Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Seasoned Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips: I like potato chips, and I like everything seasoning. But these chips were far too garlicky, and it misses a lot of the nuance of good everything seasoning. The poppy seeds, for example, have a hard time sticking to the potato chips, so they mostly end up at the bottom of the bag, and there isn't any discernible sesame flavor. Texture-wise, the kettle chips are totally solid. But I wouldn't get them again because of how alarmingly strong the garlic is. 2.0/5.0
chips traderjoes everything but bagel seasoned kettle-cooked potato 2.0
Anchor Ginger Root Beer: This vintage style root beer unfortunately falls flat, with an overly sweetened syrupy flavor that tastes very little of ginger. It reminds me of Dad's Root Beer, which I had at swimming meets at community pools growing up, not because it was good but because it was available. Purchased at Uwajimaya. 2.5/5.0
drinks soda rootbeer anchor ginger root beer 2.5
Ritz Cheddar Cheese Crispers: Since returning to the states, I’ve gotten a chance to satisfy my cheese cracker craving, which typically involves consuming Cheddar Rockets from Trader Joe’s, but I sometimes try new offerings I spot in the cracker aisle. These cheddar crisps from Ritz are an example of an unfortunate purchase - the cheddar had a strange off flavor, and it was quite messy to eat because of the dusted cheese coating. The base of the cracker itself didn’t have the satisfying buttery richness of ritz crackers,... (read more) 2.0/5.0
crackers ritz cheddar cheese crispers 2.0
Shen Zen Tea Ginger Kombucha: There are a lot of local kombucha brewers in Seattle, so I’m getting to expand my drink reviews. This brand, Shen Zen Tea, sells product at Uwajimaya but also holds a stand at the Ballard farmers market on Sundays. The drink combines ginger and lemongrass and is lightly sweetened. It has a prominently fermented sour and tangy flavor. I liked it the more I drank it, and the bottle, while on the expensive side, at around $6, lasted for multiple servings. 3.5/5.0
recommended drinks uwajimaya shenzentea ginger kombucha 3.5
Iggy’s Ginger honeybrew kombucha: From Bainbridge Island, this ginger honey kombucha is pleasantly spiced with orange, lemon, star anise, and cinnamon and has a bright floral honey aftertaste. It’s much milder than other kombucha I’ve had, which brings out the honey flavor even more. The ginger is faint but still refreshing. A portion of sales gets donated to fund bee research. 3.5/5.0
recommended drinks honey iggys ginger honeybrew kombucha 3.5
Trader Joe’s Watermelon Jerky: These compressed and dehydrated watermelon jerky strips are disorienting - they have a chewy texture reminiscent of Fruit Roll Up, yet maintain the fibrous quality of fresh watermelon as it lingers on your tongue. It instantly gets stuck in your teeth. But it does have a remarkable watermelon flavor - sweet and a little bit tangy. I enjoyed it but am not sure I’d purchase it again. The bag is single serving, but it’s sweet enough to want to spread across a few. 3.0/5.0
organic traderjoes watermelon jerky 3.0 fruit