The Quest for the Perfect Ice Cream Sandwich
In our ongoing Taste Test series, the BA editors are on a mission to uncover the finest supermarket staples. Today, we delve into the realm of ice cream sandwiches to determine which one reigns supreme in terms of satisfaction. Brace yourself for a delightful journey that will leave your taste buds longing for more.
The Battle of the Ice Cream Sandwiches
Let’s address the first misconception: a chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich is not your run-of-the-mill frozen treat. In the United States, two distinct styles of ice cream sandwiches vie for your affection. You have the traditional variety, where rectangular slabs of ice cream are cradled between soft and sometimes mushy chocolate cookies. However, our test kitchen holds a different preference – the irresistible combination of vanilla ice cream nestled between two chewy chocolate chip cookies. These nostalgic treats, laden with chocolate chip goodness, take the ice cream sandwich experience to a whole new level. They are the stuff of summertime traditions, and selecting the most delectable option is of utmost importance.
The Qualities of a Perfect Ice Cream Sandwich
When it comes to a competitive taste test like this, our expectations are high. First and foremost, the cookies forming the top and bottom layers must be soft. If they’re not, the ice cream will ooze out from the sides, rendering it impossible to enjoy. Additionally, these cookies should possess a standalone allure, boasting that toasty, sweet, and soul-affirming flavor reminiscent of homemade treats. A delicate balance of richness and salt is essential to complement the sweetness of the ice cream. Lastly, the ice cream itself should possess a luscious, custardy texture without excessive aeration (a common technique used to increase volume and profit margins) and a pronounced hint of vanilla. It may seem like a tall order, but when all these elements align, each bite of a cookie ice cream sandwich becomes a magical taste of summer.
The Ultimate Showdown: Blind Taste Test Results
In our relentless pursuit of the perfect ice cream sandwich, we subjected six popular chocolate chip cookie varieties to a rigorous blind taste test. Texture, chewiness, and overall deliciousness were the criteria on which these frozen treats were assessed. The competition was fierce, and our tasting debates reached scorching levels. Some tasters swore they could identify the beloved brand Chipwich by taste alone, only to receive a devastating reality check when the final reveal blindsided them. Others were divided on the optimal level of sweetness for the cookies. To shed light on the intricacies of each ingredient list, we sought the expertise of Shilpa Uskokovic – our resident ice cream sandwich connoisseur and food editor extraordinaire. Continue reading to discover the most exceptional ice cream sandwich that emerged triumphant.
The Unexpected Twist: Nestlé Toll House Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich
Ingredients: Chocolate chip cookies (enriched bleached wheat flour [wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid], sugar, chocolate chips [sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat, soy lecithin, natural flavor], margarine [canola oil, water, modified palm and palm kernel oils, salt, monoglycerides, sodium benzoate, citric acid, annatto color, turmeric color, natural flavor, vitamin a palmitate, vitamin d3], corn syrup, molasses, natural flavor, eggs, baking soda, salt, ammonium bicarbonate, salt), dairy product solids, skim milk, sugar, corn syrup, cream, coconut oil, maltodextrin, propylene glycol monostearate, cellulose gel, guar gum, monoglycerides, carob bean gum, cellulose gum, natural flavor.
As we analyzed the Nestlé Toll House Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich, Shilpa, who has even developed her own chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich recipe for Bon Appétit, noticed an array of gums and stabilizers. These components could potentially lead to ice cream that feels overly gummy or airy, losing the essence of true dairy goodness. “The additional water content,” she explained, “may have contributed to a cakier cookie.” The presence of margarine, with its citric acid and vaguely labeled “natural flavors,” might explain the surprising notes of cinnamon detected by some of our discerning tasters.
Undeterred by the tough competition, Nestlé Toll House delivers a unique twist on the classic ice cream sandwich, ensuring an unforgettable taste experience.
For more delectable frozen treats, check out Ice Cream – the ultimate destination for all things ice cream.
