For six bucks, you get a dozen mussels nestled in their half shells, each one smothered in a garlicky, herbaceous butter sauce. Twelve mussels may not sound like a lot—and honestly, it’s not—but they are imported from France, which automatically gives them a little accent and a sense of occasion. You’re not just eating frozen shellfish; you’re experiencing something. Tres chic.
Preparation is refreshingly low-effort. They come frozen, you slide the tray into the oven, and 15 minutes later you’re pulling out something that looks suspiciously like it belongs on a white tablecloth with a glass of wine you can’t pronounce. No stovetop drama, no splattering oil, no culinary degree required.
Eating Trader Joe's Garlic & Herb Butter Mussels is half the fun. You start off politely with a fork, scooping the mussel out of its shell, but quickly realize the real move is to use the first empty shell as a tiny, makeshift seafood shovel for the rest. It's quite practical but it also feels lowkey vulgar for some reason.
Flavor-wise, these are interesting. There’s a faint fishy note—as one might expect from mussels—and also a subtle flinty, almost metallic edge that reminds you that yes, this did in fact come from the ocean. And yet, somehow, it all works. The garlic and herb butter pulls everything together into something genuinely tasty, unique, and kind of fancy. You can absolutely see why mussels are considered a delicacy, even if you don’t personally want to commit to them long-term.
That said, these are not my favorite seafood, nor even my favorite shellfish. Shrimp still reigns supreme, scallops remain untouchable, and mussels… well, mussels are having a moment, but not a permanent residency in my freezer.
Would I buy these again? Probably not. But if they showed up at a Super Bowl party, parked next to the wings and seven-layer dip? Yeah. I’d grab one or two, feel sophisticated for a second, and then go back to the chips. For the novelty factor and the decent flavor both the beautiful wifey and I will go with a solid seven and a half out of ten stars for Trader Joe's Garlic & Herb Butter Mussels.
Nate's Notes: this product is seasonal and done for the year already. It's only available around Thanksgiving and Christmas time for some bizarre reason. This was the first year we tried it and wanted to bust out a review for the benefit of Holiday Season 2026. Nothing says "holidays" like horseradish, right?
Trader Joe’s Ridge Cut Potato Chips Seasoned with Horseradish & Chives roll into your life like they’re here to do a job—and that job is structural integrity. These are thick, deeply ridged chips that feel like they were engineered by someone who hates flimsy snacks. They’re sturdy. They’re robust. They absolutely want to be dipped. If you’ve ever snapped a thin chip in half while reaching for French onion dip and questioned your life choices, these chips are your redemption arc.
The seasoning is where things get interesting. The salt level is dialed in just right—not bland, not salt-lick aggressive. The chive flavor is green, herby, and unmistakable, giving strong “savory dairy-adjacent” vibes without actually committing to dairy. And then there’s the horseradish. Oh yes. Trader Joe's Horseradish & Chives Chips bring that nasal-clearing bite that lets you know they mean business. Not painful, not prank-level spicy, but enough zing to make your sinuses sit up straight and pay attention.
That said, something’s missing. Specifically: creaminess. If your brain hears “horseradish & chives” and expects the cozy tang of sour cream and onion, you’re going to notice the absence. The flavor combo is bold but a little sharp around the edges. I kept wishing for a creamy, tangy element to smooth things out—something sour cream–like to bring balance to the force. Luckily, this is an easy fix: dip them in sour cream. Or French onion dip. Or anything vaguely dairy-based. Problem solved, marriage saved.
These chips would absolutely shine next to a roast beef sandwich, ideally one that’s flirting with a cup of au jus. The horseradish-chive combo just belongs in that beefy, deli-adjacent universe.
At $2.99 for a 7-ounce bag, these are an easy buy—and yes, we’d buy them again. Just maybe with a tub of sour cream riding shotgun. I think Sonia and I will both go with eight out of ten stars on Trader Joe's Ridge Cut Potato Chips Seasoned with Horseradish & Chives.
Trader Joe’s Sour Strawberry Candy Belts come in a hefty plastic tub that costs a very reasonable $3.49 which immediately puts them in the dangerous impulse buy category. You know, the kind where you toss them into your cart thinking "this will last a while," and then somehow the tub is empty by Tuesday. Inside, you’ll find roughly 30 candy belts—long, sugar-dusted ribbons that look like they were designed specifically to be eaten straight from the container while standing in the kitchen.
Let’s start with the texture, because texture matters. These belts are soft, flexible, and pleasantly chewy without veering into dental-work territory. You can bend them, twist them, roll them up like a fruit leather sleeping bag—no snapping, no jaw fatigue. Big win. If you’ve ever been betrayed by a candy that fought back, you’ll appreciate these.
Flavor-wise, they’re good. The strawberry taste is clean, familiar, and enjoyable. Sweet and sour in a friendly, non-threatening way. That said, let’s talk about the sour part. Or rather, the lack of commitment to sour. Trader Joe's Sour Strawberry Candy Belts are lightly tart, but they’re not making your face implode. If you’re hoping for a full pucker moment, you won’t find it here. And honestly, that’s fine—just know what you’re signing up for.
Nothing, and I mean nothing, has topped Trader Joe’s dearly departed Sour Gummy Ts and Js. They weren’t aggressively sour either, but the flavors—grapefruit, tangerine, lime, lemon—were elite-tier candy flavors. Compared to that lineup, strawberry feels a little… safe. Which brings us to the big wish: more flavors. With Sour Jelly Beans, Sour Scandinavian Swimmers, and Spooky Bats & Cats, Trader Joe’s understands that variety is the spice of sour life. Why limit these belts to just one flavor?
Still, if I had to choose a single sour flavor to live with, strawberry wouldn’t be a bad pick. Bonus points for using real sugar, apple juice concentrate, and fruit-and-vegetable-based coloring. Candy that’s trying a little to be wholesome is very on-brand.
Finally, these are a product of Turkey. Baklava? Sure. Simit bread? Absolutely. Sour candy belts? Unexpected, but okay, Turkey—you nailed the chew.
Bottom line: tasty, affordable, easy-to-like candy with great texture and solid flavor. Just don’t expect them to melt your face off. I'll go with seven out of ten stars for Trader Joe's Sour Strawberry Candy Belts. The beautiful wifey will throw out seven and a half.
Trader Joe’s Maple Brioche Style Liège Waffles arrive with a bit of continental swagger. Fun fact to drop at brunch: Liège is a city in Belgium, which means these waffles are technically more cultured than most of us before coffee. They’re imported straight from Belgium, so when you eat one you can briefly pretend you’re on a cobblestone street instead of standing barefoot in your kitchen at 7:42 a.m.
For $4.49, you get six waffles, each one individually wrapped like it’s a precious artifact. At first glance, the extra packaging feels a little dramatic—does a waffle really need its own outfit? But once you’re tossing one into a bag for work or ripping one open half-asleep, the convenience wins you over. No freezer burn, no weird waffle clumping incidents. Everyone stays in their lane.
Out of the wrapper, these are… fine. Perfectly acceptable. Pleasant, even. But let’s not kid ourselves: these waffles want heat. Toss one in the toaster, add a little butter, and suddenly things get interesting. The outside crisps up, the inside stays soft and chewy, and the pearl sugar does that magical caramelized thing it does so well. If you’re really chasing sweetness, a drizzle of extra maple syrup will send it over the top, though it’s not strictly necessary.
The maple flavor itself is noticeable but not aggressive. It’s there, quietly humming in the background, reminding you that fall exists. That said, it does make these waffles a little less versatile than Trader Joe’s Original Brioche Style Liège Waffles. The plain ones are a blank canvas—you can throw fruit spread on them, go savory-ish, do whatever your heart desires. These maple ones feel more opinionated. Butter? Yes. Syrup? Sure. Whipped cream or even a scoop of ice cream? Absolutely. But slathering them with strawberry jam feels… wrong. Like wearing flip-flops to a wedding.
Would we buy them again? Probably. They’re good, they’re convenient, and they scratch a specific maple-flavored itch. But if we’re being honest, we’d still gravitate toward the plain version most of the time. If I want maple, I can always add my own. Control is power, especially when waffles are involved. Seven and a half out of ten stars from Sonia for Trader Joe's Maple Brioche Style Liège Waffles. I'll go with seven out of ten stars.
Trader Joe’s Maple Pecan Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate is one of those products that makes you do a quick double take at the price tag, then immediately start doing mental math to justify it. Ten bucks gets you eight servings, which works out to $1.25 per cup. On paper, that sounds a little bougie for something you’re still making at home. In practice, it’s still laughably cheaper than wandering into Starbucks and leaving with a $7 drink that has a paragraph-long name and enough sugar to power a small go-kart.
Flavor-wise, this stuff is interesting in a good way. The maple is front and center, but it’s not screaming “PANCAKE SYRUP” at you. Instead, it tastes like maple syrup that went to therapy and learned restraint. There’s almost no sweetness built in, which I actually appreciated. It lets the coffee stay coffee. If you want sweetness, you’re in full control. We tried it with date syrup, and that combo absolutely worked—nutty, rounded sweetness without turning the drink into a dessert masquerading as caffeine.
The pecan flavor is there, but don’t expect it to kick the door down. It’s subtle, more of a background note than a headliner. Think “someone walked by with pecans” rather than “pecan pie just entered the room.” Maple is clearly the star, with pecan playing a polite supporting role.
As for mixing, you’ve got options: milk or water. We tried both, and the winner was water first, then a splash of half and half. It keeps the coffee tasting clean while still giving you a little creamy luxury at the end. Straight milk was fine, but it dulled some of the nuance.
Final verdict: Sonia would buy it again and I wouldn't stop her. It’s shelf-stable until opened, needs refrigeration afterward, and it’s kosher. Basically, it’s a solid, slightly fancy cold brew that won’t judge you for wearing sweatpants while drinking it. Seven out of ten stars from me. Eight out of ten from the beautiful wifey for Trader Joe's Maple Pecan Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate.
I have a habit of finding snacks at Trader Joe’s that I didn’t know I needed until they’re suddenly gone, and their Teeny Tiny Maple Butter Tarts fit squarely into that category. These little guys are imported from Canada, which already feels correct, because if anyone knows what to do with maple syrup, it’s our neighbors to the north.
Flavor-wise, these tarts absolutely deliver. The filling is sweet, rich, and unapologetically maple-forward. If you’ve ever had pecan pie and thought, “I love this, but what if we ditched the nuts and focused entirely on the gooey part?”—congratulations, this is basically that. The maple flavor is warm and buttery without tipping into artificial or cloying, which is impressive considering how small these things are.
The crust deserves its own shout-out. It’s flaky, buttery, and legitimately delicious, not just a structural necessity to keep the filling from escaping. Even better, there’s a generous amount of maple filling inside each tart, so you’re not biting into a hollow pastry with a sad smear of sweetness. The crust and filling feel well-balanced, which is not always a given with miniature desserts.
Preparation couldn’t be easier. Trader Joe's Teeny Tiny Maple Butter Tarts come frozen, and I tossed a few into the air fryer for about seven minutes. That’s it. No thawing, no fuss, no “rotate halfway through while chanting under a full moon.” They came out hot, crisp, and smelling like a Canadian bakery had briefly moved into our kitchen.
At $4.49 for a dozen, the value is solid. You get twelve bite-sized tarts for the price of one fancy coffee drink, and they feel a little more special than your average freezer dessert. Are they health food? Absolutely not. But the beautiful wifey and I could very realistically eat the entire box in one sitting without much resistance, which tells you everything you need to know.
Would we buy Trader Joe's Teeny Tiny Maple Butter Tarts again? Without hesitation. They're listed as "limited time" on TJ's website, so get 'em while you still can. Final score: eight out of ten stars from both Sonia and me.
Trader Joe’s Everything But the Pizza Whipped Cream Cheese Spread is one of those products where the name does a lot of heavy lifting. It promises pizza vibes without actually being pizza, which is… ambitious. After spending some quality time with it, the best way to describe it is this: it’s basically sun-dried tomato–flavored cream cheese, with a supporting cast of garlic and Italian herbs trying their best to sell the illusion.
To get this out of the way: it doesn’t really belong on pizza. If you’re thinking of slathering it over a slice, maybe pause and reconsider your life choices. That said, where it unexpectedly shines is as a pizza crust dunking sauce. Once you’ve eaten all the sauce and cheese and you’re left holding a sad, naked crust, this spread swoops in and saves the day. Suddenly, the crust feels intentional.
Trader Joe's Everything But the Pizza Cream Cheese also works surprisingly well as a chip dip. The whipped texture makes it easy to scoop, and the tangy tomato flavor pairs nicely with plain chips. It’s bold enough to be interesting without being so intense that you regret your decisions halfway through the bag.
Bagel-wise, it’s kosher, spreads easily, and does the job. Is it a classic bagel flavor? No. But if you like savory spreads and are open to a Mediterranean-adjacent breakfast moment, it’s perfectly respectable.
As a sandwich spread, it’s actually pretty decent. We liked it on sourdough with chicken and arugula, where the acidity of the tomato flavor cut through the richness and kept things from feeling heavy. It adds moisture and personality without completely hijacking the sandwich. It's also weirdly good when mixed in with a bowl of piping hot chili.
At $2.79 for 8 ounces, it’s a fair deal for a whipped cream cheese that feels a little more “specialty” than plain. Is it my favorite Trader Joe’s cream cheese flavor? No. Will I buy it every time? Also no. But it’s interesting, different, and worth trying at least once—if only to confirm that “everything but the pizza” is, in fact, a very Joesian idea.
Seven and a half stars from the beautiful wifey. Seven out of ten stars from me for Trader Joe's Everything But the Pizza Whipped Cream Cheese Spread. Check out our video review embedded below where we try it with everything from pizza to chicken wings to Trader Joe's Ridge Cut Horseradish & Chives Potato Chips.
Nobody really pays any attention to these dog treat reviews. Even the video reviews get very little traction and I'm not sure why because our dogs are freaking adorable. So why keep doing them, you ask? Well, our dogs need treats and we shop at Trader Joe's, and putting our thoughts about their products online is just kind of a thing we do...like for the past 15 and a half years...to the tune of 2,600 products, give or take. But I digress...
Trader Joe’s has a knack for surprising us with quality products, and their Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe Stuffies Dog Treats have quickly earned a permanent spot in our treat drawer. As the proud humans of two very small, senior dogs—Alfred and Sadie—we’re a little picky about what makes the cut. These treats check all the right boxes.
First and foremost, we really appreciate that beef is the number one ingredient. When it comes to dog treats, especially for older pups, ingredient quality matters. Seeing a recognizable, protein-forward ingredient right at the top of the list gives us peace of mind that we’re not just feeding filler. The addition of sweet potato is a nice bonus too, adding flavor and a wholesome touch without overcomplicating things.
Another huge win for us is the soft texture. Alfred and Sadie are both small dogs with aging teeth, so crunchy or overly hard treats are a no-go. These Stuffies are soft and pliable, making them easy to break apart into smaller pieces. This is perfect for portion control and for making sure neither dog struggles to enjoy their reward. We often break one treat into two or even three bites, and the dogs never seem to mind.
Practical details matter too, and Trader Joe’s didn’t overlook them. The resealable bag is genuinely helpful. It keeps the treats fresh, prevents that dreaded stale smell, and makes it easy to grab a quick snack without transferring everything to a separate container. It’s a small thing, but it makes daily use much more convenient.
Most importantly, though, the dogs absolutely go nuts for these treats. The moment the bag comes out, both Alfred and Sadie are suddenly very alert and very motivated. If we’re being honest, Alfie might love them just a wee bit more than Sadie, but it’s close—and she certainly isn’t complaining. Tails wag, eyes light up, and treat time instantly becomes the highlight of the moment.
All in all, Trader Joe’s Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe Stuffies feel like a thoughtfully made treat that balances quality ingredients, senior-dog-friendly texture, and real-world convenience. Most importantly, Alfred and Sadie would wholeheartedly recommend them—and that’s the opinion that matters most. 🐾
$4.79 for the 14 oz resealable bag. We'd buy this again. Alfred will go with four out of four paw prints for Trader Joe's Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe Stuffies Dog Treats. Sadie will go with three and a half. Sonia and I will add on a bonus paw print for the convenience factor.
Trader Joe's Spicy Cheddar Cheese and Jalapeño Biscuit Bites will run you five bucks for 18 little disc-shaped appetizers. Conventional oven and air fryer instructions are given on the box. Most of you can probably guess which route we took.
Five minutes in the Ninja yielded hot, buttery mini-biscuits, somewhat crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside. They had a nice balance of breadiness, cheesiness, and spiciness. Surprisingly, they actually tasted like good, buttery biscuits and not just nondescript dough.
We dipped ours in ranch dressing and it worked out great. Sonia also tried adding spicy honey to hers. It worked for the same reason a typical buttermilk biscuit works with honey—except in this case both the sauce and the bread were spicy.
These were a pleasant surprise for both Sonia and me. They'd make pretty decent hors d'oeuvres for a Superbowl party. They're listed as "limited time" on traderjoes.com so I'm thinking they'll disappear soon. Hopefully they'll be back for the holiday season 2026.
Would buy again. $4.99, found in the frozen section. Eight out of ten stars from Sonia for Trader Joe's Cheddar Cheese & Jalapeño Biscuit Bites. I'll follow suit.
