I know what some of you are thinking. The combination of mint ice cream and fudge brownies in Ben & Jerry’s Mint Chocolate Chance seems a bit simple, and I’m not going to disagree.
My first thought about it was similar to what I initially felt when I learned about the McDonald’s J Balvin Meal, which was just a Big Mac, medium fries with ketchup, and an Oreo McFlurry. It’s stuff we’ve already had, but in a slightly different way. Okay, actually, my earliest thought about the J Balvin Meal was, “Who’s J Balvin?” I’m so uncool.
It would’ve been neat if Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Gurus took advantage of the name “Chance” and added something like fudge question marks and a crunchy chocolate cookie swirl so that when I dip my spoon into a pint, there’s a CHANCE I’ll get brownies, fudge question marks, a cookie swirl, or any combination of the three.
But maybe Chance the Rapper wanted it with just mint ice cream and brownies? You know how some celebrities are. Or perhaps because the name is a play on mint chocolate chip, Ben & Jerry’s wanted to keep it as straightforward as the classic flavor.
That said, with mint-flavored ice cream that’s been the base of other varieties and the same fudge brownies that have been in many different Ben & Jerry’s flavors, I knew there was a good chance that I’d enjoy this flavor, which I did. I think the brownies are a step up from chocolate chips because I love their rich chocolatey flavor and chewiness, but the ice cream’s flavor as a whole reminds me of mint chocolate chip.
Oooh, mid-pint texture update. My teeth have bitten into something in the brownies that snaps like chocolate chips. Oh, there’s another one. Wait. After a closer inspection, it’s just hardened brownie pieces. Oooh, maybe they were end pieces! Those are the best! Also, although the photo above makes it seem there were not a lot of brownies, they were more plentiful as I ate my way down into the pint.
There’s also a non-dairy, certified vegan version of Mint Chocolate Chance with a base made from sunflower butter. It’s less minty and chocolatey than the dairy one, but I found it to be satisfying enough.
Yes, Ben & Jerry’s Mint Chocolate Chance is basic, and that gives me the same less thrilled feeling I get when I pull the Advance to the Nearest Railroad Chance card while playing Monopoly and going to a railroad I already own. Can’t buy it, but at least I don’t owe anyone money. With this ice cream, it tastes like something I’ve had before, but at least it’s tasty.
DISCLOSURE: I received free product samples from Ben & Jerry’s. Doing so did not influence my review.
Mint Chocolate Chance is hitting shelves in January. A portion of the proceeds from Mint Chocolate Chance will go to the rapper’s non-profit, SocialWorks, which empowers the youth through the arts, education, and civil engagement.
Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 1 pint
Purchased at: Received from Ben & Jerry’s
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (2/3 cup) 340 calories, 19 grams of fat, 12 grams of saturated fat, 0.5 grams of trans fat, 80 milligrams of cholesterol, 120 milligrams of sodium, 36 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of fiber, 33 grams of sugar (including 27 grams of added sugar), and 6 grams of protein.
Of course a Chance the Rapper ice cream flavor is lame. Very, very on brand.
lol chance getting roasted out on the food blogs now
damn I really thought this would be at LEAST a 7, maybe even squeak out a 8 from those edge brownie chunks that gave some crunch! I too, was very underwhelmed when reading the flavor profile but as long as there are enough brownies I’m bound to enjoy scooping this one 😀
I don’t think this is lame at all. I can’t think of another decent brand that currently has mint with chocolate brownie but I’m sure someone will correct me. The review sounded stellar so I was surprised at the lowish rating. This sounds like a win-win to me.
Mint chocolate brownie ice cream is my favorite flavor ever and is so hard to find!! I’m sure I’ll love this. You gave it such a low rating but seemed to overall enjoy it
If you happen to eat it at the right time do you collect $200? If so, I might have to give that sunflower version a chance.