Why Did Kellogg's Yogos Vanish Completely?
Like so many other discontinued fruit snacks that deserve a comeback, Kellogg's Yogos was one of those that disappeared into the food Bermuda Triangle not long after they took off. During the frozen yogurt boom of the late 2000s, the major food corporation debuted its freeze-dried snack to the masses. The on-the-go yogurt treat found popularity during a time that appreciated the likes of Pinkberry and other frozen yogurt brands. Its fandom was short-lived, however, with the product being quietly pulled from store shelves as consumers shifted to more health-conscious shopping habits. However, since Yogo's disappearance, that same fandom has gone so far as to demand its return.
Although the snack wasn't Kellogg's first foray into yogurt, frozen or otherwise, Yogos came out in 2005, answering the call of the frozen yogurt craze. Amidst the social saturation of self-serve yogurt stands, Kellogg's introduced bite-sized, chewy, creamy treats by the box. The snacks were marketed as a healthy alternative to ice cream, due to the combination of yogurt and fruit, which could be enjoyed at any time without any guilt. This would lead the product to expand into another line, Yogo Bits, which was a miniature candy line that also offered sour flavors, as well as Yogo Rollers, a candy-strip spinoff of the product.
Why Yogos disappeared and modern alternatives
Unfortunately, the fame of Yogos wouldn't be enough to save them, as the snacks vanished a mere five years after being introduced. Kellogg's has never officially stated why it pulled Yogos from shelves, but there are likely a few culprits. In the modern grocery climate, the majority of shoppers have become more aware of what they're consuming, and they seek to make healthier decisions. Yogos, a snack candy made from yogurt and fruit, both of which can be loaded with sugar, were no longer seen as a healthy option, as sugar comes with commonly known health risks. Another reason could be the snack's high manufacturing price tag. Considering the cost of ingredients providing its shape and overall flavor profile, as well as what's needed to ensure Yogos wouldn't spoil during travel, it just didn't make sense for Kellogg's to keep them around.
Since its discontinuation, there have been petitions for Kellogg's to revive its Yogo line. This is despite the fact that the company stated in a 2018 post on its official X account that there were no intentions to bring Yogos back. Thankfully, there are alternatives for anyone joining the ranks of petitioners for Yogo's return. Homemade Yogo bites can be made rather easily with dried berries, strawberries, and blueberries, as well as yogurt chips. You can even add some toppings for an additional flair.