Trader Joe’s New Frozen Dessert Tastes Like Summer

I’ve spoken often about the difference between frozen dessert and ice cream. Others have too. But I stand firm in my conviction that frozen dessert doesn’t have to be bad. Yes, on a technical level, it’s not as creamy or as dairy-y as ice cream, and many argue that it’s an inferior version – and it’s definitely true that a good frozen dessert is difficult to find. A lot of food manufacturers are content to throw a load of air and fillers in it and call it a day, at the expense of any flavor. 

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Trader Joe’s, though, appears to have nailed its latest frozen dessert. Well done, guys. Here’s what you need to know.

Trader Joe’s Italian Mascarpone & Mixed Berries Gelato Style Frozen Dessert

This week, Trader Joe’s dropped its new Italian Mascarpone & Mixed Berries Gelato Style Frozen Dessert – and unless you were au fait with the differences between ice cream and frozen desserts, you’d be forgiven for thinking this thing is the former. This creamy, colorful dessert puts creaminess at the forefront of its offer, with mascarpone one of its main ingredients, giving it a serious smoothness. 

Trader Joe’s states that this dessert comes from a gelato supplier in Italy, and it’s also worth pointing out that gelato and ice cream are usually made differently: Gelato tends to have a lower milkfat level than ice cream, and thus may not meet the 10% minimum specified by the USDA to be labeled as such. The fact that TJ’s calls it “gelato style” flags that maybe it’s not quite as rich as classic gelato, though – but customers don’t seem to mind that much. 

And What Are Customers Saying?

Well, they love it. Two concurrent threads on Reddit have popped up in praise of this frozen dessert, and the superlatives are being issued in full force. “This stuff is phenomenal,” said one person, while another stated, “This is the best thing I’ve had from Trader Joe’s in years.” The mixed berry and mascarpone flavors pair excellently together, and it has a bright, tart flavor that stops it from being bland (which can’t be said for Trader Joe’s pistachio version of the same dessert, which some customers found to be dreadfully boring). 

So, ice cream or not, real gelato or not, this frozen treat might be worth your time. It’s only on sale ’til September, too, so don’t miss out while you have the chance.