Locals’ Guide to Frozen Yogurt Shops in Grand Rapids

Frozen yogurt - commonly referred to as “froyo” - is a foodie trend with staying power.

Frozen yogurt is made with less heavy cream than ice cream and can even be dairy-free, which is why many tout its health benefits compared to other sweets.

Luckily, Grand Rapids has several frozen yogurt options to choose from, so we asked our team members and social media followers where they go most often to cure their frozen yogurt cravings.

Sweet Yo’s

With locations in Grandville and downtown Grand Rapids  , Sweet Yo’s boasts a legion of devoted froyo fans across the region. Each store presents a rotating daily mix of 8-12 classic and creative flavors, from vanilla and chocolate to watermelon cooler and yellow cake batter. Gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free options are available.

Guests can mix in as many toppings as they like from the self-serve topping bar, which offers more than 65 choices.

The downtown store is right across the street from Rosa Parks Circle , so fill your cup and check out all the fun – concerts, festivals, winter ice skating and more.

If you prefer ice cream over frozen yogurt, or you just need a change of frozen pace, read the Locals’ Guide to Ice Cream Shops in Grand Rapids. Some of them offer a froyo selection, too.

Elsa's Frozen Yogurt

Elsa’s offers a variety of frozen yogurt and a host of toppings to satisfy your froyo fix, along with a spectacular location – in downtown’s Studio Park entertainment complex, so you can enjoy a sweet treat before or after a movie at Celebration! Cinema or an outdoor concert on the Studio Piazza.

Elsa’s also serves soft-serve frozen custard, dairy-free Dole Whip and ice cream, plus hand-dipped ice cream from Michigan-based MOO-ville Creamery.

Elsa’s is open from March through October.

Top This

This Kentwood favorite satisfies not just froyo afficionados – Top This is also a treat for lovers of Italian ice, gelato, sorbet, custard, ice cream, smoothies, acai bowls and more than 50 delectable toppings (hence the name). Come cold-weather season, try a hot chocolate or coffee “bomb” – a chocolate shell encasing a variety of indulgent ingredients that becomes a luscious libation when you place it in a cup and add hot water, milk, coffee or tea. (Bombs make great gifts, too.)

The Fred Meijer M-6 Trail  passes just steps away from the store, so it’s a perfect refreshment stop for walkers and bikers. (You’ll find healthy juices here, too!)

The Pump House

“The Yogurt is Cold. The Atmosphere is Not.” is the slogan at this locally owned frozen yogurt bar – and its fervent followers agree that the people behind the counter are just as delightful as the menu. In addition to artisanal froyo, The Pump House offers scrumptious gelato, sorbet and custard options. You choose the size and flavors – there are more than a dozen to tempt you – and then select from a boatload of toppings. Come back again and again for new flavors and fresh ideas.

The Pump House operates three West Michigan locations:

• Knapp’s Corner  – ideal for a pre- or post-movie snack when you visit Celebration! Cinema.
• Rockford  – in the heart of the city’s walkable downtown.
• Grand Haven  – steps away from the lakefront and musical fountain.

And a fourth location is opening soon in Woodland Mall!

Peachwave Frozen Yogurt & Gelato

This national brand was one of the first to introduce the “self-serve” frozen yogurt concept. Franchise stores in Wyoming and Holland carry on that tradition, enabling guests to control portion size even as they pile on the toppings. There are more than 60 yogurt flavors to choose from and you can choose to have your favorite made into a smoothie, shake or float, if you’d like.

Peachwave offers dairy-free, gluten-free and low-sugar options – you can find detailed nutrition and allergen information on its website – and there are 25+ gelato choices if you prefer a thicker, creamier texture.

More West Michigan Froyo Faves

• Brink’s Ice Cream Express – rotating weekly froyo flavor in Caledonia
• Yodel’s Frozen Yogurt – North Muskegon and Norton Shores

If you prefer ice cream over frozen yogurt, read the Locals’ Guide to Ice Cream Shops in Grand Rapids. Some of them offer a froyo selection, too.

This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated by the Experience Grand Rapids.