Marianne's Ice Cream - Irish Coffee & Chocolate Chip Ice Cream - Sept. 8, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Marianne's Ice Cream 

Irish Coffee & Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Good ++
Weight: 1/2 cup / 1 Quart (946 mL) in total container
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 cup serving (+ nibs topping)
Cost: $ Missing information

Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate & Coffee Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate & Spirits Theme Week.

Today's Irish Coffee & Chocolate Chip Ice Cream was from Marianne's Ice Cream (Santa Cruz, CA). I paired/topped this ice cream with (home-made) whiskey-soaked cacao nibs.

Aroma and flavor notes included: rich coffee, chocolate/cacao and subtle vanilla and whiskey flavoring. (The spirits were mostly from the whiskey soaked cacao bean nibs topping.)

These weren't your ordinary chocolate chips. The chocolate included fairly large, thin rectangular dark chocolate pieces--made with coconut oil and butter oil to stay relatively soft when frozen. My kind of ice cream.

Texture: creamy ice cream with thin, rectangular pieces of dark chocolate that were formulated to be just the right texture for ice cream-- not so hard that the splinters would hurt you,  

I liked the subtle, creamy coffee and that I could taste the dark chocolate--as if I was eating chocolate at room temperature. (Often chocolate chips in ice cream are cold and brittle, and too cold to taste.) These pieces were slightly chewy for a few seconds followed by a creamy chocolate melt and rich chocolate flavor release.

Very tasty overall with a satisfyingly creamy coffee ice cream base. Cool and refreshing on a warm day. And the whiskey-marinated cacao nibs added some authentic cacao and spirits oomph.

Ingredients: "milk, cream, sugar, whey, locust bean gum, guar gum, instant coffee, bourbon, chocolate chips (corn starch, coconut oil, cocoa processed with alkali, butter oil, soy lecithin, natural flavor)"

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, Soy. " in a Facility that handles peanuts, treenuts, wheat, soy and eggs"

Godiva - Caramel Embrace ice cream - Feb. 18, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Godiva
Caramel Embrace Ice Cream
Good + 
Weight: 2/3 cup (114 g.) / 14 fl. oz. (414 mL) in total container
Calories: 280 calories in 1 (2/3 cup) serving 
Cost: $6.49 for 1 container
Purchased from: Safeway, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Golden Sugars Theme Week.

Today's Godiva Caramel Embrace ice cream was distributed by Boardwalk Frozen Treats, LLC (Lafayette, CA).*

Years ago, I wrote about Godiva's Caramel Embrace chocolate(s). This ice cream cousin was ensconced in a cheery golden and white colored container; and it was part of a line of ice creams inspired by Godiva confections.

Aroma notes for this ice cream included faint caramel, vanilla and cocoa. 

A creamy ice cream base with layered caramel, vanilla and chocolate flavors. Tiny chocolate caramel "cups" almost had a soft crunch in frozen form.

As one might expect, this rich ice cream studded with caramel and chocolate caramel confections was quite sweet. Layering of textures and flavors added enough appeal and unfolding differentiation that this Caramel Embrace didn't feel over-sugared.

Ingredients: Milk, cream, sugar, caramel cups (sugar, coconut oil, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk (whole milk, sugar), nonfat dry milk, whole milk powder, alkalized cocoa, heavy cream, butter, soy lecithin, salt, natural flavors), caramel swirl (nonfat milk, sugar, unsalted butter, agar agar, baking soda, potassium sorbate (preservative)), skim milk, corn syrup, water, sweetened condensed skim milk, egg yolks, chocolate, butter (cream, salt), stabilizer (guar gum, tara gum, locust bean gum), natural flavor, carageenan, baking soda. 

Allergen-related information: Contains: milk, egg, soy.

*Under license from Godiva Chocolatier, Inc. 

OmNom Chocolate - "Ram" and "Octopus" Chocolate Ice Cream desserts - Dec. 12, 2022

Chocolate(s) of the Day

OmNom Chocolate
"Hruturinn" (Hrutur = Ram) Ice Cream dessert

Good ++ 

Weight: Medium cup (weight unknown)

Calories: (unknown) 

Cost: 1190 ISK (Icelandic Krona) (about 145 ISK = $1 USD)

Purchased from: OmNom Chocolate Factory and Ice Cream Shop, Reykjavic, Iceland

OmNom Chocolate

"Kolkrabbinn" (Kolkrabbi = Octopus)

Good + - Good ++

Weight: Medium cup (weight unknown)

Calories: (unknown)

Cost: 1190 ISK (Icelandic Krona) (about 145 ISK = $1 USD)

Purchased from: OmNom Chocolate Factory and Ice Cream Shop, Reykjavic, Iceland

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Iceland Theme Week.

This evening's two fantasy ice cream desserts were created by OmNom Chocolate (Reykjavik, Iceland). (Together these ice cream desserts formed the second of two chocolate items featured today. See previous post for the morning chocolate.)

OmNom Chocolate (in the Reykjavik Harbor/Marina area) expanded their bean-to-bar chocolate factory offerings when they added special ice cream treats and festive yellow outdoor picnic tables during the Covid pandemic. Their creative ice cream desserts tie in with their chocolate bars. (Most of their chocolate packaging features stylized illustrations of different Arctic animals/wildlife.)

Side note: More reasons to like Iceland...People in Reykjavik like chocolate, and they also have no problem enjoying ice cream in December, a month when the sun is visible for only 4-5 hours per day. (I agree; ice cream is great any time of year, even if you're eating it inside, while peering out a window at the icy cold and dark outdoors.)

Hruturinn (Ram)

Hands down my favorite. The Ram sundae-style dessert contained ice cream and the classic (candy bar) elements of chocolate and nuts (peanuts, almonds) and caramel aroma, texture and flavors.

Toasted and caramelized peanuts were covered in Madagascar milk chocolate. And it also contained almond butter.  This flavorful dessert was likely inspired by the OmNom Sea Salted Almonds bar (adorned with the same geometric illustration of a ram).*

Kolkrabbinn (Octopus)

The "Octopus" dessert leveraged the OmNom Lakkris (licorice) and raspberry white chocolate bar's strengths. Outstretched (very edible) creamy, raspberry licorice octopus "arms" extended beyond the cup's outer edges making for a fun presentation. 

This licorice and red berry flavored dessert was further enlivened by sweet and tart chewy raspberry gummy candy pieces.

Ingredients: (No ingredients were listed on dessert cups, but helpful staff answered questions, and the list(s) may be available upon request.)

Allergen-related information: Both these desserts contained dairy, but were gluten free.

Note: The post for these desserts was delayed due to international travel in Iceland.

*There are many sheep in Iceland, approximately 1.2 sheep for every 1 person. Iceland is one of several countries in the world with more sheep than people. (Quick fun fact: Mongolia has 4.5 sheep for 1 person.) And yes, Australia and New Zealand have more than their share as well. Wales clocks in at 3 sheep per person. Source: Jan. 2022 article on  https://www.entegra.com.au/which-country-has-the-most-sheep/

Pie Ranch - Gluten Free Walnut Brownie with Mango Ice Cream - Sept. 25, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Pie Ranch

Gluten Free Walnut Brownie

Good ++ 

Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) (estimate) / 4 oz. (113 g.) (estimate) in 1 brownie

Calories: Unknown

Cost: $4.50 for 1 brownie 

Purchased from: Pie Ranch, Pescadero, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Mango Theme Week.

Today's Gluten Free Walnut Brownie was from Pie Ranch (Pescadero, CA).* This working farm and ranch also operates a small farmstand (retail store) that sells a variety of farm-related produce, preserves, pies, ice cream and other items. (Shout out to friend Don for including a Pie Ranch stop as part of a Pacific Coast day trip.)

Aroma and flavor notes for this brownie included: true chocolate (fudge brownie, dark chocolate cake/torte) with very faint earth and nut (walnut) notes.

The brownie had a soft, dark fudgey texture, and a wafer thin crunchy surface layer. This was a nicely executed classic (dark) chocolate, gluten-free brownie with some bold chocolate flavor depth.

I paired this brownie with a side of Haagen-Dazs Mango Ice Cream that had soft, creamy sweet mango fruit notes and small bits of mango fruit. The fresh, bright, tart-sweet mango flavor of the fresh fruit got lost in the shuffle in the sweet creamy ice cream.

This brownie would have been great just by itself. However, for a fruit + brownie pairing, I think I'd prefer a few fresh mango slices; or better yet, go with fresh red fruit (cherries) or berries. Or, if you want to skip the fruit, enjoy a brownie with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream (a tried and true classic flavor pairing with brownies), and top with nuts if desired.

Ingredients: (No information; single serving sized brownie was wrapped in plastic at farmstand; but there was no label.)

Allergen-related information: Contained nuts (walnuts). Gluten free brownie, but there was no label with an ingredients or allergen list. (I forgot to ask if they could share this information.)

Bubbies - Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bites - Aug. 20, 2022

Chocolate of the Day 

Bubbies

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bites 

Good ++

Weight: 2.68 oz. (76 g.) / 8 oz. (228 g.) in total package/box of 6

Calories: 260 calories in 2 pieces

Cost: $3.99 for 1 box of 6 pieces

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Rice Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week.

Today's Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bites (frozen dessert bites consisting of vanilla chocolate chip ice cream inside a rice-based cookie dough) were manufactured by Bubbies Hawaii (Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream and Desserts Inc.). The company is based in Phoenix, AZ, but got its start making ice cream in Hawaii in 1985.

These bites had a satisfyingly complex melt and texture. The outer rice dough was firm yet pliable--a well-executed rich cookie dough with some of the pillowy, springy-chewy mochi texture one finds in frozen mochi desserts.

The cold, creamy vanilla chocolate chip ice cream interior blended well with the cookie dough exterior. The taste resembled a frozen ice cream cookie sandwich, but with a more cohesive and conveniently pliable cookie component--a design that prevented sudden rupture and dribble ice cream confection accidents.

Ingredients: Cookie dough (rice flour, butter, brown sugar, tapioca syrup, chocolate flakes [sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, milkfat, natural vanilla flavor], sweetened condensed milk [milk, cane sugar], cane sugar, xanthan gum, vanilla extract, sunflower oil, natural flavor). Vanilla ice cream (ice cream mix [nonfat milk, cream, cane sugar, locust bean gum, guar gum], chocolate chips [sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, dextrose], egg yolk, vanilla extract).

 

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, eggs. Produced in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, and soy. 

 

Arete Chocolate - Expeller Pressed Cocoa Powder - Aug. 18, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Arete Chocolate

Expeller Pressed Cocoa Powder

Good +

Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 8.8 oz. (250 g.) in total package

Calories: 65 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. serving

Cost: $ Missing information  

Purchased from: Arete or The Chocolate Garage*

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Rice Theme Week.

Today's homemade chocolate and rice (cake) dessert employed Expeller Pressed Cocoa Powder from Arete Chocolate as a topping and ingredient.

An ultra-dark (82% cacao) chocolate covered rice cake** that I made. It was topped with a large scoop of green tea ice cream and garnished with a healthy dose of Arete Chocolate Cocoa Powder and chopped almonds.

The Arete Chocolate cocoa powder classed up this dessert considerably. I'm hoping they might resume making and selling chocolate one day. (They closed shop in 2020.)

Ingredients: Expeller pressed cocoa solids

 

Allergen-related information: (None listed/found on package.) 

*The Chocolate Garage Retail space in Palo Alto, CA, is no longer open.

**Notes: I used a commercially available (Lundberg Family Farms) rice cake as a form to be chocolate covered. Melting a bar of chocolate on a round rice cake for a single-serving dessert can be done in the microwave; but it is very easy to burn the rice cake if you start with room temperature/cooler chocolate. 

It's best to warm the chocolate up on a microwave-safe plate first (so that it's soft, but not completely melted) and then transfer it (with the help of a spatula if needed) and place on top of the rice cake--and finish the melting over the rice cake for a bit longer--spreading the melted chocolate over an uncovered edge if needed). You can then transfer this to a clean dessert plate if you want a nice clean edge.

The end product is an easy-to-make, attractive perch for ice cream or a fruit dessert.

 

Mikawaya - Mochi Ice Cream, Chocolate Mint - Aug. 17, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Mikawaya Mochi Ice Cream

Chocolate Mint

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: 3 oz. (86 g.) / 9.1 oz. (258 g.) in total package of 6 pieces

Calories: 220 calories in 2 pieces

Cost: $3.99 (estimate) for 1 package/box of 6 pieces

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Rice Theme Week.

Today's (frozen) Chocolate Mint Chip Mochi was from Mikawaya Mochi Ice Cream (Vernon, CA), and was part of a plate of three different mochi-inspired sweets. 

Chocolate Mint Mochi Ice Cream

The best of the three ball-shaped confections on today's plate was this Mikawaya ice cream wrapped in a sweet rice dough. A beautifully springy rice dough enveloped a refreshing mint chocolate chip ice cream center.

Mango Mochi

The second mochi plate confections were miniature-sized Mango mochi from Royal Food Co. that nicely captured an authentic tart, sweet mango fruit flavor. They were relatively sweet, and had a slightly firmer springy/chewy texture. They were sealed in packets (sets of 4) and were not refrigerated. 

Homemade Chocolate Horchata flavored mochi

Last, was my homemade rice ball (soaked and stovetop cooked Jasmine rice dough), that I used to make a mochi-inspired chocolate horchata ball. The cinnamon and cocoa flavors were nice but the texture was not as light and springy. (Pureed, soaked and cooked jasmine long grain rice + finely ground almond flour and a generous dose of cinnamon and cocoa that were slow-cooked and stirred together; but could not be magically transformed into the loftier, sweet, sticky mochi rice dough of today's featured chocolate.

Mikawaya Mochi Ice Cream Ingredients: 

Ice Cream Ingredients: Milk, cream, cane sugar, chocolate flavored chips (cane sugar, coconut oil, cocoa processed with alkali, cocoa, corn starch, salt), whey, nonfat dry milk, natural flavors, stabilizer (guar gum, locust bean gum). Mochi dough ingredients: Cane sugar, water, sweet rice flour, egg whites, rice flour, enzyme. 

Allergen-related information: Contains: milk, egg. "May contain peanuts and tree nuts." (No gluten or soy ingredients.)

Dreyer's - Mocha Almond Avenue ice cream - July 16, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Dreyer's 

Mocha Almond Avenue ice cream

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: 2/3 cup (86 g.) / 1.5 Quarts (1.41 Liter) in total container

Calories: 200 calories in 2/3 cup serving

Cost: $5.99 (estimate) for 1 container 

Purchased from: Safeway, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week--a series that has been temporarily high-jacked by a series of coffee/mocha frozen dessert entries due to summer weather.

Today's Mocha Almond Avenue ice cream was distributed by Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc. (Oakland, CA), a company originally founded in Oakland in 1928.* 

Of all the ice creams so far this week, this Mocha Almond Avenue ice cream evoked the most positive childhood memories related to coffee and chocolate ice creams. It also had the most generous (and tasty) serving of nuts (almonds).

The aroma telegraphed rich, creamy coffee latte with faint nutty notes. The texture was light (pillowy) and quite creamy. And the flavors were smooth and well-balanced. A creamy coffee ice cream base contained well incorporated swirls of smooth dark chocolate fudge and the aforementioned crunchy hunks of roasted almonds.

Ingredients: Skim milk, cream, sugar, fudge swirl (sugar, corn syrup, skim milk, cream, cocoa processed with alkali, palm oil, bitter chocolate, modified tapioca starch, sodium alginate), corn syrup, roasted almonds (almonds, safflower oil, salt), whey, coffee, guar gum, carob bean gum, monoglycerides.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk and almond ingredients."

*In 2004, Dreyer's invested in Haagen-Dazs. In 2006, Dreyer's became a subsidiary of Nestle; and in 2019 Nestle sold their U.S. ice cream brands to become part of Swiss joint venture company, Froneri as part of an estimated $4 billion deal. Note: If you live in the Eastern U.S. (east of the Rockies), the Dreyer's brand may be sold as Edy's Ice Cream. 

Negranti Creamery - Black Coffee Chocolate Chip Sheep Milk Ice Cream - July 15, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Negranti Creamery
Black Coffee Chocolate Chip (sheep milk ice cream)
Good ++
Weight: 1/2 cup (85 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL.) in total container
Calories: 150 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $8.99 for 1 container
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week(s).

Today's Black Coffee Chocolate Chip sheep milk* ice cream was created by Alex Negranti and team at Negranti Creamery (Paso Robles, CA).

This ice cream had an authentic, rich coffee with milk aroma. 

The texture was more like traditional (home made/high-quality) ice milk--hard to find anymore. It was refreshing and satisfying, with an even, relatively quick melt, and with a bit less heavy cream and other residue(s). (The absence of vegetable gums and other ingredients often used in ice creams to enhance "creaminess" was refreshing in and of itself.)

Strong, bold dark, "black" coffee flavor melded with naturally sweet (almost fruity) and faintly nutty notes in this ice cream. Tiny chocolate chunks provided flecks of crunchy texture and added flavor depth.

Ingredients: Sheep milk, cane sugar, coffee, chocolate chunks (sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat), tapioca starch. 

Allergen-related information: (Contained dairy (sheep milk)). "Made on shared equipment, may contain nuts."

*Why sheep milk? The sheep milk used to make today's ice cream almost certainly contained the easier-to-digest A2 protein (vs. the A1 protein in most cow milk sold in the U.S.). And the sheep were pasture-fed. (A grass diet can contribute to a healthier nutritional profile.) 

Also, sheep milk is said to be higher in certain vitamins and minerals as well as having fats that are healthier and easier to digest. 

Finally, unlike goat milk's very slightly gamey flavor, sheep milk tends to be neutral and slightly sweet.

Tillamook - Cold Brew Coffee Chocolate Chip Frozen Custard - July 6, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Tillamook
Cold Brew Coffee Chocolate Chip Frozen Custard
Good ++
Weight: 2/3 cup (132 g.) / 15 fl. oz. (444 mL) in total container
Calories: 350 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $2.49 for 1 container
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week

Today's Cold Brew Coffee Chocolate Chip Frozen Custard was from Tillamook County Creamery Association (Tillamook, OR).

Tillamook is an Oregon-based dairy farmer co-op formed in 1909, that produces dairy products like cheeses, ice creams, yogurts and other dairy products.

Aroma notes for this frozen dessert included authentic roasted coffee with rich, whole milk.

This "ultra-creamy" (16 percent butterfat) frozen custard style ice cream contained egg yolks and featured an abundance of actual cream. Not surprisingly it had a satisfying creamy texture, creamy flavor and an authentic cream finish. 

And it featured three flavors that blend very well with cream without being completely neutralized: coffee, chocolate and vanilla. (The other flavor that comes to mind is caramel.) This creamy frozen custard was infused with lovely cold brewed coffee flavor, sugar, a smattering of small chocolate chunks/chips, and a faint hint of vanilla.

Ingredients: Cream, skim milk, sugar, tapioca syrup, coffee, milk, pasteurized egg yolks, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, locust bean gum, guar gum, vanilla extract.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, eggs." "Made on equipment that makes products containing milk, egg, peanut, soy, tree nuts, wheat."

 

Alec's Ice Cream - Matcha Chocolate Chip - June 12, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Alec's Ice Cream

Matcha Chocolate Chip

Good ++

Weight: 2/3 cup (122 g.) / 14 fl. oz. (414 mL) in total container

Calories: 310 calories in 2/3 cup serving

Cost: $2.99 (estimate) for 1 container

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Tea Theme Week.

Today's Matcha Chocolate Chip ice cream from Alec's Ice Cream* (Petaluma, CA) was made with organic cream and milk from pasture-raised cows in Sonoma, CA. 

Alec's chose "ultra-premium Japanese Matcha" for this blend; and the ice cream did indeed have a high-quality, refreshing, matcha green tea latte aroma and flavor. 

The happy cows (mentioned above, from Alexandre Family Farm, the first certified regenerative, organic A2 dairy in the U.S.) contributed to the creamy, rich texture of the base ice cream--that was studded with a generous helping of smooth, dark chocolate chunks. 

The dark chocolate may not have been super bold or complex, but it was well matched and crafted for this ice cream. Made with coconut oil (and organic, alkalized cocoa), the chunks/chips were texturally accessible--easy to bite into and enjoy (unlike chocolate chips that lose flavor and become small, ebony-colored waxy bits when frozen). And the relatively mild flavor profile allowed the the matcha and cream to shine.

The ice cream was sweet, without being overly so (thank you!). This judicious level of sugar helped showcase the green tea and chocolate flavors, mellowed only by the creamy ice cream base. (Yes, we're back to the cream. Visions of happy cows again.) 

Less sugar (and whipped air) means this denser ice cream is firmer when you first take it out of the freezer. I advise leaving it out for a few minutes after taking it out of the fridge, or using a strong scoop/spoon. (I broke a pretty (but apparently weak) spoon trying to drill into this Matcha Chocolate Chip ice cream straight out of the freezer.) It's worth the wait.

Maker's description: "Mellow and earthy meets sweet and sublime..."

Ingredients: Organic cream, Organic skim milk, organic cane sugar, organic chocolate chunks (organic cane sugar, organic coconut oil, organic alkalized cocoa powder (organic cocoa powder, potassium carbonate), organic soy lecithin, organic vanilla extract), organic egg yolk, organic matcha (less than 0.5%), organic carob gum, organic guar gum.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, egg, soy, coconut." "Manufactured on equipment that also processes tree nuts, peanuts and soy."

*Founder and CEO Alec Jaffee and the Alec's Ice Cream team took over the site of the much loved Three Twins Ice Cream in Petaluma, CA. 

Helados La Neta - Chocolate con Canela - Feb. 28, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Helados La Neta

Chocolate con Canela

(Chocolate with Cinnamon Ice Cream)

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: 2/3 cup (158 mL) / 14 oz. (414 mL) in total container

Calories: 210 calories in 1 serving (2/3 cup)

Cost: $2.49 for 1 container

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market,  

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Spices Theme Week.

Today's Chocolate Ice Cream with Cinnamon was from Helados La Neta (Marietta, GA). The company, part of the High Road family* offers ice creams with Mexico-inspired flavors (like Horchata, Avocado and Lime, Mexican Vanilla and today's Chocolate with Cinnamon).

Cacao, vanilla, allspice, as well as many chilies and other spices originated in the Americas. But, the Spanish introduced cinnamon to Mexico. Today, imported cinnamon can be found in a variety of savory and sweet dishes across Mexico and the Americas, including hot cocoas, drinking chocolate, postres and helados (desserts and ice creams). 

Today's creamy ice cream had lush, authentic chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla flavors, with rich spiced chocolate notes that lingered into the finish.

Great flavors. I would definitely buy this again. 

Maker's description: "Like the real chocolate beverage you used to drink at abuelita's (grandmother's) house...Think Mexican drinking chocolate -- a dense chocolate ice cream with a spicy cinnamon finish"

Ingredients: Milk, cream, cane sugar, cocoa powder, dextrose, cinnamon, Mexican vanilla extract, sea salt, guar gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum.

Allergen-related information: "Contains Milk....Made on equipment that also processes soy, wheat, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts."

*The High Road family of brands also includes High Road Ice Cream (and cookies) and Ciao Bella Gelato and Sorbetto. The company (started by chefs) creates craft ice creams "at scale" (i.e. at a higher volume than small batch specialty makers), and they also are engaged in private label business.

Nightfood - Cherry Eclipse ice cream + Let's Do Gluten Free - Sugar Cones - Oct. 31, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Nightfood, Inc.
Cherry Eclipse Nighttime Ice Cream

Good +

Weight: 2/3 cup (96 g.) / 1 Pint (473 g.) in total container

Calories: 140 calories in 1 serving

Cost: $1.99 for 1 container

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA 

Edward and Sons Trading Co., Inc. 

(Product of Israel)

Let's Do Gluten Free - Sugar Cones, Rolled Style

Good +

Weight: .77 oz. (22 g.) / 4.6 oz. (132 g.) in total box of 12 cones

Calories: 90 calories in 2 cones 

Cost: $4.49 for 1 box of 12 cones

Purchased from: Sprouts Farmers Market, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Waffle Theme Week--a week that has included several waffle ice cream cone items and a few ice creams with chocolate inclusions.

Today is also Halloween. Happy Halloween to all. This holiday is linked traditionally with candy (fun-sized chocolate bars), carved pumpkins, spooky skeletons, bats, witches, ghosts and costumes of all sorts.

Cherry Eclipse Ice Cream

Today's Cherry Eclipse ice cream was manufactured for Nightfood, Inc. (Tarrytown, NY).

This light ice cream was "Cravemonster and sleep expert approved." Despite images of scary cartoon monsters (perfect for Halloween) featured on Nightfood ice cream containers, this product line was formulated for better sleep in mind. 

To earn their "Sleep Friendly" tagline, Nightfood has added certain ingredients (and omitted others). Buried in the long list of ingredients (see below) you'll see a sleep-friendly "Nightfood mineral blend," and prebiotic fiber (and possibly two more recent additions (based on Nightfood website ingredient information): lactase enzyme and vitamin B6). There was no erythritol, artificial sweeteners or gluten in this Kosher, low fat and higher protein, ice cream. Tart cherries (the second ingredient listed) were called out as being melatonin-rich.*

This Cherry Eclipse ice cream had a very light, creamy (silky, velvety, almost foamy) texture, yet retained an authentic dairy milk taste and mouthfeel. The light ice cream had a subtle cherry flavor and color, and contained a smattering of small chocolate-y pieces/flecks.

Disclaimer: After sampling this ice cream, a la carte, I later added a spoonful of single origin chocolate shards for richer, darker authentic cacao flavor and a few roasted walnuts--adding back in a bit of protein and fat, to balance out carbs (sugars and gums). It liked it both ways.

I tasted two monster-adorned Nightfood Nighttime ice cream flavors today--the only two I was able to find in time at my local store: "Cherry Eclipse" (with chocolate chips) and "Pickles for Two" (a chocolate-less flavor).** Other flavors in the Nightfood line-up include "Midnight Chocolate" and "Full Moon Vanilla.") 

Nightfood light ice creams are part of a sleep-friendly snacking trend; because scary things do occur late at night (such as eating a whole pint of ice cream, and then finding it hard to sleep).

Ingredients: Skim milk, tart cherries (tart cherries, water, invert sugar, sugar, corn starch, natural flavor, citric acid, locust bean gum), prebiotic fiber (chicory root), milk protein concentrate, brown rice syrup, choco pieces (confectioner's sugar, coconut oil, cocoa processed with alkali, cocoa, butter oil, soy lecithin, natural flavor), cream, tapioca syrup, glycerin, glycine, Nightfood mineral blend (calcium citrate, magnesium citrate, zinc citrate), tara gum, guar gum, natural flavor, salt, monk fruit extract.

(Note: This ingredient list from the container I purchased varies a bit with latest ingredients listed on the Nightfood website, which can happen as formulas and ingredients are updated, changed, replaced or clarified.)

Allergen-related information: Contains: milk, soy. "Made on shared equipment that also processes Peanuts and Tree nuts."

Sugar Cones

Today's Rolled Style Sugar Cones were imported to the U.S. by Edward and Sons Trading Co., Inc. (Carpinteria, CA).

The lightweight, almost airy, crunchy, gluten free, sugar cones were strong enough to hold ice cream and toasted walnut and dark chocolate pieces (that I added). They came carefully packaged. (None were broken.) Just don't squeeze the cones too hard when they're full of ice cream.

These cones were more flavorful than the bland ice cream receptacles of decades past. Demerara sugar (a light brown, less processed sugar), a pinch of cocoa powder and salt, all contributed to a pleasing flavor. The aroma and taste evoked the ghosts of vanilla and chocolate ice creams, even when the cone was eaten with no ice cream (by itself). Spooky. (There was no vanilla added; I checked.)

I filled these sugar cones with two "scary" monster-adorned Nightfood ice cream flavor(s): "Cherry Eclipse" and "Pickles for Two."**

Ingredients: Potato starch, demerara sugar, tapioca starch, organic expeller-pressed palm oil, potato fiber, cocoa powder, soy lecithin, salt, xanthan gum.

Allergen-related information: Pareve, Non-GMO Project Verified

*Melatonin is a hormone (made in the humane body), that is released (by the pineal gland) at night to  coincide with sleep. Man-made melatonin supplements are thought to help regulate/influence sleep and wake cycles. There are studies that have shown Montmorency/tart cherry juice to be correlated with better and longer sleep. (Note: Nightfood advisors listed on their website included at least three sleep experts.)

**"Pickles for Two" was a Nightfood ice cream flavor with very faint and balanced dill pickle notes. Despite what you're thinking, it was not bad. This flavor was inspired by food and mineral cravings that pregnant women sometimes experience--in this case, for pickles (sodium/salt and small amounts of calcium and potassium) and ice cream (calcium and protein, as well as sugar and fat).

Haagen-Dazs - Heaven Cold Brew Espresso Chip Ice Cream + Coconut Cones - Oct. 30, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Haagen-Dazs 
Heaven Collection - Cold Brew Espresso Chip Light Ice Cream
Good + 
Weight: 1/3 cup (60 g.) / 14 fl. oz. (414 mL) in total container
Calories: 110 calories in 1/3 cup serving (1/2 suggested serving)
Cost: $1.99 for 1 container
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Sprouts Farmers Market
Coconut Cones 
Good ++
Weight: .636 oz. (18 g.) / 5 oz. (144 g.) in total package/box of 8 cones
Calories: 90 calories in 1 cone 
Cost: $3.99 for 1 package of 8 cones
Purchased from: Sprouts Farmers Market, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Waffle Theme Week, including several waffle (ice cream) cone-related chocolates.

Today's Haagen-Dazs* Cold Brew Espresso Chip Light Ice Cream was part of the company's* "Heaven Collection" (with approximately half the fat, and lower calories). 

Typically low-fat or low-calorie ice creams contain extra ingredients, such as one or more vegetable gums. Thankfully this light ice cream flavor did not. (Haagen-Dazs has, historically, offered high-quality ice creams with shorter ingredient lists.)

This espresso ice cream had a creamy texture and relatively subtle roasted coffee and chocolate chip flavors. 

Ingredients: Ultra-filtered skim milk, skim milk, cream, tapioca syrup, cane sugar, chocolate (cane sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, milkfat, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), egg yolks, coconut oil, coffee, Vitamin A palmitate. 

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, egg and soy ingredients" 

Coconut Cones
I paired today's ice cream with some great-tasting, waffle-style ice cream cones. These gluten free and dairy free Coconut Cones were made in Thailand and sold in the U.S. under the Sprouts Farmers Market label.

The cone was large enough to fill with the Haagen-Dazs Coffee Chip ice cream along with (on top of) a layer of toasted walnut pieces, toasted coconut chips + dark chocolate pieces. 

I loved the short ingredient list (see below) for these honeycomb patterned waffle-style cones, as well as the crispy texture and authentic coconut (milk and sugar) taste. For a (gluten-free) ice cream cone, it had surprisingly delicious, rich flavor. 

There were no vegetable gums, stabilizers or other extraneous ingredients. (And thanks to very secure packaging, not one cone was broken.)

Ingredients: Coconut milk (extracted from coconut meat), rice flour, coconut sugar, egg, sea salt.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: tree nuts (coconut), egg."

*Haagen-Dazs was once an independent company. Pillsbury bought Haagen-Dazs back in 1983. Later, in 1999, Pillsbury merged with Nestle. According to a Reuters news story (in 2019), Nestle owns the rights to Haagen-Dazs in the U.S., while General Mills sells the brand "in non-U.S. markets." This ice cream was listed as being distributed by "Nestle Dreyer's Ice Cream Company" in Oakland, California.

Note: For waffle cone fans, Haagen-Dazs also offered (at the time of this write-up) a Strawberry Waffle Cone flavor as part of their Heaven Collection (with "chocolatey cone pieces"). I would have gladly featured this flavor today, the waffle cone pieces contained wheat (this flavor was not gluten-free).

Graeter's - Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream - Aug. 27, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Graeter's Ice Cream Co. 
Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Good +
Weight: 2/3 cup (144 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL) in total container
Calories: 390 calories in 2/3 cup serving
Cost: $8.49 for 1 container
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Cold Chocolate Theme Week, featuring frozen and refrigerated items with chocolate.

Today's Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is from Graeter's Ice Cream Co. (Cincinnati, OH). 

The family-owned company's origins stretch back five generations to 1870. They still use a "French Pot Process" where small batches are made in small, very cold pots (and stirred by hand with a paddle, if the picture on the website is correct).

I have fond childhood memories of eating black raspberry chocolate chip ice cream in the back yard in the summer. So, I may be biased. I really enjoyed this version--made with real black raspberries grown in Oregon's Willamette Valley. (The company cites today's flavor as their "signature" and "most beloved" flavor.)

Tart sweet, dark berry flavor (and lovely dark berry color) harmonized with a sweet creamy base (cream is the first ingredient listed) and dark chocolate chips that were dark enough to create a pleasing, satisfying contrast.

Ingredients: Cream, milk, cane sugar, black raspberry puree, chocolate chips (sugar, chocolate liquor processed with alkali, cocoa butter, expeller-pressed non-GMO soy oil, milk fat, soy lecithin, natural flavors), skim milk, eggs, carob bean gum, guar gum, citric acid.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, egg, and soy." "Gluten Free" and "Star D (dairy) Kosher Certified"

Negranti - Chocolate Sheep Milk Ice Cream - Aug. 24, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Negranti Creamery

Chocolate Sheep Milk Ice Cream

Good +

Weight: 1/2 cup (85 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL) in total container

Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 cup serving  

Cost: $8.99 for 1 container

Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #2 of Cold Chocolate and Theme Week, featuring frozen, and refrigerated items with chocolate--a fitting good-bye to summer in late August.

Today's Chocolate Sheep Milk Ice Cream was hand-crafted by Negranti Creamery (Paso Robles, CA)--a family owned and operated ice cream maker on the Central Coast of California. (Alexis Negranti makes the recipes.)

This sheep milk ice cream had a smooth, rich almost nutty chocolate flavor. 

The number one reason why I liked this, aside from an enjoyable taste: there were no artificial ingredients, preservatives or vegetable gums; and it was gluten-free. Also, this ice cream contained the shortest ingredient list (see below) that I've encountered in the ice cream section, perhaps ever. 

Other benefits the company offered up: "1.) Lactose intolerant friendly, 2.) 45 percent higher in protein than cow's milk ice cream, 3.) Significantly lower in fat than traditional cow's milk ice cream and gelato, 4.) Free from egg, gum, artificial ingredients and preservatives, and 5.) Crafted with fresh, wholesome ingredients, always." 

Ingredients: Sheep milk, cane sugar, cocoa, tapioca starch, vanilla extract.

Allergen-related information: "Made on shared equipment; may contain nuts"

Kind - Coffee Hazelnut plant-based frozen dessert + new-o-politan combo - July 9, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Kind

Coffee Hazelnut Coffee Plant Based Creamy Frozen Dessert

Good +

Weight: 1/3 cup (62.5 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL) in total container

Calories: 145 calories in 1/2 serving

Cost: $7.99 for 1/2 serving

Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Fruit and Flowers Theme Week.

Today's Coffee Hazelnut (with cocoa powder and chocolate flavor) plant-based, frozen dessert was from Kind LLC (NY, NY). 

Made with pear juice, almonds, hazelnut and coconut and other Non-GMO ingredients. The result, from this company that has specialized in fruit and nut snacks, was flavorful and almost surprisingly creamy. 

This frozen dessert was a member of an updated Neopolitan-like ice cream trio...that also included Strawberry Ice Cream from Acme (Petaluma, CA), and Blue Jasmine ice cream from Tin Pot Creamery (San Carlos, CA).

The three scoops were topped with nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds) and single origin dark chocolate shavings.

Kind's Coffee Hazelnut flavor was slightly tart, sweet, with the balanced bitter flavor of coffee + nut (hazelnut). Cocoa (powder, flavoring) and sweet coffee added traces of rich mocha to this smooth, yet relatively bold flavor blend.

Ingredients: Pear juice (from concentrate), water, almonds, sugar dried tapioca syrup, hazelnuts, tapioca syrup, coconut oil, coffee, cocoa powder, gum acacia, sea salt, chocolate natural flavor, soy lecithin, carob bean gum, tara gum, guar gum, pectin, salt, sunflower lecithin. 

Allergen-related information: Contains almonds, hazelnuts and soy.

Homemade Chocolate Ginger Spumoni - Jan. 15, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

California Spumoni desserts
1.) Homemade Chocolate Ginger fudge sauce - Good - Good +
2.) Signature Select Ginger Zinger Trail Mix - Good
Weight: 4 oz. (113.2 g.) in 1 serving (small bowl)
Calories: 226 calories (estimate) for 1 small bowl
Cost: $N/A - various ingredients
Purchased from: Safeway, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week and Day #1 of Chocolate and Ginger Theme Week.

Today's ice cream might be best described as California spumoni ice cream, with cherries (fresh and dried) nuts and chocolate...and with a wake-up zing of spicy ginger.

Authentic spumoni ice cream is often a layered parfait of cherry pinks, pistachio greens and cream-colored chocolate (and possibly vanilla), interspersed with bits of fruits and nuts.

Today's homemade ice cream sundae with Ginger Zinger Trail Mix and chocolate ginger sauce, as well as a homemade frozen parfait could be considered California-style Spumoni deserts.

The latter contained dried cherries, hazelnuts and candied ginger (provided by the same Ginger Zinger Trail Mix + some chopped frozen cherries).

Haagen-Dazs - Belgian Chocolate Vanilla and Blackberry Ice Cream - July 4, 2019

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Haagen-Dazs
Crispy Trio Layers Belgian Chocolate Vanilla and Blackberry Ice Cream
Good +
Weight: 1/3 cup (62 g.) / 14 fl. oz. (414 mL) total container
Calories: 180 calories in 1/3 cup
Cost: $1.99 for 1 container
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Island Nations Theme Week.

Happy 4th of July!—also known as Independence Day in the U.S. It was a great evening to see fireworks, on an island.

To honor the red, white and blue today, an appropriately tri-colored ice cream sundae was created and eaten, starting with Crispy Trio Layers Belgian Chocolate Vanilla and Blackberry Ice cream from Haagen-Dazs (distributed by Nestle Dreyer's Ice Cream Company in Oakland, CA).

This ice cream was topped with fresh blueberries, red raspberries, and a drizzle of Raspberry Aqua Perfecta from St. George's Distillery (based in Alameda, CA, Island #1). It was a great dessert for a backyard, pre-fireworks meal, and it was followed by a chocolate cigar.

Venchi Cuba Chocolate Cigar

Today we also celebrated Independence Day with a Venchi Cuba (Island #2) chocolate and hazelnut cigar, made with cacao from New Guinea (Island #3).

Ben and Jerry's - Coffee, Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz Pint Slices - Sept. 27, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Ben and Jerry's Homemade, Inc. (Unilever)
Coffee, Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz Pint Slices
Good
Weight: 2.86 oz. (81 g.) / 9 fl. oz. (266 mL) in total package of 3
Calories: 280 calories in 1 "slice"
Cost: $ missing information 
Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Ice Cream Theme Week.

Today's Coffee, Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz Pint Slices from Ben and Jerry's Homemade, Inc. (Burlington, VT) were comprised of coffee ice cream and "Espresso Bean Fudge Chunks, covered in a Dark Chocolatey Coating with Cocoa Nibs."

Famous for their pints of ice cream with the famous black and white cow* (and favored by late afternoon and evening snackers), the company's individually-wrapped Pint Slices were the love children of a chocolate-coated ice cream bar and a hand-held ice cream sandwich.

The packaging and concept were laudatory and the flavor combination sounded very appealing. The overall product was OK, but somehow the flavors didn't quite match the potential conjured up in my mind. Maybe this slice was not meant as a breakfast food.**

* The iconic Ben and Jerry's cow was designed by Woody Jackson in 1979.
**I sample chocolates first thing in the morning.