The Baby Ruth is one of those unexceptional bars that are always around but rarely noticed. So unexceptional, in fact, that reviews of it are rare in the candy blogosphere. Jim’s got one up on Chocolate Mission, but he’s a UK reviewer and probably doesn’t really know the cultural impact – or lack thereof – of the Baby Ruth in the US.
So why review the bar if it’s so inconsequential? Because with this review, I can fill a need. I’m sure many of you, while browsing the candy aisle or waiting at the checkout counter, would see a Baby Ruth and think, “Gee, I haven’t had one of those in ages. I can’t even remember how they taste. Maybe I should pick one up!” After this review, dear readers, you will know better. You’re not missing anything.
The outer coating of the Baby Ruth is a thin layer of a bland, unexceptional chocolate. I think it’s actually chocolate, but I could be wrong. It doesn’t taste like much at all.
Inside the chocolate is a mix of a bland, caramel-nougat type thing that is heavily studded with whole and half peanuts. The caramel-nougat type thing, like the chocolate, is bland. The peanuts have a good crunch, at least, but not much flavor.
Overall, the Baby Ruth just needs a big dose of oomph in the form of more flavor. More saltiness from the peanuts, more sweetness and burnt sugar notes from the caramel-nougat, and more chocolate taste from the chocolate. As it is, it gets a big goose egg of an O for being so boring.
Nestle acquired the Baby Ruth bar in 1990 and I’m betting they altered the ingredients list or the recipe to make it cheaper to produce. At the very least, I’d wager that Nabisco altered the original recipe when it purchased the rights to make it.
Sadly, I believe the candy from our childhood no longer exists, even when something that bears the same name is on the shelves.
I actually /was/ looking for a Baby Ruth review because to me the bar has changed quite a bit since my high school days (early 90s). After having just ate one and wonder where all the peanuts had went I can say for sure it’s definitely not what it used to be, and definitely not worth a price unless that’s free.
Is there any information about this subject in other languages?