These Are The 5 Most Interesting Things We Picked Up At Trader Joe’s This Week

For one weeknight each week, I dedicate it to aimlessly wandering through the complex aisles of Trader Joe’s. Not only do I see grocery stores as my own personal playground, but they’re also a great source of inspiration, especially when we’re talking about a grocery store as ever-changing and elusive as Trader Joe’s. Personally, I like to go alone so that I really don’t have to entertain anything other than my own curiosity. 

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Inevitably though, the most exciting part is lugging the bags into my home and giving a haul to my partner. It’s a conversation overflowing with ideas for epic meals and snacking. As far as a weeknight for a big ol’ food nerd goes, it’s pretty ideal. And, once I’ve exhausted myself from giddy explanations, it is of course time for the long awaited taste tests. Naturally, dear reader, I have to share the greatest hits of what’s most intrigued us this week with you, too. 

Marinated Artichoke Hearts On The Go

These are strange to me in the sense that I know they were marinated, but all of the marinade feels like it was removed. They’re packaged pretty dry, without any of the oily, briny goodness that really makes marinated artichoke hearts super satisfying. They still had that flavor, but it was far less intense since their packaging wasn’t filled with it. Granted, it was far less messy and inherently better for on the go snacking, as the product was intended. But in this case, I do think that it took away from the flavor. That said, it wasn’t enough of a change for it to make these unpleasant, just a little bit less delicious than their jarred counterpart.

Rating:

7/10

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Peach Flavored Balsamic Glaze

Honestly, I really wasn’t anticipating this one to have that strong of a peach flavor, especially a natural one. But, this is actually made with peach juice concentrate and it’s a refreshing twist on the sweet and complex flavor of a balsamic glaze. You get the peach flavor straight up front and after that flavor begins to fade, you’re left with a hum of tart balsamic goodness. It’s the perfect summer switch for any of your usual balsamic glaze uses.

Rating:

9/10

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Strained Thick & Creamy Greek Yogurt, Strawberry

I’ve been a big fan of the plain version of this yogurt ever since it was released. It’s made with whole milk and just dense with delicious lactic flavor. Plus, the fat content of the milk makes it have an absolutely irresistible mouth feel. I was hesitant to try the strawberry or other flavored versions of this product in the event that the flavor was just artificial. But with berry products being a bit less dependable these days, I wanted to see if the strawberry version of this yogurt was any good so that my morning bowl could still have that same delicious berry flavor. To my delight, it did. It has a very natural flavor that almost tastes like the fresh strawberry jam is swirled in to the classic I already know and love. Best of all, it’s not overly sweet and cuts down on the time it takes to prepare your morning treat.

Rating:

9/10

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Movie Theater Popcorn

This popcorn was both better and worse than I expected it to be. Upon first bite, it is pretty underwhelming. It taste like it should be more salty or buttery… you know, just everything you would expect from movie theater popcorn. Especially if that’s what it’s advertising. But after I ate a couple more bites the feeling on my palate was the same as the iconic theater experience. As you keep eating, the flavor really starts to build and ends up being a pretty similar experience to the theater snack everyone is so fond of. 

In this case though, the popcorn didn’t leave my lips parched and my teeth coated in grease. So, it actually might even be more preferable to me. If you’re the kind of person who gets movie theater popcorn and adds lots of extra butter, this one might feel a bit underwhelming to you. But for those of us who like it straight up or maybe find it too salty at times, then this is your ideal snack.

Rating:

7.5/10

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Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bites

My biggest qualm with these is that the texture and flavor of the interior ice cream doesn’t really live up to how delicious and soft the cookie dough exterior is. Honestly, if anything, I expected the inverse to be true. But since the cookie dough really is the dominant flavor, the mild disappointment of the ice cream inside doesn’t really make that big of a deal. These are perfectly satisfying and rich enough where you can eat two or three and be totally satisfied. Once you try them, the satisfaction perfectly contextualizes why you only get 12 in a pack. And honestly, as far as a sweet treat goes, a delicious ball of chilled cookie dough is among the best that you can get.

Rating:

8.5/10

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