Frozen yogurt looks like a high-margin product. And it can be. But most froyo shops leak profit through toppings, portion creep, and packaging.
This guide shows a simple U.S.-focused frozen yogurt cost calculator, with a real pricing example, topping math, and targets that keep margins healthy.
Quick Summary
- Frozen yogurt cost = base mix + toppings + cup + spoon
- Base cost is low, toppings decide the margin
- Price by the ounce or lock strict cup weights
- Review pricing when dairy and fruit costs move
Why Froyo Margins Slip
- Self-serve overfill adds 1-2 oz per cup
- Premium toppings are given away at standard prices
- Toppings are not weighed or limited
- Packaging (cups, spoons, lids) is ignored
The Core Cost Formula
Frozen yogurt cost = Base mix + Toppings + Packaging
Food cost % = Cost / Menu priceIf you do not measure toppings, you do not control cost.
Base Cost: Frozen Yogurt Mix
A common 12 oz cup uses about 8-9 oz of frozen yogurt, depending on air content and cup fill.
Example base cost:
- Frozen yogurt mix: $3.80 per gallon
- 1 gallon = 128 oz
- Base cost per oz = $0.030
- 9 oz base = $0.27
This is why froyo can be profitable. The base is cheap.
Example: 12 oz Cup With Standard Toppings
Assumptions (example):
- Frozen yogurt base: 9 oz
- Granola: 1.0 oz
- Strawberries: 1.5 oz
- Chocolate chips: 0.5 oz
- Drizzle sauce: 0.4 oz
- Cup + lid + spoon: $0.22
| Item | Amount | Unit Cost | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Froyo base | 9 oz | $0.03/oz | $0.27 |
| Granola | 1.0 oz | $0.22/oz | $0.22 |
| Strawberries | 1.5 oz | $0.24/oz | $0.36 |
| Chocolate chips | 0.5 oz | $0.28/oz | $0.14 |
| Sauce | 0.4 oz | $0.25/oz | $0.10 |
| Cup + lid + spoon | 1 set | $0.22 | $0.22 |
| Total | $1.31 |
If the menu price is $7.50:
1.31 / 7.50 = 17.5%That is a strong margin, but it assumes toppings are controlled.
Target Food Cost by Product Type
| Product | Target Cost % | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base froyo cup | 18-25% | Keep toppings measured |
| Premium topping cup | 25-32% | Charge extra for add-ons |
| Take-home pint | 22-30% | Packaging and shrink matter |
| Froyo smoothie | 25-33% | Fruit and ice add cost |
Topping Strategy That Protects Margin
- Cap free toppings (example: 2 standard + 1 drizzle)
- Price premium toppings (mochi, cheesecake bites, candy)
- Use ounce-based pricing for self-serve
- Pre-portion high-cost toppings in 0.5 oz cups
Self-Serve Pricing Model (Simple)
If you charge $0.65 per ounce and the average cup is 12 oz:
12 oz x $0.65 = $7.80You protect margin even when customers overfill. If you sell by cup size instead, you must enforce weights.
Hidden Costs to Include
- Sampling waste (spoons, cups, mix)
- Spoilage on fresh fruit
- Shrink from open topping bins
- Seasonal slowdown (summer vs winter)
When to Review Prices
U.S. food-away-from-home prices are still rising faster than grocery prices. That means froyo shops need to check costs and pricing regularly.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI 2025 in Review.
Quick Weekly Checklist
- Weigh base portion per cup size
- Weigh top 5 toppings
- Update fruit and dairy costs
- Audit packaging costs
- Review ounce-based price vs margin
Do This Now
- Measure your base froyo portion per cup size (8-9 oz is typical)
- Weigh your top 5 toppings and cost per ounce
- Cap free toppings and price premium toppings separately
- Consider ounce-based pricing ($0.65/oz) to protect margin on self-serve
- Set a monthly reprice reminder for when dairy and fruit costs move
Related Guides
- Ice Cream Shop Cost Guide
- US Acai Bowl Cost Guide
- US Yogurt Parfait Cost Guide
- US Menu Pricing Calculator
- Prime Cost Guide
Want a faster way to keep froyo costs and prices updated? Try KitchenCost.
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