Fro-yo (or frozen yogurt) is the latest craze to take over Happy Valley. Healthier than ice cream with an infinite number of toppings, the combination is perfect to drive girls in droves downtown to get their fix. The addition of two new businesses has led to a extreme price war, with owners vying to have not only the best prices but also to claim their flavors are the best. Since we know our readers might not have the time to try them all and decide for themselves, we did it for you, and we have decided which really hits the spot.

Happy Valley Freez: Happy Valley Freez doesn’t offer frozen yogurt (as their sign once read, “No bacteria!”), but they are definitely concerned about Kiwi and Campus Candy encroaching on their territory. I have friends who are obsessed with their lunch specials because the deals are so great. Some of the Onward State staff raves about their fluffer nutter milkshakes (a combination of marshmallow and peanut butter) and the variety of their ice cream flavors. Delicious food and desserts, reasonably priced — Happy Valley Freez is definitely doing something right and I plan on checking it out in the very near future.

Yogurt Express: The oldest of the State College frozen yogurt joints, Yogurt Express is located on East College right next to the Dunkin Donuts. You’ve probably never seen it. For the past three years, Yogurt Express was one of the best kept secrets by sororities and South Halls residents. The smoothies are out of this world: there is a large selection of fresh fruit to choose from and you can add shots of Five Hour Energy and Acaci Berry for an additional cost. Yogurt Express was probably hit the hardest by the new businesses opening and has tried to stay competitive by lowering their prices. If you’re down on the East end of campus and craving a snack, stop in to Yogurt Express. You won’t regret it.

Kiwi: This Philly-based family-owned frozen yogurt company has taken State College by storm. Maybe it’s because so many students from that area had been loyal Kiwi followers, or it could be the bright lights, city feel – I have never seen Kiwi without a long line of customers ready to fill their cups. Part of Kiwi’s appeal is the customer’s ability to decide exactly what they are consuming. Flavors can be mixed in any combination, fruit or sprinkles or granola can cover your Berry Sorbet… as long as you are willing to pay the hefty price tag of your concoction. Their customer loyalty program is simple, yet genius. Ten visits and you receive a free fro-yo. Now only if they took Lion Cash….

Campus Candy: Candy, Fro-yo, Desserts. I honestly think Campus Candy has an identity crisis and they will not last long-term in State College until they decide how to effectively market themselves. They advertise themselves as a great place to study… I just don’t know a single person who would be able to concentrate with the constant blasting techno beatz. The wall-to-wall displays of candy are aesthetically pleasing, but the wallet breaking costs per ounce are not appealing to any broke college student. Their frozen yogurt costs 25 cents an ounce, can be topped with any of the store’s candy, and flavors change everyday, which is nice. Unfortunately, it is mediocre and completely overshadowed by the pink awning right down the block.

Which of the four frozen yogurt places are your favorite?