Photography by David B. Moore Food styling by Executive Chef M. Allan Schanbacher

IN A BLIND TASTE TEST, THE PHOENIX HOME & GARDEN STAFF TRIED SIX BRANDS OF COFFEE-FLAVORED FROZEN DESSERTS. HERE ARE THE FINDINGS:

1.) TALENTI ITALIAN CAFFEE MOCHA GELATO
While bits of chocolate were tasty, panelists said the coffee flavor was too mild and the texture a bit grainy.

2.) BERTO’S CAPPUCCINO GELATO
Tasters found its texture to be smooth and creamy, and rated its cappuccino flavor as mild, though some thought it slightly bitter.


3.) FRESH & EASY CAPPUCCINO GELATO
Its cappuccino flavor was lost to an overpowering sweetness and gummy texture, according to tasters.

4.) CIAO BELLA ESPRESSO GELATO
Tasters cited too strong a coffee flavor and a somewhat icy texture.

5.) TRADER JOE’S COFFEE BEAN BLAST ICE CREAM
Although smooth and creamy, its coffee flavor seemed too subtle to most on the panel.

6.) HÄAGEN-DAZS FIVE COFFEE ICE CREAM (BEST)
Tasters liked this selection the best, noting its silky, creamy texture and “just-right coffee flavor.”


A WORD FROM CHEF ALLAN

You’ll discover a wide variety of coffee- and cappuccino-flavored frozen desserts in brands found in groceries and in the hand-packed offerings of specialty shops, says Chef Allan.

Prefer ice cream over gelato?

Among Americans, you’re not alone. “Ice cream is the most preferred in the frozen-dessert market,” notes Peggy Armstrong, International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) spokeswoman.

According to IDFA 2007 statistics, ice cream accounted for nearly 88 percent of U.S. frozen-dessert consumption.

What’s the difference between gelato and ice cream? For one thing, gelato is “lower in fat because it uses more milk and less cream than ice cream,”  our chef notes. Gelato also can have a stronger taste than ice cream because more flavorings or fruit are added to it.

But no one is suggesting that you opt for gelato over ice cream, or vice versa. Depending on the brand, each can be a super palate-pleaser.