who makes frozen yogurt ice cream: brands explained

Several companies make frozen yogurt products, but the answer depends on what you mean by “frozen yogurt ice cream.” Yasso sells packaged frozen yogurt bars and is part of Unilever, while Pinkberry, TCBY, Yogurtland, and Menchie’s are best known for serving frozen yogurt in shops.

There is no single maker behind every product with this name. The brand on the front may differ from the company that manufactures it, and some products are soft serve rather than grocery-store bars or tubs. Here’s how the main brands differ, how to check who made a specific item, and what to look for if you want yogurt-style tang or a particular texture.

who makes frozen yogurt ice cream?

Several brands and food companies make or sell frozen yogurt. For packaged products, Yasso is a prominent brand of frozen yogurt bars, and its North American business was acquired by Unilever in 2023. For freshly served frozen yogurt, familiar names include Pinkberry, TCBY, Yogurtland, and Menchie’s. These are separate brands, not one shared manufacturer.

The phrase “frozen yogurt ice cream” can refer to different things: a frozen yogurt bar from a grocery freezer, a tub of frozen dessert, or soft-serve yogurt from a shop. A restaurant chain may sell yogurt made to its specifications, while a packaged product has a manufacturer identified on its label. The exact answer therefore depends on the product and where you buy it.

Also, frozen yogurt is not automatically the same as ice cream. Recipes and labels vary, but frozen yogurt is made with yogurt or yogurt cultures, while ice cream is generally made with cream and milk. Both are frozen desserts, and either can contain substantial sugar or other ingredients.

Which brands sell frozen yogurt?

These brands offer useful starting points, but availability and menus can vary by location. A brand’s presence in a shop does not mean it sells the same product in retail tubs.

Brand	What it is known for	Who makes or operates it	Best for
Yasso	Packaged frozen Greek yogurt bars and other frozen snacks	Yasso is a Unilever brand following Unilever’s 2023 acquisition of its North American business	Individually portioned grocery-store treats
Pinkberry	Shop-served frozen yogurt with toppings	A frozen yogurt chain in the MTY Food Group portfolio through Kahala Brands	Soft-serve-style yogurt bought in a shop
TCBY	Shop-served frozen yogurt and related desserts	A brand in the Kahala Brands portfolio, which is part of MTY Food Group	Shop flavors and customizable servings
Yogurtland	Self-serve frozen yogurt shops	A frozen yogurt retail and franchise brand	Choosing your own mix of flavors and toppings
Menchie’s	Self-serve frozen yogurt shops	A frozen yogurt franchise brand	Build-your-own shop servings

This table compares brand names, not a promise that every location or store carries the same flavors. For a particular bar or tub, use the package to identify the responsible company. For a shop, ask the location which yogurt base and flavors it currently serves.

Packaged bars and frozen treats

Yasso is a practical place to start if you want a packaged frozen yogurt bar. Its products are sold as branded frozen snacks, often in individually wrapped portions. Product names, ingredients, and availability differ across stores, so check the current package rather than assuming every bar has the same nutrition or recipe.

Some frozen desserts are marketed as Greek yogurt bars or yogurt-based frozen treats without being the same product as traditional soft-serve frozen yogurt. The word “Greek” generally describes the yogurt style used, not a guarantee of a specific protein level or sugar content. Read the nutrition panel if those details matter to you.

Shop-served frozen yogurt

Pinkberry, TCBY, Yogurtland, and Menchie’s are primarily associated with shops. A customer orders a serving there, often with a choice of flavors and toppings. This differs from buying a sealed package that lists a manufacturer and complete ingredient panel.

Shop ownership and product supply can be separate. A franchise location may be operated by a local franchisee, while the brand sets menus, sourcing requirements, or operating standards. That does not necessarily reveal which factory produced a particular yogurt mix. Ask the shop for ingredient or allergen information if you need it.

How to find who made a specific package

If you have a particular tub or bar in mind, the company name on the front may not tell the whole story. The back or side label provides better clues. Use these steps to identify the brand owner or manufacturer as accurately as possible.

1. Find the full product name. Record the brand, flavor, package size, and any words such as “frozen yogurt,” “Greek yogurt,” or “frozen dairy dessert.” Similar names can refer to different products.
2. Check the company statement. Look for wording such as “manufactured by,” “distributed by,” or “a product of.” These phrases identify different roles. The manufacturer makes the product; a distributor or brand owner may arrange its sale without producing it in that facility.
3. Read the address and contact details. A company address can identify the responsible business, but it may be a headquarters or customer-service address rather than the factory location.
4. Look for a lot code. If you need a precise production source, the lot code can help the company identify a batch. Contact the customer-service team listed on the package and provide the code.
5. Check the retailer listing against the package. Online descriptions can be old or incomplete. The label on the item you actually buy is the better source for ingredients, allergens, and company details.

One commonly missed detail: “distributed by” does not mean “made by.” A retailer’s own label can also be produced by a third-party food manufacturer. If you need to know the factory, such as for an allergy or product recall question, contact the company named on the packaging instead of guessing from the brand.

Frozen yogurt versus ice cream: what changes?

Frozen yogurt and ice cream can look similar in a freezer case, but they are not interchangeable names for one recipe. Frozen yogurt usually contains yogurt or yogurt cultures, which can give it a tangier taste. Ice cream is typically made with milk and cream and is associated with a richer dairy flavor.

Texture depends on more than the name. The amount of fat, air incorporated during freezing, stabilizers, sweeteners, and serving temperature can all affect whether a product feels dense, creamy, icy, or light. A soft-serve serving may seem smoother than a hard-frozen bar because it is served at a different temperature and has a different texture.

Do not assume frozen yogurt is automatically lower in calories, sugar, or fat than ice cream. Recipes vary, and toppings can add considerably to a serving. Compare the serving size and nutrition facts on the specific products you are considering. A small-looking shop cup can also contain more than one standard serving, depending on how it is filled.

Names on the front can be descriptive or part of a brand’s marketing. The ingredient list and Nutrition Facts panel tell you more about the product you are buying. If you are comparing packaged treats, compare the same serving weight when possible; otherwise, the numbers may give a misleading impression.

How to choose the right kind

Choose based on where you want to eat it, the texture you like, and any dietary needs. There is no single best brand for everyone, and recipes can change. These simple comparisons can help narrow the choice.

What you want	What to look for	Best fit
A ready-to-eat single portion	Individually wrapped bars and a clearly stated serving size	Packaged frozen yogurt bars such as Yasso
A made-to-order serving	A shop menu with the flavors and toppings you prefer	A frozen yogurt shop such as Pinkberry, TCBY, Yogurtland, or Menchie’s
A sharper yogurt taste	Ingredient and product descriptions that identify yogurt or Greek yogurt	A yogurt-based bar or a tart shop flavor, if available
Less added sugar	The Nutrition Facts panel, serving size, and toppings	The option with less added sugar for the portion you will eat
Allergen information	The complete allergen statement and company contact details	A sealed, clearly labeled product or a shop able to provide ingredient information

For a shop order, toppings are part of the final choice. Fruit, candy, sauces, and crunchy add-ons can change the serving’s sugar, calories, and allergen profile. If you want a simpler comparison, first choose the base flavor, then add toppings one at a time.

What to check for allergies and dietary needs

Many frozen yogurt products contain milk, and shop equipment or toppings may introduce other allergens. Do not rely on a product name such as “yogurt” or “Greek” to establish whether it is safe for you. Check the package’s allergen statement and ingredients, or ask the shop for current information.

For a severe allergy, ask specific questions about shared machines, scoops, topping bins, and preparation areas. A shop may not be able to prevent contact between ingredients handled in the same space. If staff cannot confirm the information you need, choose a sealed product with a clear label instead.

People avoiding dairy should look for an explicit non-dairy label and verify the ingredient list. A fruit flavor or a tart taste does not mean a product is dairy-free. Also check toppings, since sauces and mix-ins can contain milk or other allergens even when the base does not.

For dietary goals such as higher protein or lower sugar, compare the actual label rather than relying on the words “frozen yogurt.” A product may use yogurt as an ingredient but still contain added sweeteners. A shop’s nutrition information, when available, can help you compare flavors and serving sizes.

Common questions about frozen yogurt brands

Is Yasso the same company as Pinkberry?

No. They are separate brands. Yasso is known for packaged frozen yogurt bars and became part of Unilever’s North American business after its 2023 acquisition. Pinkberry is a frozen yogurt shop brand in the MTY Food Group portfolio through Kahala Brands.

Does TCBY make grocery-store frozen yogurt?

TCBY is best known as a frozen yogurt shop brand. Retail availability can vary, and a shop brand should not be assumed to make a grocery product with a similar name. Check the packaging and company statement to identify who is responsible for a specific item.

Is frozen yogurt healthier than ice cream?

Not automatically. Frozen yogurt may have a different recipe and a tangier flavor, but sugar, fat, and calories depend on the product and portion. Compare nutrition labels or shop nutrition information, and include toppings in your decision.

Who makes store-brand frozen yogurt?

The retailer’s label identifies the brand sold to customers, but a separate manufacturer may produce it. Look for the manufacturer or distributor statement on the package. If the label does not make the relationship clear, contact the retailer or the company listed for customer service.

Can a shop tell you which company makes its frozen yogurt?

Sometimes. A shop can usually provide flavor, ingredient, and allergen details if it has current information, but it may not know the factory that produced its mix. Ask the manager or contact the brand’s customer-service team for a more precise answer.

Several companies make or sell frozen yogurt, and the right answer depends on whether you mean a packaged bar or a shop serving. Yasso is a recognizable packaged option, while Pinkberry, TCBY, Yogurtland, and Menchie’s are known for shop-served frozen yogurt.

For a specific item, check the back label for the manufacturer or distributor statement; the front-of-pack brand alone may not identify who produced it. Before buying, compare ingredients and serving sizes, especially if you are checking sugar or allergens.

Use who makes frozen yogurt ice cream as a starting point, then verify the exact product on its package or ask the shop for current details.