Twisty's Yogurt and Smoothies: A South Carolina Frozen Yogurt Destination

What Twisty's Offers and Where to Find It

Twisty's Yogurt and Smoothies is a frozen yogurt shop where you can build your own bowl or order a blended smoothie. The shop lets you choose your yogurt base—typically vanilla, chocolate, or rotating seasonal flavors—then add toppings from a self-serve bar. You pay by weight, so a small cup with a few toppings costs less than a large bowl loaded with granola, fruit, candy, and sauces.

Twisty's operates at multiple locations across South Carolina. The original and flagship location is in Columbia, with additional shops in other communities throughout the state. Each location maintains the same self-serve model and topping selection, though specific hours and exact topping inventory can vary by site. Check the shop's website or call ahead before your first visit to confirm hours and location details.

Key Takeaways

• Twisty's uses a self-serve model where you fill your own cup with yogurt and toppings, then pay by weight at checkout.
• The shop offers both frozen yogurt bowls and blended smoothies, so you can choose between a spoonable treat or a drinkable option.
• Topping choices typically include fresh fruit, granola, nuts, chocolate chips, gummy candy, and multiple sauce options like caramel and chocolate.
• Multiple Twisty's locations exist across South Carolina, though hours and topping selection may differ between shops.

How the Self-Serve Yogurt Bar Works

When you arrive at Twisty's, grab a cup—small, medium, or large—and move to the yogurt dispenser. Press the handle to fill your cup with your chosen flavor. The yogurt comes out soft-serve style, so you control how much you get. Once your yogurt base is set, move along the topping bar and add whatever appeals to you: berries, sliced fruit, granola, crushed cookies, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or candy pieces.

The toppings bar also includes sauce stations. You can drizzle chocolate syrup, caramel, peanut butter sauce, or fruit coulis over your creation. Some locations offer whipped cream and honey as finishing touches. The key difference from traditional ice cream shops is that you see and control every ingredient that goes into your cup, so you can make something tailored exactly to your taste.

After you've built your bowl, take it to the register. Staff weigh your cup and charge you based on the total weight. This means a cup with mostly yogurt and light toppings will cost less than one packed with expensive add-ons like nuts or premium candy. It's a fair system that rewards restraint and lets you spend as much or as little as you want.

Smoothie Options Beyond the Yogurt Bar

If you prefer something you can drink rather than spoon, Twisty's makes blended smoothies to order. These typically combine a yogurt base with fruit, juice, or milk, blended until smooth. You can usually request specific fruits, adjust sweetness, or add protein powder if the location offers it. Smoothies come in standard sizes and are priced separately from the self-serve yogurt bowls.

Smoothies are a good choice if you're in a hurry or prefer a portable option. Unlike the yogurt bowl, which requires a spoon and a place to sit, you can take a smoothie with you. Many people grab a smoothie before heading to work or after a workout, while the yogurt bowls tend to draw people who want to linger and enjoy the experience of building and eating their creation.

Topping Variety and Seasonal Changes

Twisty's keeps its topping selection fairly consistent, but seasonal items rotate through. In summer, you might find fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries at their peak. Fall can bring apple slices, pumpkin-flavored yogurt, or spiced granola. Winter sometimes introduces peppermint candy or chocolate-heavy options. Spring often highlights lighter fruits and floral-inspired toppings.

The core toppings—granola, chocolate chips, gummy bears, basic fruit—stay available year-round. Sauces like chocolate and caramel are permanent fixtures. If you have a favorite seasonal topping, ask staff when it might return, or check the shop's social media, where they sometimes announce new flavors and limited-time additions.

Pricing and What to Expect

Because Twisty's charges by weight, the final price depends on what you choose. A small cup with just yogurt and a light sprinkle of granola might cost around $5 to $7. A large cup loaded with multiple toppings, nuts, and sauce could run $8 to $12 or more. Smoothies typically have a set price per size, usually ranging from $6 to $9 depending on the location and what you add.

The pay-by-weight model means you're not paying for empty space or subsidizing someone else's toppings. It also means you can experiment without guilt—if you want to try a new topping combination, you're only paying for what you actually get. Many people find this fairer and more transparent than flat-rate frozen yogurt pricing.

When to Visit and What the Atmosphere Is Like

Twisty's locations tend to be busiest on warm afternoons and evenings, especially on weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday morning or early afternoon. The shops are typically casual and bright, designed for quick service but also comfortable enough to sit and enjoy your yogurt. Most locations have seating inside, and some have outdoor space.

The vibe is family-friendly and popular with students, young professionals, and anyone craving a customizable frozen treat. It's a good spot for a casual date, a post-lunch dessert, or a reward after running errands. Because you build your own creation, it's also fun for kids—they get to choose their own toppings and feel like they're making something special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix two yogurt flavors in one cup?

Most Twisty's locations allow you to combine flavors, though some may charge slightly more if you're mixing premium or seasonal yogurts. Ask staff when you arrive—they can tell you the policy at that specific shop and help you create a swirl if they offer it.

Are there dairy-free or sugar-free yogurt options?

Some Twisty's locations offer non-dairy yogurt or reduced-sugar options, but availability varies by shop. Call ahead or ask staff when you visit to find out what alternatives are available at your nearest location.

Do I need to bring my own cup, or is it provided?

Twisty's provides cups in various sizes. You don't need to bring your own, though some locations may offer a small discount if you bring a reusable cup. Ask at the register about their reusable cup policy.

What's the difference between Twisty's and regular ice cream shops?

Twisty's serves frozen yogurt, which is tangier and often lower in fat than ice cream. The self-serve model also means you control portions and toppings, and you pay by weight rather than a flat price. The yogurt base is also typically softer and less dense than traditional ice cream.

Can I order online or call ahead?

Smoothies can sometimes be ordered ahead at certain locations, but the self-serve yogurt bowls are built on-site. Contact your nearest Twisty's directly to ask about pre-ordering options and current hours.