Sunday, January 15, 2012

Breyers Chocolate Ice Cream
America's Favorite Chocolate Ice Cream (so they say)


Hey, did you vote for America's favorite chocolate ice cream? I know I didn't. In fact, I can't find proof of anyone who did, though I only looked for a few minutes. You know, I get frustrated when companies market stuff like that yet don't back up their claims with hard facts anywhere on the container (or website). "We asked seven random Americans if they preferred fresh Breyers Chocolate ice cream or a melted container of cheap store brand chocolate ice cream, and they went with the Breyers". Win one for Breyers!

Ahhhh, my old friend, Breyers Chocolate Ice Cream. I must have polished off hundreds and hundreds of these back when they were a full half gallon. Hey, speaking of that, how come it doesn't say all natural anymore? I know that label was there during this 2008 review (and on my 2009 samples). Instead it just says "QUALITY since 1866". The ingredient list is still fairly short. Their is Alkali in the cocoa processing which B&J's took flak for, and then there's "natural" tara gum which A Daily Scoop was not too found of. Tara gum is suppose to make it creamier, but I always liked Breyers the way it was in the first place --- maybe the tara gum allows for more milk and less cream and therefore makes it more cost effective to produce? Whatever it is, I miss the all natural labeling and the trust that went along with it.

Enough complaining, let's open this classic flavor up. SNIFF SNIFF SNIFF. Is there any chocolate as aromatic as Breyers Chocolate Ice Cream? I can't think of any other flavor or brand that is as fragrant as this one. It's unmistakably cocoa and it takes me back to being a kid again which isn't easy since that was like 150 years ago or something. I know exactly how it's going to taste just from that smell, and it never disappoints.

Do I still love Breyers chocolate? Yup. It's been a really long time but it's still close enough to the original to still make it a main stream favorite. It really reminds me why I also spent so many years addicted to Breyers Rocky Road. It's a good solid flavor with a nice clean texture. Sure, there are brands that are creamier, and there are specialty flavors that are more chocolaty, but when you want something pure and simple, it's hard to go wrong here. It's even easy to eat. A moment or two in the bowl is all you need for some gentle melting and softness (and which point the inhalation begins). I had totally forgotten how much I loved this stuff.

Oh, one more question, is it wrong to have a chocolate shake at 9AM? No, that's good, what about quarter to nine? Just asking because I've been home for a few days and I can't shake this early more ice cream craving.

Verdict?  I still loved every bite
Buy Again?  Yup


Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1/2 cup (66g)
Servings Per Container  12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 140from Fat 60
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g11%
- Sat Fat 4.5g23%
- Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 45mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 17g6%
- Dietary Fiber  1g 4%
- Sugars 16g
Protein 2g

Vitamin A 4%Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 6%Iron 4%

9 comments:

  1. loving chocolate and all its weird im not a huge fan of chocolate ice cream, liking the look of this though..especially the shake!

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  2. I recently read an America's Test Kitchen Recipe Book (The 2011 nversion) and I think I remember reading this testing lowest on their chocolate ice creams. I usually avoid Bryers, although I buy almost exclusivly low fat ice creams. I find Breyer's to develop ice crystals a lot easier, and for some reason have never been blown away by the mouthfeel.

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  3. @LoC: Can't beat a good chocolate shake

    @Adam: I have had this discussion with a few people. I won't argue that it's not different, but it's all I ever had as a kid.

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  4. When I was a young fat-ass Breyers used to make a french chocolate chip flavor. A tub would never last long.

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  5. @Roddy: Ha! Breyers every night was the way I rolled! I don't think I've ever had that though, but it sounds good!

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  6. It isn't the same. They can't even call some flavors 'Ice Cream' any more.

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  7. I picked up my old favorite, Breyers Butter Almond, yesterday, and was positively shocked; it was no longer labeled "ice cream," instead it was called "frozen dairy dessert." A reading of the ingredient list: milk, sugar, corn syrup, butter almonds, canola oil, salt, cream, whey, mono and diglycerides, salt, guar gum, carob bean gum, carrageenan, natural flavor, vitamin A palmiate, tara gum. Remember the "purity" of Breyers testifying to the use of all natural ingredients? No longer, instead it has become purely adulterated. I have every reason to love Breyers Butter Almond. I've been buying it ever since I was a kid in the 40's when it was scooped right out of the freezer case. I am a stockholder of Unilever, which owns the brand. I understand why Breyers reduced their package size; it was either that, or raise the price beyond what consumers wanted to pay. But this is the final straw. I will not buy a Breyers that is no longer a pure, natural product. All Breyers lovers: caveat emptor (buyer beware)!!! Today your flavor may be ice cream, tomorrow, who knows???

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  8. omggg soooo gross man.. plz dont post pix of melted ice cream it really triggers my gag reflex!! however all other pix are awesome on ur blog thanks haha

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  9. I'm a Bryers chocolate or nothing guy. Their new no growth hormone stuff is excellent. Don't need a power saw to get it out of the package. Scoops out nice and smooth. Here's my shake..
    Tall glass stuffed with Bryers chocolate with just enough room for some whole milk. Long metal shake spoon. Proceed to carefully use an up and down chopping motion til milk is absorbed by ice cream.
    This will give you a chunky thick shake like drink. Don't try a straw. Use the long spoon.
    Oh yeah!!

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