Choice targets froyo trend

froyo_topping_barConsumer watchdog, Choice, is targeting five Australian frozen yogurt retailers, including WowCow and Yogurtland, for allegedly “outlandish health benefits” claims.

A Choice investigation has found that five local froyo businesses – WowCow, Mooberry, Yogurtland, Yogurberry, and Zwirl – are potentially in breach of Australian consumer law.

“Froyo might be tasty but it’s not a health food and it’s unlikely to give consumers the outlandish health benefits claimed by some stores, like slowing the body’s ageing process,” says Angela McDougall, food policy advisor at Choice.

She points towards low calorie or “healthy” froyo business claims as particularly troublesome, as these claims can hide a product’s sugar content or calories added via toppings.

“Consumers are also met with a barrage of health claims in many froyo shops. WowCow was the only [retailer] that did not make any health claims and was able to produce nutrition information instore.”

“If you enjoy froyo, it’s important to think of it as a naughty treat like you would icecream, rather than some healthy alternative with magical properties.”

Choice also alleges that a store operated by Yoguberry, which charges by the gram, is overcharging its customers by rounding up the weight of their purchases.

It also alleges that Noggi’s analysis of its kilojoule content is inaccurate, with the froyo retailer claiming 100g of strawberries provide 1kj of energy when it’s closer to 100kj.

Choice is calling for a nationally consistent kilojoule-labelling system, scrutiny of the rounding up of weight by retailers, and an investigation of “dodgy health claims”.

You have 7 articles remaining. Unlock 15 free articles a month, it’s free.