Trader Joe's Yuzu Ripple Coconut Frozen Dessert: This vegan coconut-based "ice cream" is one of the best things I've ever had from Trader Joe's. The coconut base is more neutral than other vegan frozen desserts I've had, making the acidic yuzu ripples the dominant flavor. It seems to be flavored with both yuzu zest as well as marmalade-like yuzu "ripples" that add a satisfying chewy texture. Perfect for hot summer days. 4.5/5.0
exceptional vegan desserts icecream traderjoes yuzu ripple coconut frozen dessert 4.5
Trader Joe's Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Beverage: This holiday drink is definitely better suited for being a mixer than for consuming on its own because It's both quite sweet and has a sharp acidic cranberry flavor. I think if it were mixed with a little bit of ginger ale, or even diluted with some tonic water, the overall balance would improve. 3.0/5.0
drinks traderjoes sparkling cranberry ginger beverage 3.0
Trader Joe's Ridge Cut Potato Chips with Horseradish and Chives: I really enjoyed this fresh take on sour cream and onion. The horseradish flavor is spicy but palatably so, and the chips have a great texture – not too thick and more crispy than crunchy. Definitely recommended for anyone who likes sour cream and onion but would prefer a tangier, sharper flavor. 3.5/5.0
recommended potatochips traderjoes ridge cut potato chips horseradish chives 3.5
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Twist: This TJs brioche was in the same section as the pastries, so I was expecting it to taste more like a dessert. In reality, it's definitely more of a flavored bread than a cake, with the same buttery texture as regular TJs brioche but with a faint yet distinct spiced pumpkin flavor. Reading the label more carefully, I saw that they do accurately describe it as "slightly sweet" and "lightly spicy." Overall, I found it a bit too mild to be satisfyingly festive. 3.0/5.0
traderjoes bread pumpkin brioche twist 3.0
Trader Joe's Sparkling Black Tea with Peach Juice: This is a light refreshing soda alternative that essentially tastes of cold brew peach tea with a little bit of carbonation. It's low calories (15 calories a can with 2 g of sugar), which I found to be sweet enough. Purchased in a 4 pack from Trader Joe's. 3.5/5.0
recommended drinks tea traderjoes sparkling black peach juice 3.5
Trader Joe's Spicy Porkless Plant-Based Snack Rinds: I haven't had many versions of vegetarian "rinds," but Trader Joe's uses a base of rice and peas while still capturing the wrinkled, puffed texture of pork scratchings (though they lack the oily texture you typically get from meat-based snacks). They're flavored like a sweet barbecue with a kick just spicy enough to make the "spicy" labelling accurate. A good alternative to those who like scratchings but can't eat meat (or choose not to). 3.5/5.0
recommended traderjoes spicy porkless snack rinds 3.5 plant-based