Trader Joe’s Spicy Cheese Crunchies Are Back

If there’s one thing that Trader Joe’s absolutely loves to do, it’s to discontinue things. Honestly. It can’t get enough of taking its items away from customers! It’s obsessed with it! It even did it a couple weeks back with one of its beloved cheeses. Man, we really can’t catch a break with this place.

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As a result, over the years, there have been plenty of discontinued Trader Joe’s treats that have lived long in the memory of its customers. But every now and again, those canny folks over at TJ’s cotton on to the fact that people really want an item back, and they graciously deliver, popping products on their website without any fanfare and after years of absence. And it’s done just that with its Spicy Cheese Crunchies, which are now back on sale. Hallelujah!

Move Over, Cheetos, You’ve Got Competition Again

Trader Joe’s Spicy Cheese Crunchies were a big hit back in the day (and by “the day,” we mean a couple of years ago), and customers fell head over heels for this Cheetos dupe. A lot of people actually preferred them to Cheetos, thanks to their lighter flavor and better price point. The grocery store had a hit on its hands.

Then, they were no more. Trader Joe’s Spicy Cheese Crunchies were suddenly discontinued, with no real rhyme or reason behind the decision, and fans were up in arms. “I loved them so much and would buy double every time I went to TJs. Can’t wrap my head around why these would be discontinued,” said a customer on Reddit, in a post that said that the snack “still haunts my dreams.” Honestly, we get it, we have dreams about snacks too. Various posters and commenters throughout the years would raise the possibility of them coming back, but to no avail. UNTIL NOW.

Sound the Returning Item Klaxon!

Trader Joe’s is very much leaning into the fact that it’s bringing back this item. “Blazing back to our shelves after an extended absence, Trader Joe’s Spicy Cheese Crunchies have officially returned—and we couldn’t be more fired up,” says its website. “In case you didn’t have the chance to try them the first time around, now’s a great time to get in on the fiery hot fun.” We agree, guys.

At $2.49 for a seven-ounce bag, TJ’s has kept the price here nice and modest. They’re running at a dollar or two cheaper than equivalent-sized Cheetos flavors bought in places like Walmart, so they’re a good option if you want to snack on the cheap. Plus, in true Trader Joe’s fashion, the ingredients list is looking pleasingly free of any artificial colors or flavors. We’d get yourself down to your local store to get them now if you want them, because honestly? They may be gone again tomorrow. Who knows with this place?