Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip and Original Salted Caramel (Graeter’s)

Graeter’s Review No. 8: Sometimes you feel like a cascade of chocolate, sometimes you don’t. Graeter’s is known for its double punch of flavorful, dense base and the irregular chunks of chocolate. But there are four flavors where you can decide: Do you want the chocolate "chips" tonight or would you prefer a plain base? I’d immediately pass on the plain Madagascar Vanilla for Vanilla Chocolate Chip and Dutch Milk Chocolate for Double Chocolate Chip. But I think Vienna Coffee can be enjoyed just as easily as Mocha Chocolate Chip (more on that one next time). How about Original Salted Caramel vs. Salted Caramel Chip?

What I liked: This base is a creamy, caramely dream. I enjoy a range of caramels. My favorite is probably Häagen-Dazs’ Dulce de Leche, very light and milky and sweet. A few years back, when I was buying a lot of Talenti, they had my No. 1 in Salted Caramel, deeper and darker (with those delicious truffles it’s probably still their best flavor). Jeni’s takes it to the next level, but it’s a bit too bitter and burnt-tasting for me. Graeter’s’ caramel base feels like it’s perfectly in the middle, so well-balanced and satisfying. If you like caramel at all, this seems like it’s designed to please. If you’re chocolate-adverse, the Original Salted Caramel is a great option, but I think the bittersweet chocolate adds something special, too. I tasted the plain version last year, and enjoyed it, but I’ll always take chocolate from now on.

What could be better: It’s called salted caramel. With that name, I want more of a salty hit. 

How it compares: In addition to the versions I already mentioned, one I discovered last year was Straus’ Caramel Swirl. The first time I tried it I thought it would rival H-D’s Dulce de Leche. It was so good I even got a second pint while still on sale and stashed it for later. Unfortunately, there was almost no swirl the second time around so it was basically just a pint of sweet cream. With swirl injectors being the most temperamental piece of equipment in an ice cream factory, the solid base here is always a solid option. If you can find McConnell’s, check out their nice take on the flavor, Salted Caramel Chip. 

Possible pairing: Graeter’s’ Toffee Chocolate Chip would be nice, with its vanilla base, milk chocolate and buttery Heath toffee pieces. 

Final thought: Original Salted Caramel is perfectly enjoyable — and the perfect canvas for all sorts of home additions from added caramel and fudge sauce to pretzels and candies — but I don’t see any reason to turn down Graeter’s’ chocolate here.

Score: Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip: 9.5/10, Original Salted Caramel: 9/10