Trader Joe's New Zealand Organic Sliced Cheddar Cheese

Trader Joe’s Organic New Zealand Cheddar Cheese is a stellar sliced cheese selection. Imported from New Zealand and made with milk from grass fed cows, this certified organic cheddar comes in at just $4.99 for 8 ounces, and it punches well above its price point.

Right away, the texture stands out. Sonia mentioned it reminded her of Havarti, and that’s spot on. It’s creamy, smooth, and almost velvety as it melts on your tongue. This isn’t a crumbly, dry cheddar. It’s soft and pliable, which makes it incredibly versatile. Flavor-wise, it lands right in that sweet spot between mild and sharp. Aged 3–6 months, Trader Joe’s calls it “subtly sharp,” and I’d agree. You get a gentle tang and savory depth without any aggressive bite. It’s approachable but still very interesting.

I vaguely remember Trader Joe’s offering a different New Zealand cheese years ago that we never tried and honestly, I’d heard some negative reviews of it. If this is the redemption arc, it’s a strong one. This cheese is excellent.

It’s great for simple snacking. I loved eating it plain or stacked on crackers. It also made a fantastic grilled cheese, melting beautifully into a smooth, creamy layer without getting super oily. But the real standout moment? We put it on bison burgers with arugula, brioche buns, and just a few dabs of ketchup and mustard. That combination was next level. The cheddar melted perfectly, adding a buttery richness that tied everything together without overpowering the burger.

For an organic imported cheese at this price, it’s hard to complain. It’s versatile, flavorful, and easy to love whether you’re snacking or cooking. I’m giving Trader Joe’s Organic Sliced New Zealand Cheddar Cheese nine out of ten stars. Sonia comes in just behind me at eight and a half out of ten. Either way, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

Bottom line: 8.75 out of 10.

Trader Joe's Thai Style Yellow Curry Potato Chips

If you’re cruising the snack aisle at Trader Joe's and spot the Thai Style Yellow Curry Potato Chips, do yourself a favor and grab a bag. At just three bucks, these aren’t some globetrotting import with a fancy backstory but honestly, they don’t need one.

Right out of the bag, the aroma hits you with that warm, savory yellow curry vibe. It's turmeric-forward, lightly spiced, and super inviting. The flavor absolutely delivers. It’s bold without being overwhelming, striking that sweet spot where you keep reaching for “just one more" until suddenly the bag is suspiciously empty.

Texture-wise, Trader Joe's Yellow Curry Potato Chips are a win. They’ve got that ideal crispy, crunchy bite. They're firm enough to feel satisfying, but not so hard that you’re worried about dental work. And here’s where things get nostalgic: if you grew up anywhere near the Chesapeake region, you might get some crab chip vibes. As someone who grew up in South Central Pennsylvania just an hour and a half north of the Bay, I can confirm that these feel like crab chips that took a flavorful vacation to Thailand and came back cooler.

We did try to get fancy. Sonia whipped up a dip with yogurt, Trader Joe's Crunchy Chili Onion, and a squeeze of lime. In theory? Amazing. In reality? Flavor overload. The chips already bring plenty of personality, and the dip just pushed things into chaotic territory. Maybe dialing back the chili onion would help—but we never got the chance to refine it because…yeah, we crushed the bag.

In the end, these chips shine brightest all on their own. Big flavor, great crunch, and dangerously snackable. Would absolutely buy again. Eight and a half stars a piece from Sonia and me for Trader Joe's Thai Style Yellow Curry Potato Chips.

Bottom line: 8.5 out of 10.