Originally published in the DePaulia on Sept. 28, 2009.

 By Audrey Leon

Yogen Fruz, 33 S. State Street

Customers create their own  unique treat at Yogen Fruz. Customers choose between non-fat, low-fat and no-sugar – which contains Splenda – pre-packaged frozen mixtures and a flavor such as green tea, chocolate or strawberry, which are combined in a mixer.

Yogen Fruz offers toppings ranging from candy and nuts to fresh fruit and cereal. A small cup of Yogen Fruz’s signature yogurt starts at $2.95 and increases 50 cents for each additional topping.

According to store employee Diego Cruz the most popular way to consume Yogen Fruz is by blended drink. “Tropical Storm (a non-diary smoothie) is very popular,” Cruz said. Yogen Fruz’s creamy vanilla yogurt is quite tart and tends to dominate flavor combinations; the low-fat chocolate option is less extreme.

Berry Chill, 635 S. State Street

Berry Chill caters to busy young professionals with its modern green and white decor, self-service ordering kiosk, late store hours and recycling stations; they call it “Yogurt Culture.”

Customers can choose among original and three monthly flavors; September’s flavors are pina colada, chocolate-covered strawberry and passion fruit. A small Berry Chill original frozen yogurt begins at $2.99 and a flavored frozen yogurt at $3.99. Add up to three toppings, such as candy, nuts and fruit, to your mix for $1 extra.

Berry Chill bears a stamp of approval from the National Yogurt Association on its Web site and it received one from store employee Nicole Goodrich. “I don’t feel guilty about eating [Berry Chill],” she said. “It’s so refreshing and healthy.” In addition to being lactose-free, Berry Chill’s yogurt is sweet and tart but not entirely overpowering.

Starfruit, 2142 N. Halsted Street

Starfruit offers its patrons the most bang for their buck. Starfruit’s frozen yogurt is made with Kefir, a special yogurt loaded with 10 probiotic cultures while most only have three to five; Kefir is also higher in calcium, fiber and protein.

Starfruit’s frozen yogurt contains only a faint tart taste and is not overwhelmingly sweet. The flavor combinations are endless; patrons can swirl two flavors together such as strawberry and peach or original and blueberry. A small bowl, featuring a bigger portion than most stores, starts at $3. Add a topping for a $1 extra and 50 cents for each additional.

It is no coincidence that Starfruit’s Halsted location sits in between small clothing boutiques. General Manager Vince Bozman sees Starfruit as a boutique for frozen yogurt. “People come for the environment and to get something healthy,” Bozman said. Starfruit’s brightly-colored interior makes the shop friendly to all-ages.