The refreshing AC blasts us as we enter the fluorescently lit 7-Eleven, a welcome respite from the blistering Beijing heat that we’ve been experiencing. A trip to the freezer section not only cools the face but also provides a few interesting and bizarre options for a sweet snack. Whether you’re searching for something to give your kids at the pool or are on the hunt for a conversation-starter on a date, here are four weird but refreshing 7-Eleven treats to try next time you want some heat relief this summer.
- Sonlato Frozen Lemonade Balls (RMB 9.90)
At first, I thought these ice balls packaged in a plastic cup were meant to be popped directly into your mouth (which you certainly can do). But after opening the lid and getting a look at the instructions, however, I realized this was a genius make-your-own-lemonade kit. Simply pour your choice of drink (mine was sparkling water) over the pink lemonade-flavored ice balls, and swish the two together. As the ice melts, you are left with a sweet, refreshing drink that will last you a long time, as you can keep refilling the cup with water as the ice continues to melt, perpetuating this tasty refreshment.
- Pino Chocolate Ice Cream Cubes (RMB 11)
Having never seen this type of ice cream before, I picked up the cute spotted packaging of this treat in an attempt to figure out what exactly it was. After peeling off the cardboard lid to reveal a small tray of six dome-shaped chocolates accompanied by a toothpick tool to help with mess-free eating, I was pleasantly surprised: The extremely thin layer of dark chocolate on the outside isn’t too heavy or overpowering, whilst the vanilla ice cream filling melts effortlessly. As you bite through the shell, the slightly bitter chocolate and the creamy, sweet vanilla blend to create a delicious combination.
- Grape Ice (RMB 8.50)
Wanting to grab a wide range of things, a package titled “Grape Ice” also caught my attention when browsing through the freezer section. Expecting some type of frozen grape, my need for a refreshing treat was met by these spheres of grapey goodness. The flavor was still strong, and a comparison to a slushy in a bite would seem appropriate for this snack. Although grape is a well-known flavor, this interpretation of it as an ice cream is something I’ve never seen outside of China.
- Power Cap (RMB 10.50)
My final choice of exploratory frozen goods was made in something called “Power Cap” in the watermelon flavor. Shaped like a small water bottle, the idea appeared to be to twist off the top and push out the sorbet-style filling. However, the seemingly simple task proved to be harder than expected, as the flexible plastic wouldn’t twist off cleanly. In the end, I was only able to break a small hole in it to squeeze out a little of the contents, which had a sweet, artificial watermelon flavor. If the taste seems like something you’re up for, it would be advised to buy this only if you have access to scissors for opening purposes. Perhaps a good choice for kids, eating this treat felt more like a challenge than a snack, but turning ice cream into an activity is a great summer pastime.
So, there you have it: four unique options for your next trip to your local 7-Eleven that might just surprise you in the best way. Who says you can’t cool off from the summer heat and explore a creative dessert at the same time?
Violet Proctor is a Grade 10 student from Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) currently interning at True Run Media (the parent company of Jingkids) through WAB’s World of Work program.
Images: Violet Proctor
