Trader Joe’s, the quirky grocery store chain, has garnered a cult following for its unique and affordable products. Among these, Trader Joe’s snacks stand out, offering a delightful mix of flavors and convenience. PureWow’s editors have curated a list of the 15 best Trader Joe’s snacks, providing insight into the most enticing and one-of-a-kind options available.
This article dives into the must-try snacks that keep Trader Joe’s shoppers coming back for more. From savory to sweet, these editor-approved selections promise to satisfy any craving and elevate your snacking experience. Get ready to explore the best that Trader Joe’s has to offer.
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll discover:
* Top salty snacks like Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers and Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack
* Favorite sweet treats such as Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and Maple Leaf Cookies
* Unique finds that blend flavors and textures for a delightful snacking experience
Best Salty Trader Joe’s Snacks
Trader Joe’s offers a wide array of salty snacks that cater to various preferences. From crunchy chips to savory bites, these options are perfect for satisfying those midday cravings or serving as party appetizers. Here are some of the top salty snacks that have won the hearts of PureWow’s editors.
Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers
These zesty chips, inspired by Mexican street corn, are a top pick. Food editors and Trader Joe’s lovers alike swoon over these smoky, citrusy, and tangy chips. The buttermilk seasoning adds a unique twist, making them generously coated and irresistible.
Quote: “Whether you crush them up to bread chicken or nosh on them straight from the bag (with guac, obvi), you’ll swoon hard over these zesty chips,” says one PureWow editor.
Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack
For those who enjoy umami-rich and crispy snacks, the Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack is a must-try. PureWow associate editor Nakeisha Campbell raves about the togarashi-style flavor and the spicy kick that makes it easy to finish a bag in minutes.
Quote: “They’re made with crispy tempura and have a flavorful, spicy seasoning that gives it a nice kick. I can easily finish a bag in a matter of minutes,” Campbell shares.
Popcorn and Dips
Trader Joe’s popcorn and dips are another excellent category for those seeking savory delights. These snacks are perfect for movie nights, gatherings, or simply enjoying a relaxing evening at home. The combination of flavors and textures makes them a crowd-pleaser.
White Cheddar Popcorn
The white cheddar popcorn is an elite choice, offering a light and airy texture with the right amount of sharp, cheesy flavor. It’s a perfect mid-day snack that won’t leave you feeling too full. For a plain option, the olive oil popcorn provides just the right amount of salt and a subtle olive oil flavor.
Quote: “The white cheddar popcorn is elite. It’s the perfect mid-day snack that’s light and airy with just the right amount of sharp, cheesy flavor,” according to PureWow executive managing editor.
Jalapeño Artichoke Dip
No one turns down jalapeño artichoke dip at a party. This deeply jammy dip is a cult favorite for good reason. Paired with yellow corn tortilla chips, which are thicker and not too salty, the dip offers a savory and flavorful experience with a touch of sweetness.
Quote: “The jalapeño artichoke dip is the real star. It’s savory and flavorful with a touch of sweetness. It’s like a grown-up snack that can make any raw veggie, pretzel or chip taste better,” Campbell explains.
Cheese and Unique Chips
Trader Joe’s excels in offering unique cheese and chip combinations that stand out from the usual snack options. These selections provide a blend of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and exciting for the palate.
Cheddar Cheese Sticks
The cheddar cheese sticks have been a long-time favorite on Trader Joe’s shelves. They offer a satisfying crunch and a real cheddar cheese flavor. Pairing them with the pimento cheese dip from TJ’s elevates the experience.
Quote: “I now consider them a must-have for charcuterie boards, but they’re just as good as a standalone snack,” Campbell asserts.
Crunchy Curls
These lentil flour and potato starch-based curls are a potato chip substitute that might just dethrone the original. They are light, crunchy, and made with lentils, making them a healthier alternative to regular chips.
Quote: “I wasn’t sure if I’d like them, but they’re super light and crunchy, and because they’re made with lentils, I can convince myself that they’re healthier than regular chips,” PureWow executive editor admits.
Plantain Chips and Savory Puffs
For those seeking a tropical twist and unique textures, Trader Joe’s plantain chips and savory puffs offer a delightful snacking experience. These options are packed with flavor and provide a satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more.
Jerk Style Plantain Chips
Infused with seasonings like allspice, thyme, black pepper, and ginger, these plantain chips offer a tropical splendor in every bite. The spicy jerk seasoning generously coats each chip, making them irresistible for jerk chicken lovers.
Quote: “As a lover of jerk chicken, I was so happy to discover this one. The flavor is so, so good, and I love that every chip is generously coated with the spicy jerk seasoning,” Campbell writes.
Organic Cacio e Pepe Puffs
These corn and rice snacks are inspired by cacio e pepe, offering a savory and cheesy flavor with a sharp heat from black pepper. The combination of Romano and cheddar cheese makes them lip-smackingly delicious.
Quote: “Cacio e pepe everything—at this point, I’ll bet that the cheese-and-pepper treatment makes everything better, and these corn and rice snacks are no exception,” says Taryn Pire.
Best Sweet Trader Joe’s Snacks
Trader Joe’s also shines in its selection of sweet snacks, perfect for satisfying those dessert cravings. From chocolatey treats to fruity delights, these options are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Snacky Clusters
These clusters combine potato chips, corn chips, and pretzels in milk chocolate, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty. They are neither too sweet nor too salty, making them an addictive treat.
Quote: “Somehow, TJ’s nails the combination of potato chips, corn chips and pretzels in milk chocolate to be neither too sweet nor too salty,” claims PureWow editor.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
These peanut butter cups are a staff favorite, featuring a rich dark chocolate shell and a gooey peanut butter center. Made from high-quality cacao beans and slow-roasted peanuts, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Quote: “The dark chocolate peanut butter cups are the stuff of dreams. The dark chocolate shell is harder and richer than a leading brand,” PureWow editor-in-chief says.
Cookies and Nostalgic Treats
Trader Joe’s offers a range of cookies and nostalgic treats that bring back childhood memories while delivering delightful flavors. These options are perfect for a sweet indulgence or a comforting snack.
Maple Leaf Cookies
These crunchy shortbread sandwich cookies are a true delight, offering a light and sweet maple cream filling. They are perfect for indulging in the flavors of fall any time of the year.
Quote: “The maple cream is light and packed with sweetness, though not cloy. I can eat a sleeve in like, 30 minutes. It’s horrible,” Wu adds.
PB & J Snack Duo
This snack duo transports you back to elementary school, featuring peanut butter-filled wafer sticks paired with a sweet-tart raspberry fruit dip. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a divine throwback.
Quote: “This nostalgic treat transported me to my elementary school cafeteria, back when people still said ‘chillaxing’ and, seemingly, no one was allergic to peanuts yet,” says Taryn Pire.
Conclusion: Trader Joe’s Snack Paradise
Trader Joe’s continues to be a go-to destination for unique and delicious snacks. The 15 snacks highlighted by PureWow’s editors showcase the diversity and quality that Trader Joe’s offers, from savory chips and dips to sweet cookies and clusters. These editor-approved selections are sure to elevate your snacking game and keep your pantry stocked with delightful options.
Whether you’re a fan of salty, sweet, or a combination of both, Trader Joe’s has something to satisfy every craving. So next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, be sure to grab a few of these editor-approved snacks and experience the best that this beloved grocery store has to offer.
Key Takeaways:
* Trader Joe’s offers a wide variety of unique and affordable snacks.
* PureWow’s editors have curated a list of the 15 best snacks, catering to various preferences.
* From savory to sweet, these snacks promise to satisfy any craving and elevate your snacking experience.
With its ever-changing and innovative snack options, Trader Joe’s remains a snack paradise for food lovers everywhere.
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