Clouds in my cup

Written by Tim Blight

Writer, traveller, amateur photographer, teacher. Based in Melbourne and Lahore.

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February 1, 2013

Cacao Green

One of Cacao Green’s creations

It was only a few years ago that the words “frozen yogurt” conjured up images of underwhelming schoolyard ice-cream substitutes poured into reusable bell-shaped plastic moulds. And then, in 2010, the soft-serve fro-yo craze which had been brewing around the rest of the world for a half-decade hit Australia’s southern shores. Early entrants such as YoBar and Igloo Zoo gave Melbourne a taste of what was in store, but it was the humble first foray of international brand Red Mango in late 2010 that really set the standard.

Now with four stores built around Melbourne’s inner city and suburbs, Green Cacao, the outlets offering Red Mango frozen yogurt, are a serious player in the fro-yo game. A visit to the original store on Swanston Street near the corner with Lonsdale. Walking into the store is a refreshing experience in itself, with the light woodgrain panels contrasting with the green vegetation and mirrors. The staff bubble away behind the counter, serving up an array of delicious toppings to the file-line of customers in the narrow store. I order a junior Italian Original flavour and opt for a trio of toppings; chopped strawberries, mango and watermelon; a generous scoop of each is heaped upon the tower of cloud now piled in the cup.

Cacao Green’s Swanston Street branch

The yogurt is smooth and creamy with a typically yogurt-like tartness. However unlike some of Red Mango’s competitors, it is not icy or overwhipped – it could be as close to real ice cream as frozen yogurt can get. Taking a seat in the small area at the back of the store, I watch as the customers come and go, each one excited by the options before them. Outdoor seating is also available, but today is too chilly to be outside – but not too cold for fro-yo! Other tasty yogurts on offer include pomegranate and green tea flavours, along with season options such as mango in the summer (pure heaven). Some of the toppings come and go, but the regulars are chopped pineapple, strawberries, mango, watermelon, kiwifruit and blueberries. Sweeter options include mango compote and raspberry jam, along with numerous types of granola, muesli, honey-roasted macadamia crumbs and a Japanese rice biscuit called mochi.

Sweet and natural toppings are on offer

Loyalty cards are available, not that you’ll need them to bring you back for more. In addition to low-fat frozen yogurt, Cacao Green also has a whole bunch of delicious parfaits, fruit-topped waffles, smoothies, St Ali coffee and organic chocolate. But it’s really the yogurt here which brings in all the workers, shoppers, tourists and sundry passers-by – since my first taste I’ve been hooked, often ordering one without any toppings at all, just lapping up the rich smooth “I-can’t-believe-it’s-not-ice cream” texture. You owe it to yourself to get hooked too.