Perfect World Sweet Espresso Ice Cream

Another ice cream review today, and this time it's for Perfect World's new Sweet Espresso variety, which is part of their newly revamped range alongside the existing Caramel and Pecan, the new Raspberry Ripple, Pistachio, Mint Choc Chip and Double Choc Chip. All of Perfect World's ice creams are suitable for vegans, gluten and dairy free and sugar free. They're made with a blend of xylitol, stevia and erythritol and contain coconut milk plus nut paste. The range is available from www.ocado.com and some Tesco's (if it isn't stocked locally please do request they sell it).

As well as being free from most allergens this ice cream is also high in 12 vitamins and minerals, and contains only 4.1g natural sugars and 396 calories per tub. Pretty healthy! It's described as a "non dairy coffee flavoured ice cream with espresso concentrate and sweeteners".

Coffee ice cream can be a bit hit and miss I find, in that it's usually too weak in flavour but that certainly wasn't the case here! The flavour is strong and potent and tastes exactly like a sweet espresso. The texture of the ice cream is kind of like a gelato or sorbet, creamy and melt in the mouth but not too heavy. It's pleasant and works well for a coffee ice cream.

Overall, this is another tasty and healthy treat from Perfect World, perfect for vegans or anyone avoiding the sugar, plus it gives you a nice little coffee hit to boot. Recommended!

8 out of 10. 

Ingredients: water, sweeteners (erythritol, xylitol, steviol glycosides), coconut milk, soluble gluco fibre, almonds, cashews, tapioca starch, vegetable glycerine, espresso concentrate, stabilisers (guar gum, carob bean gum, xanthan gum), mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, salt, vitamins (D, E, B1 thiamin, B2 riboflavin, B3 niacin, B5 pantothetic acid, B7 biotin, B12), minerals (chromium, manganese, copper, zinc).

Nutrition Information (per 100ml): 68 Calories, 3.56 Fat, 11.1g Carbohydrates, 0.77g Sugars, 3.83g Fibre, 1.95g Protein.

Perfect World Pistachio Ice Cream

Following my reviews of Perfect World Caramel and Pecan and Raspberry Ripple Ice Creams today's is another from their newly revamped vegan, sugar free and gluten free range in a rather delicious flavour indeed...Pistachio! Containing only 5.2g of natural sugars and 390 calories per tub this also boasts 12 vitamins and minerals too. Not bad for an indulgent treat!

The ice cream is made with a blend of coconut milk, almond, cashew and pistachio nut paste as well as the sweeteners xylitol, erythritol and stevia. Opening the lid, it had a lovely green hue and inviting pistachio aroma. There's little pistachio pieces mixed into the ice cream.

Taste wise it was lovely, a super creamy and inviting pistachio flavour that melted in the mouth beautifully. The crunchy pieces add a nice bit of bite without it being too much. This is most definitely one for pistachio lovers, it's so nutty and moreish! I liked the fact that it's not sickly sweet like some dairy-based ice creams can be.

Overall, this is yet another win from Perfect World, proving that you really don't need dairy or sugar to make a nice icy treat. If you're vegan or avoiding sugar these are a must try...keep an eye out for them on Ocado.com and in Tesco stores! The more requests they get the more likely they are to stock them locally :)

8.5 out of 10.

Ingredients: Water, sweeteners (erythritol, xylitol, stevia), coconut milk, solubo gluco fibre, pistachio paste, almonds, cashews, tapioca starch, vegetable glycerine, pistachio pieces, stabilisers (guar gum, carob bean gum, xanthan gum), mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, natural flavours, natural colours, salt, vitamins (D, E, B1 Thiamin, B2 Riboflavin, B3 Niacin, B5 pantothetic acid, B7 biotin, B12), minerals (chromium, manganese, copper, zinc). 

Nutrition Information (per 100ml): 78 Calories, 4.45g Fat, 11.1g Carbohydrates, 0.92g Sugars, 3.93g Fibre, 2.16g Protein.

More info: http://www.perfectworldicecream.co.uk/

Perfect World Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream

After reviewing the delicious Perfect World Caramel Pecan Ice Cream yesterday I thought I'd follow it up with another one of my favourites from their newly revamped range - Raspberry Ripple. If you've never heard of Perfect World before they are a company making vegan, dairy free, gluten free and sugar free ice creams that are available from ocado.com and Tesco. They contain 12 vitamins and minerals per tub and this particular flavour has 334 calories and only 5.4g of natural sugars. Pretty good going for an indulgent dessert!

Unlike some vegan and dairy free ice creams I like the fact this doesn't contain soya and thickeners like carageenan, as those can be allergenic in themselves (I'm personally sensitive to carageenan). The sweeteners used instead of sugar are tooth-friendly xylitol, erythritol and stevia which are derived from natural sources.

Removing the lid, the ice cream had a lovely pink swirled effect from the raspberry sauce and looked very inviting indeed.

I really loved the taste of this one - the raspberry sauce is zingy and refreshing and blends well with the plain ice cream section. The main problem was there was just too much of the plain part...I wanted more raspberry! Still it was nice to have the contrast of the two. The melt was perfect and the texture just right - a cross between sorbet and a whipped ice cream. It's very creamy and makes for a lovely sweet dessert that isn't overpowering or sickly.

Overall, this is another win from Perfect World, and most certainly a flavour I would buy in shops! I do hope this range becomes widely available from the larger supermarket chains because it's ideal for anyone with allergies or who is avoiding sugar.

8 out of 10.

Ingredients: Water, sweeteners (erythritol, xylitol, steviol glycosides), coconut milk, soluble gluco fibre, raspberry puree, almonds, cashews, concentrtaed raspberry juice, tapioca starch, vegetable glycerine, stabilisers (guar gum, carob bean gum, xanthan gum), mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, natural flavours, salt, vitamins (D, E, B2 riboflavin, B3 niacin, B5 pantothetic acid, B7 biotin, B12), minerals (chromium, manganese, copper, zinc).

Nutrition Information (per 100ml): 67 Calories, 3.29g Fat, 11.8g Carbohydrates, 0.95g Sugars, 4.06g Fibre, 1.8g Protein. 

More info: http://www.perfectworldicecream.co.uk/

Perfect World Caramel Pecan Ice Cream

Today's review (and upcoming reviews) are specially thanks to the makers of Perfect World ice creams, a company specializing in vegan, sugar and gluten free ice creams that are suitable for pretty much any dietary needs. I first reviewed the brand a few years ago with the Taste Of Carrot Cake Ice Cream, and since then they have totally revamped their range, removing egg from the ingredients and adding new flavours such as Raspberry Ripple, Mint Choc Chip, Sweet Espresso, Pistachio, Double Chocolate Chip and this...the delightful Caramel Pecan!

With only 4.7g of natural sugars and 423 calories in a tub, this ice cream is completely vegan and dairy free and made with a mixture of coconut milk, cashew nuts, vegetable fibre and the sweeteners xylitol, erythritol and stevia. It's also high in 12 vitamins and minerals, making it a truly healthy ice cream indeed! As impressive as all that is though it would mean nothing if it didn't taste good...so does it?

I would shout this out loud if I could...but that's a resounding YES! This ice cream is bloody amazing! I started with the Caramel Pecan because it was hands down my favourite of the range (which isn't to say the others aren't great too) and I would urge anyone who is vegan or avoiding dairy/sugar to seek out a tub immediately - you won't regret it!

The melt of the ice cream is great, it's lighter than luxury ice creams which is to be expected, and is somewhere between a sorbet and whipped ice cream. It's super creamy and has a delicious authentic caramel flavour. I honestly couldn't tell it didn't have real sugar in, because it allowed the toasty flavour of the pecans to shine, without overpowering them. It was so, so moreish! I must admit that I got a bit greedy and nearly ate the whole tub...probably because I have missed out on ice cream like this for ages!

If you're vegan, avoiding dairy or just avoiding sugar, then this is the icecream for you! Seriously, you can't find anything better currently in UK supermarkets in my opinion.

9 out of 10. 

Available from Ocado.com and Tesco.

More info: http://www.perfectworldicecream.co.uk/

Ingredients: Water, Sweeteners (Erythritol, Xylitol, Steviol Glycosides), Coconut Milk, Soluble Gluco Fibre, Almonds, Cashews, Pecans, Tapioca Starch, Vegetable Glycerine, Stabilisers (Guar Gum, Carob Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum), Mono and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Natural Flavours, Natural Colours, Salt, Vitamins (D, E, B1 Thiamine, B2 Riboflavin, B3 Niacin, B5 Pantothenic Acid, B7 Biotin, B12), Minerals (Chromium, Manganese, Copper, Zinc).

Suitable for Vegans; No Added Sugar.

Nutrition (per 100ml): 85 Calories, 5.23g Fat, 11.1g Carbohydrates, 0.83g Sugars, 4.03g Fibre, 2.1g Protein.

Co Op Rainbow Unicones & Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream! (Spotted In Shops)

Today's Spotted In Shops post is a bit late, but a heads up to anyone with a Co Op nearby...they are now selling Unicorn themed ice creams called...Rainbow Uni-Cones! Yep, they've jumped on the magical unicorn highway and have created these Ice Creams complete with vanilla and raspberry ice cream, sprinkles and bizarrely, black waffle cones. Maybe to highlight the filling? Who knows!

Going further to the Dark Side, they've also created these "Twice as Ice!" Double Chocolate Waffle Cones. I can't say they appeal to me, as much as like all things chocolatey.

In fruitier ice creams, they're also doing these cool-looking Pineapple Lollies. Sounds tasty!

They're also doing this lovely sounding Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream, complete with almond flavour ice cream, cherry sauce and digestive biscuit. Yum!

Plus a Coconut & Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream, complete with butter enriched coconut biscuit and a truffle centre.

As well as this lovely British Strawberry & Clotted Cream Ice Cream, rippled with strawberry compote and hidden pieces of scone!

In alcoholic treats, they're doing Peach Bellini Ice Popsicles. Not for anyone under 18 as they contain real alcohol! Suitable for vegetarians.

They're also doing these special limited edition, hand cooked Gourmet Burger Crinkle Cut Crisps. What makes them gourmet, I hear you ask? Well it's the Aberdeen Angus beef, Monterary Jack cheese and Dill Pickle of course! These do sound yummy I have to say...sadly they're not vegetarian for anyone who may be wondering.

Last but not least, they're doing this fab sounding Triple Chocolate Cookie Pudding, with chocolate cookie dough, white and milk chocolate chunks and chocolate sauce. Sounds like sugar heaven!

Well, that's all for today's Spotted In Shops! If you've tried any of these Co Op treats do let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Montezuma's Milk Chocolate with Coffee & Cocoa Nibs

Today it's my third and final review from the new Festival 2018 Range from Montezuma's, which have been created to celebrate their 18th birthday. Check out my reviews of their Milk Chocolate and Chai Latte plus the Dark Chocolate with Rose & Vanilla bars.

I've saved the best (in my opinion) for last with today's review...who doesn't love a good old coffee and chocolate combo? Well, granted not everyone but it certainly rates highly in my books. Today's bar consists of 35% milk chocolate with 3% coffee and 2% cocoa nibs added. Maybe not enough caffeine to give you the shakes, but still enough to make a delicious bar.

I'll not bore you with my thoughts on the block design or the packaging today (I love both, FYI) and get right onto the taste.

Of all the various coffee flavoured chocolates I've tried over the years, from milk, to white to dark chocolate, this is perhaps the best I've tasted! It hits the right balance of creamy, flavoursome milk chocolate, rich coffee flavour that is strong enough but not too overpowering or bitter, and a nice crunchy texture from the cacao nibs. I'm pleased they didn't use coffee bean pieces and opted for cacao nibs instead, since coffee beans can taste too bitter and often spoil whatever they're added to. All three elements are executed perfectly here, and kept me coming back for another square (or two!) after I had finished my last. A very moreish and addictive bar indeed!

Overall, if you're a java lover this is definitely a bar for you. It's indulgent, creamy and will give you a nice coffee boost. Although I'd still recommend pairing it with a fresh espresso to make it a super special experience!

8.5 out of 10. 

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate 95% (Sugar, Whole Milk Powder, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Paste, Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin & Vanilla), Coffee 3% (Contains Caffeine) & Cocoa Nibs 2%.

For more info and to buy: https://www.montezumas.co.uk/bars-c1/festival-2018-bars-c74

Montezuma's Dark Chocolate with Rose & Vanilla Bar

Following on from my review of the Montezuma's Chai Latte Milk Chocolate, today's bar from their Festival Range is one that's suitable for vegans and is dairy free, it's Dark Chocolate with added Rose Oil and Vanilla flavouring. Having tried rose flavoured chocolates before I went into tasting this with great hesitation...would it be nice or awful?!

The Festival Range of bars from Montezuma's have been launched to celebrate their 18th birthday, because they're going to their first festival now they're 18. The colourfully packaged bars are specially designed to help them party and were inspired by Holi, the Hindu festival which signifies the arrival of spring and has become known as the happiest festival on earth.

Opening the wrapper, the bar has the classic Montezuma's style of a section of breakable blocks with a thicker piece with the Montezuma's logo on below. I do like the design - it means you can have a chunkier piece of chocolate or smaller pieces if you fancy.

The chocolate certainly had a faint smell of rose, which didn't really excite me to be honest. Don't get me wrong I don't mind rose flavour when it's in turkish delight, but with chocolate I have rarely enjoyed it.

I took a bite. I was hit by the flowery rose taste right away, followed by the more intense dark chocolate. And quite honestly I didn't enjoy it. It's just too much when paired together, and really not the sort of thing my tastebuds enjoy. The vanilla flavouring does tone down the overpowering nature of the rose somewhat, making it more palatable, but I still found it hard to eat.

Overall, I'm going to say this is one of those "love it or hate it" marmite bars; if you like rose or floral flavourings it might be right up your street. But it's really not my thing. On the plus side, the dark chocolate is good quality, as it always is from Montezuma's.

For more info and to buy: https://www.montezumas.co.uk/bars-c1/festival-2018-bars-c74

6 out of 10. 

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate 99% (Sugar, Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier:Soya Lecithin & natural Flavouring: Vanilla), Vanilla & Natural Flavourings: Rose Oil.

Gluten free, may contain traces of nuts and dairy.