5 Trader Joe’s Treats to Buy and 5 to Avoid

Navigating the aisles of Trader Joe’s can feel like a treasure hunt, filled with delightful surprises and the occasional misfire. With so many tempting treats to choose from, it’s easy to fill your cart with both hits and misses. To save you from snack disappointment, here are five Trader Joe’s treats you absolutely need to try—and five you should leave on the shelf.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (Buy)

These decadent treats are a favorite for a reason. The perfect blend of smooth dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter creates an irresistible combination. Unlike other brands, the quality of the chocolate is noticeable, and the rich peanut butter adds just the right amount of sweetness. They’re a great snack for anyone with a sweet tooth and are often a hit at parties. Plus, they come in a convenient resealable bag, so you can indulge in moderation—or not.

Macarons Variés (Avoid)

While Trader Joe’s Macarons Variés might look tempting, they don’t quite live up to the hype. The texture is often inconsistent, with some macarons being too chewy or too crumbly. The flavor selection is nice in theory, but many of the options taste artificial or overly sweet. At a higher price point compared to other desserts at Trader Joe’s, they often leave customers disappointed. For authentic macaron lovers, it’s best to skip these and look for fresher alternatives elsewhere.

Hold the Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones (Buy)

Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone is the ideal small indulgence when you want something sweet but not too heavy. These mini cones come in a variety of flavors, including chocolate and vanilla, with a crunchy outer shell that gives way to a smooth ice cream core. The size is perfect for portion control, yet it doesn’t feel like you’re skimping on flavor. Each bite is satisfying, with the chocolate-dipped cone adding a delightful crunch at the end. They’re a freezer staple for anyone looking for a quick treat.

Joe-Joe’s Slims (Avoid)

Though these are advertised as a healthier take on the classic Joe-Joe’s, the Slims fall short in flavor and satisfaction. The cookie is noticeably thinner, making it less enjoyable to bite into, and the cream filling lacks the richness of the original. While they’re meant to be a lighter treat, they often end up feeling more like a compromise than a satisfying dessert. If you’re looking for a low-calorie snack, there are better options at Trader Joe’s that don’t sacrifice taste.

Brookie (Buy)

For those who can’t decide between brownies or cookies, Trader Joe’s Brookie is the perfect solution. It combines two beloved desserts into one, with a chewy chocolate chip cookie base layered under a fudgy brownie top. The texture is heavenly, striking the right balance between soft and slightly crisp. It’s indulgent without being overly sweet, making it an ideal dessert to share or enjoy solo. Best served warm, it’s a treat that feels homemade.

Mini Cheesecake Cones (Avoid)

The Mini Cheesecake Cones seem like a great idea, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The filling lacks the creamy, tangy richness of traditional cheesecake and instead feels more like a dense, overly sweet frosting. The cone, while crunchy, doesn’t add much in terms of flavor and sometimes feels stale. They also tend to melt quickly, making them messy to eat. For those looking for a satisfying cheesecake fix, these are best avoided.

Salted Maple Ice Cream (Buy)

Trader Joe’s Salted Maple Ice Cream is the perfect seasonal treat, combining the comforting sweetness of maple with a touch of sea salt for a perfectly balanced flavor. The rich, creamy texture will have you savoring every spoonful, and the subtle saltiness enhances the deep maple flavor, making it feel like a gourmet indulgence. Available only for a limited time, this seasonal gem is a must-buy while it’s in stock. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with warm desserts like pies or crisps, this ice cream is a sweet and salty dream come true. Don’t miss out before it disappears!

Soft Black Licorice Twists (Avoid)

Trader Joe’s Soft Black Licorice Twists might sound appealing to licorice lovers, but they often fall short on flavor and texture. The licorice taste is unusually mild, lacking the bold, rich notes that black licorice fans typically crave. Instead of the chewy, satisfying bite you’d expect, these twists tend to be overly soft, almost to the point of being mushy. The result is a treat that feels less like licorice and more like a gummy with an identity crisis. If you’re a black licorice fan, you’re better off skipping this one and finding a more authentic option.

Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches (Buy)

If you love ice cream sandwiches but want something a little more luxurious, Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches are a must-try. The cookies are soft and packed with chocolate chips, providing the perfect contrast to the creamy vanilla ice cream in the center. Each bite is packed with flavor, and the added chocolate chips around the edge make them feel extra indulgent. They’re perfect for hot summer days or as a special dessert after dinner. The portion size is generous, making them worth the splurge.

Chocolate Covered Wafer Cookie (Avoid)

Trader Joe’s Chocolate Covered Wafer Cookie looks like it could be a crispy, chocolatey delight, but the reality is underwhelming. The wafer is bland and lacks the light, crispy texture you’d expect, while the chocolate coating, though thick, feels waxy and artificial. Instead of a satisfying crunch, you get a soft, almost soggy bite that leaves much to be desired. Despite its promising appearance, this treat doesn’t deliver the satisfying snap or rich chocolate flavor you’d hope for. If you’re in the mood for a wafer cookie, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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