In the heart of Brooklyn, the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Factory is stirring up the dessert scene with its innovative flavor combinations. From classic ice cream mixes like peanut butter and brownies to more daring pairings like parsley and garlic powder, this brand is no stranger to flavor experimentation. But their latest collaboration is a real head-turner: Hidden Valley Ranch. That’s right, ranch dressing-flavored ice cream!
What is Hidden Valley Ranch Ice Cream?
Who would have imagined strolling down the freezer aisle and stumbling upon something so unexpected: Hidden Valley Ranch Ice Cream? But it’s real, and it’s exactly what it sounds like – ice cream flavored with the iconic taste of ranch dressing.
The idea behind this unique flavor, as Van Leeuwen co-founder Ben Van Leeuwen puts it, is to introduce a series of new, surprising flavors to the market. Hidden Valley Ranch describes the ice cream as having the savory taste of ranch, including buttermilk and herbs, with a touch of sweetness, perfect for pairing with salty snacks.
This flavor is one of seven new offerings from Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, a New York City-based company known for its high-quality, from-scratch dairy and vegan ice creams. Alongside Hidden Valley Ranch, other new flavors include Sweet Maple Cornbread, Blood Orange Chocolate Chip, Carrot Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Honey Graham Cracker, and Limoncello Cake.
What Does It Taste Like?
Hidden Valley Ranch Ice Cream is a fascinating blend that aims to replicate the beloved flavors of ranch dressing in a frozen dessert form. Imagine a base of smooth, creamy ice cream infused with the characteristic flavors of buttermilk and herbs, complemented by just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a bold experiment in taste, combining the sweetness typically associated with ice cream and the savory, herby notes of a popular salad dressing.
Ingredients and Nutrition
Hidden Valley Ranch Ice Cream combines typical ice cream ingredients like cream, milk, cane sugar, and egg yolks with additions that give it its ranch flavor. These include buttermilk powder, onion powder, garlic powder, spices, sea salt, lactic acid, and natural flavors.
When it comes to nutrition, it has 260 calories and 21 grams of sugar per 2/3-cup serving, which is very similar to Van Leeuwen’s vanilla bean flavor, which contains 290 calories and 23 grams of sugar for the same serving size.
Where Can You Buy It?
You can find Hidden Valley Ranch Ice Cream exclusively at Walmart stores. This distinctive flavor is part of a limited-time collection that also features six other new ice cream varieties. With a price tag of just $4.98, these special flavors offer ice cream enthusiasts a unique opportunity to venture into the world of unconventional taste combinations.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, Van Leeuwen’s Hidden Valley Ranch Ice Cream is a bold choice for those who enjoy trying new and unusual tastes. So, if you’re a foodie who loves exploring different flavor combinations or someone who appreciates the quirky side of food creations, this ice cream is definitely worth a try. However, for traditional ice cream lovers, it might be a step too far from the usual, so approach with caution! Either way – if you’re adventurous, it’s a unique experience not to be missed!