Expert reveals how healthy Yo-Chi really is

This viral dessert is said to be a healthier alternative to ice cream, but a dietitian has debunked some common misconceptions about it.

The Yo-Chi obsession has well and truly taken over the country, with people queuing around the block to get their hands on the viral frozen yoghurt on any given Saturday night.

It’s been described by some as Gen Z’s new hangout spot, where they choose to forgo the typical night-life scene in favour of DJs at the dairy-driven haunt, which stays open until 10:30pm.

It operates on a self-serve model where people grab their own cup, select a yoghurt flavour, and load up on as many toppings as their heart desires — from fruit to biscuits, nuts, and the cult-favourite pourable spread, Pistachio Papi.

The only thing stopping them from going completely overboard is the ‘weigh at the till’ process, which may leave some stunned by how much their dessert will cost, often between $12 and $18.

This build-your-own adventure approach means the nutritional profile of a yoghurt bowl is entirely in the hands of the consumer.

And while the ability to customise each cup allows for healthier choices – and is one of the main reasons for the brand’s success – the overwhelming range of toppings can also easily lead to calorie overload.

Without nutrition information publicly available for Yo-Chi, other than its 98 per cent fat-free claims, news.com.au reached out to an expert to find out just how healthy, or unhealthy, frozen yoghurts like this really are.

Breaking down the viral dessert

Dr Vincent, a clinical nutritionist, told news.com.au that frozen yoghurt can indeed be part of a healthy, balanced diet when consumed mindfully.

“Many people assume it is automatically healthier than ice cream because it’s lower in fat and calories, but that’s not the full picture,” he notes.

“While the claim might be that it’s nearly entirely fat free, some frozen yoghurts compensate for the lack of fat by adding artificial sweeteners, sodium, and other additives.”

A look at the nutrition label for the Yo-Chi tubs sold at Coles reveals the following ingredients: Invert Syrup (Sugar, Water), Raw Sugar, Maltodextrin (Maize), Glucose (Maize), Emulsifier (471), Vegetable Gums (460, 466, 407a), Food Acid (330).

“It’s important to be mindful of ingredients including stabiliser, thickeners and other additives,” he explains.

In saying that, he says it’s not all doom and gloom, and you don’t have to forgo your favourite Yo-Chi combo anytime soon.

“Frozen yoghurt does contain probiotics (although the count varies), which support gut health,” he says. “So when paired with whole, nutrient-dense toppings like fresh fruit and nuts, it can be an enjoyable part of a well-rounded diet”.

Is Yo-Chi healthy? A dietitian weighs in. Picture: TikTok

How can people make healthier choices at Yo-Chi?

Dr Vincent says the best way to make a healthier choice at a frozen yoghurt shop is to focus on the toppings.

He suggests choosing fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds instead of syrups or lollies in order to keep it nutritious.

Moderation is also key — so choosing a smaller serving ensures you get the benefits of probiotics and calcium without the excess sugar.

He says the toppings are often what can make a frozen yoghurt bowl unhealthy. Picture: TikTok

What is the recommended serving size of frozen yoghurt?

A reasonable serving size of frozen yoghurt is around 100-150 grams, says Dr Vincent.

But if you’ve been to Yo-Chi before, you’ll know this would be pretty difficult to eyeball.

However, Yo-Chi’s small cup holds roughly 150 grams of yoghurt, making it easy to stick to a healthy portion size.

There’s also a large cup available, which will hold roughly 250 grams.

A reasonable serving size is around 100-150 grams. Picture: TikTok

Yo-Chi’s small cups hold around this amount. Picture: TikTok

If someone is trying to lose weight, is it a good choice?

Frozen yoghurt can be included in a weight-loss plan if chosen carefully.

“While it may be lower in fat than ice cream, the addition of artificial sweeteners or sodium can have unintended effects on appetite and metabolism,” he says.

“The best approach is to choose a plain, natural yoghurt base with minimal added sugar and pair it with fresh ingredients instead of high-calorie toppings.”

A woman has worked out how many calories are in a standard yoghurt bowl. Picture: TikTok

How many calories in a Yo-Chi bowl?

Rosie Lewis, a fitness content creator on TikTok, was curious to find out how many calories were in her go-to bowl of Yo-Chi.

The 22-year-old weighed everything out and calculated the macronutrients, figuring out that it totalled around 518 calories, which is roughly the amount of calories she allocates for each meal in her diet.

“I thought it would be educational for people on social media to see roughly the number of calories in a sweet snack such as Yo-Chi,” she told news.com.au.

“I could not find much online about how many calories are in one, so I decided to measure it myself to help people find this information.

“It’s important for me to treat myself when I eat out and enjoy life! But it helps to be informed when you’re on a diet.”

News.com.au has reached out to Yo-Chi for comment.