Maybe this has happened to you: You are having a bad day, so you reach for a tub of ice cream. You sit, you watch some TV or Netflix. Before you know it, the container of ice cream has suddenly become empty. This was probably the inspiration for light ice cream. And now Trader Joe's Light Ice Cream has entered the market of light ice creams with containers that are under 400 calories should you find yourself consuming the whole thing.
Taste
And light ice cream is a thing. We've seen the popularity of Halo Top among other brands. All promising you can indulge without the guilt.
But I can't tell you how many of them I took a bite out of and decided the best place for them was the trash can.
And truthfully, these both made too many sacrifices to be enjoyable.
First off, let's talk about the ingredients. The ingredient list here is much longer than with premium ice cream.
You have everything from added protein to monk fruit extract to stevia. None of those have ever hit my palate and made me say yum. In fact, these items tend to stand out on my palate with that not so fabulous after-taste.
And then there is the ability to scoop here. In a regular freezer, these will be rock hard. You'll have to wait a bit for this to come up to a temperature where you can scoop it.
Trader Joe's Joe Joe's Cookies & Cream Light Ice Cream
If you were hoping for cookie chunks like the ones found in Trader Joe's Neapolitan Joe Joe's Ice Cream, I can assure you, that you will be disappointed. This seems to be more of cookie dust and specks than actual cookies. Otherwise, this is a pretty average light vanilla ice cream.
Trader Joe's Chocolate Peanut Butter Light Ice Cream
If you were to squirt Midnight Moo into some peanut butter, that is pretty much the flavor here. This doesn't have the mouthfeel of ice cream, but at least the after-taste of the artificial sweeteners isn't as pronounced. This really should be Peanut Butter Chocolate because it is the peanut butter that comes through and lends more mouthfeel than any of the dairies it is suspended in.
Overall
For $2.99 each, they'll save you both calories and taste since both truly taste like light ice cream. Now, these could be better utilized in a milkshake or float. But one their own, they were just average light ice creams. If you enjoy the lighter flavor of light ice cream, you'll probably enjoy these.
As for me, I'd rather sit through a gym class and enjoy ice cream the way it is meant to be enjoyed. Full fat, full flavor. I've never thought of ice cream as a healthy option. But I know people do try to save calories where they can. I'm just not sure the savings here is worth the taste.
Would I buy this again? For me, Trader Joe's Light Ice Cream is a no. For both flavors. I'd rather use portion control on some of their premium ice creams like their Salted Caramel Gelato or perhaps the Mint Chip Ice Cream.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product Photos
The containers of Trader Joe's Light Ice Cream:
The nutritional information and the ingredients for the Joe Joe's Cookies and Cream:
The nutritional information and the ingredients for the Chocolate Peanut Butter:
Out of the package you get:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
Trader Joe's Light Ice Cream
Product Name: Trader Joe's Light Ice Cream
Product Description: Trader Joe's Light Ice Cream has significantly less fat and calories than the regular variety.
Price: $2.99
Currency: USD
Availability: Discontinued
Summary
Trader Joe's Light Ice Cream comes in two flavors: Cookies and Cream and Chocolate Peanut Butter
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- A significant savings in calories compared to regular ice cream
- Chocolate Peanut Butter seemed better than the Cookies and Cream
Cons
- It pales in comparison to regular ice cream
- I could taste the artificial sweeteners which to me is unpleasant.
Alek says
Such a shame! I think TJ's should do edible cookie dough next.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! That would be totally awesome. I'd try that any day. Thanks again for stopping by!
AJ says
Oh too bad:(
becomebetty says
Hey AJ! I'm bummed out about it too. I really wanted to like it. Or at least wanted it to be as good as Halo Top. Unfortunately, for my palate, I wasn't loving it. If you do end up trying it I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
AJ says
Not sure when I’ll get to tJ’s again, but I’ll keep it in mind
Dagmar says
I heard less-than-stellar things about both flavors, especially the cookies & cream. the comments I have seen mirror your assessments. The cost point for this type of product is excellent compared to its counterparts but I think I'll stick with Halo and Enlightened etc when they go on sale. Thanks for taking the Pint Plunge!
becomebetty says
Hey Dagmar! Well, nothing lost by trying this. This was slightly better than the Swell Ice Cream they sold very briefly. But it was just to thin to be a real ice cream. Thanks as always for stopping by!
Danielle says
Thanks for the assessment. I appreciate your reviews to keep me from forking out money to buy before knowing whether or not the product tastes any good.
Ever since starting keto, I've been hoping stores and restaurants would get onboard with some offerings. Ice cream is one of those missed indulgences.
But a brand called Rebel has developed a keto ice cream that is actually pretty tasty and low in carbs and sugar. It's also made with monkfruit sweetener and stevia, which is normally something that bothers me - but I have to say, some of these are delicious! I've tried most flavors with mint chip (#1) and chocolate peanut butter (#2) coming out as my favorites.
becomebetty says
Hey Danielle! Thanks for sharing that. I haven't tried all the light ice creams out there, but I have heard good things about Rebel. Thanks again for stopping by and sharing!
Grubbing With Jess says
I'm with you! I'll stay active and eat the real stuff, but I know hubby enjoys Halo Top and wanted to try these. He did and he still prefers the Halo Top I think!