12 March 2019
Quinita Thomas
For those who may not be aware, there is a frozen yogurt machine on campus. It is located just outside the library in the University Center. There are three flavors and only a small variety of toppings.
You can either choose chocolate, vanilla or a combination of both flavors. The toppings offered are as follows: rainbow sprinkles, granola, chocolate sprinkles, peanuts, M&M’s and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
There are only two sizes that students can pick from: regular or large. The regular costs $5, while the large costs $6. Despite what size you get, the cups are only filled halfway.
When you pick what flavors and toppings you want, music plays as you wait and two froyo characters, a boy and girl, appear on screen looking as if they are preparing the yogurt for you.
When the yogurt is served, a door opens and you can grab your cup. There also appears to be a place where spoons are dispersed.
I was not that impressed with the yogurt at all. For starters, it did not even taste like frozen yogurt at all. Instead, it tasted like a rather atrocious version of McDonald’s ice cream.
In addition to the frozen yogurt not tasting accurate, the toppings did not taste all that great either. My granola and M&M’s tasted as if they may have been stale.
The frozen yogurt machine is not only lacking flavors and a variety of toppings. It also is not accessible to everyone.
Students who are lactose intolerant or vegan, for example, will not find suitable frozen yogurt here, since there are no dairy-free options or vegan options.
Finally, the prices are ludicrous for what you get, and college students are most likely not able to purchase this expensive of a treat more than one time. While the cartoon music and characters may seem rather entertaining, this machine looks more like something that would be appropriate for elementary students.
YoYogurt, which has two locations in the Springs, is a lot better tasting.
Their choice of flavors are broader. One can pick from flavors such as cheesecake, Tahesian vanilla, strawberry sensation or Italian tart. There are also several different sizes that one can choose from.
The toppings are a lot better as well. Cheesecake bites, brownie bites, fruit poppers, different types of candies, etc. Plus, when you buy frozen yogurt from YoYogurt, the prices are more worth it.
While it is nice to have options on campus such as frozen yogurt and ice cream, it almost seems worth it to get ice cream from one of the dining halls. All students have to do is swipe their student ID’s if they have a meal plan, and they can eat as much ice cream to their heart’s desire. Not to mention that students do not have to pay five or six dollars every time they rise from their seats to get more.
There is a way that the frozen yogurt machine can be improved. For example, it would be nice if students had a say in what flavors go next when it comes to cycling them.
They should also have the opportunity to share our thoughts on toppings. Perhaps if the toppings were changed everyday, they might not taste as stale.
A lot of things on campus may seem overpriced, but still necessary. However, in this case, I would encourage students to save their money for times when they need it, like during mid-terms or finals, for example. Or if you would really like to get your money’s worth, save your nickels for quality frozen yogurt elsewhere.