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Russell Stover Mint Dream

Posted by Michael on February 03, 2011

The "Mint Dream" from Russell Stover comes in a pretty, shiny foil wrapper bearing the description "fluffy mint cream covered in milk chocolate".  Unfortunately, the package may be the best thing about this particular candy.

To be fair, there's nothing to complain about in the candy's appearance, either.  It's an attractive, smooth chocolate round approximately two inches in diameter and a bit over one inch tall.  A pleasant aroma of chocolate is preceptible, but there's not much (aside from the wrapper) to hint at mint, which is interesting, as most minty candies tend to announce their flavor with a strong scent of mint. 

On to the tasting!

The chocolate coating (of a thickness sufficient to make it a noticeable flavor and not a mere protective covering for the filling) is nice enough-- but the filling is odd.  At first glance, it's attractive-- a creamy white (as depicted on the wrapper) with a whipped, frothy texture.  A small nibble tastes almost more buttery than minty-- not what you expect from something named "Mint Dream".  A larger bite (with a higher filling-to-chocolate ratio), however, reveals a slightly more bracing mintiness.  It's a "dark" mint flavor, though, if that makes any sense, not pleasantly sharp as you find in many mint candies (such as the York Peppermint Pattie).

Here's a curious observation of the Mint Dream:  The "fluffy" filling melts a little and turns a bit slick after contact with... er, mouth moisture, which creates a somewhat less appealing look in the candy, once you've begun to eat it.  (The word "slimy" comes to mind.)  On the plus side, this also means that it melts in your mouth.  (I understand that a good number of people find this a selling point in foods of all kinds.)

The Mint Dream is a bit of an odd size.  Rather like a Cadbury Creme Egg, it feels bigger and richer than your average fun-size candy bar, but it's somewhat messy to save some for later.  (In all honesty, if I liked this candy better, I wouldn't even have considered saving some for later.  The fact that the idea even came into my head is a sign of how little I liked it.)

Overall, this candy is nothing to write home about.  It isn't exactly awful, but I didn't really enjoy eating it-- and that's the whole point of candy.  

Note:  I have read that some people prefer to eat this candy cold, and I imagine that would increase its appeal.  Still, for my money, the simple York Peppermint Pattie or Junior Mint wins the day.  It all comes down to texture.  If you like ultra-soft, fluffy fillings, chocolate, and mint, try the Mint Dream, by all means.  






Comments

mintyfresh
Sunday, March 06, 2011 12:54 AM
Mint Dream is the best candy ever created in the history of the world. I could eat a case of them in one sitting. Peppermint Patties and Junior Mints don't even come close to the greatest of a Mint Dream. It's almost laughable that you even compared them to each other. I've loved eating Mint Dreams for nearly 25 years and will be buried with them when I die.
carminty
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 4:41 PM
I LOVE this candy!! The only bad part for me is that where I live I can find them only at a few Hallmark stores which are a few miles away. They are the very best. I never thought to eat a part of one of this candy and save some for later... never. I agree that who likes a strong minty flavor ....will not find that in this candy. But I like a mild minty flavor so...I am very happy with the whole taste... The chocolate cover is great also. i just hope they were easier to find at the local stores.
Blanche Shenosky
Tuesday, May 31, 2011 4:27 AM
Michael.

I completely disagree with your critique. We all have different taste buds, and you are going by yours. I am saddened that the Giant no longer carries them, so I went to the Russell Stover website to purchase them. I understand Wegman's also carries them. The Mint Dream is dreamy!
Lynn
Friday, June 24, 2011 7:12 PM
It is obvious to me that Michael has faulty tastebuds. I have loved them for way more than 25 years (oh dear...) and concur with mintyfresh in all things, including the funereal requirement. Am please to note that they now appear to come with a dark chocolate coating too which, as everyone knows, makes them a health food. Goody.

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