Plus, runners-up that tasted almost as good and cost a fraction of the price
![SS June 2013 Cover]( "SS June 2013 Cover")
YONKERS, NY — Willing to splurge for a tasty frozen treat? Then look no further than Häagen-Dazs – the famed ice cream maker edged out the competition in ShopSmart’s recent taste-tests of vanilla frozen yogurts and butter pecan ice creams.
The report, which features the full results of taste-tests of 12 vanilla frozen yogurts and nine butter pecan ice creams, is available in the June 2013 issue of ShopSmart, from Consumer Reports, on newsstands now.
ShopSmart’s top picks for chocolate and vanilla ice creams have remained unchanged since its last test with Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s clinging to their respective titles. So this year, they decided to taste vanilla frozen yogurt, the most popular flavor and butter pecan ice cream, which is among the best selling flavors.
ShopSmart deemed Häagen-Dazs vanilla frozen yogurt worth the splurge. Per serving, it costs $1.25, and while it has more calories and sugars than runners-up from Blue Bunny and TCBY, the real vanilla and fresh dairy flavors come right through. And although a bit icy, it melted just right.
Blue Bunny Vanilla Bean frozen yogurt was a very close second in ShopSmart’s tests, noted for its vanilla pudding-like flavor, costs 33 cents per serving – less than a third of the price of Häagen-Dazs. Newcomer TCBY Classic Vanilla Bean frozen yogurt received high marks for its vanilla-custard flavor and costs 37 cents per serving, but earned third place because it was a bit icy and gummy.
When it came to butter pecan ice cream, Häagen-Dazs again claimed top honors in ShopSmart’s tests. It’s described as decadently delicious – rich and eggy, with flavorful bits of nuts. But the fat and calories were off the charts and at a cost $1.12 per serving, was among the most expensive tested.
Great Value (Walmart) Butter Pecan ice cream, a ShopSmart bargain buy at 27 cents a serving, was rich, with a big butterscotch flavor and roasted-pecan pieces and was almost as yummy as Häagen-Dazs’ Butter Pecan. Blue Bunny Premium Butter Pecan ice cream, which costs 35 cents a serving, rounded out the top three for its tasty flavor but lost points for being sparse on nuts and a bit icy.
ShopSmart’s full report on butter pecan ice creams and vanilla frozen yogurts also features an overview of ice cream scoops and quick serving tips to dress up this super-easy dessert is available in the June 2013 issue.
About Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website, and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.
About ShopSmart magazine:
Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon the publication’s celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. ShopSmart features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and “best of the best” lists. It’s ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix. ShopSmart is available by subscription at www.ShopSmartmag.org.
