Outside of Yogo Bliss in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Sept. 21, 2009.

Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com

At Yogo Bliss, healthy really does taste good. This new gelato and yogurt shop on South University specializes in yogurt containing probiotics, active cultures that can aid the digestive system. I rarely find that the more decadent desserts offer the same sweetness satisfaction as their less healthy counterparts, but Yogo Bliss manages to pull it off with their tart yogurts.

The tart strawberry yogurt that I sampled was indeed quite light, refreshing and tasty, providing a guilt-free experience — though not entirely so, as I couldn’t resist adding the Samosa Girl Scout cookies pieces and Reese’s Pieces toppings. The original tart was a little too sour, though nicely complemented by fresh mango and pineapple.

Yogo Bliss employee Amber Samson tops frozen yogurt with strawberries at Yogo Bliss in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Sept. 21, 2009.

Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com

Behind the counter, there’s a visually appealing display of fresh fruit, everything from kiwi to blackberries, that you can select to top your tart yogurt. This healthful yogurt is low in fat and, according to the sign on the wall, just 90 calories for a four-ounce serving. However, after inquiring, I was told by the server that a small serving was actually five ounces.

The pre-teen set that I took with me on the first visit would have nothing of the healthy options here, so most opted for the gelato.

There are a range of flavors and all were good, though some were better than others. My hands-down favorite was the crème de menthe, though the chocolate birthday cake was a close second, perfect for the chocoholic interested in splurging on a creamy concoction full of fudge. Mango, loaded with full-bodied fruity flavor, was a refreshing option. Smoothies are also featured here, and both of those we tried — the strawberry banana and the tropical, with mango, pineapple and strawberry — contained an abundance of delicious fresh fruit.

The only miss was the strawberry bubble tea, which has an artificial taste, unlike the rest of the treats offered here. It reminded me of that powdered strawberry Nesquik drink mix.

The base price of the tart yogurt ranges from $2.74 to $4.25, and it’s roughly the same for the gelato. The price adds up as you elect for more toppings, which are 50 cents each. Portions are modest and manageable, not excessive. 

The place definitely looks cool, with a futuristic feel. Tiny hollowed-out white chairs that resemble eggs provide low to the ground seating, and there are interesting wall sculptures. It’s all bright white — a jolt to your senses as you enter.

Staff members are friendly and offer tastes of all their products. Yogo Bliss is a great addition to the campus eateries, offering a quick, healthy pick-me-up.

Inside Yogo Bliss in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Sept. 21, 2009.

Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com

Yogo Bliss 1229 S. University Ave. Ann Arbor 734-274-4161 Hours: 11:30 a.m.-midnight every day. Plastic: Visa, Mastercard, Discover. Liquor: No. Prices: Inexpensive. Value: Very good. Noise level: Quiet. Wheelchair access: Yes, but there’s a separate entrance for wheelchairs that is locked, so it must be opened by an employee. Smoking section: No.