Swirl Frozen Yogurt in Downtown Davis, California: Heavenly Healthy Dessert

Usually when my family goes out for a big meal we want to top it off with something sweet and delicious. Sometimes it ends up being ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery; other times it is a Jamba Juice Smoothie. But since we were visiting downtown Davis, located right outside the University of California campus, we didn't have those options. Instead, we decided to get something a little healthier: frozen yogurt. And all directions pointed us to Swirl Frozen Yogurt, located on 231 E. Street. And man, were we glad to find this little place in Davis!

The first impressive thing we noted about Swirl Frozen Yogurt is that we couldn't get in and it was well before noon. There was a line stretched out the doors and almost into the downtown Davis streets. We didn't know if it was worth the wait, but people were moving along quickly and holding what looked like giant ice cream scoops in cups with toppings spilling onto the sidewalk. What was in that yogurt that was making people get such large servings?

Was it the fresh fruit toppings? Possibly. Who could resist fresh strawberries not congealed in some bad-for-you red syrup, or mangoes that tasted fresh off the tree? Was it the kid-friendly sizes and toppings like fruity pebbles and white chocolate chips? Maybe so. Maybe it was the creamy, frozen yogurt out of their high-end dispensers. It could be all those things that make Swirl Frozen Yogurt a truly delightful dessert.

However, the secret ingredients are actually alive. Bulgaricus. Thermophilus. Acidopholous. Those may not sound like the sexiest ingredients on the planet, but they are what really drive the yogurt beyond your average, run-of-the-mill TCBY posing as frozen yogurt. These cultures actually help you digest your food better. For example, buglaricus helps people with lactose intolerance by breaking down lactose in milk. So not only is Swirl Frozen Yogurt giving you a frozen treat, it's giving you good health.

Service at Swirl Frozen Yogurt is fast and friendly which is perfect for the busy student and parent crowd in Davis. They have a labeling system that is virtually error- free. As you give your server the options, she logs them into a system that produces a label on each cup showing exactly what you ordered. Think of it as a P-touch for your yogurt. With a variety of sizes, dozens of toppings, and several yogurt base flavors, you could probably make a label that wraps around twice on your frozen yogurt cup!

Beware that this isn't your everyday yogurt taste. The slight bitterness of the base yogurt may catch you off guard in the first bite. However, we noticed that with each spoonful, combined with all those fresh toppings, Swirl Frozen Yogurt became more and more addictive. Even my kids, born with 28 sweet teeth in their mouths, fell in love and can't wait to get back to Davis for more!

Soon enough we may not have to drive as far. I spoke with the owner and he told me that there will be a new Swirl Frozen Yogurt shop opening up in Vacaville, California, next to the Brenden movie theater. Until that happens, we'll happily make the drive to Davis for more Swirl Frozen Yogurt. Thermophilus, here I come!