Magnum Mint Ice Cream Bars

[New for 2012, Retired 2014] I have been on a major midday ice cream kick this week. It's a weird kick though. I can sense I want something specific, but when I head to the store, I can't seem to find whatever it is that I truly want. Today's case in point had me at Target at lunch. Whatever I wanted wasn't part of what they had. I was running low on time so I was trying to get myself revved up for some H-D spiced truffle when...

Magnum Mint Ice Cream Bars

mint ice cream dipped in Belgian milk chocolate and caramelized sugar crunch.

MMMMMM Sugar Crunch

the mint Magnums started calling to me again! I keep wanting to try these but I keep putting it off. I always stare at the box but convince myself I already have too many treats at home to try first. Oh how I suffer so (not real suffering mind you). I checked the fat content on the back of the box. Like the other simpler magnum ice cream bars, this one is only 50% of my saturated fat for the day, and technically that's less the a serving of H-D. I guess that's enough of an excuse to pick these up instead.

Shiny and unlabeled as always.

It should be 3.38 fl oz of 

Hey, where's my sugar crunch coating?

I was specifically promised crunchy coating just three sentences ago.

This can't be right can it?

Is it just me or is that shell thinner than usual?

I took a bite and while it's tasty enough, I am by no means blown away. It's well made, but where's the thick lovable chocolate shell? I'm also still looking for my crunchies. Even the ice cream inside seems off. It's a fine middle of the road flavor with a nice aroma, but it's lighter and fluffier than the other bars. There's no crunch, no mint tingle, not even a nice chocolate coating on my taste buds. What is going on here?

Look again at the picture of the box and then compare it to the pathetic coating in my bar. Sure there are enough crunchies to add a little crunch here and there, but zero flavor is added to the treat. This just seems like any old treat, where is the Magnum flair? You get my attention with the green highlighted box and Magnum's respectable track record, and then you deliver a fine treat, but it's not a FINE treat.

Let me put it another way: I wanted another one. It was good enough to make me want another, but it wasn't fantastic enough to be a fulfilling experience like the others. I know I am picking here, but just keep in mind I am comparing this to the other magnum treats. This one is fine if you love mint, this just strikes me as a 6-7 when it should be an 8 or a 9. This is a classic case of setting expectations too high.

On Second Scoop: Reviews like this are tough because it sounds like I'm saying this is a bad treat when it really isn't. All I'm saying was I expected a certain thick-coated experience but found a much more practical product. I did notice the crunch a bit more on the second try, but it's not a crazy Nestle Crunch type crunch. The overall product is good, not great, that's all. Mint lovers will love it, the rest will enjoy, but just don't expect to be wowed, just be happy.

Verdict?  Fine, but not awesome
Buy Again?  Probably not


Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 Bar (77g) Servings Per Container  3
Amount Per Serving
Calories 250	from Fat 140
	% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16g	25%
- Sat Fat 10g	50%
- Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 25mg	8%
Sodium 45mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate 24g	8%
- Dietary Fiber  <1g	4%
- Sugars 23g
Protein 3g
Vitamin A 4%	Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 8%	Iron 8%