Starbucks Bows Super-Premium Ice Cream Line

Starbucks Coffee Co. and Unilever yesterday rolled out a new super-premium ice cream line inspired by some of the iconic Seattle-based coffee purveyor's most popular beverages.

Made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients, including rBGH-free milk and cream, the product line comes in the following varieties: Caramel Macchiato (swirled coffee and vanilla ice creams with ribbons of golden caramel), Mocha Frappuccino® (swirled coffee and chocolate ice creams), Java Chip Frappuccino® (coffee ice cream with dark chocolate chunks) and Coffee (swirled Coffee and Espresso ice creams). The suggested retail price is $3.99, with the Java Chip Frappuccino® flavor also available in a 3.6-fluid-ounce single-serve cup for a suggested $1.29.

Starbucks ice cream was first introduced in 1996. The new ice cream line is manufactured, marketed and distributed through an exclusive licensing agreement between the two companies, which was revealed in September 2008. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.-based Unilever also manufactures, markets and distributes Ben & Jerry's, Breyers and Good Humor ice cream brands, among others.