The Choco Taco. A delightful, quirky, and undeniably delicious treat that has tantalized taste buds for decades. The combination of waffle cone “taco shell,” vanilla ice cream, chocolate coating, and peanut topping is a stroke of genius. But who is the mastermind behind this iconic dessert? The answer, like the Choco Taco itself, is surprisingly layered.
The Birth of a Novel Idea: Alan Drazen and the Early Days
The commonly accepted story credits Alan Drazen, an ice cream executive working for Jack & Jill Ice Cream in Philadelphia, as the inventor of the Choco Taco in 1983. Drazen’s vision was to create a novel ice cream product that would be easier to eat than a traditional cone and would stand out in the crowded frozen dessert market. He aimed to combine familiar elements – ice cream, chocolate, nuts – in a unique and appealing format.
Drazen recognized the inherent instability of ice cream cones, which often melted quickly and could be messy. He wanted something that held its form better, offered a good ice cream-to-topping ratio, and was fun to eat. The taco shape, he believed, was the perfect solution.
The Waffle Cone Revolution
The key to Drazen’s innovation was the waffle cone taco shell. Traditional waffle cones were too brittle to be easily formed into a taco shape. He needed a way to create a sturdy yet pliable shell that could hold ice cream without cracking or crumbling.
The solution involved modifying the waffle cone manufacturing process. By using a softer batter and a specialized mold, Drazen and his team were able to create waffle cones that could be folded into a taco shape while still warm. The waffle cone was then sprayed with chocolate on the inside to prevent the ice cream from making it soggy. This innovative step was crucial to the Choco Taco’s structural integrity and overall success.
Perfecting the Filling and Topping
With the waffle cone taco shell perfected, the next step was to determine the ideal filling and topping. Drazen opted for a simple yet satisfying vanilla ice cream. The ice cream was then covered in milk chocolate and sprinkled with roasted peanuts.
The combination of the warm waffle cone, cold vanilla ice cream, rich chocolate, and crunchy peanuts created a textural and flavor sensation that was instantly appealing. The Choco Taco was a hit, and Jack & Jill Ice Cream quickly began mass-producing it for distribution throughout the Philadelphia area.
Conagra and the National Expansion
While Alan Drazen is credited with inventing the Choco Taco, its rise to national prominence is largely due to Conagra Brands, the food conglomerate that acquired Jack & Jill Ice Cream in 1989. Conagra recognized the potential of the Choco Taco and invested heavily in marketing and distribution, transforming it from a regional favorite into a nationwide phenomenon.
Rebranding and Marketing Magic
Conagra rebranded the Choco Taco, giving it a more polished and appealing look. They also launched a series of marketing campaigns that emphasized the product’s unique shape, delicious flavor, and fun eating experience. These efforts helped to create a strong brand identity and generate widespread consumer awareness.
Expanding Distribution Nationwide
One of Conagra’s key contributions was expanding the Choco Taco’s distribution network. By leveraging its extensive supply chain and relationships with retailers across the country, Conagra made the Choco Taco available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and ice cream trucks from coast to coast.
This nationwide availability was essential to the Choco Taco’s success. It allowed consumers in all parts of the country to experience the unique dessert and helped to solidify its position as a beloved American treat.
The Great Choco Taco Controversy: Discontinuation and Reintroduction
In a move that shocked and saddened Choco Taco fans everywhere, Klondike, owned by Unilever, announced in July 2022 that it was discontinuing the Choco Taco. The stated reason was to streamline its portfolio and focus on other products. This decision sparked outrage and disappointment among consumers, who took to social media to express their love for the Choco Taco and their disbelief at its demise.
The outcry was so intense that it caught the attention of high-profile figures, including Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who publicly offered to buy the rights to the Choco Taco in order to save it. While Ohanian’s offer ultimately didn’t materialize, it highlighted the depth of affection that people had for the dessert.
A Triumphant Return?
Following the widespread backlash, there were rumors and hopes of a possible return. However, nothing was confirmed for a long time. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson even expressed his dismay at the discontinuation.
However, in early 2024, much to the delight of Choco Taco enthusiasts, Klondike announced that the Choco Taco would be making a limited return. The news was met with jubilation, and fans eagerly awaited the chance to once again indulge in their favorite frozen treat. The return was facilitated by a partnership with Taco Bell, further adding to the excitement. This limited return showcased the power of consumer demand and the enduring appeal of the Choco Taco.
Beyond the Mainstream: Variations and Inspirations
The Choco Taco’s success has inspired numerous variations and adaptations over the years. From homemade versions to gourmet interpretations, chefs and home cooks alike have put their own spin on the classic dessert.
Homemade Choco Tacos
Many food bloggers and home cooks have created recipes for homemade Choco Tacos, allowing people to customize the ingredients and flavors to their liking. These recipes often involve making the waffle cone taco shells from scratch and experimenting with different ice cream flavors, toppings, and sauces.
Gourmet Interpretations
Some chefs have taken the Choco Taco to a whole new level, creating gourmet versions that feature high-quality ingredients and sophisticated flavor combinations. These gourmet Choco Tacos may include artisanal ice cream, handcrafted waffle cones, and unique toppings such as sea salt caramel, candied pecans, and dark chocolate ganache.
Choco Taco-Inspired Desserts
The Choco Taco’s iconic shape and flavor profile have also inspired other desserts, such as Choco Taco ice cream cakes, Choco Taco cookies, and Choco Taco milkshakes. These creative adaptations demonstrate the enduring influence of the Choco Taco on the culinary world.
The Legacy of a Novelty Ice Cream Treat
The Choco Taco is more than just an ice cream treat; it’s a cultural icon. Its unique shape, delicious flavor, and fun eating experience have made it a beloved dessert for generations of Americans. From its humble beginnings at Jack & Jill Ice Cream to its national prominence under Conagra, the Choco Taco has had a remarkable journey. And despite its brief discontinuation, its triumphant return proves that its legacy will continue to endure.
Alan Drazen’s vision of creating a novel and appealing ice cream product has certainly been realized. The Choco Taco is a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring appeal of simple pleasures. Its story is a reminder that even the most unexpected combinations can sometimes create something truly special. While its future remains uncertain, the Choco Taco has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of frozen desserts.
Who is generally credited with inventing the Choco Taco?
John Goedert, an ice cream novelty manager at Good Humor, is widely credited with inventing the Choco Taco. He conceived the idea in 1983 while working at the company’s headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa. Goedert’s inspiration came from wanting to improve the way ice cream cones were eaten, envisioning a more mess-free and portable dessert option.
Goedert sought to combine the familiarity and portability of a taco with the deliciousness of ice cream. He believed that the taco shape would make the treat easier to hold and eat on the go, minimizing the usual drippy mess associated with traditional ice cream cones. After some experimentation, the Choco Taco was born, quickly becoming a popular novelty ice cream treat.
What was John Goedert’s inspiration for the Choco Taco?
Goedert’s primary inspiration was to solve the problem of messy ice cream cones. He observed that people often struggled to eat ice cream cones quickly enough, leading to melting and dripping. This inconvenience sparked the idea of creating a more contained and portable ice cream experience.
He also drew inspiration from the popularity of tacos. By combining the familiar taco shape with the appeal of ice cream, Goedert aimed to create a novel and enjoyable dessert that would be both fun to eat and less prone to melting-related mishaps. The taco concept provided a convenient and mess-free delivery system for the ice cream and toppings.
What were the key ingredients that made up the original Choco Taco?
The original Choco Taco consisted of a waffle cone shaped like a taco shell, filled with vanilla ice cream. The ice cream was then studded with roasted peanuts and covered in a layer of milk chocolate. This combination of textures and flavors contributed to the treat’s widespread appeal.
The waffle cone provided a crispy and slightly sweet base, while the vanilla ice cream offered a classic and refreshing taste. The peanuts added a crunchy, salty contrast, and the milk chocolate coating provided a smooth and rich finish. These elements worked together to create a unique and satisfying dessert experience.
How did the Choco Taco initially fare in the market?
Initially, the Choco Taco was test-marketed in Des Moines, Iowa, where it received positive feedback from consumers. This encouraged Good Humor to expand its distribution to other regions. The novelty item quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in ice cream trucks and convenience stores across the United States.
The Choco Taco’s success stemmed from its unique combination of flavors, textures, and its convenient, mess-free design. Consumers were drawn to the novel concept and the enjoyable eating experience it provided. Its affordable price point further contributed to its widespread adoption and enduring popularity.
Why was the Choco Taco discontinued by Klondike?
In 2022, Klondike, the brand that owned the Choco Taco, announced that they were discontinuing the product due to supply chain issues and the need to simplify their product line. The company stated that they were focusing on other products with higher demand and greater potential for growth. This decision came as a surprise and disappointment to many fans.
The discontinuation was driven by business considerations rather than a lack of popularity. Klondike faced increasing challenges in sourcing the unique components of the Choco Taco and streamlining their operations. Ultimately, the decision was made to prioritize other products that offered greater efficiency and profitability.
Has the Choco Taco ever been brought back after its discontinuation?
Following the widespread public outcry over the discontinuation, several attempts were made to bring back the Choco Taco. While Klondike has not officially reintroduced the original product on a permanent basis, there have been limited-time revivals and collaborations with other companies. These initiatives aimed to capitalize on the nostalgia and demand for the iconic dessert.
For instance, in 2022, Klondike briefly partnered with Taco Bell to offer a limited run of Choco Tacos at select locations. Furthermore, there have been independent efforts by restaurants and food trucks to create their own versions of the Choco Taco, showcasing the enduring appeal of the original concept. The intermittent reappearances highlight the persistent consumer interest in the treat.
Are there any variations or spin-offs of the Choco Taco available?
While the original Choco Taco held a special place in many hearts, numerous variations and spin-offs have emerged over the years. Some companies and culinary entrepreneurs have experimented with different flavors of ice cream, waffle cone coatings, and toppings. These variations aim to cater to diverse tastes and preferences while maintaining the core concept of a taco-shaped ice cream treat.
Beyond commercial products, homemade Choco Taco recipes have also become popular, allowing individuals to customize their own versions with their favorite ingredients. These variations might include different types of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit fillings. The enduring popularity of the Choco Taco has inspired countless creative adaptations, demonstrating the versatility and timeless appeal of the original design.