Yetti puts yummies in deep freeze to tempt Oshkosh

The sweet tooth cries out for Skittles and Nerd Clusters, M&Ms and ice cream, and really anything with a sugary rush to satisfy its desperate desires. The Oshkosh community need look no farther, as in the depths of an igloo on Algoma Boulevard, Yetti Yums prepares such all-time favorite sweets, but through a freeze-dried rendition. 

While their sweet, pastel storefront has been open for only a single month, some community members have already delighted their taste buds after stumbling across the freeze dried treats at farmers markets. 

“We’ve been around for 18 months doing craft fairs and Oshkosh farmers markets,” owner Anna Moon said. “We’d been renting a commercial kitchen locally and when this space popped up we thought why not try it out.”

While most are familiar with the typical candy store, with options galore and mouth watering goodies of all kinds, Yetti Yums specializes in freeze dried fun. This offers a brittle texture and an instant burst of sweetness, but takes longer for the Moons to prepare. 

“We use the original candy, put it on trays, and put it in the freeze dried machines,” Moon’s husband, Michael Moon, said. 

However, each individual candy requires its own special routine to properly prepare it. 

“Some of the candy has to be cut because it explodes so much. Then, some has to be put in an oven and melt a little bit before it works in the freeze-dryers,” Anna Moon said. “Everything in the igloo, that’s the ice cream, yogurt, and anything else food related, takes 24 hours.”

The process requires attention to detail, as it cannot be generated quickly upon running out.

“When it comes to timing, it all depends on the humidity in the room, and how many freeze dryers we have going at one time,” she said. 

Some of their most popular treats include Nerd Clusters and tajin Skittles. Junior Kate Ruby decided to give the Nerd Clusters a try. 

“They’re super airy and they taste like pop rocks. They’re also fruity,” they said. “I think I like them better than the normal Nerd Clusters.”

Junior GJ Zahner enjoyed Yetti Yum’s freeze dried ice cream sandwich, an interesting experience as a completely new feeling and texture is introduced to the tongue. Unlike the typical ice cream cone, freeze dried ice cream isn’t cold and doesn’t melt -- it’s completely solid. 

“This is my first time having freeze dried ice cream in a long time. I think I’ve had it before but I don’t really remember,” they said. “It’s very crunchy and definitely doesn’t taste like ice cream. It’s also hard to bite into and powdery while you’re eating it, but the aftertaste is really good.” 

While Zahner wasn’t won over by the texture, the taste made the treat enjoyable nonetheless. 

“It’s like a dry type of sweet. It does taste like an ice cream sandwich, just without the cold and texture,” they said. 

After the chocolatey sandwich, Zahner was in the mood for a fruity sweet, and the Nerd Clusters satisfied the craving perfectly. 

“These dissolve in your mouth and maintain the Nerd Cluster flavor, just with a different texture,” Zahner said. “I would say I like the Nerd Cluster better because even though the ice cream sandwich is good, it’s very difficult to eat. The Nerd Cluster is nice since they’re bite sized.” 

Michael and Anna Moon especially enjoy having a space for themselves where they can form deeper connections with the community as people bustle about Main Street.

“Everyone was so excited to hear about us opening, it was shared on social media and everyone wanted to go check it out,” she said. “They were just excited to have a candy shop, something different.” 

Michael Moon agrees, and feels it is much easier to manage business when people see the shop and give it a try, contrary to hunting customers down at farmers markets.

“It’s nice being downtown where it’s active and people can just walk by and see it and come in,” he said. 

As the luxury of their new space sinks in, and the Moons have certainly stayed busy, they still bring their “yums” to farmers markets and other events within the community.

“We still go to farmers markets,” she said. “When we go to those, one of us attends the farmers market while the other one runs the shop.” 

Above all else, seeing the happy faces as they try a new spin on their favorite treats fills the Moon’s hearts with pride. 

“We absolutely love seeing new people all the time,” she said.

While the community can stick to their typical candy, they should consider changing it up, according to Zahner, who believes in the importance of shopping local and keeping hard earned money in the pockets of the community.

“Local businesses support real people in our community and contribute greatly to local culture and economy,” they said. “It benefits you in the long run as well as your community.” 

by Jazmine Blustin

Published April 1st 2024

Oshkosh West Index Volume 120 Issue VI