Dippin' Dots introduces packaged product.

A technical breakthrough has allowed Dippin' Dots to create a packaged version of its cryogenically-frozen novelty product. The new line, called "Dots 'n Cream," is described as being frozen from the inside out as a result of an infusion of the "super-cold" dots into the ice cream mix. The dots, which usually have to be kept at 40 degrees below zero in special freezers when vended as a novelty, blend in with the mix to create an ice cream that stable at normal grocery and home freezer temperatures. The company notes that in the packaged format the dots are barely visible and hardly perceptible on the tongue. Dippin' Dots also reports that the resulting product is a "fresher-tasting, smoother ice cream" because the dots make the ice cream freeze faster.

Dots 'n Cream has been introduced in four flavors: vanilla, chocolate with white chocolate Dippin' Dots, mint chocolate chip, and banana split. Onehalf cup of Dots 'n Cream has about 165 calories and 10 grams of fat, which the company states is comparable to other brands of ice cream with add-ins. A 1 1/2-quart carton carries a suggested retail price of $4.99.

Dippin' Dots, invented in 1988 by microbiologist and entrepreneur Curt Jones, are sold in over 250 retail locations and thousands of entertainment venues and special events nationwide. The company's Global division oversees licensees in nine countries. There are currently 30 flavors of Dippin' Dots available with new flavors frequently being introduced. Chocolate chip cookie dough is one of those soon to be launched.

Jones is reported to be focused on increasing awareness of the brand through a greater use of product placements in movies and on television. His efforts have led to a direct participation in the entertainment industry, with Jones having become a film and record producer himself.