Durian Ice Cream Has Been Spotted At Costco

One of the many, many things I love about Costco is how willing it is to stock items that feel a little different. A little special. A little bit out of step with the image it could have as a traditional, stuffy, big-box store. No, no: Costco’s always willing to push the boat out with its product line, and whether that’s by stocking Sichuan snack mixes, or by selling huge barrels of maple syrup or hot dog bourbon (yes, really), it’s a palace of interesting treats. 

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To be honest, though, all of these pale in comparison to the latest product that customers have spotted in this store’s hallowed halls. Durian ice cream is now in stock. And we’re gonna talk about it.

Durian Ice Cream: Just Know What You’re Getting Yourself In For First

Eagle-eyed Costco shoppers have spotted Maven’s Creamy Durian Ice Cream on its shelves recently, and it’s safe to say that the find has been generating a lot of buzz on Reddit. Although Costco has been stocking Maven’s Creamery Durian Ice Cream for a minute now, with customers posting about it on Instagram a few months back, it looks as though it’s starting to make a more prominent appearance in stores – and the fact that Maven’s has just announced that it’s rolling out to UK Costcos has international customers buzzed. Including me, as someone who lives in the UK. Guys. I’m excited to try this. 

So What’s The Big Deal?

Well, if you know much about durian fruit, then you’ll probably understand that instinctively. If not, a little primer for ya: Durian is a fruit grown predominantly in Southeast Asia, that is famous (or, I should say, infamous) for its pungent smell. When I say pungent, I really mean it. Its scent has been variously compared to onions, gym socks, and vomit by countless people, and it’s so confronting that the importation of fresh whole durian into the US is banned. In Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Singapore, meanwhile, eating it on public transport is strictly prohibited. 

And Costco’s Stocking This?

Well, it’s stocking an ice cream version – and by all accounts, Maven’s Creamery has really toned it down on the scent front. “It smells just a bit while eating. Everyone else in the room will be fine. Doesn’t have the extremely strong odor of durian,” said one person on Reddit who had tried the frozen dessert. 

That said, reviews of the flavor of the ice cream have been mixed at best. Some people have said that they love it, while others have voiced a palpable dislike of its flavor, and specifically its aftertaste. Seriously, if you don’t like durian, then you’re probably not going to love this one – it’s an acquired taste, to say the least.