Chocoleche

After having Chocoleche, I finally decided it was time for a "GeneriChocolate" tag. There are a number of Tasti flavors that just aren't different enough from Dutch Chocolate to warrant a coveted spot on the dispenser. The ubiquity of GeneriChocolate flavors actually gives a fair amount of insight into what makes a good flavor--something interesting and different from the standard Chocolate/Vanilla, but not nothing too crazy that it's just bad. Tasti's at it's best when it weaves this balance correctly with flavors like Tiramisu or Creamsicle. That said, GeneriChocolates are fine--they are certainly delicious--but never warrant more than one or two stars for lack of creativity or X-factor. In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed my Chocoleche, but certainly can't remember how it's taste different from plain old Chocolate.

D-LIST (2 of 4 stars)

90 calories/serving

Mud Pie

Google defines Mud Pie as "a mass of mud that a child has molded into the shape of a pie," but this does not seem to be the angle Tasti was going for. Rather, they intended to emulate a Mississippi Mud Pie which is a "chocolate-based dessert pie that possibly originated in Mississippi." I like that the entire name of the dessert hinges on its state of origin, yet nobody really knows for sure if it actually was invented there. In any case, I offer you this history/linguistic lesson because there is little to say about Mud Pie. It's definitely in the same category as Chocolate Pudding or Chocolate Mousse, as flavors that are good but just don't go the extra distance. There's nothing memorable or surprising about them particularly, as they are slight variations on Dutch Chocolate. But, certainly nothing to complain about--chocolate is chocolate, and Tasti D is Tasti D.

D-LIST (2 of 4 stars)

80 calories/serving

Chocolate Pudding

Chocolate Pudding is in the same category as Chocolate Mousse--a decent flavor, but too similar to Dutch Chocolate to be worth making. It tastes kind of like if you put good pudding in the freezer for an hour or two, which isn't a compliment or an insult really, just a fact. On my Chocolate Pudding trip, I was able to introduce my family to Tasti D, which was certainly a delight (Tasti D-Lited 'delight/d-lite' pun #2)--pictured here, my younger brother looks enviously at my Pudding.

D-LIST (2 of 4 stars)

90 calories/serving

Chocolate Mousse

There are some Tasti flavors that just aren't worth making--they're just too similar to the generic and ubiquitous Dutch Chocolate and French Vanilla. Chocolate Mousse is clearly one of these flavors--it has a good, sturdy taste, but not one that is too distinctive or memorable. Sometimes when Tasti emulates foods that are similar in texture to frozen yogurt, the flavor somehow falls short. Chocolate Mousse kind of looks and feels like real chocolate mousse, but is just a little worse. In short, disappointment abound.

NASTI (1 of 4 stars)

80 calories/serving