Ice Cream vs. Frozen Yogurt: Understanding the Difference
Ice cream and yogurt are two delicious frozen desserts, each with their own unique characteristics.- Ice Cream: Ice cream is a creamy, frozen dessert typically made from cream, sugar, and added flavoring. It contains mostly milkfat, giving it a rich texture. Ice cream is churned as it freezes, which results in its smooth consistency. Varieties of ice cream include the classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, as well as more creative options like brown butter, salted caramel, and (wait for it) BACON!
- Yogurt: Yogurt, on the other hand, is a frozen dessert made from yogurt culture, milk, and sugar. It tends to have a slightly tangy taste due to the presence of live yogurt cultures. Frozen yogurt is popular as a healthier alternative to ice cream due to its lower fat content. Like ice cream, tt comes in various flavors and can be customized with toppings like fresh fruits, nuts, and syrups.
Different Ways to Serve Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt
Both ice cream and frozen yogurt offer versatile serving options, making them enjoyable treats in various forms:- Cones and Cups: The classic way to enjoy these frozen delights is in a cone or a cup. Cones add a crispy texture, while cups allow for easier customization with toppings. You can also choose edible bowls to get the flavor and texture of a cone, but the convenience of a cup.
- Sundaes: Layering scoops of ice cream or frozen yogurt with toppings like bananas, hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, nuts, and cherries creates a delightful sundae.
- Floats and Milkshakes: Ice cream or frozen yogurt can be blended into creamy milkshakes or added to soda for refreshing floats.
- Parfaits and Bowls: Layering frozen yogurt or ice cream with granola, fresh fruits, and drizzles of honey or syrups makes for a delicious parfait or a satisfying bowl.
- Cakes: Celebrate your birthday or special event with an ice cream CAKE! Mix and match flavors to create your own unique treat!
The Best Places to Find Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt in Panama City Beach, FL
- The Marble Slab Creamery: Located in Pier Park, this spot offers a variety of homemade ice cream flavors and mixes them with a wide choice of “mix-ins” to create unique recipes and custom desserts. They actually use a marble slab to mix the ingredients with the ice cream because the slab keeps the temp cold and the ice cream frozen. It’s a “must try” if you’ve never had a mixed-up ice cream dessert.
- Dippin Dots: Dippin Dots are real ice cream, but they are cryogenically frozen by flash freezing. They’re stored at -40 degrees to hold their shape, so you typically only find them in a Dippin dots store or special freezer. A regular freezer isn’t cold enough. But Pier Park has a Dippin Dots store near the Grand Theater, so here’s your chance to try out this unique form of ice cream!
- Bruster’s Real Ice Cream: A chain known for its premium ice cream, Bruster’s offers a rotating selection of flavors, including seasonal specialties. At Christmas they offer Eggnog, Peppermint Bark, and Gingerbread Man. Fall flavors include Caramel Apple Crunch, or Pumpkin Pie. There are several locations in Panama City Beach, and each time you go, you’ll find a new flavor to try.
- Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt: Located in Pier Park North, and with a focus on healthy options, Sweet Frog offers a range of frozen yogurt flavors and a smorgasbord of toppings to customize your dessert. You can self-serve your choices, and pay by the ounce when you check out.
When you’re vacationing in Panama City Beach, whether you’re strolling along the white sandy shores, attending an event, or exploring the fun shops and activities, indulging in a scoop of creamy ice cream or a refreshing cup of frozen yogurt is a delightful way to beat the heat and satisfy your sweet cravings.
