The Yankees vs. the Red Sox, Coke vs. Pepsi, Edison vs. Tesla. These storied rivalries have been around for centuries going back and forth, trying to gain the support of the American people. The most prominent rivalry in Westport has not been around for centuries, but a decade or so. Frozen Yogurt, or “froyo,” vs. Ice Cream.
The fight has recently been moving in favor of froyo. Baskin-Robbins, Maggie Moo’s and Ben & Jerry’s used to be cornerstone ice cream parlors in Westport. Today, all three establishments are gone. They’ve been replaced by Top This, Sweet Frog, and Pinkberry.
“…tastes fresh, it’s all made for you, and they have the best flavors,” raves Shannon Berry ’15 about Pinkberry, one of two frozen yogurt places in downtown Westport.
Froyo World owner Sharon Brockwell takes a more nutritious approach to her love of froyo, saying, “I have always preferred frozen yogurt over ice cream due to the lower fat content and the many health benefits.” According to livestrong.com, these benefits include both improved digestive and cardiovascular health. Even though the yogurt itself is healthier than ice cream, once numerous toppings that go along with it are added in, the calories and benefits tend to even out.
Brockwell’s favoritism isn’t limited to the health benefits but expands to these “many great flavors and toppings, so you can indulge without the guilt.” Froyo World has been open since June of 2012 and is one of five froyo places in Westport alone.
Despite the recent success of froyo, ice cream is still a stalwart of the dessert community. Sunny Daes moved in several years ago, joining Carvel. And Baskin-Robbins can now be found at the Southport border. “Sunny Daes is my favorite ice cream parlor in Westport because they have a large variety of hard ice cream flavors,” Katie Twombly ’16 said.
Despite the health benefits, variety, and all other factors that split the two, Chelsea Mullen ’16 chooses ice cream to avoid the crowds. “There are about 10 froyo places in Westport, so it’s nice to have something else.”
