Ben & Jerry’s is known for their creative and delicious ice cream flavors. Many of their flavors incorporate different fruits, candies, cookies, and other mix-in ingredients. One of their most popular fruit-based flavors is made with bananas. In this article, we’ll explore which Ben & Jerry’s ice cream contains real banana.
Overview of Ben & Jerry’s Fruit Flavors
Ben & Jerry’s uses real fruit in many of their ice cream varieties. Some of their fruit-based flavors include:
- Strawberry Cheesecake
- Cherry Garcia
- Phish Food
- Chocolate Fudge Brownie
- Chubby Hubby
- Bonnaroo Buzz
- Berry Berry Extraordinary
As you can see, they use a wide variety of fruits like strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and blackberries. But only one Ben & Jerry’s flavor contains real bananas.
Banana Flavors
Ben & Jerry’s has two ice cream flavors that are banana-based:
- Banana Split
- Chocolate Banana Caboose
However, only one of these flavors actually contains real bananas. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
Banana Split
Banana Split was introduced in 1997. True to its name, this flavor aims to recreate the classic banana split dessert. It features banana ice cream with fudge chunks and swirls of strawberry and pineapple ice cream. It’s topped with wet walnuts.
While this flavor is banana-flavored, it does not actually contain any real banana. The yellow-colored banana ice cream is artificially flavored and colored. So although delicious, Banana Split is not the Ben & Jerry’s flavor made with real bananas.
Chocolate Banana Caboose
Chocolate Banana Caboose was launched in 2019. This flavor features chocolate and banana ice creams mixed together in a swirl. It includes banana pieces and fudge chunks throughout.
Unlike Banana Split, this flavor contains real banana puree and banana pieces. So Chocolate Banana Caboose is the Ben & Jerry’s variety that genuinely contains bananas!
Benefits of Bananas in Ice Cream
What do bananas bring to ice cream? Here are some benefits of using real banana:
- Creaminess – Bananas have a smooth, creamy texture that adds body and richness to ice cream.
- Sweetness – Bananas contain natural sugars that sweeten ice cream without adding more sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Flavor – Bananas have a mild, sweet flavor that complements chocolate, vanilla, and other ice cream flavors.
- Nutrition – Bananas provide nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin C, manganese, and potassium.
- Freezing – Banana puree freezes well at ice cream temperatures, maintaining a smooth, creamy consistency.
So real banana adds nutrition, sweetness, and creaminess without artificial additives. It’s a natural way to enhance ice cream.
Ingredient List for Chocolate Banana Caboose
Since Chocolate Banana Caboose contains real banana, let’s look at the complete ingredient list:
- Cream
- Skim Milk
- Liquid Sugar
- Water
- Cocoa
- Banana Puree
- Bananas
- Sugar
- Egg Yolks
- Chocolate Cookie Pieces
- Chocolate Flavored Swirls
- Locust Bean Gum
- Guar Gum
Along with cream and milk, banana puree and banana pieces are listed. This confirms that real banana is used in the making of Chocolate Banana Caboose.
Nutrition Facts for Chocolate Banana Caboose
Here is the nutrition information for one serving (1/2 cup) of Chocolate Banana Caboose:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 105mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 2% |
| Calcium | 8% |
| Iron | 6% |
As you can see, Chocolate Banana Caboose provides a significant amount of calories, fat, and sugar. So it’s a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Where to Buy Chocolate Banana Caboose
If you’re interested in trying Chocolate Banana Caboose, here are some tips on where to find it:
- Check the freezer section at your local supermarket. Many stores carry Ben & Jerry’s ice cream varieties.
- Visit a Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop. They offer Chocolate Banana Caboose by the scoop or in packaged pints.
- Order online from the Ben & Jerry’s website. They ship pints of Chocolate Banana Caboose nationwide.
- Look for it at large retailers like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods Market.
- Search third-party grocery delivery apps like Instacart and goPuff.
Chocolate Banana Caboose is one of Ben & Jerry’s newer flavors, so it may not be quite as widely available as some of their classic varieties yet. But with some searching online or in stores, you should be able to get your hands on this banana-filled flavor.
Reviews of Chocolate Banana Caboose
Here’s what ice cream fans have to say about the taste and texture of Chocolate Banana Caboose:
“The banana flavor is pleasantly mild and not artificial tasting. The chocolate ice cream is rich and creamy. The fudge chunks and banana pieces provide nice texture. Overall, a delicious banana split-inspired flavor.”
“You can really taste the banana in each bite. I like that they use real banana puree. The chocolate swirls balance it out nicely. Much better than I expected!”
“The banana ice cream and real banana pieces make this flavor stand out from other chocolate and banana ice creams. Sweet, tropical, and satisfying.”
“This quickly became one of my favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavors. The banana flavor isn’t too strong but definitely adds something extra. The fudge chunks are divine with the chocolate banana combo.”
“The only downside is that the banana pieces tend to freeze extremely hard. Other than that minor issue, the flavor combo is wonderful.”
Based on reviews, Chocolate Banana Caboose scores points for maximizing real banana flavor while letting the chocolate shine too. The consensus is that it’s an indulgent, celebratory flavor worth trying.
How to Make Your Own Banana Ice Cream
After learning about Ben and Jerry’s banana flavor, you may be inspired to whip up your own homemade banana ice cream. Fortunately, it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 3 medium bananas, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Place the sliced bananas in a freezer bag and freeze overnight.
- The next day, blend the frozen bananas, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the banana ice cream base into a chilled bowl and stir occasionally while freezing for 1-2 hours.
- Scoop into bowls and enjoy!
You can also get creative and mix in chocolate chunks, nuts, or other fruit like strawberries. Homemade banana ice cream is so simple, healthy, and customizable.
Conclusion
So which Ben & Jerry’s flavor contains real banana? The answer is Chocolate Banana Caboose. Thanks to the inclusion of banana puree and banana pieces, this flavor offers true banana essence and flavor. With its fudge swirls and chocolate cookie pieces, Chocolate Banana Caboose is a banana split lover’s dream.
Bananas lend their creamy texture, sweetness, and nutritional value to ice cream. Ben & Jerry’s harnesses these benefits in Chocolate Banana Caboose. You can also experiment with making refreshing banana ice cream at home. Whip up a batch alone or use it as a base for creative mix-ins. Any way you scoop it, bananas make for delicious, decadent ice cream.