Hong Kong has been hit by the fro yo (frozen yoghurt) bug with frozen yoghurt shops sprouting up all over.

Non-fat, low fat, and boost your immune system mumbo jumbo has got us running to our favourite fro yo stop for some health boosting, temperature cooling, and sweet tooth kissing. I'm caught up in this trend myself. Spoiling myself with this healthy dessert every now and then. But is it really what it's cracked up to be, most importantly, is it really guilt free?

The Yo Down

Ice cream, made with cream or milk has a higher fat content than frozen yoghurt, which is made from fermented milk, making it a skinnier alternative for those soft-serve lovers.

The bacteria found in yoghurt (which is also prevalent in the human body), aids in the strengthening of our digestive system, and replenishes the body with these good bacteria. It's also a great source of calcium. For those that are lactose intolerant and may be feeling left out, there's good news, the live bacteria in yoghurt breaks down the enzymes in the milk making it easier for the body to digest. For that reason, you can enjoy fro yo without worrying about bathroom issues!

The Skinny

In one small serving of Strawberries and Cream ice cream from a popular ice cream brand (with shops around Hong Kong) there is 220 calories, and 14.1g of fat. Wow! Compare that to one large swirl of plain frozen yoghurt that has only 90 calories, with low or zero fat (depending on the maker). However, it should be noted that the higher the fat content the less sugar, so non-fat options have a high sugar content to knock out the sourness. The calories found in fro yo are mostly from carbohydrates, which translates to a high sugar content.

What about those toppings that seem a necessary addition, they look tempting don't they? Fro yo mounted high with chocolate sauce, nuts, candy bars, and other sugary treats can rack up as many calories, if not more, than the small ice cream. Think twice before piling on the goodies next time.

If you want to know exactly how many calories in toppings I have compiled the following based on web research and should be taken as approximates only: Gummie Bears 10 pieces (22g) 87 calories, 0g fat; Coco Pops (25g) 97 calories, 1g fat; Corn Flakes (2Tbsp) 13 calories, 0g fat; Frosties (2Tbsp) 18 calories, 0g fat; Fruit Loops (2Tbsp) 14 calories, 0g fat; Milo (30g) 121 calories, 1.7g fat; Digestive Biscuits (1/2 biscuit) 65 calories, 2.5g fat; Chocolate Chip Cookie (1/2 medium) cookie 40 calories, 2.5g fat; M&M's (10 pieces) 34 calories, 7g fat; Chocolate Chips (30 pieces) 70 calories, 4g fat; Oreo (two 34g cookies) 80 calories, 3.5g fat; Mochi (1/2 piece 47g) 155 calories, 3g fat; Nata de Coco (1/2 cup) 80 calories, 0g fat; Maltesers   (per ball) 10 calories, 0.5g fat; Granola (1/2 cup) 145 calories, 5g fat; Mini Marshmallows (23 pieces) 45 calories, 0g fat; Sprinkles (1tsp) 20 calories, 0.5g fat; Shaved Almonds (1/8 cup) 85 calories, 7g fat; Pistachio (49 pieces) 170 calories, 13g fat; Condensed Milk (1Tbsp) 60 calories, 1.5g fat; Raisins (1/4 cup) 130 calories, 0g fat; Canned Lychee (four 1/2 pieces) 76 calories, 0g fat; Mango (25g) 16 calories, 0g fat; Strawberries (28g) 22 calories, 0g fat; Blueberries (50 berries) 39 calories, 0g fat; Kiwi (1/2) 28 calories, 0g fat; Dragonfruit (1/2) 30 calories, 0.75 fat.

The Taste Test

I put a few of the fro yo shops on HK Island to the taste test; all tests were conducted using plain yoghurt.

Berrygood (Shop A g/f, 41-43 Graham St, Central)

Original flavour 147 calories per Quick Fix cup (8oz.), 203 calories per Indulge Cup (16oz.), both 0.5g fat.

One daily flavour, mainly fruit flavours. On the day of my visit, pomegranate was the daily feature. Tasty, refreshing and light. Quick Fix comes with one topping for $30; Indulge is three toppings for $40; $5 for each additional topping. You can also have it in a swirl!

Verdict: The yoghurt was tasty on its own; tart, mildly sweet, and slightly creamy. Mochi and nata de coco were chunky compared to other yoghurt vendors. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are available as a topping. Although my favourite chocolate bar is the Reese's, I did not think it went well with the yogurt. The toppings were generous.

Taste meter: ****(out of 5)

Crumbs (g/f, Shop 1C, 8 Cannon St, Causeway Bay)

Original flavour - none of the floor staff knew the nutritional contents, although a shop flyer did note 0.25% fat. Plain flavour only. Regular $28 with one topping; large is $32 with two toppings; $4 per extra topping.

Verdict: Too sweet and too creamy. It's hard to believe that it's low fat, low in calories, and is yoghurt. Each bite got sweeter. I had to search for the tartness, which was very subtle. The house crumbs are quite good, basically a graham cracker pie crust with a hint of cinnamon. The crumbs remained crisp while drenched in yoghurt, mainly because they contain lots of fat! Unusual toppings like mini meringues and the crumbs are available.

Taste meter: *1/2

Yogo (Shop1A-1B, g/f, Lei Shun Court, 106-126 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay; g/f, Shing Ping House, 64 Sing Woo Road, Happy Valley)

Original flavour: None of the CWB staff knew the nutritional facts (and were quite unhelpful even after I told them I needed it for an article). Note, all other taste tests were done anonymously. The Happy Valley staff verified one small serving is approx. 45 calories, claiming no sugar and no sugar substitute added. Fifteen dollars per 100g. Three toppings in a small cup is approx. $35. Happy hours (9:30pm to closing) is 15% off! Many flavours to choose from, mostly fruit flavours. Pricing goes by weight.

Verdict: Although they claimed no sugar added, the yoghurt itself was quite sweet. The Nata cubes and Oreo chunks were larger than most other fro yo vendors. Unusual toppings like chocolate chip cookies and dragon fruit.

Taste meter: **1/2

Yogurtime (46 Elgin Street, SoHo, Central; Shop 3 g/f, J Residence, 60 Johnston Rd., Wanchai; Shop G33C, Discovery Bay Plaza, 2 Plaza Lane, Discovery Bay)

Original: 80 calories per medium cup, 150 calories per large cup. Non-fat. One daily flavour. Scrumptious daily flavours like a concoction of chocolate, coconut and banana. Stamp card available. Sweetened with sugar substitute. Medium cup with one topping is $30; large cup with two toppings is $38; family size with three toppings is $79; Smoothie is $35.

Verdict: Tart and slightly sweet. Tastes very similar to Yomama (below). Very generous toppings. The guy even asked if I had enough toppings. Never have I been asked that before! Toppings literally fall off the bowl. Unusual 'Chalva' topping made from honey and sesame (but I couldn't make out the sesame).

Taste meter: ***1/2

Yomama (IFC, Podium level 1 Central; Shop G405, Ming Kung Mansion 22, Tai Koo Shing; 16  Wing Fung St, Wanchai; Shop 404 level 4, Windsor House,  311 Gloucester Rd., Causeway Bay; Times Square Basement 1 (inside city'super), Causeway Bay)

Original: around 90 calories for a regular cup. The  server claimed that the calories are due to the sugar in the yoghurt which helps balance the tartness; the regular and large cup, are only a few ounces different. Two flavours: green tea or plain. They have a secret stamp card! Regular $28, Large $35. Both sizes only come with one topping.

Verdict: Skimpy. The yoghurt outlines the cup, leaving a big hole in the middle! Very stingy when it comes to the toppings. You better hope the topping does not fall off the scoop while the yoghurt guy/gal is doing the scooping, because they won't pick it back up! If you ask for a bit more, you get a blank look followed by "no". Might I add that they fill their toppings scoop with the least amount of product compared to all other fro yo vendors. Super well-chilled; will hold its shape longer.

Taste meter: ***1/2

The Winner

The ultimate verdict: My favourite is Berrygood for the flavour, and Yogurtime for the value. As for my hubby, his ultimate favourite is Yomama for its freeze factor. He likes that it takes longer to melt, which is more refreshing and cooling. My next fro-yo mission is Best Berry in TST and the New Territories - something to look forward to!

So next time you want to indulge in a fro yo, the choice is yours, guilt-free or sinful, you do the math.