Yet, there is good news. Introducing FreshBerry: the concept of frozen yogurt and the healthier substitute. It really is guilt-free ice cream.
A new concept conceived by Carolyn Archer in 2006 was executed with David and Camille Rutkauskas. Their goal was to slowly work “some cool, healthy desserts” into the menu of their Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe chain.
Luckily, Jeddah is embracing the culture of healthy alternatives to the foods we enjoy most. With more frozen yogurts hitting Saudi shores, FreshBerry seals its subsistence making in its felt presence. It is petite, easy to access and desirable (as desserts always are) as any ice-cream parlour.
From the limited options Jeddah residents have, this is an illustrious step forward. FreshBerry has three operating locations in Jeddah so far. One of their outlets is pleated into Basateen Mall’s parking lot. With the burning sensation and clammy weather, you can always grab it to relieve you of the harsh humid reality.
David deems the FreshBerry site as only the start of a fast-growing franchise operation stretching into hundreds of stores in the near future. “Through the years, I think I’ve figured out what’s going to work and what won’t. I’m 100 percent confident that this is going to be the biggest brand of all,” he said.
Jeddah is the third spot under Rutkauskas’ Beautiful Brands International in Saudi Arabia. The low cost of starting up to the longing of investors for something smoother than real estate is what the owners think will help facilitate the growth of their yogurt venture.
The confirmation comes from the recipe and mix in the product, they say. The owners claim Archer and her yogurt teammates worked on a recipe that is distinctive and something you have never tasted before. The Decadent Dark Chocolate is a step better and deserves a thumbs up. With over 24 toppings to choose, such as fresh fruit, nuts, candy and cereals, it completes the soft-serving package.
Their frozen yogurts are all natural and are available in flavors like FreshBerry Tart, Decadent Dark Chocolate, Vanilla No Sugar Added, Acai Berry, Classic Strawberry, Mango and Pomegranate. Tart yogurt and fruits can also be mixed in flavors ranging from coconut, mandarin orange, blackberry, raspberry and the classic fruit range.
FreshBerry also offer popsicles — all natural yogurt and fruit bars that are low fat and low in calories in assorted flavors. Their smoothies are innate in their content of FreshBerry Yogurt and Fruit (20oz), which are available in cool strawberry, pineapple, kiwi, mango, banana, blueberry, zesty mixed berry and sweet orange.
In addition, all their products are gluten free and contain beneficial live and active cultures like Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus and S. Thermophilus. The fat content may vary per location and according to the flavor. So, enjoy that chocolate frozen yogurt, guilt-free, as it is free of trans fat and only contains 39 calories — the highest on their menu!
Bars cost SR5, whereas yogurt scoops can cost from SR10 up to SR24, depending on your selection of toppings.
Riyadh, Dammam, Dhahran and Jeddah
Basateen Mall, KAUST-King Abdullah University Jeddah and Stars Avenue Mall
(02) 284 7443 (Basateen branch)
