Trader Joe’s Holiday Items: A Taste Test Adventure!
Taste Testing Trader Joe’s Holiday Items Our Ranking of the Best Discoveries
Trader Joe’s Holiday Items We ranked them all!
Shopping at Trader Joe’s during the holidays is like participating in my own personal Olympics. It’s a rigorous test of strength, agility, and pure determination. Dodging the charcuterie board enthusiasts, the cocktail recipe aficionados, and the frenzied shoppers fighting over the last tin of Jingle Jangle is no easy feat. But I braved the chaos, all in the name of finding the ultimate way to celebrate the season: Trader Joe’s holiday items.
I embarked on a mission to scour the aisles (seriously, can they just put everything in one place?) and collect a wide variety of seasonal delicacies for a taste test. We decided to forgo the more gift-worthy treats and holiday tins in favor of items that you might actually find in your own kitchen. Sadly, there was not a single tin of Jingle Jangle in sight (heartbreaking, I know), but fear not, it will forever hold a top spot in our hearts.
Now, in the spirit of our popular rankings of Starbucks’ seasonal drinks, we present to you our official ranking of all the Trader Joe’s holiday items we could get our hands on. Our team gathered in VoiceAngel’s office, ready to sip, sample, and snack our way through the best of the best. We judged each item based on taste, festiveness, and repeat-purchase potential. So, hang on to your Santa hats and get ready for a mouthwatering journey through the world of Trader Joe’s holiday goodies.
picture ## 16. Dark Chocolate Covered Minty Mallows
We all had the same immediate reaction to these: “No, thank you!” The texture is an odd mix between marshmallow and the filling of a York Peppermint Patty, with a seriously minty punch. We unanimously concluded that these wouldn’t be our go-to sweet treat. One bold tester even declared, “I love all desserts, but I would skip these.” However, if you’re a marshmallow enthusiast, you might find them more appealing. They could also be a delightful addition to a cozy cup of holiday hot chocolate.
picture ## 15. Sugar Glazed Lebkuchen Cookies
These cookies looked promising, but unfortunately, they didn’t live up to our expectations. The texture was a surprise, with a crunch on the outside and a soft, almost donut-like interior. The flavor is nutty and spiced, bordering on “health food-y,” according to one tester. They even have a paper-like wafer on the bottom, adding an interesting twist. After some research, we realized they are quite true to traditional Lebkuchen cookies.
picture ## 14. Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s
Before you grab your candy canes and pitchforks, hear us out. We know there are die-hard fans of Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s, but they just didn’t hit the mark for us. The filling tasted artificial, almost toothpaste-like, and the candy cane chunks didn’t win us over. They simply don’t compare to the luscious deliciousness of Pumpkin Joe-Joe’s. That being said, if we were in dire need of a sweet treat and had nothing else on hand, we’d give them another go.
picture ## 13. Egg Nog Greek Yogurt
This yogurt isn’t bad by any means, but it didn’t quite deliver the eggnog experience we were hoping for. It tasted more like your typical vanilla Greek yogurt, lacking that distinctive eggnog flavor. While it’s enjoyable, it didn’t stand out among Trader Joe’s impressive holiday lineup.
picture ## 12. O’Nog Non-Dairy Oat Beverage
Much like the eggnog yogurt, this oat milk eggnog didn’t blow us away. It tasted more like regular oat milk with a faint hint of spices and a thicker consistency. However, if you’re on the lookout for a dairy-free eggnog to pair with your favorite holiday spirits, this could be a great option.
picture ## 11. Truffle Dip
Let’s set the record straight: this dip is good. It’s not ranked higher simply because it’s not very festive, and its consistency is more like a sauce or spread rather than a traditional dip. Think of it as a tasty truffle aioli, perfect for dipping fries or spreading on a burger. If you’re not a die-hard truffle fan, fear not. The truffle flavor is not overpowering, making it a safe choice for those testing the truffle waters.
picture ## 10. Candy Cane Green Tea
Described by our taste-testers as “nice, mild, and light,” this tea is good but doesn’t quite steal the spotlight. It brings to mind a classic peppermint tea with a subtle touch of sweetness. If you’re a peppermint lover seeking a festive alternative to your usual tea, this one’s for you.
picture ## 9. Sugar Plum Sparkling Beverage
We had no idea what to expect with this one (seriously, what does a sugar plum taste like?), but it pleasantly surprised us. It reminded us of the childhood joy we experienced drinking Welch’s sparkling grape juice while the grown-ups savored real champagne. The nuanced flavor of the sugar plum beverage adds an extra touch of sophistication. Add a splash of your spirit of choice, and you’ve got yourself a dazzling festive cocktail.
picture ## 8. Fruit & Nut (& Other Stuff) Crisps
These crisps quickly won our hearts, as we couldn’t stop munching on them. Bursting with festive spices, they make the perfect addition to your holiday charcuterie board. The combination of almonds and dried fruit adds delightful textures without overpowering the flavor. They shine best as a vessel for a spread, soft cheese, or dip—truly a match made in culinary heaven.
picture ## 7. Mini Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Delightful is the word that best describes this biscotti. The cranberry-pistachio flavor duo is scrumptious and festive without being overly sweet. The drizzle of icing on top adds the perfect finishing touch. Admittedly, they are quite hard to bite into, but that’s what makes biscotti so charming. These little delights would be absolutely divine paired with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.
picture ## 6. Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars
Consider these a holiday season necessity. They are the perfect miniature treats for satisfying your sweet tooth without going overboard. They’re reminiscent of Snow Caps and Thin Mints, but with their unique twist—a layer of dark chocolate coating delicate shortbread cookies and adorned with twinkling sprinkles. Imagine scattering them like edible stars on a charcuterie board for that extra touch of magic.
picture ## 5. Gingerbread Ice Cream
Prepare for a symphony of flavor in your mouth! This ice cream is pure decadence, with a creamy texture and generous chunks of gingerbread cookies. It captures the warm, spicy essence of classic gingerbread magnificently. While it leans toward the gingery side (thanks to those triple ginger snap cookie pieces), it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, or rather, scoop of ice cream.
picture ## 4. Winter Wassail Punch
Prepare for total shock and awe upon the first sip. This punch delivered a taste unlike anything we’ve encountered before. It’s Christmas in a cup, plain and simple. Although it may not be something you’d drink on its own, it’s an essential mixer for creating spectacular holiday cocktails. Serve up a festive punch, mimosa, or mule with this delightful nectar, and your guests will be absolutely blown away.
picture ## 3. Decked Out Tree Cookies
One word kept resounding in our minds as we savored these cookies: nostalgia. They embody the essence of the quintessential chocolate-y holiday treat and remind us of the delightful Keebler fudge cookies of our childhood fantasies. If I were a young child finding these cookies magically delivered by my Elf on the Shelf, I’d wholeheartedly believe they came straight from the North Pole. Their adorable packaging makes them a fantastic choice for holiday parties, either as a treat for yourself or as a charming hostess gift.
picture ## 2. Cranberry Goat Cheese
Let me just share some of the overwhelming praise we received during the taste-testing extravaganza:
- “Brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping, spectacular…” – Lady Gaga – Ashley Selleke
- “This is so good I could eat it with a spoon.”
- “If you invite me to your holiday party and this is on your cheeseboard, I’m eating the whole thing. If it’s not, I’m leaving.” – Julia Poulter
- “This is a good gateway goat cheese if you don’t like goat cheese.”
- “I always get the blueberry goat cheese at Trader Joe’s, but this one is even better.”
Need we say more? Cranberry goat cheese definitely knows how to steal the show!
picture ## 1. Peppermint Pretzel Slims
Drum roll, please! The moment we’ve all been waiting for. The ultimate winner of our Trader Joe’s holiday ranking is… Peppermint Pretzel Slims! These delectable treats have it all. A harmonious marriage of salty and sweet, perfectly balanced festive flavor (even non-peppermint fans were converted), and a delightful crunch that keeps you coming back for more. We all agreed that finishing an entire bag in one sitting wouldn’t be a challenge. In fact, one bold tester admitted, “These are so good that I grabbed my second before I finished my first. I’m heading to Trader Joe’s tomorrow to stock up!”
There you have it—the definitive guide to Trader Joe’s holiday items. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet indulgence or a festive culinary adventure, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your shopping bags and embark on your own taste-testing journey. And don’t forget to savor every moment of the holiday season, one delicious treat at a time!
What’s your favorite Trader Joe’s holiday item? Have you tried any of the items on our list? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
