The grocery guru, Trader Joe’s, is every savvy shopper’s go-to for inexpensive groceries. From produce to wine, Trader Joe’s makes it easy for those within close proximity of their stores to stock their fridge on a budget. A couple weeks’ worth of dinners for a single person can be purchased for well under $100. But what makes Trader Joe’s unique is not their grocery supply, but the bevy of sweet and savory snacks that supplement one’s weekly meals.
As many frequent shoppers might be aware, Trader Joe’s will introduce new food and beverage items every month and take them away as soon as we fall in love with them. The winter and holiday season is no different, but this year, Trader Joe’s delivered to its loyal customers by introducing flavors that perfectly encapsulate this time of year. Like many other products, some are triumphs, and some lack oomph.
The following list is an abridged version of the full selection that Trader Joe’s is offering exclusively during the holiday season, including prices and where to find them in stores:
Raspberry Stars
Price: $5.99
As the winter season finally brings cold weather to Southern California, it is time to break out the blankets and fuzzy socks. For those who love to cozy up with a hot beverage while watching their favorite comfort shows, it is always good to consider the sweet treat that may accompany it. The Raspberry Stars are a simple shortbread cookie stack, glued together with a sweet-yet-tart raspberry filling. Trader Joe’s has similar cookies with different filling throughout the year, but the raspberry flavor is exclusive to the fall/winter season. The bite is chewy, and reminiscent of an Italian cookie that melts in your mouth without needing to dip in coffee or tea. The cookie’s shelf life is surprisingly lengthy, and they remain soft if stored at room temperature — but they’re so irresistible, they might disappear sooner than you think.
Mini Mushroom Tartelettes
Price: $5.49
For many, the holiday season is a time of community and camaraderie. From office parties to modest classroom celebrations, this time of year brings people together to reminisce about the past 12 months while sharing savory bites and sweet morsels. For those looking to bring hors d’oeuvres to a festive function with minimal effort, the mini mushroom tartelettes are a stellar choice. As someone who loves the flavors in a stuffed mushroom, this appetizer found in the frozen section piqued my interest. The overall flavor is fine; the puff pastry serves as a flaky vessel that carries the mushroom paté with a ricotta-parmesan blend. I found one crucial seasoning to be lacking: Salt. Perhaps the pre-frozen aspect of the bite takes away the savoriness of the cheese blend, but this can be quickly remedied by adding a salt pinch to the top of each one before cooking, maybe even some dry rubbed sage for those who would like to elevate the bite further. An even dozen comes in each box, and the 12-minute cooking time is perfect for those running late to a party. These bites can arguably be considered the ideal “girl dinner,” paired with some fruit and a tall glass of wine.
Thanksgiving Stuffing Seasoned Kettle Chips
Price: $2.99
One thing about Joe: He will always come out with a product that has you thinking, “Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?” The Thanksgiving Stuffing Seasoned Kettle Chips are a brilliant revelation, bringing the savory flavors of a celebrated seasonal side dish to a bite-sized snack. The blend of rosemary, thyme and other seasonal spices is packed in a way that is neither overwhelming nor lacking. In conjunction with the spiced kick, the crunch of the kettle chip is a satisfying bite. These chips can liven up your sack lunch, or be set out during a holiday gathering. At the steal of $3 per bag, it can be easy to find more than one bag in one’s cart. No matter how you choose to indulge, these chips will have you craving stuffing well into the new year. If you like these chips, I would recommend stocking up before they are gone for good.
Spiced Cranberry Granola
Price: $3.99
For those who love a healthy crunch packed with fiber and grains, the Spiced Cranberry Granola is the perfect seasonal answer to a morning routine. Found in the cereal section, the granola is a hearty blend of oats and dried cranberries, but the ingredient that sets off the mix is the candied orange peel, to complement the berries with a tart burst of citrus. The resealable bag is also a plus, ensuring the granola will stay fresh in your cupboard or pantry. Breakfast lovers rejoice, as the granola is a great addition to a yogurt parfait, or even cereal with milk. For those daring to create a new favorite dessert, try it with vanilla ice cream, fresh blueberries and a drizzle of honey.
O’Nog Non-Dairy Oat Beverage
Price: $2.99
As one who is happily dairy-free (nearly) year-round, and a deep lover of the creamy, spiced seasonal flavors of eggnog, “O’Nog” at first glance appears to be a happy medium between the two. Also found in the dairy fridge section, Trader Joe’s has produced a myriad of oat-based creamers throughout the year, popular flavors including brown sugar, gingerbread and cinnamon bun. While I had high hopes for the “O’Nog,” I regret to say that the alternative-milk beverage is on the lighter side, lacking a creaminess that can only be produced from traditional eggnog’s key ingredients: milk and eggs. Sorry vegans, this is a miss for me. I am grateful that my choice to be dairy-free in my everyday milk consumption does not stem from dietary restrictions, and while I still prefer oat milk in my lattes, I think I can break my streak during the holiday season for real eggs in my nog.