Being a flavor developer–internally known as a “Flavor Guru”–at Ben & Jerry’s isn’t just about proving that you can play with your food at the home base in Vermont. The team also must travel the world identifying the latest culinary trends, flavors, and ingredients. Tough job.
The latest inspiration for the company that has come up with Cherry Garcia, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Phish Food, and Chubby Hubby was a much less exotic trip. It was a jaunt down the grocery aisle, where the popularity behind Greek Yogurt led to today’s introduction of a delicious new line of Greek Frozen Yogurts.
The four new flavors include:
- Strawberry Shortcake: Strawberry Greek Frozen Yogurt with Shortbread Pieces
- Raspberry Fudge Chunk: Raspberry Greek Frozen Yogurt with Fudge Chunks
- Banana Peanut Butter: Banana Greek Frozen Yogurt with Peanut Butter Swirls
- Blueberry Vanilla Graham: Blueberry & Vanilla Greek Frozen Yogurt with Graham Cracker Swirls
“They’re refreshing, they’re fruity, and they are exactly the taste that fans expect from Ben & Jerry’s,” says Kirsten Schimoler, one of the flavor gurus behind the development of Greek Frozen Yogurt. “It’s nice to have a wholesome indulgence that fits within my personal eating habits and tastes great.”
The product, still regarded as an indulgent dessert, reaps the benefits of containing real Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is made through a traditional straining process allowing more of the whey to drain out, leaving a thicker, smoother yogurt rich and creamy in texture.
While the protein is higher and the calories are lower than Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, the company is positioning Greek Frozen Yogurt as a reasonable reward.
The four flavors are being released this month in pints as well as select flavors in mini-cups at retailers nationwide. The 300 Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops across the country will feature Greek Frozen Yogurt as well as a variety of menu items including smoothies, parfaits, and other treats this spring.
“We have worked hard to create the best, tasty, euphoric, chunky, swirly Ben & Jerry’s version of Greek Frozen Yogurt, and we think its pretty Greekin’ good,” says Schimoler.
