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 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!

Cadbury Dream Ice Creams - back for Summer! (UK)

If you've sorely missed Cadbury Dream White Chocolate since it was withdrawn from UK shelves many years ago, fear not, it's going to be back for Summer, albeit in a colder form - yes, ice cream! Dream Ice Creams have been in shops sporadically for several years now (including a Strawberry variety that was exclusive to Farmfoods) but finally they're getting an official release just for the Summer, yay! It will be sold in major supermarkets in packs of three, and impulse sticks will cost £1.80 from convenience stores.

Maybe Cadbury are testing the waters to see how popular they are...who knows, maybe the proper Cadbury Dream bar may be resurrected if sales are good!

You can already find Cadbury Dream ice creams in Fultons Foods, a Northern based frozen food store if you're lucky enough to live near one (there's a store finder in the link above). I'm not sure if they sell imports or the official UK version, but here's some I spotted in there recently:

Have you tried Cadbury Dream Ice Creams before? Have you seen them in Jack Fultons? Let me know in the comments!

New M&S Ice Creams! (Spotted In Shops)

Yet another ice cream-filled Spotted In Shops today...this time featuring not just any ice creams, but new M&S ice creams!

First up - a new Rhubarb & Custard flavour, made with West Country milk and cream. Sounds fab!

Blackcurrant Cheesecake:

Next, an uncommon flavour - Blackcurrant Cheesecake. This one is made with mascarpone and biscuit ice cream made from West Country milk and cream, with blackcurrant sorbet on the side.

Raspberry Pavlova:

With Scottish Raspberry and mini meringue ice cream and a hidden centre of clotted cream ice cream, both made from West Country milk and cream.

Chocolate & Caramel Sundae:

Made with Belgian chocolate and vanilla choc chip ice creams made from West Country milk and cream, with a sea salt caramel sauce.

Dessert Menu Raspberry & Belgian White Chocolate Ice Creams:

Moving onto stick ice creams, these raspberry ice creams dipped in white chocolate sound delightful!

Dessert Menu Blood Orange & Belgium Milk Chocolate Ice Creams:

I don't know why M&S have called these Belgium Milk Chocolate rather than Belgian, but with blood orange flavour ice cream dipped in milk chocolate they sure sound tasty!

Dessert Menu Alphonso Mango & Heritage Raspberry Semidreddo Celebration Cake:

Wow, what a wordy title! This Semifreddo ice cream cake sure does sound pretty special!

Well, that's all for today...seems like all the supermarkets are gearing up for Summer with their latest new ice cream releases! Stay tuned for more Spotted In Shops including an Easter Special soon...

Haagen Dazs Speculoos Sticks & Maltesers Ice Creams

Looks like I'm going to have to do yet another Spotted In Shops...Tesco have only gone and brought a whole raft of cool new products to their stores recently! Without further ado lets crack on and take a look...today I'm going to focus just on the ice creams, which is fitting for this cold spell we're having!

First up - Haagen Dazs Speculoos "Caramel Biscuit & Cream" White Chocolate Ice Cream sticks! Now I've tried a few varieties of Haagen Dazs sticks already from Mango & Raspberry to Salted Caramel, but this one sounds like possibly the best yet! Available at Tesco.

Maltesers Ice Cream Tub:

Maltesers are in everything these days, from cookies, to spreads and hot chcoolate, so it's no surprise to find them in ice cream too. Rejoice, Malt lovers! Available at Tesco.

Maltesers Ice Cream Sticks:

There's also these sticks, which I am sure aren't really new but have possibly been revamped. Anyone know? Available at Tesco.

Smarties Fun Sticks:

Nestle brought out Smarties Ice Cream Tubs last year but this year it's the turn of sticks. And these Ice Creams containing mini Smarties with a chocolate top sure do look fun! Available at Tesco.

Haagen Dazs Coconut Collection:

Not content with all their other new ice creams, Haagen Dazs have also brought out this new Coconut Collection, featuring mini tubs of various flavours paired with coconut. This sounds heavenly! Available at Tesco.

Haagen Dazs Caramel Collection:

Not really "new" but I'm including this selection because it sounds so yummy! Contains mini tubs of Haagen Dazs' ice creams featuring caramel, including the Speculoos tub! Available at Tesco.

Haagen Dazs Chocolate Collection:

Also not strictly new, but this collection sounds pretty tasty too! One for the chocolate ice cream lovers, including an almond and chocolate variety that isn't available in larger tubs.

Halo Top Sea Salt Caramel:

Halo Top are low fat and calorie ice creams with a lower sugar content, containing the sweetener stevia. They seem to be super popular amongst the health conscious, and luckily at the moment they're on special offer for £3.50 at Tesco!

Breyers High Protein Vanilla Caramel Ice Cream Bars:

Also one for the health conscious are these low sugar, high protein Breyers Ice Cream Bars. Available from Tesco.

Swedish Glace Soft Caramel Toffee Cones:

A vegan, dairy free and gluten free ice cream cone from Swedish Glace - hurrah! These sound lovely. Available at Tesco.

Swedish Glace Smooth Vanilla with Strawberry Sauce Cones:

Also in this fruity variety, available from Tesco.

Peppa Pig Ice Lollies:

A new one for the kiddies...or big kids! Available at Tesco.

Paw Patrol Ice Cream Lollies:

Another one for the kiddies, these Paw Patrol lollies come in a funky paw shape in chocolate and vanilla flavour. Available at Tesco.

Walls Mini Calippo Combo Lollies:

Made with a mix of fruit juice and milk (which sounds wrong to me!) there's these new Calippo Combo lollies in Strawberry & Vanilla. Available at Tesco.

Tesco Bubblegum Lollies:

Catching up with Iceland, Tesco are now doing their own bubblegum flavour ice lollies.

Tesco Milk Bottle Lollies:

Plus these cola and strawberry flavour lollies dipped in a milky ice coating.

Tesco Finest Creamy Coconut Lollies:

There's also these vegan and dairy free coconut lollies, made with coconut water and coconut milk. Refreshing!

Ms Mollys Fizzy Pop Ice Lollies:

I don't know who "Ms Molly" is, but she's exclusive to Tesco apparently! (that sounds so wrong) These come in cherryade, lemonade and cola flavours.

Tesco Finest Lime and Mint with Jamaican Rum:

A unique Caribbean themed ice cream from Tesco here, this sounds rather nice indeed!

Tesco Finest White Chocolate & Mint Ice Cream:

Featuring belgian white chocolate and dark chocolate mint flavour pieces, this sounds delightful.

Tesco Finest Strawberry, Raspberry & Rhubarb Ice Cream:

One for fans of fruitier ice creams, this sounds like a nice mixture of tart and creamy flavours.

Tesco Finest Salted Caramel & Butterscotch Ice Cream:

With sea salted caramel ripple sauce and butterscotch pieces, this sounds like a real treat.

Tesco Finest Dark Chocolate Ice Cream:

One for fans of richer ice cream, this dark chocolate tub aso contains milk chocolate truffle pieces.

Tesco Finest Caffe Latte & Cinnamon Biscuit Ice Cream:

Last but not least, a caffeine infused ice cream with Colombian coffee and cinnamon biscuit (aka Speculoos!) Yum!

That's all for today's Spotted In Shops - all of these products are new in at Tesco, and if you can't find them locally I would suggest ordering online! As always, if you've tried any of these do let me know in the comments!