (since it's such a froyo staple), Green Mango, Strawberry, Passion Fruit, Pomegranate, and Honeydew. The flavors were again not particularly strong but still unique, and we appreciated the variety of fruit-based flavors.

NY Cheesecake from Fruity Yogurt, with Oreos, fruit Bobas, and wafer-sticks .

The happy, colorful spoons are a nice touch for Fruity Yogurt!

The toppings are myriad as well, with everything from fresh fruit, granola, nuts, candy, syrups, and most interestingly "Boba balls" which explode juicily in your mouth (Ryan sure was surprised when tried one). Both places offered plenty to pick from, although Fruity had a few more interesting things, like the wafer stick-rolls.

Fruity Yogurt (left pics) also seems to have a sense of humor

Furthermore, Fruity Yogurt offers shaved ice, in both the Hawaiian style (juice flavored) and Asian style (all-you-can-fit toppings), and Bubble Tea. The latter is particularly popular with students, since it comes sealed and can be brought back to campus in a book bag. Evan C., Michelle, and Clement shared their Guava flavored tea and enjoyed it immensely.

Both also try to sell their product's healthiness: Both boast "live and active cultures"--which I suppose must be a good thing, though the idea of living stuff in my yogurt is kind of weird -- and an overall low-calorie, low-fat (thus low-consequence?) experience.

Twist is very detailed about its yogurt's nutrition

Fruity Yogurt goes for a bit more loud generalization, though the sign has more info

 What differs significantly between the two shops is the atmosphere. Fruity Yogurt is brightly colored and modern-looking, with high seats that encourage small groups and couples to sit down for a few minutes and enjoy their frozen treats. However, the "open" feel of the store also encourages the average passerby to walk in, get what they want, and walk right out again.

Twist, on the other hand, boasts a long, cavernous layout with plush lounge chairs, board games, and even a piano. Walking in to get your froyo, however, seems like more of a commitment because of how far you seem to walk to get to the actual yogurt. The furniture, while "hip," seems less amenable to the younger, more fleet-footed customers. As the sign in front says, the place also offers free Wifi and a few students were definitely taking advantage of that, curled up with books and a laptop in a corner seat. Still, the overall vibe felt more appropriate for a sports bar, and less for a store that sells light, summer-weather desserts.

So long!

Twist seems to want us to stick around for a while...

Conclusion for the Hungry: In terms of yogurt taste and variety, there is little to differentiate the two shops, although Fruity Yogurt has a couple more froyo machines, and thus a couple more options per day. But Fruity seems to boast a slightly better price per weight, and the Bubble Tea and shaved ice are nice non-dairy options. Fruity Yogurt's environment also seemed more open and cheery, though Twist's spacious chair space might make a good place to hang out or work for a long period of time. Overall, it seems, Fruity Yogurt has everything Twist can offer and then some--including its famously colorful spoons.

Check out Fruity Yogurt here, and Twist here.