I Tried 6 Jeni’s Summer Ice Creams—This One Nostalgic Flavor Blew My Mind

If you’re anything like me, every trip to the ice cream parlor starts with the same intention of trying a fun, new flavor…and ends with ordering a classic scoop of cookies and cream. What can I say? Old habits die hard.

In an effort to broaden my ice cream horizons, I recently secured a box of Jeni’s new Super Fun Times collection. These seasonal pints—many of which are so popular they already sold out—play on the nostalgia of summers past. My box included quirky, childhood classics like Pink Bubblegum, Toasted S’mores, Root Beer Float, Strawberry Pretzel Pie and Popcorn Brittle.

But one surprising flavor stole my heart—and it just might be the best ice cream I’ve ever had. (Yes, even better than my beloved Oreo.) Here’s what you need to know about Jeni’s Watermelon Taffy ice cream.

We Tried It

Watermelon Taffy Ice Cream

Pucker up! This tart and juicy ice cream flavor is oh-so nostalgic.

$12 at Jeni's Ice Cream

How I Tested Watermelon Taffy Ice Cream

When I first pulled the Watermelon Taffy pint from the box, I didn’t even give it much thought. I like watermelon, sure, but it’s far from my favorite summer fruit. And taffy? My molars hurt just thinking about it.

Still, Jeni’s has surprised me in the past. When testing the brand’s ice cream subscription, the underdog from that box, Maple-Soaked Pancakes, ended up being my favorite of the bunch.

After taste-testing some of the other summer flavors I knew I was going to like (hello, Strawberry Pretzel Pie), I moved on to Watermelon Taffy. And I’m not even lying when I say that first bite changed my brain chemistry. I love tart-sweet desserts. And this flavor is perfectly puckery. It reminded me of that juicy mouthfeel you get from a pink Starburst. (Or, ya know, watermelon taffy.)

Each bite was impossibly refreshing. And on a humid, 90-degree day, this is now the only thing I want to eat.

I took a peek at the ingredient list to see where the magic happens. And it comes from a “watermelon taffy base” loaded with watermelon juice and a touch of citric acid, which is what helps give the flavor that incredible sour candy pucker. There’s also yogurt and buttermilk for an oh-so-creamy texture that melts in your mouth—and makes the flavor easy to scoop straight from the freezer.

I was also happy to see that any colors come from natural sources, like pumpkin, apple and beet, rather than food dyes. While Jeni’s ice creams are on the pricey side, you’re paying for a high-quality treat with premium ingredients.

One word of caution? Only try this flavor if you’re prepared for all other ice creams to be ruined for you. It’s that good.

Where to Buy

You can buy Watermelon Taffy ice cream on the Jeni’s website. It costs $12 per pint, and there’s a 5-pint minimum for online orders. You can also visit your local Jeni’s Scoop Shop or check a local grocery stockist.