The word "exclusive" gets thrown around a lot these days. Where it once meant something very special that only a precious few were privy, nowadays it's more gimmick than truly special treat. The Target exclusive Ben and Jerry's brand Brownie Chew Gooder is exclusive in the modern sense. That is, a novelty and little else.

Like a poor man's Rocky Road, Brownie Chew Gooder has a lot going on. Vanilla caramel ice cream combines with fudge brownies and a caramel swirl to create a mish mash of tastes with only the brownies standing out. The flavor's inability to intrique us with individually tasty elements leaves it stranded as an average, unmemorable taste. Sure, it's ice cream but why choose this particular variety when you can have one of Ben and Jerry's tried and true classics instead? The answer is obvious: you wouldn't.

If you're curious why Ben and Jerry have created a flavor that is sold exclusively at Target, join the club. According to the B&J website, the idea is to promote volunteerism but I'm still not sure how.

Whatever the case, you can also find the exclusive flavor Berry Voluntary at Target. Wal-Mart is likewise carrying an exclusive of its own: Flourless Chocolate Cake. Now if that isn't an odd pairing that brings B&J dangerously close to jumping the shark I don't know what would.

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