Baskin-Robbins Japan, popularly known as Thirty-one, has unveiled a peculiar addition to its menu: the Quattro Formaggi ice cream. Traditionally associated with extra-cheesy pizza, the Quattro Formaggi, translating to “four cheeses” in Italian, takes on a new form in the world of frozen treats.
In a promotional video, Baskin-Robbins emphasizes the pizza connection, crafting their unconventional ice cream with four distinct cheese flavors: gorgonzola, camembert, gouda, and cream cheese. Branded as “Buono! Quattro Formaggi,” the flavor aims to evoke the essence of pizza with an exclamation point to emphasize its appeal.
Available at 420 yen (US$2.75) for a regular-size scoop or 320 yen for a kids’ serving, the ice cream’s appearance mirrors conventional flavors like butterscotch or French vanilla, despite its unorthodox ingredients.
Initial taste tests reveal a surprising saltiness reminiscent of sea salt ice cream, a trend that gained popularity in Japan recently. This savory note may serve to balance the sweetness, reflecting the inspiration drawn from a savory dish. While the ice cream unmistakably tastes of cheese, it doesn’t immediately evoke pizza, possibly due to the absence of mozzarella or tomato sauce flavors typically associated with pizza snacks.
For Japanese-language reporter P.K. Sanjun, the ice cream’s name, “Cheese Special,” might be more fitting, although he finds little else to fault in this innovative creation by Baskin-Robbins.
