When news hit that Ben & Jerry’s was unveiling a new line of special “core” ice creams, I flipped. Upon reading the article I picked up the phone, called the B&J’s closest to me (a fortunate two blocks away) and told them to hold one of each pint from their shipment the next day. For those of you who’ve been kept in the dark about the revelation, B&J’s began making pints that hold two flavors, sandwiched together by a distinct core. The idea is pure genius. I decided to play scientist and experiment, assessing each flavor in the most scientific way. Here are the results:
*note: one flavor, Salted Caramel Core, was not available at the store but will be added to the study when made available.
Photo by Amanda Shulman
PLAYERS: Hazed & Confused, That’s My Jam, Karamel Sutra and Peanut Butter Fudge
Photo by Amanda Shulman
Peanut Butter Fudge: This pint possesses half peanut butter ice cream and half chocolate ice cream with mini peanut butter cups and a peanut butter fudge core —think of Reese’s in ice cream form. While it’s incredibly tasty and plays upon a classic flavor profile, I wish there was something more exciting about this. It just seems like it’s been done. The core didn’t add anything to the mix, but only reinforced the flavors already present. While this will speak to any peanut butter lover, nothing about it screamed remarkable.
RANKING: 4
Photo by Amanda Shulman
Hazed & Confused: This pint packs together hazelnut and chocolate ice cream with fudge chips. A hazelnut fudge core binds them together that tastes like a more intense and frozen version of Nutella. The core blends nicely with the chips in the chocolate, but you’ll need a glass of water to handle the impact overload. It’s decadent and dreamy, and the hazelnut ice cream, while certainly rich, seems to lighten the chocolate. It’s that perfect nutty chocolate combo you always dream of, but the core was too firm and somewhat difficult to scoop and incorporate with the ice creams.
RANKING: 3
Photo by Amanda Shulman
That’s My Jam: To be honest, I was most skeptical about this one. The idea of frozen jam bringing raspberry chip and chocolate ice cream together, while seemingly appealing, just kind of turned me off. I think the idea of frozen jam was what was putting me off, but man was I wrong. This is one of the only cores that serves an actual purpose. It’s consistency is soft and somewhat gooey and truly adds a new element that heightens both the chocolate and raspberry flavors. I’d like quarts on quarts of this in replace of chocolate covered fruit any time.
Photo by Amanda Shulman
RANKING: 2
Photo by Amanda Shulman
Karamel Sutra: I was unaware that Ben and Jerry’s had actually been making this baby for a while and its popularity is most likely what inspired the line. One taste, and you’ll know why. A silky caramel core ties together caramel and chocolate ice creams. The center is what sealed the deal for me as its texture was surprising and impressively soft for being frozen. Think of eating dulce de leche and hunting for the ribbons of caramel. In this case, no hunting is required because a giant streak of the substance is sitting smack in the center. While it might seem like a caramel overload, the core carries a more intense flavor than the ice cream, and the two blend together effortlessly. It’s a dream and a half and will most likely have a permanent place in my freezer.
Photo by Amanda Shulman
RANKING: 1
CONCLUSION: I WANT MORE CORE. I can’t wait for Ben & Jerry’s to roll out more flavor combinations that tie together some of their more wild and intricate ice creams. While seemingly delicious, they’re playing it safe, but for now, I guess I’m content.