[New for 2022] I'm sorry, I definitely feel like I'm in a rut right now and these reviews are getting all backed up. The point of the blog is to get the info out quick so that you can either hold off or hurry up on your purchases. Today's review is going to be one of those "don't rush for it" flavors... though maybe that makes you glad that you don't have to go to Walmart for this exclusive.
Van Leeuwan Campfire S'mores Ice Cream
toasted marshmallow ice cream with chocolate fudge swirls,
graham cookies and marshmallows
Ok, kind of interesting, but I prefer a brown (graham cracker) base.
(you can see little graham cookie chunks though)
Almost forgot to take this picture!
I dig in and it's easy going (aka it's pretty soft). I think the thing that surprises me most is that I don't really get any graham cracker flavoring.... and that's not right. This is a fine ice cream, but I'm not sure I can condone the eating of it.
Ha, I kid, I kid, but the overall flavoring is mild. Sure, the sauce is a definite step up from generic syrup tasting swirls, but it's not doing enough.
...and don't get me started on the mini marshmallows.... I've always had a pet peeve with those (looking at you Edy's). To put it in a more technical manner, the soft mini marshmallows are pretty lost in the soft ice cream base. It makes them pretty pointless and makes me want a gooey, sweet swirl instead.
It sounds like I'm disappointed right? Well, I guess I am. It's going to be one of those moments where I go "It's not a bad ice cream, but it just doesn't taste like [insert flavor here]".
Hopefully it'll grow on me during the second scooping tomorrow.
On Second Scoop: Yeah, you're going to want to smash some graham crackers in to this one, otherwise you are probably going to be disappointed. You can't call it s'mores if graham isn't a major factor. Also, I sometimes get a weird coconut vibe despite there being no coconut in the ingredients. Not sure what's up with that.
PR Note: Here is the official press release that talks about five new exclusive flavors replacing the 7 old exclusive flavors. [I'll have the reviews up for two more up soon... yeah, not trying the grey poupon or the espresso flavors, though feel free to leave a comment about them!]
Verdict? where's the graham factor?
Buy Again? meh
Buy Again? meh
Aw, what a disappointment, especially when the pictures make it look pretty good!
ReplyDeleteI think they could had used toasted marshmallows add ins than regular. That would been fun. Ben and Jerry's has the best marshmallow swirl
ReplyDeleteDang I hoped this was good! The only s’mores ice cream worth anything is Giffords.
ReplyDeleteCaffe Panna this is not……
ReplyDeleteThe Grey Poupon was GOOD. I know you're probably going to call me insane, but it had a honeyed flavor to it, only a hint of the mustard, and it was honestly, truly good. I really would recommend trying it. I even went back to buy a second pint. Then again, I also liked the Kraft Mac & Cheese ice cream...
ReplyDelete@anonymous I didn't know cafe panna was c chain! one opened up a few blocks from me in Manhattan and didn't get all the buzz-- but i dun drink coffee
ReplyDeleteI follow Caffe Panna on instagram, so delicious looking. I need to try it someday :)
ReplyDeletewait a second, they're not a chain, i happen to live next to the only one...so @anonymous must be local
ReplyDeleteThey may be getting it shipped too via goldbelly, not sure, maybe they'll respond
ReplyDeleteYep Dubba. Shipped from Goldbelly many times.
DeleteVan Leeuwan is just overall a disappointing ice cream brand. It is definitely not bad, but it is almost never great. Just fine, but that doesn't justify the price tag they charge. Other slightly cheaper brands just taste better. I wouldnt say I'm a mix-in snob, just don't think VL is it
ReplyDeleteI prefer a marshmallow base (versus graham) so I had really high hopes for this one. Tried it this week and it was a complete let down. It's very bland and the only marshmallow factor is the individual marshmallows throughout (which I've decided I don't like).
ReplyDeleteThis one was really poor. Honestly can’t find a positive.
ReplyDeleteThe ratio of the mallow is way too much they are very soft tho it melts in your mouth but no graham action to be found…interesting you tasted coconut i tasted cinnamon and i enjoyed it but my fav smores ice cream so far is from Ben and Jerrys
ReplyDelete