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This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Food

Another Awesome Frozen Yogurt Eatery: 21 Choices is FroYo with Mix-Ins

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21 Choices is like hybrid of Cold Stones' mix-in concept and the delectable tastes of the current frozen yogurt craze. However, it's not a rip-off--the first of its four storefronts opened in 1989.

Last week, LAist's Caleb Bacon highlighted Menchies and Yogurtland in his weekly Recession Obsession post. "Menchie's and Yogurtland have stepped it up the frozen yogurt game a considerable notch," he wrote. "They acknowledge that their lone product (don't say "froyo" please) is dessert. And dessert should be gluttonous -- not just some light calorie snack with half of a diced strawberry atop it. (At least, that's the way this Recession Obsessionist sees it.)"

A decent serving size at the two self-serve shops can run you $2 or $3, but some commenters were not all too happy that their favorite yogurt shop was left behind.

"Menchies? PInkberry? They're copycats!" snapped trojan2002. "Best frozen yogart [sic] in the entire southland (and WORLD) can be found at 21 Choices in Old Town Pasadena! ... Without tasting 21 choices and giving a review of frozen yogarts [sic] is like reviewing burgers and claiming the Big Mac the best without tasting an In N Out burger!"

Prompted by this, a recent trip to Pasadena included 21 Choices. And yes, it was delicious, definitely earning its spot on the top of the list alongside Menchies and Yogurtland.

Six homemade flavors--we had the insanely good Animal Cookie flavor--are made each morning on a rotating basis (check their website for today's flavors). Prices run $3.25 for a small and one dollar more for each size bigger up to large. But one big bummer for the salivating crowds looking for a recession obsession deal is that each topping costs 95-cents extra If you're feeling cheap or looking to eat less, the uber tiny tre-small size costs $2.75.

The line at 21 Choices bled into the streets last Saturday night, but that doesn't mean it's more popular than Menchies or Yogurtland. Albeit deservedly popular there is a reason to that line. Staff are very attentive to each customer's needs, letting you sample as many flavors as you want before you make a decision. If you get a topping, then they must take the time to mix it in so you can have an ultimate gluttonous experience.

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There are only four storefronts, but they do cause quite the sensation and we look forward to any new locations in Los Angeles they are planning. The most recent one opened at USC, building quite the line from students in its first few days. Other locations include Old Town Pasadena and two in Claremont.

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