Trader Joe's Ice Cream Review: Dulce De Leche vs. Coffee Bean Blast

Today, Kevin and I are sampling two ice creams from Trader Joe's: Dolce De Leche and Coffee Bean Blast. These two offerings come in different sizes and price points. The Dolce De Leche is a full pint (16 oz) priced at $3.79, while the Coffee Bean Blast is a quart and costs $4.49. Let's dive into the taste and texture of each.

We'll start with the Dolce De Leche ice cream, which is caramel-flavored with a smooth milk caramel swirl. Trader Joe's describes it as rich, creamy, and captivatingly caramelly. Each pint contains three servings (2/3 cup, 123g) at 300 calories per serving, totaling 910 calories for the entire pint.

Upon opening, the ice cream was soft and easy to scoop, even straight from the freezer. The texture is smooth and creamy, almost custard-like, which makes it very indulgent. The caramel flavor is pronounced with a subtle hint of salt, enhancing its overall taste. Despite lacking any add-ins like toffee bits or nuts, the creaminess alone is delightful and keeps you coming back for more.

Next, we have the Coffee Bean Blast, a super premium ice cream. Kevin noted that it is a quart and contains six servings (2/3 cup, 320 calories each), totaling approximately 1,920 calories for the entire quart. This ice cream had a firmer texture and needed about 10 minutes out of the freezer before scooping.

The flavor is intensely strong, reminiscent of black coffee. While it is somewhat sweet, it has a significant bitterness, comparable to an exceptionally strong espresso. This ice cream is perfect for those who enjoy robust black coffee or munching on espresso beans. Although it had a slight freezer burn on top, it didn't detract from the powerful coffee flavor. 

For caramel lovers, the Dolce De Leche ice cream is a must-try. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a standout among Trader Joe's offerings. However, if you're a fan of strong coffee, the Coffee Bean Blast will not disappoint. Its bold taste makes it a unique and satisfying choice for coffee aficionados.