This is my inaugural flavor from the California-based company that prides itself on basic ingredients and its organic ice cream. Organic-schmorganic, I am not that interested in that angle; I am in search of quality.
The first aspect I noticed from this pint was that there was no resistance whatsoever to the spoon. Instead of the small bits that compose the initial spoon amount, the entire spoon can be filled without issue. That means each spoon is constituted of chocolate ice cream and multiple peanut butter cups. The cups are small, reminiscent of those you find in a Talenti pint, rather than the enormous winners that highlight Ben & Jerry’s Peanut Butter Cup.
The chocolate base is probably the best that I have had. I am lukewarm on Ben & Jerry’s chocolate base and indifferent to Haagen’s, if those provide any helpful insights as to where I am on rating chocolate. There is no question this base exceeds those. There is very little bitterness but just enough to remind you that this is chocolate. My only hesitation that ceases me from adulating the base in glowing terms is that at a certain point, the chocolate felt repetitive and tiresome as I neared the bottom. You will not need to speed eat, but it does melt quicker than many bases.
Peanut butter cups are a mix-in favorite and they are a delight here. The size might catch you off-guard, but that is irrelevant to the analysis. If the size is an issue, then scoop up as many of the ‘fun-size’ cups onto your spoon and enjoy them in batches. As delicious the chocolate base is, a mixin is necessary and this one provides the desired for crunch and taste. The compliment is perfect.
If you are looking for a comparison, I will rank this below Ben & Jerry’s Peanut Butter Cup, but in my opinion, that is one of their best offerings and I am sucker for peanut butter bases. This is a fine alternative. I will be seeking other offerings from this line, as I keep finding them on sale. Just remember the caveat of not allowing it to melt quickly, unless you like that.
Where Arjun Found It: Giant Eagle
Arjun's Grade: A