First Taste: Starbucks' New Coffee-Drink Ice Creams

Another sign that Spring has sprung: We're tasting ice cream. Specifically, the editors here sampled three out of the four new coffee flavors from Starbucks: Mocha Frappuccino, Java Chip Frappuccino, and Caramel Macchiato (each is $3.99 per pint). What about the old flavors including Mud Pie, Coffee Almond Fudge, Low Fat Latte, and Caramel Cappuccino Swirl? They're doneski. No longer available.

So which of the new releases was the staff favorite? The Caramel Macchiato had the boldest and most intense coffee flavor, as well as luscious thick swirls of sweet caramel, which contrasted nicely with the creamy vanilla ice cream.

The Java Chip Frappuccino, which was a touch creamier than the others, had nice bittersweet chocolate chunks. But there were criticisms: "This is not as coffee flavored as I would have imagined," announced one editor. Many agreed that this would be the ideal choice for someone who likes their coffee mild and not too sweet.

The Mocha Frappucino, comprising coffee and chocolate ice cream, was ultimately the most appealing to the eye because of its dark and tan contrasting colors. It also had editors commenting on how they prefer the ice cream version to the actual drink. On editor said, "It tastes like a Mocha Frap, but it's not as dramatically sweet...it's perfect."

The tasting ended with one editor's lament: "I just don't get why they don't sell their ice cream at their stores, I would certainly buy it."

Well, Starbucks, got an answer?

By Carolina Santos-Neves

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