Creamy and delicious - the ice cream of my dreams
I usually don’t go for ice cream that’s too expensive because I’m scared it’ll suck and be a waste of money. However, I’ve tried Van Leeuwen in stores before and have heard good things about their packaged stuff too, so I decided to step out of my comfort zone this time. And let me tell you, it was SO worth it. Some things are expensive just for the sake of being expensive, but this was seriously soooooooooo good that I am absolutely willing to justify the price tag. Here’s my review for the mango sticky rice flavor:
Price: $7.99 at a Whole Foods near me for 14 oz (2 oz less than a pint). Obviously not my favorite part of this, it’s definitely one of the higher-end ice creams out there. 3/10
Texture: Creamy!! Delicious!! Indulgent!! Everything that I’ve ever wanted in an ice cream. 10/10
Flavor: Strong mango flavor hits you first, then the subtle notes of coconut/rice come in afterwards. It’s so milky and recreates the flavor profile of mango sticky rice super well. Perfect for a hot day, very refreshing. 10/10
I had high expectations going into this because I’ve had Van Leeuwen at their in-person store and really enjoyed it. Overall, it blew my expectations out of the water, and I will unfortunately have to get this again.
Have you tried any of Van Leeuwen’s ice cream? Let me know your favorite flavors!
Trying premium ice cream brands like Van Leeuwen can be a delightful experience, especially when exploring unique flavors such as mango sticky rice. This flavor combines the tropical sweetness of mango with the creamy texture and subtle complexity of coconut and sticky rice, creating a refreshing yet indulgent dessert perfect for warmer seasons. From personal experience, the texture of Van Leeuwen's ice cream is exceptionally creamy, which is a key factor that elevates the overall enjoyment. The richness in creaminess adds to the indulgence, making each spoonful satisfying without being overly heavy. This balance is crucial especially with exotic flavors where the base needs to support the unique ingredients without overpowering them. The mango sticky rice flavor itself stays true to the traditional Thai dessert it’s inspired by, capturing the essence of fresh mangoes paired with the milky, slightly sweetened sticky rice. The hint of coconut rounds out the flavor profile, adding a gentle tropical aroma that enhances the authenticity of the experience. This is something that many other ice creams miss by not balancing the components well enough. I appreciate that the 14 fl oz container, priced at around $7.99, offers a well-crafted artisan product that justifies its cost through quality. Although it's on the higher end compared to mainstream brands, investing in a premium pint like this can turn eating ice cream into a special treat rather than just a quick snack. For those curious about Van Leeuwen’s other offerings, they've built a reputation since 2008 starting from Brooklyn, focusing on French-style ice creams and inventive flavors such as Dulce de Leche Shortbread and Earl Grey Tea. Their commitment to high-quality ingredients and creative flavors makes them worthy of trying, especially for fans of gourmet desserts. If you’re contemplating whether to try this mango sticky rice ice cream, I highly recommend stepping out of your usual picks. It's an excellent option to enjoy a familiar dessert in a cool, refreshing form, perfect to beat the summer heat while indulging your sweet cravings. Have you tried any unique flavors from Van Leeuwen or other artisan ice cream makers? Sharing your experiences can uncover hidden gems for everyone searching for their next favorite scoop.
