Pinkberry Tests Greek Yogurt For Breakfast
The frozen yogurt chain Pinkberry is testing breakfast.
Instead of its signature frozen yogurt, test locations are offering coffee and unfrozen Greek yogurt, which can be topped with a variety of fruit, granola or natural sweeteners, like fruit purees, infused honey or agave nectar.
Pinkberry joins a growing number of frozen yogurt chains that are adding Greek yogurt to their menus, responding to the growing popularity of the higher-protein product as a meal replacement. TCBY, 16 Handles, and Ben and Jerry's have introduced new frozen Greek yogurt flavors this summer, but generally as a later-daypart snack. Pinkberry may be the first to target breakfast.
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"People are increasingly adopting Greek yogurt into their morning routine," said Ron Graves, Pinkberry's chief executive. "As a yogurt retailer, we saw the opportunity to redefine the Greek yogurt experience with our exceptionally fresh and high quality toppings to offer a fresh, healthy breakfast."
For the test, select units in Los Angeles, Boston and Washington, D.C., will open at 8 a.m.
Signature offerings will include:
• Chocolate Berry, featuring Greek yogurt topped with blueberries, raspberries, chocolate granola, honey and shaved milk chocolate
• Strawberry, with toppings that include freshly cut strawberries, mangos, sliced almonds, shaved coconut and strawberry puree
• Cucumber, a savory option, with toppings such as freshly cut cucumbers, sesame nuggets, diced red and yellow peppers, a drizzle of honey and a touch of chili powder
The Greek yogurt will be available in four-ounce and six-ounce sizes.
A six-ounce serving contains 18 grams of protein, as well as live and active cultures. The yogurt has no fat and is low in sugar.
The coffee Pinkberry will serve is a proprietary medium-roast blend that pairs well with yogurt, company officials said.
Based in Los Angeles, Pinkberry operates and franchises about 195 locations worldwide.
Contact Lisa Jennings at lisa.jennings@penton.com.
Follow her on Twitter: @livetodineout