Walmart Sea Salt Caramel Truffle ice cream

[By Nick, New for 2014] After my less than stellar experience with Ben & Jerry's Salted Caramel Core, I was ready to swear off all salted caramel treats for the rest of the year. However, while wandering through the abyss of Wal-Mart, I noticed that they had a new Sea Salt Caramel Truffle ice cream. I've never had their ice cream before but I knew I had to be the one to review it and document the end of an era. I mean when Wal-Mart catches on to a trend, which must mean it's about run its course. We can only hope that red velvet will be next.

Wal-Mart doesn’t do a great job with descriptions. The container just says "with sea salt caramel swirl and truffle candy pieces". Based on the color, I’m just going to go with the obvious guess and say it’s some sort of a caramel base.

Removing the lid, I like what I see. There’s a good amount of truffles on the top layer and I can see the sea salt caramel swirl easily. I don’t notice any difference when scooping this one out into my bowl than any other mainstream ice cream. Wal-Mart seems to be off to a good start so far.

Well look at that, I have all three components on my spoon. I’d say it’s time to take my first bite! Whoa, I was not expecting that. I taste three distant caramel flavors all from that one bite. My taste buds weren't ready for that at all. Let's dissect this one individually. The base has a strong buttery vibe going on with a caramel finish. It sort of reminds me of a butter pecan base just with an added bit of caramel?

The truffles are more on the sweeter side. They're more reminiscent of a traditional caramel and not much different from other caramel truffles that you've had. While the picture doesn't do them justice, the caramel truffles are high quality. It's nice to see that Wal-Mart isn't skimping on them.

Lastly, the swirl adds an intense salted caramel profile. Not strong like Ben & Jerry's but enough to enhance the other two caramel flavors. I can't believe I'm going to say this but when taken all together, you get one of the better salted caramel flavors I've had.

Of course, not all things are perfect. This is Wal-Mart and the ice cream obviously isn't the highest of quality. It’s not bad by any means but there is room for improvement with the creaminess of the ice cream. Also, the swirl isn’t quite as abundant as I’d like. The saltiness from it is what ties all of the caramel flavors together so bites without it don’t feel complete. However, I did spot that their new premium Sam’s Choice line has a salted caramel truffle flavor as well. With the swirls I’ve seen in that ice cream and the improved quality, that one has high potential for becoming my favorite salted caramel flavor.

All that said, this one is still a very solid offering and one of the best mainstream salted caramel flavors on the market. I’d be half-tempted to pick it up over some of the more premium options. It also makes me want to try out more of Walmart’s ice cream flavors.

Verdict?  So close to caramel nirvana
Buy Again?  I would but after I try the Sam’s Choice Version