Ciao Bella Baileys Sea Salt Caramel Gelato

[New for 2017] I was trying to scope out something to show the new 2017 Ciao Bella pint designs when I came across a new flavor. Let's dig in to...

Ciao Bella Baileys Sea Salt Caramel Gelato

gelato with the taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream Liquer & sea salt caramel

Ciao Bella Madagascar Vanilla Gelato

So I said I would keep an eye on Ciao Bella now that they have scored a little space in my local Market Basket, but there still aren't a lot of flavor options. What to do, what to do? How about we cover the new formulation of the very first gelato I ever tried over seven years ago.

Ciao Bella Madagascar Vanilla Gelato

Ciao Bella Chocolate Mascarpone Gelato

We haven't really covered Ciao Bella much since their re-branding in 2014. Nick got some samples when it happened but it's been quiet on our side since then. Part of that is because I just don't see it that much of it anymore. I see it at whole foods where they charge too much (for pretty much everything) and a few faux pints here and there, but nothing dominating like we see out of the other premium players. That said, there has always been one pint that catches my eye but I've been ignoring it until now. $3.99** has bought me....

Ciao Bella Chocolate Mascarpone Gelato

(chocolate gelato swirled with mascarpone gelato)

Ciao Bella Brown Sugar Caramel Gelato

[By Nick] Hello everyone, Nick here. Due to uncontrollable circumstances, I had to fill in for Dubba on this week's episode of the Nosh Show. I know you're disappointed but give Episode 40 a listen anyway. Marvo, Ryan, Eric and I discuss if we'd nosh some new candy from Mars, talk about food crossovers and as then wrap up with last bites which include Red Bull's legal settlement. Leave me some feedback on what you thought of my job filling in. That said, Dubba will be back for the next episode so you'll soon be getting your usual fill of rants and funny sounds.

Ciao Bella Brown Sugar Caramel Gelato

Ciao Bello Sorbetto : White Peach Sangria and Wild Italian Strawberry Limonata

[By Nick, New for 2014] ‎Next up for Nick week is a double shot of sorbets I got for free, courtesy of Ciao Bella. Summer is coming to an end but these two flavors sound like they'd be able to make it feel like summer all year long.

Let's start things off with the Whole Foods exclusive Ciao Bello Wild Italian Strawberry Limonata sorbetto. This one basically sounds like a fancier version of strawberry lemonade. I'm a fan of that drink so I'm excited to see how it plays out in frozen form.

Ciao Bella Alba Hazelnut Caffe Gelato

[By Nick, New for 2014] With Carvel's recent partnership with Nutella, I'm ready to call 2014 the year of the hazelnut. So it's only fitting that Ciao Bella‎ got in on the action as well. However, they decided to go in a different direction than the other companies.

Ciao Bella Alba Hazelnut Caffe Gelato

Ciao Bella Pear Hibiscus Sorbetto

[By Nick, New for 2014] ‎If you haven't noticed, Ciao Bella has recently gone through quite the re-imaging process. They've put more focus into their product line and took the steps to improve the quality of ingredients they source for their gelato and sorbetto. They even changed their packaging to clear, reusable twist top containers like Talenti has. Even their website is updated. When I went to ask my contact about the changes, I found out she was also replaced as well. After a nice talk with the new representative, she offered to send me over some of their new line up to review.

Ciao Bella Pear Hibiscus Sorbetto
"Smooth Bartlett pear swirled with the sweet tartness of exotic red hibiscus sorbetto"

Ciao Bella montebianco gelato

[2013 Seasonal Batch] Dear ice cream nation, let me steal a page from Junk Food Guy's playbook and bring you a public service announcement during this busy time of year. I know we all have way too many expectations of what needs to happen, but this doesn't give you the right to park 3 inches from my car door and force me to climb in the other side, nor should you cut me off in the checkout lane because somehow your items are more important than mine. Be nice.... until it is time to not be nice. Anway, Ciao Bella has a few limited edition items at Whole Foods this year, and while I shied away due to pumpkin overload on the first flavor, I think it's time to try one of the other two. (Did I mention they were on sale for $4.59?)

Ciao Bella montebianco gelato

Delicate chestnut cream laced with organic dark chocolate

Ciao Bella Pistachio Gelato Review

[By Nick, reformulated in 2014] After covering two of Ciao Bella’s base only offerings, it’s time to take a look at a flavor that has mix-ins, pistachios to be exact. Now I’m going to be up front here, I’ve never had a single pistachio in my life. I think it has to do with the fact that I was averse to trying both oddly green colored foods and plain nuts when I was little. Now that I’m older, my aversion is gone but I just haven't gotten around to tying pistachios, even with Psy promoting them. That’s all about to change though so let’s get to it!

Ciao Bella simply describes their Pistachio gelato as “intensely savory and silky smooth.” While I can get behind the latter statement, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of an ice cream being described as savory.

Quick Scoop: Ciao Bella Belgian Chocolate Gelato

[By Nick, discontinued for the 2014 rebranding/reformulating] After being impressed by Ciao Bella Triple Espresso, I had high hopes for the other base only flavor sample Ciao Bella sent over for me to try.

Ciao Bella Belgian Chocolate Gelato

Ciao Bella Triple Espresso Gelato Review

[By Nick, discontinued for the 2014 rebranding/reformulating] There’s just something about receiving a package of frozen goods in the mail. It never fails, it makes me want to wag my tail…(Please don’t sue me, Viacom) In all seriousness though, I really do get excited when I come home to a styrofoam container on my doorstep. Not only do I get a bunch of dry ice that I can use to turn my house into a foggy forest, but usually I get to try products that I wouldn’t have been able to try otherwise. See, living in the middle of nowhere means my selection of Ciao Bella flavors is nonexistent except for a couple of their sorbets. Thankfully the awesome folks over at Ciao Bella agreed to send me a few faux-pints (yes, they’re 14oz containers) of their gelato to try out. Seeing as I’m on a coffee kick and still raving about G.S. Gelato's Tiramisu, it was only natural that I tried out Ciao Bella Triple Espresso gelato first.

According to the container, this one is made from a blend of three different roasted Italian coffee beans (Hint: Triple Espresso) and rich cream. That’s pretty straight forward but they do go on to say that it “is sure to perk up your taste buds.” Let’s see if they can fulfill that promise.

Ciao Bella Sea Salt Caramel Gelato Squares

[New for 2013] Still bitter from never having found Ciao Bella S'mores Gelato Squares, I got even more cranky when Junk Food Guy revealed yet another version that I thought I may never find....

I was hoping for something new during my trip to Roche Bros, but I had no idea I would spy the new Ciao Bella Sea Salt Caramel Gelato Squares there. My taste buds went nuts with the thought of sea salt caramel gelato with caramel and chocolate swirl and chocolate squares. Does that not sound like a thorough melding of the caramel and chocolate experience? I'm stoked, I really am.

Ciao Bella Raspberry Adonia A Greek Frozen Yogurt Review

[Ciao Bella has completed rebranded/reformulated for 2014, adonia didn't make the cut]

Can you not be bothered to stir your "fruit on the bottom" yogurt? Instead, do you love Yoplait yogurt like I do? Have you ever taken that tasty Raspberry Yoplait and shoved it in the freezer to see what happens? Well, I haven't, but if I did, I'm pretty sure it would taste almost identical to Adonia.

Ciao Bella Adonia Raspberry Greek Frozen Yogurt

Ciao Bella Key Lime Graham Gelato Squares Review

A couple months ago the fine folks at Ciao Bella sent me three coupons to try their new products. I then spent the next few months trying to find said new products to no avail... very sad, especially for my belly. Well, I decided to give in and pick up something that actually debuted last year.

These are the Key Lime Graham Gelato squares that are "temptingly tart". Tart scares me and is basically why I've avoided trying this, even though I love graham. Time to man up and give it a try.

Ciao Bella Tahitian Vanilla Raspberry Gelato Dips

[2010-2013, discontinued for the 2014 rebranding/reformulating]
For summer 2010, Ciao Bella came out with 3 new novelties to expand on their quality line of gelato and sorbet products. Now I had heard of the key lime squares and seen them on a rare occasion here and there, but it wasn't until today that I finally spied the Ciao Bella Tahitian Vanilla Raspberry Gelato Dips. Apparently I'm not alone in my search because I can't find any reviews for them!

Here they are and I want to start by saying I really appreciate the design of this box. First the bright color catches your eye, and then the chocolate bar starts to lure you in. You look closely and the words "rich Dark chocolate" hook you and there's no other choice but to pick a box up for the ride home. Sure it's $4.99 for three of them, but it's Ciao Bella.... plus we need to eat something on the ride home!

Ciao Bella Gelato Malted Milk Ball Review

[Discontinued for the 2014 rebranding/reformulating]
There's only one way to say this: Ciao Bella just put a smile on my face. Not to ruin the end of the story, but this is a very cool flavor and I can't say enough about it.  Nice job Ciao Bella, very nice.

Let's start from the beginning, not of the treat, not of the day, but from way back in the day when I was just a wee little whippersnapper. I remember malted milk balls very fondly. I want to say it was my dad who got me hooked, and I want to say he use to stash these in the cabinet, but it was so long ago I just don't remember when it all started. No matter, I loved those little treats. It was possible to have them too often though, and at some point we grew apart.

Flash forward to the new millennium and you'll find me strolling down the aisle and spotting those little yellow Shaws tags that let me know what's on sale. Ciao Bella is on sale, but I'm not really excited ...wait ...what's that light brown colored one? I haven't seen that one before. MALTED MILK BALL??? Are they serious?? Oh yeah! I gotta try that!!!

Wait, before we get too far, I need to finish my side story first. I've actually been in the mood for malted milk balls for a few weeks now. In fact, I was at the "other" grocery store a few days later and picked up a one dollar box of WHOPPERS, the "original malted milk ball". Like I mentioned, I have found memories of Whoppers but it's been years and years since I've had any. I took the box to work and was ready for the good times to roll again, but, sadly, they didn't. Something just doesn't taste right. They're too potent. I know that's not the best description, but I remember them being a bit more mellow. I was disappointed, and with 7 grams of saturated fat per serving, I didn't even bother finishing the box.

Ciao Bella Malted Milk Ball Gelato

Ciao Bella Vanilla Gelato

Disclaimer: This was my very first gelato post, so please forgive my ignorance. I have learned the error of my ways since then.

You know what I learned today? I learned that I don't like gelato, at least, not yet. It's funny because it looks just like ice cream, and the taste is...well, it's hard to say at first, but it ain't quite right. What it reminds me of? Well, it doesn't hit me until after I'm done with my sample. It actually reminds me of watered down ice cream. It's weird, but I don't know how else to describe it. I'll try again later, but for now it's spoons down on this one.