A TASTY icon of the Lockyer Valley is celebrating its 35th birthday this month.

The frozen yoghurt at Natural Alternative in Gatton has made a name for itself as a family favourite.

It was in 1978 that Michelle Miethke first opened her health food store in Gatton.

After lots of research, and taste tests of different brands and varieties of frozen yoghurt, in 1979 she started selling her new product.

"The first couple of days when we started I had a couple of my employees giving out samples in the street. Because yoghurt was new in those days people would screw up their noses at it," she said.

"It became a huge hit. It was very popular."

Michelle eventually sold her shop when she had children, but she always took them back to the shop, to get a frozen yoghurt as a treat.

These days the shop, and yoghurt, belongs to owner Anita Lyne who said the yoghurt just continues to gain popularity.

"With people becoming more health conscious it is a healthy alternative," she said.

"It tastes good, it's healthy and low in fat and sugar."

Anita said a love of the yoghurt is passed on from one generation to the next.

But do not bother asking what is in the yoghurt - it is a Natural Alternative secret recipe.

To celebrate the yoghurt turning 35, every time you buy a yoghurt this month you go into the draw to win a year's supply, which is two a week valued at more than $300.