Let’s be real, finishing a whole carton of ice cream in one sitting is one of life’s simplest pleasures. And while it isn’t too hard of a feat to accomplish, it may leave you with a stomach ache and an urge to hit the gym. So when Halo Top came onto the scene, it changed everything. Initially created for those with dietary restrictions, the brand offers tens of flavors that are only 280 to 360 calories per pint.
Since the company started in 2012, it has surpassed all other brands to become the best–selling ice cream brand at grocery stores in the United States—a title previously held by Ben & Jerry’s and Haagen–Dazs. While Halo Top loyalists swear by it, I was a little harder to convince. I honestly didn’t believe that a low–calorie alternative could be as satisfying as traditional ice cream, so I put it to the test—a blind taste test, that is. I pulled out my blindfold and decided to compare two Halo Top flavors with normal ice creams.
Halo Top Peanut Butter Cup vs. Haagen–Dazs Chocolate Peanut Butter
The first ice creams I compared were Halo Top Peanut Butter Cup and Haagen–Dazs Chocolate Peanut Butter. Haagen–Dazs is my ultimate favorite ice cream brand, so the Halo Top definitely had a lot to compete with. Although I correctly identified which was which, it was definitely harder to distinguish than I expected.
Both ice creams had a strong peanut butter taste. While the Halo Top tasted more like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, the Haagen–Dazs had more of an emphasis on the chocolate flavor. The biggest difference in the two was that the Halo Top had more of a frozen yogurt taste, and tasted healthier in general. While with this flavor I think I’d stay loyal to Haagen–Dazs, the Halo Top was definitely a lighter alternative, and pretty darn tasty.
Halo Top Salted Caramel vs. Ben & Jerry’s Salted Caramel Core
The next taste test was between Halo Top Salted Caramel and Ben & Jerry’s Salted Caramel Core. I already knew that Halo Top’s caramel option is a cult favorite, so I had high expectations for this one. Again, I guessed which ice cream was which, but that doesn’t mean it was obvious which came out on top.
I was able to tell them apart because the Ben & Jerry’s had a thicker consistency. However, I much preferred the Halo Top. The Ben & Jerry’s was basically vanilla ice cream with a small caramel drizzle, which made it taste extremely plain. On the other hand, the Halo Top had a strong caramel taste throughout with a smooth consistency. Simply put, it was delicious and has definitely converted me into a fan of the brand.
Although I could tell which ice cream was the healthiest in both taste tests, I was amazed with the quality of Halo Top. Both flavors were delicious, but the Salted Caramel is definitely something to write home about.
Plus, you can eat the entire pint guilt–free? I think I’m sold.
