13 Naughty and Nice Holiday Products From Trader Joe’s

It’s that time of year again. That time when storefronts are overflowing with mounds of candy canes, hot cocoa, and promises of holiday cheer. Trader Joe’s, our favorite one-stop-shop for seasonal goodies, has already unveiled their holiday lineup. We’re definitely feeling a little stuffed after this one (and not in a stocking type-of-way), but we tried all the TJ’s holiday products, so that you don’t have to.

So, which Trader Joe’s products made the nice list? And, which are naughty? Let’s find out.

Happy holidays!

1. Jingle Jangle Ice Cream

Creamy, fluffy vanilla ice cream littered with chunks of dark chocolate, Oreos, peanuts, and pretzels? How could you not love this? Ice cream might not sound like the most appealing winter-time treat, but we promise this one is worth the frostbite.

Rating: Nice

Trader Joe's Holiday Haul Jingle Jangle Ice Cream

2. Greek Yogurt Egg Nog

So … if you remember our Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice article, the yogurt was a huge hit. However, Greek yogurt and egg nog — not so much. First of all, it’s watery, not creamy. And in terms of taste, think egg nog that was bought last Christmas, and opened this holiday season.

Rating: Naughty

Trader Joe's Holiday Haul Greek Yogurt Egg Nog

3. Peppermint Bark Popcorn

Caramel popcorn coated in dark chocolate, enrobed in a white chocolate and peppermint candy coating. You can actually taste each delightful layer, and it has the perfect amount of indulgent crunch. This popcorn is the gift that just keeps on giving.

Rating: Nice

Trader Joe's Holiday Haul Peppermint Bark Popcorn

4. Hot Cocoa Dunkers

Don’t be fooled by how incredible these smell. When you crack the lid on these babies, you’re hit with the most decadent milk chocolate smell. However, the appeal ends there. The first bite will have you questioning whether you’re eating an old Hershey’s bar or a stale free cookie sample from the grocery store.

Rating: Naughty

Trader Joe's Holiday Haul Hot Cocoa Dunkers

5. Astounding Multi-Flavor Joe-Joe’s

OK, so TJ’s offers a few different holiday twists on their trademark Joe-Joe’s, but this one is definitely the best option. It comes with four (yes, four!) different flavors of lusciously coated cookies: vanilla ginger, peppermint, double chocolate, and peanut butter. I mean, if anything, the vanilla ginger cookies themselves are worth buying the entire box for.

Rating: Nice

Trader Joe's Holiday Haul Multi-Flavor Joe-Joe's

6. Mini Gingerbread Men

The perfect man doesn’t exi-

Just wait until you bite into these. You’ll change your mind.

Rating: Nice

Trader Joe's Holiday Haul Mini Gingerbread Men

7. Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars

A great accessory for your gingerbread houses, and also dangerously addicting. They’re bite-sized and crispy, making them easy to forget how many you have actually eaten.

Rating: Nice

Trader Joe's Holiday Haul Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars

8. Hot Cocoa O’s

Effort points for cute packaging, but unfortunately, the taste doesn’t hold up. It’s disappointing, because with marshmallows mixed into their Cheerio look-alike cereal, I was expecting old-school Count Chocula vibes. Instead, they’re bland and stale.

Rating: Naughty

Trader Joe's Holiday Haul Hot Cocoa O's

9. Turkey Stuffing Potato Chips

With Lay’s flavors like Bacon Mac and Cheese and Wasabi Ginger, these honestly don’t seem that out there. These Turkey Stuffing Potato Chips taste exactly like a crouton. But, an overly seasoned crouton that you need to start picking out of your salad, because they’re just too much.

Rating: Naughty

Trader Joe's Holiday Haul Turkey Stuffing Potato Chips

10. Chocolate Peppermint Almond Beverage

We love a versatile drink, and that, my friends, is this Chocolate Peppermint Almond Beverage. Just as good on its own as it would be in coffee or even a chocolate martini for the holidays.

Rating: Nice

Trader Joe's Holiday Haul Chocolate Peppermint Almond Beverage

11. Peppermint Bark

Generous chunks of buttery white and dark chocolate with crushed peppermint candy. The only thing wrong with this Peppermint Bark is that it’s not available year-round.

Rating: Nice

Trader Joe's Holiday Haul Peppermint Bark

12. English Toffee with Nuts

Last year, my best friend and I ate the entire 1.14 pounds of toffee that comes in a container. And then, bought another tub.

It is perfect on any dessert platter, as a hostess gift, as a light (or not-so-light) snack. I mean this is, objectively, the best holiday offering TJ’s has. Do yourself a favor — ask a trusted friend to hide this English Toffee after you break into it.

Rating: Getting an iPad for Christmas-level-nice

Trader Joe's Holiday Haul English Toffee with Nuts

13. Triple Ginger Brew

After all that sugar, you may have a stomachache. No need to fear, this Triple Ginger Brew is the cure for all your holiday over-indulgences. A fresh, crisp ginger ale with an extra spicy kick, it’s just what we need. Or, if you’re trying to forget this holiday season all together, try it in this Moscow Mule recipe from the New York Times.

Rating: Nice

Trader Joe's Holiday Haul Triple Ginger Brew


Madison Muller is a senior at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, learning to navigate the contemporary media environment with compassion and candor. She enjoys writing about health, travel, and humanity. You can always find her with a coffee in hand. Madison is a proud supporter of the National Eating Disorders Association.

 

 

 

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