Ben & Jerry's Karamel Sutra Core Ice Cream

[By Nick] Oh hey there, Karamel Sutra Core. How have you been? Is that a new pint design you're sporting? It does look good on you. I know I've passed you up countless times in the past for more exciting flavors. I'm very sorry and I'm here to change all of that. You see, with the impending arrival of your 4 new core team members "that's my jam", "salted caramel" (Nick's review here), "peanut butter fudge" (Dubba's review here), and "hazed & confused" (Dubba's review here), I thought it would be best to get to know the original core flavor. Sure you were a part of another core team in 2002 but you were the lone survivor and that has to mean something.

Ben & Jerry's Karamel Sutra Core

Chocolate & Caramel Ice Creams with Fudge Chips & a Soft Caramel Core

I think the reason I've passed on you so many times is your composition. Let's just say it isn't all that appealing to me. Both of the bases have been subpar in other flavors and those fudge chips do get old after trying the majority of Ben & Jerry's line. You do have an x-factor with that caramel core of yours though. I absolutely enjoy the caramel used in other flavors so you might have that extra something-something to keep me interested. Enough with the small talk, your meeting with my taste buds has been put off long enough.

You know, Karamel Sutra, first impressions mean everything and things aren’t off to a good start. You boast about having a caramel core but it looks as if you’re all talk. There’s some rogue caramel towards the side, but other than that, all I see is a bunch of caramel ice cream with just a bit of chocolate peeking out. At least the lack of chocolate is something you have going for yourself.

Eh, I called this one from the start. While sporting the texture and mouth feel of a super-premium ice cream, your dual bases lack any real depth of flavor. The chocolate base tastes flat and doesn't have any rich qualities to it. Thankfully there are the chocolate chunks located throughout it. While nothing spectacular, they give a fuller chocolate flavor profile. Sadly, your caramel base has no redeemable qualities. Let's be honest Karamel Sutra, your caramel base is just a glorified vanilla. There's no way anyone could identify it as being caramel flavored. Unlike the chocolate base, there’s no mix-ins to distract me from its plain qualities. I’m not saying it’s terrible; it just needs a name change.

All of this can be forgiven though. Your core is what truly makes you special. While not present in the beginning, the caramel quickly comes out in full force. Simply put, it’s perfect. Sweet buttery gooey perfection, to be exact. Your core makes up for all the faults of the other components that come in your package. If you want my honest opinion, I’d say pull a Beyonce and ditch those talentless hacks. No one would ever pass you over again if you were just a solo act. Think about it kid, you know they’re just holding you back. With your 4 new siblings on their way, you don’t want to get forgotten now do you?

Verdict?  Ben & Jerry’s needs to make their own line of toppings.
Buy Again?  Just for the core.

Dubba's Scoop: Just wanted to chime in and say that Nick's description of the caramel ice cream is dead on. It's got that quality B&J texture, but the flavor is crazy mild. The chocolate chips definitely help the chocolate base and I think the best spoonfuls are probably when you specifically scoop just the right combination of all four ingredients to give yourself a fairly unique taste.