Ben & Jerry's latest release, Chocolate Peppermint Crunch, is the most recent addition to the 2013 mint cookie craze; joining the ranks of Mint Cookies 'N Cream from Blue Bell, Graeter's and even Edy's. As of late, it seems nearly all the major ice cream manufacturers have released their own chocolate-infused, mint flavored ice cream. Ben & Jerry's previously tried this trend with their Mint Chocolate Cookie creation, but the combination of chocolate ice cream, peppermint & fudge swirls and mint chocolate cookie balls sounds much more enticing. If the mint chocolate cookie balls in Ben & Jerry's version are anything like those from New Orleans Ice Cream Company's Mint Chocolate Cookie, this may be the best of the bunch.
The 300 calories per serving may sound heavy, but seems more than reasonable given the impressive list of ingredients packed inside. With the top removed, the first layer of Chocolate Peppermint Crunch has no problem showing off all its ingredients. Both swirls and the top halves of the cookies can easily be seen through the dark brown base. Ben & Jerry's chocolate usually has a simple and straightforward taste, but this version has allowed the white, peppermint swirl to completely infiltrate the ice cream. This results in a well-balanced foundation of cool mint and rich, milk chocolate. The lighter colored swirl amplifies the mint aspect of the base and the darker, fudge swirl assists the chocolate side. The white peppermint even adds a fluffy texture that contrasts against the ice cream; much like the marshmallow swirl in flavors like Phish Food.
The chocolate cookie balls made their way into nearly every bite and give this flavor a complex finish. The cookie balls have been coated in a rich, milk chocolate coating that gives way to the firm, crunchy texture of the mint chocolate cookies. Although these can be a little hard initially, they quickly break down to release the flavors inside. Even with all the spice involved in this flavor, Chocolate Peppermint Crunch doesn't have the cooling after-burn effect of many mint flavors available. Although both sides are strong flavors by nature, the even distribution of each ensures an equal balance of power. The lastest flavor from Ben & Jerry's not only ranks as one of our top peppermint options ever; but nearly breaks into the upper echelon of our overall rankings.
Where I Found It: Super Wal-Mart
Grade: B
