Oh I can't wait to second scoop this one.
I take my first bite and then a few more. Not sure what to make of it at first. I take a few more bites, and I am hooked! Oh yeah, wow, this is well done, well done indeed! Talenti has taken a fairly common idea and really spun it in a special way.
The base gelato is nice, it almost feels like a frozen milkshake. I know that probably sounds partially redundant, but if you take your time with each bite, the scoop of gelato will start to melt in your mouth and gives a really nice (but mild) milkshake vibe. I don't want to overstate it too much, and I definitely don't want you to think this is some melted mess of double churned ice cream either.
The caramel swirl? I wasn't sure what to think with my first few bites, I thought it might be too strong, but I was quickly roped in by a caramel that fit perfectly into the mix. Flavorful, but not to sweet. I did a taste test on a spot where the caramel had pooled a bit and it's really nice. Definitely no artificial vibe here.
Completing the mix are the crunchy bits. As you can see, most of them are tiny (the biggest one being in the top of the picture above). I wouldn't mind more of them, but at the same time, I really don't want them on the large size. I think it would distract too much from the overall smooth creation that is in front of me.
Honest opinion? I had trouble stopping on this one. I got about 1/3 down in the container before putting it away. I easily could have plopped down in the recliner and polished the whole pint off. I will admit to noticing something just a smidge off at first. I didnt know if the gelato had just a hint of a woodsy flavor too it, you know the old stick flavor that you might find in a fruit sorbet. Nothing awful, just a mild hint of something I couldn't quite place my spoon on... well, I checked the ingredient list and sure enough this flavor actually has a bit of sunflower oil in it. How's that for being different? Talenti is always trying to spice things up and this is no exception.
One more possibly unrelated thought: The aftertaste, while pleasant, almost seemed a little dry. Not parched, just, iunno, like I needed a sip of water.
On Second Scoop: Mmmmm, even better on the second try. This is easily one of my favorites of the last few months, it's just that good. The first few bites got the caramel flavor going and there was a bit of a subdued gritty texture to the whole thing. Maybe you are suppose to let gelato sit for a minute because a few scoops later and we quickly got back to that lovely partially melting texture that won me over the other day. Maybe it's the homage to cookies n' cream, maybe it's the well crafted caramel, but I really like this one and it's so very hard to stop eating it. Nice job Talenti.
Pint shot from the original review (circa 2010 design, notice the top has a sticker on it)
2014 nutrition facts and ingredients
(still one of my favorite Talenti flavors)
I just saw this yesterday and mentally drooled over it. The 8 other pints in my freezer prevented me from picking it up, but I have it on my to buy list. Nice to know it's liked by someone else. I did try their vanilla bean version, but found it too custardy for my taste. I'm not a huge fan of too many egg yolks in ice cream. I'll give them another go though.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this stuff. I also like that the container is reusable
ReplyDeleteThat stuff looks completely awesome. I need to try and find some, not for review (since no caffeine) but just to cure my hunger....mmmmmm
ReplyDeleteThis is my new favorite, and a big departure from my normal Breyer's, Haagen Dazs, B&J tendencies. I, too, appreciate the reusable container. And I can often get it for $3.49 at Fred Meyer's.
ReplyDeleteThis use to be in piggly wiggly in camden sc but its not there anymore where else could i get this ?
ReplyDeletedont give up, just try to find more grocery stores to visit, one of them has to have it!
DeleteI just got home from my local grocery store, which now carries the Talenti brand. I can't wait to try this flavor--if it's even half as tasty as your review makes it sound, I'll be pleased.
ReplyDeleteIt's only $3.50 in Crest Markets in Oklahoma City,
ReplyDeleteI will have to check this out. Thanks.
DeleteI tried this today. It just tasted like vanilla. Very bland.
ReplyDeleteIt depends which one you get. Sometimes they have a lot of crunch and caramel. Look on the outside of it before you get it. I recommend you trying it again. You must of not gotten a very good one.
DeleteThis is my first flavor with Talenti. IMHO the cream has a gritty texture, reminds me of when powder doesn't dissolve into liquid. The little chocolate pieces are my favorite, they literally melt in your mouth. Aside from the texture this stuff is pretty good, I'll definitely give the other flavors a try!
ReplyDeleteI always get this ice cream. I've had it grainy before too, but it's not always grainy. Most of the time it's not grainy. Sometimes the store buys a bad batch. I recommend trying a not grainy version of this stuff. It's a lot better!
Delete@Anon: doh, you are the second person this week to have gotten a gritty pint. If you want, check the bottom of the pint for a date to make sure you grab the freshest one!
ReplyDelete@Anon: I agree with Dubba, Talenti doesn't tend to have as high of a turn over as the more well known brads so its possible you got a bad pint. Be sure to look out for their new branding as well to ensure you have a fresher pint. Also depending on how cold your freezer is, you might want to let the gelato temper for a few minutes before digging in.
ReplyDeleteSoooooo good I'm eating it NOW.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I'm sitting on a grainy pint of Talenti Southern Butter Pecan. I came to the internet to see if it's supposed to be this way - and found this review. I'm not sure I'll go back to the brand even if I have a good chance of finding a pint that isn't grainy though. At these prices, you should never have to fun that risk.
ReplyDelete@Anon: When stores overprice a brand like Talenti, it can sit too long in the freezer. I wouldnt give up on Talenti, but either try a new store or at least check the dates on the bottom of the containers
ReplyDeleteI bought 3 different pints of Talenti Gelato because of rave reviews. I don't care for the
ReplyDeletetaste or texture of the vanilla, strawberry or tiramisu flavors. There is powdered milk taste and it resembles sherbet
more than creamy ice cream. The aftertaste is even worse.
I lived in Italy for a year and loved the gelato there. This does not resemble Italian gelato in
my opinion. Sadly, I'm throwing the stuff out.
Guess I bought some very expensive screw
top jars!
@dvikib: ummm, were they on sale at least? doesn't sound like it ($4 on the low end, $6 on the high end). Sorry you didnt enjoy them. All I can say is (I mean this nicely, not sarcastically) that when trying a new brand, pick just one pint that seems really up your alley. If it's a huge miss, dont bother with another. If it's close, then pick up another pint of something that also sounds good. I wasn't a huge talenti fan at first, but I dug the difference enough to try a few more until I settled in. Maybe try a store brand gelato from like hannaford / food lion or price chopper? good luck!
ReplyDeleteI just got done eating 1/3 of a southern butter pecan pint and was so disappointed. I tried the salted caramel and it divine and creamy but the southern butter pecan was very grainy. Not in a good way. So sad
ReplyDeleteJust tried Caramel Cookie and it is grainy. Why oh why? I was so looking forward to enjoying you! Sad in Tx
ReplyDeleteDon't have all the flavors here but I've tried the Caramel Cookie Crunch and it's great. Love the chocolate chip cookie dough and the sea salt caramel is delicious but not enough of the chocolate truffles are in it and they make it pop! Would love to try Tiramisu and fudge brownie but no one carries it around here. Be careful when buying it at food Lion because they have a Knock off brand that looks just like Talenti.
ReplyDelete