# Upscale Frozen Frozen yogurt retailers focus on quality over quantity. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Mar 14, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/upscale-frozen ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.2/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Upscale Frozen trend? **Upscale Frozen:** As frozen yogurt continues to solidify its status as a health-conscious dessert, retailers have begun upleveling their offerings. Often scaling back on quantity, brands are putting more effort in increasing quality of the product through thoughtful refinements that better serve a more intuitive, discerning consumer. With customization being the new variety, a strong base offering is crucial in the self-serve market. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 11, 2016 - Published: Mar 14, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Upscale Frozen trend ### Customization over variety Brands are putting more effort into increasing quality of the product through thoughtful refinements that better serve a more intuitive, discerning consumer. With customization being the new variety, a strong base offering is crucial in the self-serve market. ### Dietary restrictions In a market saturated with frozen yogurt dessert places, businesses are setting themselves apart by using free-from ingredients in the desserts they offer to customers. Brands are carving out unique niches of vegan, gluten-free, nut-free dessert options that cater to different dietary restrictions. ### Hybrid experiences With so many frozen yogurt shops for consumers to choose from, chains are forced to provide unique hybrid offerings to draw customers in. Combining baked goods and frozen yogurt, made-to-order cookies and custom frozen yogurt sandwiches are just some of the new possibilities for hybrid experiences. ## What the Upscale Frozen trend means for industry ### For Frozen dessert retail Brands are innovating in the frozen dessert retail sphere by providing customers with healthier, free-from, organic ingredients that cater to their dietary restrictions. ### For Food industry Entrepreneurs in the food industry must focus on new and unique offerings by using premium ingredients that are healthy and often cater to dietary restrictions. Niche dessert shops are carving out unique niches that cater to consumers wanting more than the traditional dessert options offered. ### For Hospitality industry Hybrid experiences in dessert places are creating opportunities for business owners in the hospitality industry to cater to consumers looking for something unique and creative. ## Workshop question Where can you offer more autonomy for your most discerning consumers? ## Trend signals for Upscale Frozen Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 57%, activity 61%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 57% - Activity: 61% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Upscale Frozen trend 5 featured examples from Mar 11, 2016. - [Frozen Yogurt Bar Bakeries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-red-bench): 'The Red Bench' Serves Frozen Yogurt and Made-to-Order Cookies (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The Red Bench's custom frozen yogurt sandwiches and made-to-order cookies demonstrate the potential for innovation within the frozen yogurt industry. - [Local Ingredient Yogurt Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yogurt-stores): Styo Dessert Uses Ingredients from the Area or Makes Them In-House (Category: Business) Implication: Frozen yogurt retailers can adapt their offerings to highlight local ingredients and improve the dessert experience. - [Vegan Frozen Yogurt Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dairyfree-frozen-yogurt): This Shop Offers Dairy-Free Frozen Yogurt Made from Coconut Milk (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The vegan frozen yogurt trend can disrupt the traditional frozen dessert industry by providing a dairy-free and healthier alternative for consumers. - [Dairy-Free Dessert Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dessert-place): Yorica is a Dessert Place that Features only Free-From Frozen Treats (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: There is a disruptive innovation opportunity for dessert/frozen treat businesses to cater to the increasing demand for free-from and vegan options. - [Organic Frozen Yogurt Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/organic-frozen-yogurt): This Shop Makes Frozen Yogurt Out of All-Natural Organic Ingredients (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for frozen yogurt shops to stand out by offering all-natural organic frozen yogurt made with premium ingredients. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)