Letter of Recommendation: Trader Joe’s Snacks

When most people think of Trader Joe’s, they envision the quirky, nautical-themed stores, a variety of unique products, and, of course, their delicious snacks. Trader Joe’s has carved out a niche in the grocery industry by offering an array of snacks that are not only tasty, but also often more natural, more innovative, and (debatably) healthier than what you might find in typical supermarkets, garnering a cult following.

If you’re looking for a snack with a little kick to it, look no further than the chili-lime rolled-corn tortilla chips. These chips are perfect if you are craving Takis but want to feel like you’re eating healthier than you actually are. Crunchy, spicy, salty, and a little tangy, these tortilla chips seasoned with paprika and turmeric may not seem too hot for the first few bites, but for people with a low spice tolerance, the spice might creep up on you. An anonymous senior complements the “perfect” seasoning-to-chip ratio. 

If the chili-lime chips are too spicy for you, their veggie sticks are the perfect snack when you want something light and delicious. The veggie sticks are a perfect balance between saltiness and crunchiness. However, be careful, because once you start eating these, the next minute the whole bag will be gone. If the inevitable occurs, don’t fret: you can just drive or walk to your local Trader Joe’s and buy more.

Another Trader Joe’s highlight is their chocolate treats, such as their mini chocolate pretzels and peanut butter cups. The chocolate pretzels are great for any chocolate lover looking for a snack that blends the salty crunch of pretzels with a sweet coating of milk or dark chocolate. 

Additionally, the chocolate shell of the peanut butter cups combined with the creamy peanut butter creates a perfect combination of flavors without being overwhelmingly sweet. A life hack if you get these is to put them in the fridge so they can be nice and cold, making them even more delectable. Whether you go for the larger dark chocolate peanut butter cups or the mini milk chocolate peanut butter cups, you will not be disappointed. 

Senior Lucas Ross recommends the Trader Joe’s peppermint meringues, saying that the “seasonal mintiness and freshness of these delicacies intermingle phenomenally with an airy and crispy texture.” He also suggests trying the meringues via melting them in hot chocolate for an unexpected burst of flavor.

When you are finished eating dinner, there is no better way to end the meal than with one, or maybe even a few, of Trader Joe’s’ mini ice cream cones. The cones come in classic flavors such as chocolate, chocolate chip, and coffee bean, along with seasonal flavors like peppermint and pumpkin ginger. 

Whether you take our specific recommendations or not, any snack you buy at Trader Joe’s will be a good, enjoyable, and generally affordable purchase.