Trader Joe's PB&J Sack Duo Packs: This is another hand-picked snack selected by my sister and sent to Japan for me to review. It's a welcome reimagining of the classic sticks + dip combo but with novel components: cylindrical peanut butter wafer sticks similar to Pirouline paired with a raspberry jam dip. I really like the peanut butter wafers, which I would buy on their own – they have a definite peanut butter flavor, but not enough peanut butter texture to stick to your mouth, and it's also not so saturated in peanut but... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended traderjoes pb&j sack duo packs 4.0
Trader Joe's Mango Jalapeño Apple Fruit Snacks: These strawberry shaped dummies are shaped as if they've been stamped rather than molded, a straight extrusion of a 2d profile. They have a dense rather than chewy texture similar to a thick piece of fruit leather. Its flavor combines several concentrates, including apple, mango, and lemon, and it's finished with jalapeño pepper powder. You can definitely taste all of those individual ingredients – there's a pleasantly spicy aftertaste and the lemon juice helps balance out the sweetness of... (read more) 3.5/5.0
recommended traderjoes mango jalapeño apple fruit snacks 3.5
Trader Joe's Jalapeño seasoned corn and rice puffs: My sister sent me an awesome birthday present from the US: a box of Trader Joe's snacks. I've been away from the US for 9 months now (!) and before that, was mostly shopping at the Park Slope Food Coop, so I haven't had a chance to try their seasonal snack offerings for a long while, which is one of the main reasons I enjoyed shopping there. Normally, puffed snacks made of alternative grains like rice and quinoa (as opposed to the more typical corn puffs) are too soft in texture or have a ... (read more) 3.5/5.0
recommended traderjoes jalapeño seasoned corn rice puffs 3.5
Trader Joe's Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers: I tried these Trader Joe's corn snacks on a recommendation. They are thicker and have a larger footprint (about 2.5x width) than Fritos strips, and they have a generous amount of tangy spiced seasoning. I really like Elote, a traditional Mexican corn dish, but it doesn't taste like Elote, lacking both the creaminess and acidity I expect of the dish. Instead, it tastes like a milder version of Dorito's Cool(er) Ranch, with a creamy sour cream and onion flavor. Overall, it's pretty decent ... (read more) 3.0/5.0
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Trader Joe’s Almond Eggnog: A seasonal drink, this dairy-free eggnog has a comforting spiced flavor, tasting of nutmeg, allspice, and a bit of cinnamon. Its consistency is thicker than Trader Joe’s regular almond milk, and they nailed the hue, with a slightly beige-ish-yellow color. It pairs well with cookies or other sweets, though it is pretty sweet on its own. 3.5/5.0
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Trader Joe's Barbecue popped Ridges: Basically TJ's version of PopChips, though their version is a little thicker and larger in diameter. The barbecue leans more sweet than savory and is an altogether familiar blend reminiscent of Barbecue Lay's. Overall, a decent snack if you want a lighter alternative to potato chips but are still craving that traditional bbq flavor. 3.0/5.0
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