Pinkberry vs. Ben and Jerry's at Santana Row

The crowd at Santana Row's Ben and Jerry's ice cream store was out the door and down the street.

It was blazing hot so I really wanted something to cool me down. Since I was already dripping with sweat, I couldn't wait in that long line in the sun.

I saw Pinkberry in the center median and I thought I'd give that a try. Its line was long, but not out of control.

Within minutes of standing in line, I was inside the store. But it was hotter inside than outside. I'd categorize it as blazing hot.

The air conditioners were going. It wasn't helping though. Oh now I was up to the counter so I might as well get some frozen yogurt.

There were only three choices: original, green tea and pomegranate. I took a taste of the original because I thought it would taste delicious with a candy topping. Yuck! So I went with a small pomegranate yogurt, no topping. I couldn't imagine that a chocolate topping would taste good with pomegranate.

The efficient staff printed out a tag with my name, order and time it was taken and affixed it to the yogurt cup.

I went over to where the staff was putting together the treats and I saw a full counter of toppings. In addition to reaspberries, blueberries, strawberries, kiwi and blackberries, there were chocolate chips, yogurt chips, cookies/cream, fruity pebbles, Cap'N Crunch and a ton of other options.

My small pomegranate yogurt was tasty and well worth $2.50. It only ate up 180 calories, too.

Then I learned that Pinkberry is made with real nonfat milk and yogurt that has been certified by the National Yogurt Association to carry the live and active cultures seal. That's a plus!

Pinkberry is located at 368 Santana Row, Suite 102, in San Jose, California. The telephone number is (408) 557-8333 or go to http://www.pinkberry.com/

Ben and Jerry's is located at 377 Santana Row,Suite 1120, San Jose, California. The telephone number is (408) 423-8115 or go to http://www.benjerry.com/