News

Tasti D-Lite launches Healthy Habit campaign

March 28, 2011

Tasti D-Lite has launched its Tasti Healthy Habit search, a year-long, nationwide contest to find people whose healthy habits – including eating Tasti D-Lite – have improved their life.

Hundreds of Tasti D-Lite customers from across the country have entered thus far. Joeleen Tepper, a 38-year-old new mother from New York City, is the first winner to be featured in the national campaign, kicking off April 1. Tepper used Tasti D-Lite to help lose the weight she gained during her pregnancy.

“I’m a new mom and made a commitment to getting in shape while getting out with my newborn, even during the grueling winter months,” Tepper said. “Since my son, Finn, was born last fall, I’ve taken almost daily walks with him to the NYC Tasti at 29th and 3rd to get my favorite chocolate pudding flavor pick-me-up. I’m proud to say that I’m more than 30 pounds lighter and back to my pre-baby weight after six months.”

Tasti D-Lite, which has approximately 50 locations, will recognize one entrant per month whose Tasti Habit has made a healthy difference in his or her life. The winning entrants’ photos and stories will be featured online and in Tasti D-Lite units.

Each monthly winner also will receive $1,000 cash and a Tasti TreatCard valued at $155.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the number of heartfelt, passionate stories we’ve received just in the first few weeks of this new contest,” said Jim Amos, Tasti D-Lite CEO. “The fact that Tasti D-Lite served such an important role helping (Tepper) eat healthfully during her pregnancy and then helping her lose weight after her pregnancy is gratifying to us and inspirational for so many people who want to make healthy changes in their lives without giving up the foods they love.”

More customer inspiration

Tepper’s story paints a picture of the impetus behind the Tasti Habit campaign’s launch. Tasti D-Lite has long received stories from fans about their weight loss efforts aided by its menu items.

The chain uses base mixes made from natural ingredients with no artificial sweeteners, giving it a creamy taste that is lower in calories, carbohydrates and sugar than ice cream and leading brands of frozen yogurt. Tasti D-Lite is not frozen yogurt because it doesn’t contain yogurt or yogurt cultures. It can’t be called ice cream because it doesn’t have the higher butterfat and total food solids content of ice cream.

Tasti D-Lite has more than 100 flavors containing between 70 and 100 calories per 4 fluid-ounce serving. Tasti D-Lite also features many gluten-free flavors for those on a strict diet, as well as protein Tasti Shots as a healthy meal replacement.

Throughout the past two years, three Houston Tasti centers conducted a 6-week weight loss contest that resulted in weight loss in all of the contestants. The winner lost 48 pounds, equaling 16.7 percent of his bodyweight.

In the 2011 Houston contest completed in mid-February, the average contestant weight loss for the 6-week period was 13.8 pounds. The winning female lost 31 pounds -- or 16 percent of her body weight. However, for this contest, Tasti D-Lite is focusing on more than just weight loss with its Healthy Habit search.

“This contest is broader — it embraces weight loss, but we also expect it to incorporate other health achievements reached through lifestyle changes and a sensible diet that includes Tasti D-Lite,” Amos said. “We have customers watching their carb intake who are rarely able to enjoy frozen treats, but can with Tasti D-Lite. We’re looking for people who tell honest stories that reflect a sincere desire to make positive changes.”

The Tasti Healthy Habit search is open to women and men 18 years or older who have a Tasti D-Lite center in their area. The entry form and contest details are available online at tastihabit.com and no purchase is necessary to enter. Entrants will answer a short questionnaire and be asked to submit a photograph. The final judging will be done by a panel of judges selected by Tasti D-Lite.

Since its inception in 1987, Tasti D-Lite’s popularity has grown largely by word of mouth and unsolicited exposure on TV shows such as “30 Rock” and “Sex and the City.” Tasti D-Lite first launched its franchise program in 2008. Since then, the company has grown to 50 locations in 11 U.S. states, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.

The company will be opening locations in Australia and Panama in 2011 and also has secured commitments to open more than 300 locations in the coming years.