Fruit Chillers refreshing, flavorful, fun-to-eat snack

Food panel tasters weren’t always exactly sure which fruit they were supposed to taste in Del Monte’s new Fruit Chillers, but they liked them anyway.

The new Chillers are freeze-and-eat fruit sorbet that can be found on store shelves near the fruit cups. Just pop the cups in the freezer overnight and they’re ready for snacking the next day.

“A nice after dinner treat that is not too sweet and is refreshing,” said Skip Hubbard.

Jenny Whittaker liked the “mild berry flavor” but others couldn’t identify the intended flavor of the Polar Raspberry.

“Hard to detect the raspberry, but pleasant snack overall – but lots of calories,” said Andy Hoye.

The chillers are made mostly of fruit puree, sugar and juices. There are about 190 calories in each 4.5-ounce cup. The first ingredient in each of the flavors we tested was pear puree. Del Monte also sells Arctic Strawberry flavor.

The Glacial Mango flavor was also a bit baffling for some tasters.

“Well, after swearing on the wrong flavor, I’ve kind of lost my confidence,” said Marcia Oranen. “But, I thought this was very good, although high in calories.”

“Smooth and very tasty. A nice little after dinner treat or just for a snack,” said Larry Inman.

Despite the concerns over flavor and calories, the panel liked the sorbet cups, giving both a three-and-a-half star rating, out of five.

“Nice flavor. Not too sweet and fun to eat,” said Gabe Kohler.

Del Monte Fruit Chillers, Polar Raspberry

Price: $1.99 for 4 (4.5-ounce) servings

Nutrition per serving: 190 calories, no fat, 1 gram protein, 46 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 2 grams dietary fiber, 15 milligrams sodium.

Taste: “ “ “ 1/2

Value: “ “ “

Comments: “Nice flavor. Fun to eat and very refreshing.” – Gabe Kohler

“Can’t tell what the flavor is, but it’s good. Great for (those who are) lactose intolerant.” – Nancy Robinson

“Delicious. Texture is good and it is very tasty. A great snack or as a dessert.” – Larry Inman

Del Monte Fruit Chillers, Glacial Mango

Price: $1.99

Nutrition per serving: 190 calories, no fat, 1 gram protein, 47 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 2 grams dietary fiber, 15 milligrams sodium.

Taste: “ “ “ 1/2

Value: “ “ “

Comments: “Apricot flavor ice. Very good. I like these, it’s a great idea.” Nancy Robinson

“Understated flavor, but pretty good. My 4-year-old daughter is in an ‘all-things-mango’ phase and this will be great.” – Skip Hubbard

“I’m picking up a hint of some herbal flavor.” – Jenny Whittaker