The TikTok viral Yochi is now opening in Charlestown Square.
Known as the go-to froyo shop located throughout Sydney, Newcastle will gain yet another frozen yogurt location.
With Yogurberry in Glendale, and the addition of Yomo in Kotara as of April, the dessert hype is more than just a “sweet treat” and rather a social ritual.
More than dessert
This phenomenon isn’t just anecdotal, studies show that food plays a powerful role in bonding individuals.
As writer LifeFoodDiary puts it: “Food provides a shared experience, a mutual interest that sparks conversation and fosters understanding”.
The recent rise in popularity also reflects the impact of COVID-19, which was stark.
Once a flourishing frozen yogurt franchise in Newcastle, Yogurtland was forced to close in 2021 due to the impacts of the pandemic.
What was lost wasn’t just a sweet treat stop, but rather a low-cost meet-up spot, and communal space for connection.
Connection on a budget
Today, young adults and students are soaking up the new wave of frozen yogurt locations, as a place for affordable indulgence and connection in a time of a rising cost-of-living.
“It’s a convenient spot that gives lots of different options for everyone” says Olivia Rees, a student at the University of Newcastle and a self-proclaimed Frozen Yogurt regular.
“Being able to control how much you want means you also control how much you spend – which is great now that everything is so expensive.”
The sweet science of bonding
There is also some science behind why people just keep coming back.
Frozen yogurt taps into the reward pathways in our brains, triggering a dopamine release.
A study published by Montell centre in 2024 reveals that combining sugar and fat triggers the vagus nerve to crave more.
So, while the desire for social connection is undeniable, so is the physiological drive for the popular sweet treat.
Scooping it up
As new spots continue to pop up in Newcastle, their popularity reflects more than just a sweet trend.
It highlights a desire for connection and affordability in a climate of financial struggle and work-study grind.
- University of Newcastle journalism student Brydie Hoad
For more lifestyle stories:
- Newcastle’s hospitality industry supports local artists
- Coffee price increases impact Newcastle cafes
- Lambton’s Elder Street on the rise with new wave of boutiques and buzz
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