Bug Ice Cream Makes a Spooky Comeback: Diving Deep into Salt & Straw's October Flavor Collection
Picture this: scooping up a bowl of ice cream that's bursting with chocolate candies, pumpkin chunks, and even edible insects – it's the ultimate Halloween treat that could either enchant your taste buds or send shivers down your spine! At Salt & Straw, October brings a parade of eerie, delicious flavors designed for the season. Did they cast a spell on us or pull a prank? Let's explore our full review, complete with ratings and insights to help even first-time ice cream adventurers navigate these spooky scoops.
Salt & Straw's Halloween Collection
- The Great Candycopia
- Jack o' Lantern Pumpkin Bread
- Double Bubble Toil and Trouble (Vegan)
- Creepy Crawly Critters
- Our Overall Assessment
- Where to Find These Flavors
The Great Candycopia
Think of a Halloween night where a trick-or-treater's stash of chocolate goodies gets mixed right into a rich salted butterscotch base – that's The Great Candycopia in a nutshell. This flavor stands out as one of Salt & Straw's top hits for good reason. Each spoonful delivers a medley of homemade chocolate treats, including custom-made Kit Kats, Snickers, Reese's, and Heath bars, all embedded in that velvety ice cream.
The salted butterscotch foundation evokes the comforting charm of a Butterbeer from your favorite wizarding world – sweet and smooth without being too cloying, perfectly balancing the candy surprises. It's like a party in your mouth, and fans of chocolate overload will find it irresistible.
Rating: 7 out of 7
Jack o' Lantern Pumpkin Bread
Imagine a magical family recipe where generous pieces of pumpkin bread are swirled into spiced pumpkin ice cream, with ribbons of cream cheese frosting for extra flair. This one cranks up the fall vibes with pumpkin spice – that warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves – to an exhilarating level!
The pumpkin ice cream itself is deliciously autumnal, enhanced by large, moist bits of pumpkin bread that add texture and flavor depth. And the cream cheese swirl? It brings a subtle, tangy sweetness that ties everything together into a creamy, spiced symphony. Perfect for those who live for cozy fall flavors.
But here's where it gets interesting – is this level of spice a bold celebration of the season, or could it be too much for someone who prefers milder tastes? We'd love to hear your take!
Rating: 6 out of 7
Double Bubble Toil and Trouble (Vegan)
Crafted from a fusion of pineapple, banana, and pear in a coconut cream base, infused with cinnamon and vanilla to mimic the nostalgic taste of bubble gum, this vegan option is a playful twist. For beginners, bubble gum flavor often reminds us of that classic, sugary chew from childhood, and this ice cream nails it by blending tropical fruits with warm spices.
The result is a sherbet-style texture from the coconut cream – light and refreshing yet creamy enough to satisfy – that captures the essence of bubble gum through and through. Heads up, though: it's on the sweeter side, so if you're sensitive to intense flavors, you might want to pair it with something milder. Bubble gum enthusiasts and young adventurers alike are sure to giggle with delight over this one.
Rating: 4 out of 7
Creepy Crawly Critters
Envision a horde of candy-coated creepy-crawlies invading a refreshing green matcha ice cream – that's the fun (and a bit freaky) essence here. As a yearly standout, this flavor delivers crunch from genuine chocolate-covered crickets and toffee-brittle mealworms scattered within.
And this is the part most people miss – despite the initial 'eww' factor, these insects are crafted to taste just like sugary candies, blending seamlessly with the earthy, nutty notes of matcha (a powdered green tea that's smooth and slightly bitter, like a sophisticated herbal twist). It transforms what could be off-putting into an unexpectedly tasty adventure. Don't let squeamishness win; give it a try for the full experience!
Rating: 5 out of 7
Our Overall Assessment
If we could indulge in The Great Candycopia every day of the year, we absolutely would – it's that good. Close behind is Jack o' Lantern Pumpkin Bread, a must-try for anyone who can't get enough of that pumpkin spice craze (think lattes and pies in autumn). Double Bubble Toil and Trouble may not top our list of vegan picks from Salt & Straw, but it's still a fun, flavorful option worth sampling if you're exploring plant-based treats. And Creepy Crawly Critters? It's a quirky, edible spectacle that keeps delivering year after year, proving that sometimes the most unexpected ingredients create the most memorable scoops.
Where to Find These Flavors
Hunt down these Halloween delights at any Salt & Straw spot, including the magical locations at Disney Springs and Downtown Disney within the Disneyland Resort. Prices align with their standard ice cream offerings, varying based on scoop size and serving style – whether you go for a cup, cone, or even a sundae. For more details, check out their website at https://saltandstraw.com/ and the Disney Parks listings at https://www.disneysprings.com/dining/salt-and-straw/ or https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/downtown-disney-district/salt-and-straw/.
Now, here's where controversy creeps in – do you view insect-infused ice cream as an innovative way to embrace sustainable eating (bugs are protein-packed and eco-friendly), or just a novelty that might turn stomachs? And is the vegan bubble gum flavor a clever nod to retro candies, or too sweet for modern palates? We encourage you to share your opinions, agreements, or disagreements in the comments below – let's debate the spookiest ice cream trends!
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Lauren Stracner (https://wdwnt.com/author/lauren/)
