A new frozen yogurt shop, Yo-Chi, has ignited a social media-fueled frenzy in London, drawing hours-long queues since its August 20 opening. The Australian chain's first week of operation has been characterized by unprecedented demand, with crowds gathering for the self-serve dessert.
The phenomenon is largely attributed to viral content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, which has driven significant foot traffic. According to one report, the launch coincided with the hottest summer in decades, boosting sales for chilled treats like frozen yogurt, which saw a 26% increase in sales compared to the previous year. Kefir sales also surged, up 27%.
Customers, predominantly teenagers and young women, have traveled significant distances, with some reporting prior experiences at Yo-Chi locations internationally. The shop's interior is designed with a modern aesthetic, featuring yogurt dispensers and an extensive toppings bar. Patrons select their yogurt flavors before proceeding to a station offering a variety of sprinkles, sauces, and confectionery, including popping pearls, brownies, Biscoff sauce, and a Nutella fountain.
Pricing is determined by weight, at £2.70 per 100g. A modest serving with a few toppings can cost around £7, while a more elaborate creation, described as a "fully loaded belly-buster," could approach £20. The venue includes a seating area, an evening DJ, and a selfie wall, reflecting the trend of experiences being shared online.
Reviewing the offerings, one journalist sampled various flavors, ranking mango as the favorite, followed by the signature plain yogurt. Toppings chosen included strawberry popping pearls, chopped strawberries, and toasted coconut. While the base yogurt is made with milk from Australian cows and is noted to contain probiotic cultures and calcium, with an average of 110-130 calories per 100g, the overall healthiness of the dessert is heavily dependent on the toppings selected. The company acknowledges that the dessert can be made "healthy-ish" if topped with fruit and nuts, but emphasizes that choices vary.
Despite the buzz and the shop's popularity, there have been some complaints from neighboring businesses regarding the persistent queues. The overall experience is described as a novel addition to the area, though personal preference might lead some to opt for other dessert establishments.