Tag: trader joe's

Trader Joe’s Just Brought Back “the Best” Bougie Treat That Sold Out Fast Last Year

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Trader Joe’s is stocking the shelves with fan-favorite items both new and old. From their Stollen Crisps to the iconic Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s, you can always rely on the grocer to keep your cart and belly full. What’s the most recent new product, you ask? Well, Harry & David Holiday Comice Pears have just hit the produce section, spotted by some shoppers on Reddit.

If you have ever had the pleasure of receiving a Harry & David gift box, you know that their pears are unlike any other. The fruit is sweet, juicy, and all around the most perfect pear you could ever ask for. While you can snag a box of six from Harry & David’s online store for $39.99, Trader Joe’s is selling them for a limited time at $9.99 per box. The pears are considered an “opportunity buy,” which means they won’t be around for long.

One of the greatest parts about pears is that they don’t spoil as quickly as some other fruits. Harry & David suggest keeping them at room temperature until you can gently press on the base of the stem with your finger and it surrenders. Then, you can leave the pears in the fridge for up to 10 days.

While the image from the Reddit thread is at an undisclosed location, commenters chimed in where they spotted the fruits across the United States including Massachusetts, Texas, Virginia, New Jersey, and California. “These are the best pears I’ve ever had in my life,” wrote one user. “I’d gladly pay that much for a box considering the price they go for online.”

One Redditor asked the group what the big deal is — what’s so exciting about pears? They were met with a sea of praise. “Just try them, they’re SO good,” read one reply. “I don’t eat pears unless they’re Harry and David.”

With reviews like these, be pre-pear-ed for these to sell out ASAP.

[ad_2]

Emma Taubenfeld

Source link

December 15, 2023
Trader Joe’s Just Brought Back a “Delicious” Dessert to the Bakery Section and It’s the Best $4 You’ll Spend All Week

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Trader Joe’s has no shortage of holiday treats, perfect for any last-minute dessert needs when you don’t have time to bake. From Shortbread French Butter Cookies to Boozy Macarons and Sweet Cannoli Dip, there are seemingly endless possibilities that will satisfy all kinds of palates. However, if you’re a fan of minty chocolate confections, this new item certainly takes the cake — or should we say, brownie.

The Instagram account, @trader_joes_treasure_hunt, recently discovered that an old favorite holiday treat has hit the bakery shelves once again. Trader Joe’s Peppermint Brownies are your classic gooey fudge brownie with a holiday twist. Made with rich cocoa, peppermint, and white chocolate chips, the brownies are topped with a drizzle of white chocolate ganache that looks just as delicious as it tastes.

Retailing at $4.49, the seasonal dessert is perfect for any holiday party, last-minute treat for your festive spread, or even just a night in by yourself. Commenters on the post seem to be in favor of the returning item — and rightfully so. “These are so good,” wrote one user. While another said, “On my list to try next. Gotta love the holiday treats.”

The grocer even offered some suggestions for how to indulge on the Trader Joe’s website. “The bite-size format of these rich brownies makes them ideal for including with Candy Cane Almonds and Decked Out Tree Cookies on a candy-cuterie board — a.k.a. a charcuterie board filled with candy & cookies instead of meats & cheeses,” the brand mentions. “And if you’re looking to upgrade your offering of cookies and milk for Santa, these brownies will surely fit the bill — unless, of course, you finish them first.”

If you’re yearning to nourish your sweet tooth with a chocolatey treat, you’ll want to head over to your local Trader Joe’s ASAP — these brownies are seasonal!

[ad_2]

Emma Taubenfeld

Source link

December 11, 2023
Who Actually Owns Trader Joe’s?

[ad_1]

As you’ll find, the connection between these two grocers reveals a history and a family tree that’ll briefly have you looking like that one mathematical equation meme, but is essentially centered on one German family that, separately (the key word here!), owns both Aldi and Trader Joe’s.

Let’s set the scene with the family in question: the Albrecht Family (namely, brothers Theo and Karl Albrecht). Together, they largely ran and expanded Aldi (which is a combination of “Albrecht” + “Diskont” [the German word for “discount”]) in 1946, taking over their mother Anna’s original store and growing it into their own grocery empire.

Much like you might expect with siblings, the two brothers decided to split their companies in two in 1961 after they allegedly had a dispute over whether they should sell cigarettes (seriously!). Karl, who was against selling cigarettes (he thought it would attract shoplifters) then went on to run Aldi Süd in the southern half of Germany, while Theo (who disagreed) would run Aldi Nord in the northern half of Germany. Both Aldis have been financially and legally separate since 1966.

It’s all a bit Shakespearean (or an episode of Succession), and I’m not even going to get into how Theo was kidnapped and held for ransom in the ‘70s. But wait, there’s more!

While these two Aldi branches are both Aldi in name, only one is the operator of the U.S.-based Aldi locations you know and love (as well as Winn-Dixie), which would be Aldi Süd. We can also thank Karl and Aldi Süd for their Aldi locations in southern Germany, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and China.

As for Aldi Nord (which runs the Aldi locations in countries such as Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain), it most importantly is the company we can thank for Trader Joe’s; Aldi Nord bought the grocer from the original, eponymous Trader Joe himself (Joe Coulombe) in 1979.

Since the two brothers’ passing, the ownership has stayed within the larger Albrecht family, which makes it all a bit more blurry at the edges. But at the end of the day, the companies are run completely separately, with both companies now more under the influence of their respective executives than the family itself.

Like some brothers, Karl and Theo shared a lot in common — most notably their frugality. Fun fact: Theo, for one, always wore cheap, ill-fitting suits, used pencils down all the way to the stub, and preferred plain meals, with lots of potatoes. He even haggled with his kidnappers.

This same frugality is something that was key to their success, and a big reason why both Trader Joe’s and Aldi have consistently low prices to this day. So, we’ll be thanking them both for helping us keep a few more clams in our wallet during our grocery runs.

[ad_2]

Mackenzie Filson

Source link

December 7, 2023
The “Delicious” Trader Joe’s French Dessert I'm Bringing to Every Holiday Party

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

The holiday season is a time of year known for its cheerful music, festive decor, and, of course, cookies. While chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and sugar cookies usually get all the glory, shortbread cookies are the tried and true variety that deserves a little extra love. Fortunately, Trader Joe’s agrees, and the grocery store’s latest dessert item is designed to bring friends and family together over a mutual love of shortbread.

Trader Joe’s Shareable Shortbread French Butter Cookie

A brand new cookie has landed on the shelves of Trader Joe’s, and if you plan to try it you should strongly consider inviting a friend or two to join you. The Shareable Shortbread French Butter Cookie is the size of a dinner plate, and it is meant to be shared with a group, just as it has historically been enjoyed in its native Poitou region of western France. The tasty treat has simple ingredients, including butter, sea salt, and almonds, and you can rest assured that there won’t be any leftovers.

Trader Joe’s Shareable Shortbread French Butter Cookie is $7.99, so it’s affordable enough to bring to every holiday party you attend this season, and it’s versatile enough that you’ll never get bored. Naturally you can enjoy the cookie with any and every flavor of ice cream, or pair it with a cappuccino or coffee. You can even enjoy the cookie on its own with an after dinner drink, like port or sparkling wine.

Trader Joe’s has been showing off when it comes to dessert this holiday season. Between the store’s Boozy Macarons, Danish Cookies, and Pretzel Bread Pudding, this latest addition will only sweeten your next trip to the store. There’s no telling how long the Shareable Shortbread French Butter Cookie will be available, so, if you plan to try one, call your friends and grab your keys before they’re sold out.

[ad_2]

Nina Derwin

Source link

December 6, 2023
This “Amazing” New Trader Joe’s Snack Is the Best $4 You'll Spend All Week

[ad_1]

It’s a fun spin on a classic German treat.
READ MORE…

[ad_2]

Aly Walansky

Source link

December 5, 2023
7 Not-to-Be-Missed Trader Joe’s Groceries That Just Hit Stores

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Much of the reason why I shop (and used to work) at Trader Joe’s is because it’s always a feast for the senses. Between the free samples, legendary people watching, and nights when your favorite manager played DJ for the shift, it’s truly sensory overload. This month’s shop, amongst all the post-turkey-buying and pie-ingredient-planning, more than proved that there is plenty to make all your senses pretty happy.

As we solidly enter the giving season, Trader Joe’s is giving and giving and giving some more, in the form of new desserts I might try to play off as homemade, a few dinner ideas to save me on days I just can’t with cooking, and even a couple of items to cozy up my apartment. Not to cause any alarm, but I think you’ll want to rush to your TJ’s ASAP to get some of these before they’re gone for the season.

1. Pretzel Bread Pudding, $4.99 for 7.6 ounces

This dessert is a feat of imaginations run wild, and one that for a very brief moment in time, actually turned me into a Dessert Person. That’s not to say I always say no to desserts, but I have a few salt teeth, so to speak, so it takes a really special dessert to get me on board. Enter: Pretzel Bread Pudding.

This dessert is not holding back at all with the pretzels, meaning they’re not just a sprinkled-on afterthought. First ingredient? Pretzels, of course. Those same pretzels get soft and doughy and ready to absorb the salted caramel topping that makes this a dream in the form of custardy bread pudding. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty, and just takes 45 seconds in the microwave. All you really need is a dollop of something cool and creamy to cut through the dense pudding, which I did in the form of topping it with the grocer’s Salted Maple Ice Cream, naturally.

2. Chocolate Croissant Candle, $3.99 for 5.64 ounces

As I said before, sweets aren’t things I naturally seek out (my chip selection runneth over, though). That doesn’t mean I don’t wish things kind of always smelled like a bakery or cake shop. Thankfully, Trader Joe’s new seasonal candle solves that problem for me, with its Chocolate Croissant Candle.

Before you even think it, no, it’s not cloyingly sweet or artificial-smelling whatsoever. It honest-to-goddess smells just like freshly baked chocolate croissants in a way that brings me back to sampling all the seasonal lotions at a 2008 Bath & Body Works (a high compliment). If you’re trying to sell a home (the scent of baked goods like chocolate chip cookies and bread have been shown to help close the deal), or simply want to up the coziness factor to volume 1000, this candle is for you.

3. Almond Chipotle Dip, $3.49 for 9 ounces

Dips are a way of life, meaning that Trader Joe’s dips are basically my lifeblood. One new dip I think gets a permanent spot on my dip shelf? The newest Almond Chipotle Dip.

There are so many things to love about this dip: It is seemingly vegan (yet has a bacon-adjacent rich smokiness), is as good on carrots as it is on tortilla chips, and, dare I say it, would be an amazing spread for sandwiches or tacos, or on eggs Benedict in lieu of hollandaise. Creamy and cheesy — in a way that some vegan products try and often fail to achieve — with chipotle-tinged heat, this dip has some crossover potential into a pasta sauce, too, I think.

4. Empanadas de Ropa Vieja, $5.99 for 9.6 ounces

Foods tucked into a cute little pocket are kind of the best, right? Right. So it goes without saying that buying Trader Joe’s newest empanadas was a major no-brainer. Combining the powers of empanadas with a Cuban-style ropa vieja (a classic dish composed of shredded beef stewed in a spicy, aromatic tomato sauce) meant that these snack-sized bites were eaten by me very quickly.

The filling itself was a great tribute to the ropa vieja I’ve eaten in my home state of Florida, where Cuban food is hard to beat, and the crust became nicely crisp in the oven, ready to take a dive into some hot sauce. Best of all, the cassava crust makes these naturally gluten-free, which means they’re a killer party app that crowds can enjoy.

5. Italian Tiramisu, $4.49 for 13.05 ounces

Well, TJ’s has done it again: The grocer has possibly converted one of my salt teeth into a slightly sweet one, thanks to this new Tiramisu. Differing a bit from its cake-style Tiramisu torte, this new one comes very conveniently in a two-pack, which is great for when you want the Italian creamy, coffee-soaked treat but don’t want to make it into a whole thing by getting a whole tiramisu.

An eight-hour thaw in the fridge is all that keeps you from digging into one of these Italian Tiramisus, and I promise it’s worth it. This tiramisu really has all the depth of a restaurant-grade tiramisu, with hints of marsala wine transforming the ladyfinger cookies into a cakey dream, and plenty of chocolate-y coffee mascarpone cream to keep you spooning in for more. Is it possible I ate one of these for breakfast this morning? Absolutely.

6. Shrimp Pouches of Many Colors, $4.29 for 8.46 ounces

The tinier the food, the better it tastes. I have no science to back up this finding, but I know it to be true. As a big fan of all of Trader Joe’s various dumplings, potstickers, and buns, I was excited to try this newest seasonal addition to the freezer aisle. These dumplings couldn’t be more perfectly timed, either; each bite-sized shrimp-packed pouch really does look like a little present, coming in bright shades of red, yellow, and green, along with a classic white.

The filling is just as delectable as their appearance, too; each dumpling is loaded with shrimp and a savory blend of aromatics like garlic, onion, and ginger. With four of each color (the bright hues are naturally derived from spinach, beetroot, and pumpkin and turmeric), these pouches would be a great shareable appetizer for two when you’re in the mood for a dim sum night, or an entrée for one — especially when you serve them pan-fried and dipped into soy sauce.

7. Crackling Red Fruits in the Forest Scented Candle, $9.99 for 11.28 ounces

If you, like me, are fawning over an online shopping cart full of those trendy “crackling” wood-wicked candles, but then immediately ❌out of the browser when you see the price? Well, sound the 🚨: It’s time to get yourself down to Trader Joe’s. Not only does the wooden wick charmingly “crackle” out a mellow campfire sound, but the scent also smells deluxe. Like, $40 candle deluxe.

Romantically (yet vaguely) named “Red Fruits in the Forest,” as if it’s a long-lost Taylor Swift song, the candle itself brings to mind tart currants, cranberries, and pomegranates mixed with a sage-y, pine hint which makes it really scream HOLIDAY SPIRIT. I’m already kicking myself for not buying two, so do yourself a favor and get a few of these candles (and maybe gift me one for Christmas).

Which new Trader Joe’s items are you adding to your cart? Tell us in the comments below.

[ad_2]

Mackenzie Filson

Source link

December 2, 2023
I Tried the New Boozy Dessert at Trader Joe’s That People Won't Stop Talking About and Have a Lot of Thoughts

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

For as long as I can remember, the holidays have always gone hand in hand with cookies. My mom welcomes in the winter season each year with big batches of chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, peanut butter cookies, and biscotti, so usually I stick to her homemade treats. However, that changed when I learned about Trader Joe’s latest seasonal dessert: Boozy Macarons. Like many of us, I am a huge fan of classic French macarons, so naturally I had to give these new macarons with a twist a try.

‘Tis the Season for Trader Joe’s Boozy Macarons

Armed with the powerful knowledge that a boozy treat awaited me, I headed to Trader Joe’s. Situated amongst the decadent desserts of the store’s frozen food aisle, just beside the standard macarons, were Trader Joe’s seasonal Boozy Macarons. The directions state that you should let them defrost in the refrigerator for four hours before enjoying, so I headed home and found ways to entertain myself until my newly acquired macarons were ready for sampling.

Four hours later, I opened the box. Inside the 5.43-ounce package are 12 mini macarons, four of each flavor: rum, French Brandy XO, and Cointreau. Despite their relatively low alcohol by volume of 5 percent, the scents of rum, brandy, and triple sec liqueur were noticeable immediately. One thing was clear: there is no mistaking these boozy macarons for their non-boozy counterparts.

They’re pretty small, so I tried one of each flavor, and I was surprised by how different they are, not just in taste but in potency. While the rum and brandy varieties tasted like cocktails in dessert form, the Cointreau macaron was a bit more like a normal dessert with just a hint of the liqueur showing through. I will admit that I preferred the Cointreau to the other two flavors, however all three were tasty.

While they are certainly no substitute for real cocktails, these Boozy Macarons are their own super fun treat, which is why they are perfect for grown-up gatherings this holiday season. (Keep in mind that because Trader Joe’s Boozy Macarons contain alcohol, they cannot be purchased or consumed by anyone under the legal drinking age.) Even guests who aren’t frequent drinkers will enjoy a macaron or two, and at only $5.99 each, they’re affordable enough to go around. Trader Joe’s Boozy Macarons are only available for a limited time, so be sure to give them a try before they are gone for the season.

[ad_2]

Nina Derwin

Source link

December 1, 2023
12 Trader Joe’s Holiday Groceries the Employees Are Most Excited About

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

With Thanksgiving in the rearview and leftovers running low, the winter holidays are (finally) taking center stage. Move over, turkeys — Santa’s coming to town! (Did anyone else watch Elf this past weekend?) The latest episode of the Inside Trader Joe’s podcast dropped earlier this week, and co-hosts Tara Miller and Matt Sloan are also going all in on the festivities.

“There are 469 seasonal products at Trader Joe’s this time of year,” says Tara, and about 86 of them are completely new to stores. Can you imagine the giant stocking you’d need to stuff with all those items? The duo is doing us all a solid by giving us a starting point.

Out of the hundreds of returning items and dozens of new launches, these are the 12 they’re most excited about.

1. Cinnamon Bun-Inspired Pancake & Waffle Mix

“These [pancakes] don’t look like cinnamon buns,” says Matt. “But they do taste like cinnamon bun.” Created by a secret supplier in New York, this new mix has “all the spices in a cinnamon bun,” says Trang, a product developer at Trader Joe’s, and “little crispy bits of cinnamon candies that melt as you cook them” (or crisp up in waffle form). Plus, she adds, “They’re very fluffy.”

2. Trader Joe’s Astounding Multi-Flavor Mini Pretzels

Inside this box you’ll find four exclusive pretzel flavors in “beautifully designed” and incredibly giftable bags, says Trang, which means you won’t find them anywhere else in the store — at any time of the year. “We have a jingle jangle-inspired pretzel that has a peanut butter coating and candy gems on it,” a coffee candy covered pretzel drizzled in dark chocolate, a dark chocolate covered pretzel topped with peppermint candy pieces, and a milk chocolate covered pretzel topped with rainbow nonpareils.

A delicious dessert in less than two minutes? Sign us up for “this absolutely extraordinary gooey, delicious, salty, sweet, soft bread pudding made with pretzel bread,” says Tara. The frozen newcomer needs just 45 to 50 seconds in the microwave (or 15 minutes in the oven) and a 60-second cool-off period. They come in little cups — two per package — and once “you flip it and remove that cup, it looks like an expertly plated thing at a high-end restaurant,” says Matt.

Imported from Denmark, you’ll find not one, but three styles of cookies — all dipped in chocolate — in this box: marzipan filled Napoleon hats, coconut macaroons, and almond triangles. “They’re really beautiful, says Matt,” and “lovingly handmade.”

5. Petit Fours Mousse Cakes

Speaking of trios, these adorable miniature cakes also come in three flavors: chocolate (chocolate cake with chocolate filling and a dark chocolate coating), vanilla (vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream and a white chocolatey coating), and coffee (coffee-coated chocolate cake with a coffee filling). There are nine to a pack, so invite someone over and have yourself a tea party for two.

6. Shrimp Pouches of Many Colors

As the name suggests, these new shrimp dumplings are VIBRANT. The color comes from vegetables, like spinach (for green), beet (red), and pumpkin and tumeric (yellow). You can heat these in a steamer basket, as shown on the package, microwave them (they get a little chewier, according to Tara), or if you like them “nice and crispy,” she adds, you can pan-fry them.

“Understanding which cheddar might work well with additional ingredients,” says Matt, is one of the things the cheesemakers in Leicestershire do best. (They’ve got more than 100 years of experience making cheese.) Take this mild cheddar, which is blended with Spanish figs that have been marinated in white wine and rum. Um, yum! “I will have this on every cheese plate, cheese board, cheese presentation that I make this holiday season,” says Tara. “I’m looking forward to making a grilled cheese sandwich with this cheese,” she adds.

8. Non-Dairy Cinnamon Bun Oat Creamer

If you prefer to drink your cinnamon bun, then this oat creamer is likely your cup of tea — or coffee. “It’s modeled after [the] Brown Sugar Oat Creamer,” says Matt, which is another customer favorite. “It really does make a cup of coffee taste like a cinnamon bun,” adds Tara. “It has that cinnamon, sugary deliciousness.” Another colleague recommends using it to make French toast.

9. Hark and Holly Glühwein Mulled Wine

While you’re at it, keep those mugs handy for this Glühwein, a sweet mulled wine from Germany. Spiced with cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, nutmeg, and orange and lemon zest, “it’s not overly flavored with any of those things,” says Tara, “but I think heated on a chilly winter night, that’s kind of a fun thing to drink.”

What’s old is new with this beauty advent calendar, which first launched in 2019. This year, the package got a whole new “stellar design.” (“Yes, it’s covered with stars,” says Tara.) Beneath the perforated boxes, you’ll find 12 sample-sized products, including the wildly popular facial sunscreen and lip scrub, hair mask, body butter, and more.

11. Shimmering Candy Cane Body Butter

You might recognize this body butter from last year’s 12 Days of Beauty advent calendar. Well, its back and bigger than ever — a full eight ounces, instead of one. The moisturizer’s candy-cane smell is subtle (not “mediciney” as other pepperminty-scented things can be, explains Tara), as is its shimmer. “If you’re not looking for it, you might not really notice it, which, to me, is the best possible scenario,” she adds.

12. Chocolate Croissant Scented Candle

Even when you don’t have chocolate croissants in the oven, you can have scents of buttery laminated dough and melted chocolate wafting throughout your home. It’s a “subtle” yet “wonderful” aroma, according to Tara and Matt, and one worth clearing some space in your candle collection for.

Which of these seasonal items are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments below!

[ad_2]

Mara Weinraub

Source link

November 27, 2023
Trader Joe’s Just Brought Back a Fan-Favorite Limited-Edition Treat for the Holidays, and It’s Flying Off Shelves

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

For the newbies, a quick explainer: Joe-Joe’s are essentially Trader Joe’s version of Oreos, featuring vanilla filling sandwiched between two chocolate cookies. The Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s put a seasonal spin on the cookie, swapping out a vanilla filling for a peppermint one. Although the store’s Joe-Joe’s are routinely popular, it’s the Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s that have gained near-mythic popularity, even inspiring their own Facebook fan page with over 3,500 likes. A package of the cookies retails for just $3.99.There’s also a gluten-free version, so all sweet tooths can enjoy them worry-free!

“Our tasting panel sampled many different versions of this cookie in order to find just the right mix of refreshing peppermint, creamy vanilla, and rich chocolate. And, boy, did we find it,” the official product description reads. “[…] Serve them as an accompaniment to a piping hot cup of cocoa for a wintertime indulgence, or snack on a few for a refreshing mid-day treat.”

Content creator @traderjoesobsessed recently highlighted the cult-favorite cookie’s return in an Instagram post, and shoppers were quick to voice their excitement in the comments.

“Peppermint joes are fantastic!!!” one commenter wrote. “I keep them refrigerated…..so good!”

“❤️ Love the peppermint JoJo’s ❤️,” another shopper said. “And they look beautiful too 😍.”

If you’re looking to stock up on similar peppermint cookies, you’ll be happy to know that Aldi is currently selling limited-edition Candy Cane Chocolate Sandwich Cremes for $2.69. Whichever cookie you choose, they’ll definitely make a delicious addition to your kitchen and get you in the holiday spirit with every bite.

[ad_2]

Anne-Marie Trabolsi

Source link

November 26, 2023
Is Trader Joe’s Open on Thanksgiving This Year?

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

No matter the holiday or season, Trader Joe’s is the go-to destination for limited edition treats, unique products, and grocery items that simply cannot be found anywhere else. Thanksgiving is certainly no exception, and Trader Joe’s Thanksgiving and fall-themed items have become some of the most highly-sought after each year. This $5 dessert is definitely on our menu.

This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 23, and for those intending to flock to Trader Joe’s for everything they need to prepare for a massive Turkey Day feast, the week leading up to the holiday is sure to be a busy one. If this sounds familiar, be sure to check Trader Joe’s holiday hours before you head to the store.

What Are Trader Joe’s Thanksgiving Hours?

Don’t forget to grab a box of Trader Joe’s arancini bites for your appetizer spread or pie crusts to make dessert during your pre-Thanksgiving Trader Joe’s run because the grocery chain is closed for Thanksgiving 2023. Though the retailer will be open until 9pm the night before the holiday, Trader Joe’s is known for closing its doors on Thanksgiving Day to give employees the chance to spend the day with loved ones. If Trader Joe’s carries must-have Thanksgiving items you simply can’t imagine your holiday without, be sure to stop by in advance of the big day to make sure you get everything you need.

Fortunately, Trader Joe’s will open its doors bright and early on the morning of November 24, so once you’ve finished your Black Friday shopping you can head over to the friendly grocer to pick up your favorite fall snack, like Fall Harvest Salsa and Leaf-Shaped Tortilla Chips. And who knows…by then shelves may even be filled with a brand new round of seasonal holiday items, including gingerbread and peppermint-flavored Christmas treats galore.

If you have yet to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Trader Joe’s, consider perusing its aisles as you prepare for Thanksgiving. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with our One-Stop Thanksgiving Shopping Guide to Trader Joe’s.

[ad_2]

Nina Derwin

Source link

November 21, 2023
Shoppers Drive 200 Miles to Trader Joe’s for This $5 Freezer Find

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

No matter how you feel about it, there’s no denying that the most popular item sold at Trader Joe’s is its Mandarin Orange Chicken. I used to work for Trader Joe’s, so I know firsthand how wild the frenzy can get about this frozen delight. In the South, where my particular store is, some folks would travel up to 200 miles just to stock up for the month on all of their frozen standbys (cooler bags and ice packs in tow!), which often meant bags upon bags of Mandarin Orange Chicken.

As for me, there are certain Trader Joe’s items that hold such specific taste memories for me — and Mandarin Orange Chicken is one of the most vivid. It was my college standby meal, for when the devil on my shoulder said, “We could just get Panda Express, couldn’t we?” and the angel on my shoulder said, “Saving money is also really cool, you know.” In this case, the Mandarin Orange Chicken was the perfect compromise, although I think my post-grad spin on this frozen item just might be even better.

What’s So Great About Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken?

Much like the Chinese American takeout classic it emulates, the Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken has breaded nuggets of dark meat chicken that crisp up to a golden-brown in the oven (or, better yet, air fryer) for eight to 10 minutes. When tossed with the accompanying sweet-spicy-sticky orange sauce, it’s a great break-in-case-of-emergency meal to keep on hand when your DoorDash/Uber Eats/Postmates apps start sending you the siren song of coupons and alerts. Served with fluffy rice, roasted broccoli (which you can even roast alongside your chicken), and a sprinkling of green onions and chili crunch for a meal that’ll have you go, “Takeout, who?”

Full disclaimer: Trader Joe’s serving sizes are sort of a punchline all their own. This bag says it serves five, but for me it solidly serves my hunger levels at a solid 2.5 servings (two entrées plus a little cheeky bowl for when midnight snack time comes around), so proceed with those portions in mind if you’re looking to serve the whole fam.

What’s the Best Way to Use Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken?

On their own, the nuggets are flavored pretty neutrally, so they are a great open-access protein for all kinds of riffing, which I love doing when I want a sauce that’s less on the sweet side (and it is pretty sweet!). I often use it as a shortcut for fried and breaded chicken dishes, like brushing it with a Nashville chicken-style spicy oil for mini sliders and mimicking other takeout favorites by mixing up a Korean-inspired gochujang BBQ sauce to coat it and serve alongside plenty of banchan.

If I really want to put dinner on easy mode, I’ll toss it with another sauce like Buffalo, honey mustard, or a sticky BBQ (like Sweet Baby Ray’s) for throwing into a wrap or topping an easy workday-friendly lunch salad that my college self would be very impressed by.

Find it in stores: Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken, $4.99 for 22 ounces

Have you tried Trader Joe’s iconic Mandarin Orange Chicken? Tell us about it in the comments below.

[ad_2]

Mackenzie Filson

Source link

November 10, 2023
Trader Joe’s Just Dropped Their Most Beloved Holiday Treat — But Not For Long

[ad_1]

Time for a TJ’s run!
READ MORE…

[ad_2]

Aly Walansky

Source link

November 5, 2023
Trader Joe’s Just Brought Back Its Famous $5 Fall Decor Gem — Get It Before It’s Gone

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

I’m a fall girlie through and through, and like many, the first crisp day of the year gives me an indescribable thrill. And since I do the bulk of my grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s, I look forward to the rollout of fall items every year. Pumpkin Greek yogurt, apple cider, a melange of squashes — but my favorite fall item at TJ’s isn’t even food. If you follow your nose towards a distinctly spicy aroma, you’ll find the cinnamon brooms.

A cinnamon broom is basically what the name implies — though it’s not used for cleaning like the brooms we keep in our utility closets. It’s a bundle of raw pine twigs usually tied together with twine, then pressed with cinnamon oil. Cinnamon brooms are said to have origins in the Middle Ages and connections to witches who believe that pine cleanses dwellings of harmful energy and cinnamon oil heals and protects. When combined and hung on the back of your door, the cinnamon broom is meant to bring luck and good fortune into your home.

But for me? I just love the smell. I do indeed hang the cinnamon broom on the back of my front door, that way I get a big welcoming whiff of fall spice when I walk in the door — a much warmer and more welcoming scent than other autumn scents, in my opinion. It’s sort of like a reed diffuser in the way that it starts out with a strong scent and gradually fades, so I usually replace them every two to three weeks during the fall (luckily they’re only $4.99 and I’m at TJ’s once a week to grocery shop). If you find the scent to be too strong at first, try leaving the broom in the plastic packaging for the first week, then open the bag or take it completely out when the scent has dissipated a bit. Trader Joe’s also sells cinnamon whisks, mini versions of the full-sized brooms that add a milder scent to your home and can be easily hung all over your kitchen or dining room.

According to the Trader Joe’s megafans online, the store starts selling the cinnamon brooms around September 1, and they likely start to disappear from shelves around the time holiday items hit critical mass, around mid- to late November. If you want to snag this spicy piece of festive decor that fills your home with what I’d call the scent of joy, go now!

Love the Cinnamon Broom, but Not Near a Trader Joe’s? Then You’ll Love…

Fear not, if you end up missing the cinnamon broom season, you can also find them at Michael’s, Joann, or Home Depot, and if you’re not near any of these (bummer!), you can purchase this similar style of scented broom from Amazon. (Aldi sells their own version, too.) You can also refresh your cinnamon broom or make your own with foraged twigs sprayed with cinnamon oil, or put a simmer pot on the stove with cinnamon sticks and any other additions you prefer for a delightfully light autumn scent.

[ad_2]

Caroline Mullen

Source link

November 4, 2023
If You Spot This “Delicious” $5 Limited-Edition Trader Joe’s Dessert, Grab It

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

As the holidays quickly approach and we continue to enjoy the beautiful transition of fall weather, finding a good seasonal snack becomes just about as important as knocking off items on your family’s Christmas gift list. Afterall, what would the holiday season be without the treats that keep us in the spirit while all of the chaos of this time of year ensues around us? Thankfully, companies like Trader Joe’s continue to have our collective cravings in mind no matter what time of year it is. And this year it is business as usual for everybody’s favorite neighborhood grocery chain.

Spotted by Trader Joe’s New and promptly posted to TikTok to be shared with the masses, the latest snack to hit the quirky grocery chain’s elusive shelves comes in the form of a trio of Cinnamon Sugar Toffee squares. Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Sugar Toffee Trio is a 10-ounce bag of cinnamon and sugar covered almond toffee squares featuring three different chocolate coatings: white, milk, and dark; resulting in a smooth taste of chocolate, leading up to a familiar toffee crunch and a buttery richness. Each bag retails for $4.99 and, as per usual with these seasonal releases, will only be available for a limited time.

“My [significant other] legit inhaled the cinnamon sugar toffee trio the second I bought it,” exclaimed one very surprised shopper. In a post made on the popular Trader Joe’s subreddit, another fan of the chocolate toffee snack admitted to devouring up to one bag per week. “I was a one bag a week-er. Now I’m on two a week,” they continued. “Way too sweet. but I can’t stop! Send help!”

However, for those who don’t have the sweetest tooth, some reviewers said it might be a little overboard. In response to the same Reddit post, one shopper admitted to having a minority opinion on the subject. “I really wanted to like them,” they said, “but they are TOO sweet for me, and I never say that.” The customer continued, “I think my bag had an extra three layers of sugar on each piece.”

In an entirely separate post made to Reddit regarding the seasonal snack, one shopper described the squares as being “super crunchy,” and claimed that the cinnamon was somewhat overpowering at first, “but got used to it after a few pieces.”

So if you find yourself intrigued despite the mixed reviews, why not take the plunge and snag a bag on your next TJ’s run? Just $4.99 is definitely a small price to pay for a little bit of experimentation. While it is easy to just listen to the opinion of a bunch of internet strangers, it is nice to make a decision for ourselves every once in a while. A tasty, cinnamon-sugar, chocolatey decision at that.

[ad_2]

Nathan Hutsenpiller

Source link

October 29, 2023
I Tried the Trader Joe’s Frozen Dumpling Hack All Over TikTok and It’s the Most Brilliant 5-Minute Dinner

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Once temperatures start to drop I get an insatiable craving for soup. Brothy, creamy, or blended — it doesn’t matter the type as long as it’s hot. Recently I’ve seen Trader Joe’s soup dumplings pop up all over the internet, with many singing their praises. Though I’ve been curious to try them, it wasn’t until I saw Erin O’Brien’s viral soup dumpling soup recipe on TikTok that my interest was really piqued. Soup dumplings in soup? What could be cozier?

How to Make the Trader Joe’s Soup Dumpling Hack

This speedy meal only requires a few ingredients: Trader Joe’s Chicken or Pork Soup Dumplings, chicken broth, soy sauce, sliced scallions, chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds, and, optionally, toasted sesame oil.

To prepare the dumplings, add them to a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with chicken broth. Microwave the dumplings on high for 2 minutes, then season the broth with soy sauce, chili crisp, and sesame oil, and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

My Honest Review of the Trader Joe’s Soup Dumpling Hack

I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor of these frozen soup dumplings, especially the pork version. Their light, gingery broth combined well with the seasoned chicken broth, making for a very savory and satisfying meal.

If your favorite part of the soup dumplings is the actual soup, you’ll love this hack because you can keep refilling the dumplings with broth as you eat. As a salt-lover, I found the addition of soy sauce necessary, but if you have a particularly salty chicken broth, I’d start by adding a small amount to avoid oversalting. Sliced scallions added a much-needed brightness and pleasant crunch. And though the sesame seeds didn’t add much, they did make the final dish look pretty.

Tips for Making the Trader Joe’s Soup Dumpling Hack Your Own

You can easily upgrade this Trader Joe’s dumpling hack with a few simple add-ins. Here are a few I recommend.

[ad_2]

Lena Abraham

Source link

October 26, 2023
This $5 Trader Joe’s Bakery Find Is a Total Dupe for a Costco Favorite

[ad_1]

I eat them for breakfast, dessert, and even a late-night snack.
READ MORE…

[ad_2]

Christina Knueven

Source link

October 21, 2023
Trader Joe’s President Addresses Self-Checkout Rumors | Entrepreneur

[ad_1]

If you’re looking for a quicker way to get in and out of your favorite discount grocery store, you might be out of luck.

On Monday, Trader Joe’s president Jon Basalone responded to rumors that the grocery chain would be adding self-checkout lanes on a Q&A episode of the company’s in-house podcast.

“I have a bunch of rumors that I would like to prove true or false,” interviewer Matt Sloan tells Basalone. “Are we ready? True or false, coming soon, self-checkout.”

Related: ‘We’re Helping Everybody’: Grocery Shoppers Treated to Over $2,000 of Free Food After Store’s Refrigerating System Breaks

The president had a very clear-cut — and heartwarming — response.

“That’s as false as false can be because we believe in people, and we’re not trying to get rid of our crew members for efficiency’s sake or whatever [the] reasons are people put self-checkout in,” he said bluntly.

Basalone joked that he could never implement the technology because he personally has had difficulty using it when trying to get out of a store.

“I couldn’t get the thing to scan … and then the person came over and was trying to explain to me,” he laughed. “I’m like, I do this for a living, and I can’t get this thing to work.”

Though self-checkout aisles won’t be hitting the front of Trader Joe’s stores anytime soon, Basalone did speak hopefully about the future of the grocery chain.

“We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing, but we’re going to grow. And so the newness comes from the new customers we’re going to be able to reach, the new products that we’re going to see on our shelves, the new opportunities for the crew members who get promoted and get to run those stores into the future,” he explained. “It’s not crazy new ideas like the robot in the aisle that answers questions and helps to clean up spills. It’s simpler than that and actually more exciting than that.”

The California-based grocer has been under scrutiny lately after several recalls have forced stores to pull popular items off of shelves, including rock contamination in several cookie flavors and multigrain crackers containing metal.

The chain operates roughly 560 locations in the United States across 40 states.

Related: The Secret to Trader Joe’s Success? Embracing This Japanese Business Strategy

[ad_2]

Emily Rella

Source link

August 18, 2023
Trader Joe’s Cashier Goes Viral for Unexpected Act of Kindness | Entrepreneur

[ad_1]

Everyone has had one of those days when nothing seems to go right.

Now, in a teary-eyed video that’s garnered over 57,800 views, a Trader Joe’s employee is being praised by a shopper for an unexpected act of kindness that turned her day around.

TikToker Danielle Blakey tearfully tells viewers that she will only shop at Trader Joe’s grocery stores from now on, explaining how she went into the store to pick up some items at night after having “a really hard couple of days,” although she didn’t specify what was going on.

Related: ‘We’re Helping Everybody’: Grocery Shoppers Treated to Over $2,000 of Free Food After Store’s Refrigerating System Breaks

“I’m normally really good at like masking my feelings,” she explains to viewers. “Clearly I was not tonight.”

Blakey then says that she could sense that her cashier knew something was wrong when she went to pay for her groceries.

@dabaaaabyyy I know my content is mostly relationship/dating but i had to share this. One small act of kindness can literally change someones whole day. #dallas #traderjoes #smallactsofkindness #traderjoesreviews #dallaslovelist #kindnessmatters ♬ original sound – dabaaaabyyy

“I felt bad because he like kept trying to make conversation and I was just like, not being very responsive and like not talking a lot,” she said. “I put my credit card into pay and he was like, ‘Hold on, be right back.’”

Blakey then shows a bouquet of flowers that the cashier brought to her, saying that she started “bawling crying” inside the store, overwhelmed with emotion.

“Shop at Trader Joe’s because I literally love everybody that works there,” she said. “You never know what one small act of kindness is going to do for somebody.”

Social media users flooded the post with positive comments and their own stories of memorable interactions with employees of the grocery chain.

“That’s so sweet, and I hope your days start getting brighter,” one said.

“My son works at TJ’s, and it makes him feel like he’s doing a good deed when he can make a guest feel seen,” another gushed. “As his Mom, I couldn’t be more proud.”

Blakey said the incident happened at the Greenville Street location in Dallas, Texas.

Earlier this month, another TikTok went viral showcasing Trader Joe’s employees paying it forward when the refrigeration system inside a Baton Rouge, Louisiana store stopped functioning. Instead of chucking the perishable items, employees gave over $2,000 of free food to shoppers in the store.

Trader Joe’s is a California-based grocery chain that operates about 560 locations in the United States.

[ad_2]

Emily Rella

Source link

April 18, 2023
Trader Joe’s Shoppers Score Over $2,000 of Free Food | Entrepreneur

[ad_1]

When a refrigerator or freezer stops functioning, there aren’t many options — besides eating or donating — before all the food goes bad. But when it happens at a grocery store, the company might as well dole out the food to hungry customers.

That’s exactly what happened at one Trader Joe’s location in Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Shoppers were treated to thousands of dollars worth of free food after the store’s refrigeration systems stopped working.

Related: These Are the 9 Best Trader Joe’s Products, Customers Say

In a video documenting the incident, TikToker @registerednerd_ has garnered over 10.9 million views for showing viewers how her “random trip to Trader Joe’s turned into a blessing.”

In the clip, the woman zooms in on the checkout monitor, which shows food valued at over $2,817 being rang up.

@registerednerd_

Random trip to Trader Joe’s turned into a blessing

♬ original sound – Pyxis Princess

“Our refrigeration went out, so we’re giving away anything that’s cold or frozen,” the happy employee tells the camera, with the woman filming insisting that viewers won’t believe her.

“We’re helping everybody,” the employee adds.

In a follow-up clip, the same TikToker shows a scene from the store with shoppers waiting to check out with baskets and shopping carts filled to the brim.

@registerednerd_ Replying to @sherollcheryl ♬ original sound – Pyxis Princess

Commenters flooded both videos with awe and praise for Trader Joe’s and its employees for using the situation to give back to customers instead of wasting the food by throwing it away.

“What a blessing,” one user wrote. “May that store stay in business for generations to come because they really care about the people.”

Related: Trader Joe’s Sued Over Dangerous Metals in Products

“This is awesome,” another added. “I wish more places did this in these situations instead of throwing it all in the bins.”

Trader Joe’s is a California-based grocery chain that operates roughly 560 locations in the United States across 40 states.

The low-cost grocer is known for its cult-like following over its items (especially frozen meals and unique snacks) as the chain does not sell any brand name items — only Trader Joe’s.

The chain did not publicly comment on the viral video.

[ad_2]

Emily Rella

Source link

April 10, 2023
Trader Joe’s asked customers to rank their nine top products. Here they are | CNN Business

[ad_1]

New York
CNN
—

Trader Joe’s asked its customers a simple question: If you were to spend the rest of your life on a deserted island, which nine Trader Joe’s products would you take with you?

More than 18,000 customers responded to its 14th annual survey ranking the grocery store’s most popular items in nine different categories.

There were some caveats this year: Gone from the running were five products that have won many times in the past (think Mandarin Orange Chicken and dark chocolate peanut butter cups), and instead are featured in its Product Hall of Fame.

The first Trader Joe’s opened in Pasadena, California, in 1967. Its founder Joe Coulombe (yes, Joe was a real guy), was a convenience store owner who wanted to open a grocery chain to appeal to a niche market of well-educated, well-traveled consumers. The idea led him to create a cult-favorite grocery empire.

Here are the products customers voted their favorites, in categories from cheese to entrees.

Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Tortilla Chips, spicy corn chips, swept the competition this year, taking home the top prize. Runners-up included the hash browns, chicken soup dumplings, Everything but the Bagel sesame seasoning blend, and chocolate croissants.

See the all-time favorites included in Trader Joe’s Hall of Fame

The chips also won in the poll’s favorite snack category. Customers were also fans of the Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers, Organic Corn Chip Dippers, World’s Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs and Crunchy Curls, which were all among the top vote-getters.

The Sparkling Honeycrisp Apple Juice was the fans’ favorite beverage, though it is seasonal. The canned drink is a simple three-ingredient blend of apple juice, water and bubbles.

Following is the Triple Ginger Brew, Sparkling Peach Black Tea with peach juice, Sparkling Cranberry & Ginger Beverage and the Non-Dairy Brown Sugar Oat Creamer.

Now that Hall of Famer Unexpected Cheddar is no longer an option in the poll, the store’s cheddar cheese with caramelized onions took home top accolades.

See the full list of customer choice award winners

Runners-up included Syrah Soaked Toscano, seasonal Baked Lemon Ricotta, Blueberry & Vanilla Chèvre and its various bries.

Replacing the longtime Mandarin Orange Chicken is Trader Joe’s Butter Chicken – spiced chicken in a tomato and cream sauce with basmati rice.

Indian is popular with Trader Joe’s customers. Second runner-up was Chicken Tikka Masala, followed by Kung Pao Chicken, Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese and BBQ Teriyaki Chicken.

Seasonal candles won out in this category. Its seasonal scents include Peony Blossom, Cedar Balsam, Honeycrisp Apple and Vanilla Pumpkin.

Runners-up: Daily Facial Sunscreen, Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Cream, Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo & Conditioner, and Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask.

Unsurprisingly, customers voted bananas as their top choice. The chain is known for its 25-cent organic bananas and 19-cent regular bananas. Following choices were Teeny Tiny Avocados, Honeycrisp Apples, Brussels Sprouts and Organic Carrots of Many Colors.

The tiny and crunchy Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones won top dessert, followed by Danish Kringle, Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches, Chocolate Lava Cakes and Brookie.

Among its many vegan and vegetarian options, the Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto came out on top. Vegetable Fried Rice, Beefless Bulgogi, Palak Paneer, Cauliflower Gnocchi followed.

[ad_2]

Source link

January 29, 2023