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Kcal 260 Fat 16.0g Fat(sats) 8.0g Carbs 28.0g It seems like decades ago when I first reviewed the Nestle Baby Ruth on ChocolateMission - Ok it wasn't quite that long ago but it was one the first ever few bars to feature on the site. Since that time back in March 2008 I have actually had the bar quite a few more times and I still stand by the score of 7.6 out of 10 that I awarded it back then. In the US market the Baby Ruth is very established and it surprises me that Nestle haven't made more of the brand given it's popularity. Given how many limited editions and line extensions we see on the likes of M&M's and Snickers I find it somewhat odd that this 'Crisp' option is currently the only extended offering from the Baby Ruth brand.
This Baby Ruth Crisp came described as 'baked wafers, caramel, peanuts and creme' and came in 50.0g size. In terms of presentation the bar looked pretty good and I liked the way that the packaging communicated the new news of the Crisp offering whilst still maintaining some of the core Baby Ruth brand credentials using the same logo and font styles. In terms of what was inside I liked the way the product was split into two bars as this was certainly more convenient than it would have been had it just been one single piece. In regards to aromas I found the milky sweet smells pretty enticing and I liked the small hint of nut that was also on offer.
If you look at the photo above you will be able to see that the outer coating of milk chocolate wasn't exactly dominant in terms of portioning and I am sure it won't surprise you to hear it took quite a back seat in the overall taste. Just as you will find in all Nestle milk chocolate products the chocolate was predominantly milk rooted in flavours and had quite a sugary finish in the latter stages of it's melt. Sitting below the outer coating of milk chocolate the intermittent layers of peanuts, wafers, caramel and peanut butter all combined to bring a fantastic synergy of sweet and salty influences. The peanuts and wafers were crisp, crunchy and fresh and brought wonderful nut and malt flavours to the party. The gooey caramel and peanut butter layers perfectly complimented the aforementioned bring a delightful moistness to the drier elements. Speaking of the bars hunger fulfilment credentials I have to say it wasn't quite as satisfying as the larger original Baby Ruth, however it was still pretty hefty as an afternoon snack.
Overall as controversial as this may be I have come to the conclusion that this Baby Ruth Crisp actually works a hell of a lot better than the original Baby Ruth bar. The ongoing problem I have with the original bar is that I think the layer of fudge flavoured nougat dominates the taste and brings an overwhelming dryness in terms of texture. What this Crisp variant does so well is that the peanut creme and caramel layers bring a much needed moistness to each bite and they more enhance the taste rather than dominate it. If you are a fan of the original Baby Ruth or Reese's products I would strongly suggest you give this bar a try. It isn't the strongest peanut butter bar I have had on ChocolateMission but I was impressed with it nonetheless. If you get the option to try it I would definitely give it a go - I will certainly have it again in the future.
8.2 out 10
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18 comments:
I wish we got the Baby Ruth here in the UK I think it is one I would really like.
Ewwww I am not a fan of baby ruths I am afrad. My friend bought me one as part of a selection of American chocolates for my birthday last year and it was my least favourite.
I thought the chocolate was really poor quality - even for Nestle.
Dx
The photograph makes it looks nice and it sounds like it is a decent size for something that is mostly wafer. I saw it once in Cybercandy but thought better of it because there were so many other things that looked more interesting.
This reminds me of a lot of the Lion bar.
I wish some of the UK chocolate manufacturers would learn something from the US. In America they seem more inclined to release different flavours of their normal lines for limited times which I think keeps interest up. Everything we have on the shelves at the moment has been there for years.
I wouldn't say this is the most original thing I have ever seen but it looks like something I would try.
Steven I think it looks more like a Cadburys Picnic rather than a Lion bar. The only thing that a Picnic has that this isn't are the raisins.
This looks interesting, probably not my number one must try bar since peanut butter isn't one of my faves but still- i wish we did get a few other bars here! It wasn't that many years ago when Cadbury's and Nestle etc brought out quite a few limited edition bars (I particularly remember the Crunchie ones like mint, tango and champagne!)but no one bothers these days :( And most of Nestles 'limited editions' have become standard lines like the kitkat varieties (or are almost non existent in the shops so you can't find them when they are about).
Something I find puzzling about Nestle over here is that they quite often put alot of energy into creating spinoffs on products that aren't that great to start with like the Munchies.
I haven't had a Baby Ruth since I last went to America but from what I remember they are great.
America isn't the best for chocolate but they do make some nice things and this I think is a fine example.
If you like this Jim you should try a bar called the Mr Big that you can buy in Canada. It is sort of like a baby ruth but twice as large. I would recommend it you try it sometime.
alan is right. it wasn't that long ago that cadbury and nestle were coming out with loads of new varieties so i think we have little to complain about.
one thing i think we do have the right to moan about it birtish chocolate makers not using peanut butter enough. it is so under used in chocolate, even more so since they took the kit kat chunky away from us.
This sounds tempting indeed! Will have to pay Cybercandy a visit soon. I wish they hadn't opened a store in Birmingham, it doesn't agree with my wallet...
There have been way too many times that I have gone to buy a peanut butter chunky only to remember it has been replaced by that vile caramel thing.
Whoever made that decision at Nestle needs their head checked. They might sound a little harsh but I think a lot of people would agree.
Jim if I wanted to but this in the Uk where would be the best idea to start looking?
I want to try some more of these American chocolates you review.
Thanks
Alicia
I am making my way through a bag of Baby Ruth miniatures at the moment so this sounds (and looks) really good...their photography dept should hire you, lol :) Despite actually being in the US at the moment I haven't seen this edition anywhere, in fact I rarely see Baby Ruths in vending machines, supermarket checkout aisles, etc. I guess it adds the lure of the hunt?
Sorry to butt in Jim, but Alicia you have a few options.
1 - you can try online shops like ebay, candypirate etc.
2 - you could try going to a cybercandy shop in London. They have one in Birmingham now aswell.
Damn you jim I drooling looking at that picture. It looks scrummy.
David
True it is annoying we don't get it as easily as we would wish, but like you mentioned earlier there are means of getting hold of one.
Daisy
You're right the chocolate isn't the best, but I think all the other components more than make up for it.
Nick
If you see it again you should buy it. I think these Crisp variants are limited edition so best buy whilst you can.
Duncan
I guess it does a little bit!? It has peanut butter aswell though.
Paul
That isn't necesarrily true is it!? Cadbury bring out several new varieties a year and Nestle aren't afraid to shake things up every now and then. It is Mars that don't deliver the innovation!
Steven
If you ever do please let me know what you think chap.
Richard
Minus the raisins and add in some peanut butter and no you wouldn't be far off.
Alan
Like I said above Cadbury have brought quite a few new bars out in the last few years ... not necessarilly limited editions but they are new nonetheless.
I do agree with you about Nestle not being tatical with the products they develop! You remember those munchies and malteser bite cake things I reviewed a few months ago!? They were pants! As for the endless amount of Pouch varities they are bringing out don't get me started.
As I also said to one of the guys above it would be nice for Mars to up their game a bit. Their innovation is all so poor.
Karen
The Americans make loads of good chocolates! I agree that this is a great example of what they can do.
Dan
The Cadbury Mr Big is something I will be reviewing in the near future so watch out for that one. Thanks for the suggestion though. Nice to see my readers are on the ball.
George
You are right it would be great to see peanut butter used more as an added flavour.
I too miss the peanut butter Kit Kat ... it was one of those bars I would have every now and again for a real treat. I loved it :(
Susanne
I am not a big fan of Cybercandy myself. I find their prices massivelly inflated.
I guess if it is the easiest place to buy these sort of things though it makes sense.
Lauren
I totally agree with you. I didn't understand the decision then and I still don't know.
Alicia
David seems to have supplied you with some useful tips. I would try Yankee Soda myself - sadly Candy Pirate have gone out of business now :(
Thea
Thanks for the nice words about the pictures. It is surprising to hear that the Baby Ruth doesn't have great distribution .. I thought it was one of the most sucessful bars in the US!? Perhaps I am wrong. Good luck finding it ... if you do drop me a note with what you think.
David
No please do... I encourage conversation between my readers! Thanks!
Emma
Thanks I do try my best with the photos.
Thanks everyone - I hope you have great weekends.
JIM
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