While you can't buy banana pudding or just pudding these days, they are now selling as a limited run item Trader Joe's Banana Pudding Flavored Ice Cream. But be warned, this is going to be very polarizing as a flavor choice.
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Review
There are three distinct elements at play here: banana (no chunks, just puree), salted caramel, and vanilla wafers. Essentially, you have three layers of sweetness with the salted caramel being the only possible reprieve from all the sweetness.
At first bite, I thought this tasted a little funky. I guess frozen banana flavor threw me off from say the taste of a fresh banana. But it wasn't funky enough to not go back for a second bite. And I'm glad I did. While this in no way will ever replace mint chip as my favorite flavor.
So yes, initially the bananas were a touch funky. And again, there are no chunks of banana to speak of. If you want to add some banana flavor then you'll need to pony up those nineteen cents for an extra banana.
I love a good vanilla wafer, but these were essentially mush by the time I got into my scoop. They didn't add much and there weren't many of them. And I believe Trader Joe's still sells vanilla wafers on store shelves if you really have a need to add them in.
And then there is the salted caramel swirl. Again, Trader Joe's sells a fleur de sel caramel which is pretty good. And there is sufficient caramel in this, but the salty element is lost in all the rest of the sweetness here.
While these elements are ok on their own, they are not great altogether. Would a banana ice cream totally work? Yes, but add those last-minute items that Trader Joe's already sells once you have already scooped your ice cream. Once they are added in they are just too muddled to be really outstanding.
And the other problem here is that for the most part, Trader Joe's sells a lot of outstanding ice cream options which compete on an equal if not better playing field than this.
Unless you are into very sweet banana ice cream, then this was made for you. Otherwise, there are lots of other solid options listed below.
Packaging
This is a standard pint of ice cream. You will need to peel back a bit of plastic covering the top of the ice cream.
Where to buy
Since this product is frozen, it is only available for purchase in stores at Trader Joe's. It is also a limited-run product. If you don't see it, then it might be sold out for the season.
Other ice creams
If you are curious about Trader Joe's extensive line of ice creams, then check out my other reviews on the other ice cream flavors they've offered:
- Mint Chip Ice Cream (year-round)
- Ube Ice Cream (summer seasonal)
And of course, if you are into smaller ice creams then absolutely check out
- Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cones (summer seasonal)
- Pumpkin Ginger Hold the Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones (fall seasonal)
- Hold the Cone Vanilla Ice Cream Cones (year-round)
- Chocolate Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones (year-round)
FAQs about Trader Joe's Banana Pudding Flavored Ice Cream
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Yes, this flavor is typically available for a limited time, often during the summer months. Availability may vary by location, so it's advisable to check with your local store
Yes, the ice cream contains pieces of vanilla-flavored wafer cookies, aiming to replicate the classic banana pudding experience.
The salted caramel adds sweetness and a slight depth to the ice cream. However, some may find that it blends into the overall sweetness without providing a distinct contrast.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's Banana Pudding Flavored Ice Cream offers a unique twist on a classic dessert. The banana flavor, derived from banana puree, provides a natural taste that avoids the overly artificial notes found in some banana-flavored products. The inclusion of vanilla wafer cookie pieces adds a nostalgic touch, reminiscent of traditional banana pudding. However, the texture of these cookies can become soft within the ice cream, potentially lacking the desired crunch. The salted caramel swirl introduces an additional layer of sweetness, though it may not provide a significant contrast to the overall flavor profile.
For those who appreciate banana-based desserts and are seeking a convenient frozen treat, this ice cream could be a delightful choice. However, if you prefer more complex flavor combinations or a variety of textures, you might find this offering a bit one-dimensional.
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Trader Joe's Banana Pudding Flavored Ice Cream
Product Name: Trader Joe's Banana Pudding Flavored Ice Cream
Product Description: Trader Joe's takes banana pudding, salted caramel, and vanilla wafers and puts them in ice cream. This is a seasonal flavor.
Price: $3.49
Currency: USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Summary
Trader Joe's Banana Pudding Flavored Ice Cream is a new flavor of ice cream.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Authentic banana flavor: The use of banana purée gives it a natural taste instead of an artificial banana candy vibe.
- Nostalgic appeal: Combines banana and vanilla wafer pieces for a nod to classic banana pudding.
- Unique concept: A creative ice cream flavor not often found in grocery store freezers.
- Convenient dessert: Ready-to-eat comfort food without having to make a full banana pudding from scratch.
- Seasonal excitement: Limited-time availability makes it a fun find for Trader Joe’s fans.
Cons
- Soft cookie texture: The vanilla wafer pieces lose their crunch, which may disappoint those expecting contrast.
- One-note sweetness: The salted caramel swirl doesn’t offer much contrast and blends into the overall flavor.
- Not for banana skeptics: The banana flavor is prominent, so it’s a no-go if you’re not already a fan.
- Mild caramel presence: If you’re expecting a strong salted caramel swirl, you might find it underwhelming.
Alek says
Banana Bread Ice Cream would been an interesting route.
becomebetty says
Absolutely! Thanks for sharing Alek!
Amanda says
I have to say that this review was poor. This flavor was such a win. It tastes like the real deal. Especially when you've grown up eating foods with flavor. Such simple ingredients but so powerful together. Deserves 5 stars across the board.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing. This site isn't the final word on anything. You are welcome to share your thoughts.