Pinkberry Finally and Officially "Frozen Yogurt"

We learn from Eater LA that Pinkberry, the notorious non-yogurt frozen yogurt chain, has changed their ways and was finally given an official 'Live and Active Culture' seal from, who else, the National Frozen Yogurt Association. After settling a high profile lawsuit with a plaintiff who accused the company of misrepresenting their product, Pinkerry made their once secret ingredients public, added more live cultures to the product, and started mixing the ingredients off site, requirements for the official seal of approval. Says PB's CEO: "We applied for and received this certification to assure our customers that our product is and always has been made with real yogurt." Not so sure about the "always has been" part, but let's not split hairs. The full release:

PINKBERRY EARNS THE LIVE AND ACTIVE CULTURE SEAL FROM THE NATIONAL YOGURT ASSOCIATION

LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2008– Pinkberry today announced that the National Yogurt Association has approved the use of the Live and Active Culture Seal on its frozen yogurt. The seal certifies that Pinkberry contains a significant number of live and active cultures - more than 10 million per gram at the time of manufacture.

"Pinkberry's uniquely tangy nonfat frozen yogurt has generated a loyal consumer following in Southern California and New York," said Ron Graves, chief executive officer of Pinkberry. "We applied for and received this certification to assure our customers that our product is and always has been made with real yogurt."

Pinkberry is nonfat and a good source of calcium. It contains live and active cultures including Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

"The National Yogurt Association is excited to certify the use of its Live and Active Culture Seal to Pinkberry frozen yogurt products," said NYA President Leslie Sarasin. "We applaud Pinkberry for bringing a unique, affordable luxury to consumers."

Pinkberry features three flavors of frozen yogurt - original, green tea, and coffee - each with the refreshing, Pinkberry signature tangy taste. A wide range of high quality fruit and creative dry toppings are the perfect complement to the three flavors."