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Trader Joe's Pepita Salsa Review: Dip Happens—Especially With Pepitas in Salsa

Trader Joe's Pepita Salsa is a 12-ounce jar of tomato-based salsa enriched with dry-roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), red bell pepper puree, chipotle powder, and a blend of spices. Priced at $2.99, this salsa offers a thick, hearty texture with a smoky, nutty flavor profile. It's a seasonal item, typically appearing in the fall, but has garnered a loyal fan base that hopes for its year-round availability

Trader Joe's Pepita Salsa review #traderjoes

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Review

Let's get this out of the way: I didn't know I needed salsa with pepitas in it but here we are.

When you crack open this jar, the first thing that hits you is the smoky aroma, think campfire vibes, but make it edible. It's thicker than your average salsa, more like a dip than a pour. This isn't the kind of salsa that politely drips onto a chip. No, this one grabs hold and doesn't let go. It's clingy in the best way.

Now, about that flavor: it's got that roasted, nutty vibe from the ground-up pepitas, but don't expect crunch; this is more creamy-meets-smoky. The chipotle gives it just enough heat to warm you up without blowing out your sinuses. It's complex, earthy, and kind of makes you feel like your chip just graduated from culinary school.

And because this is Trader Joe's, this started off as a seasonal item but stuck around long after pumpkin season because of its popularity. But with all things Traders, here today possibly discontinued tomorrow. Let's hope not, because this is one of the true hidden gems.

Calories, nutritional facts and ingredient list of Trader Joe's Pepita Salsa

How to Serve

Besides inhaling it directly with tortilla chips (we've all done it), here are a few ways to use it:

Use it as a base for nachos-cheese + this salsa = a fall masterpiece
Dollop it on tacos, burritos, or quesadillas
Spoon over scrambled eggs for a smoky breakfast upgrade
Swirl into sour cream for an instant creamy chip dip
Drizzle over roasted sweet potatoes (trust me on this one)

Creative Uses

Pepita Pasta Sauce: Heat with a splash of cream or coconut milk and toss with pasta. Is it traditional? No. Is it delicious? Yes.
Salsa-Stuffed Grilled Cheese: Spread some inside a grilled cheese sandwich before toasting. Bonus points if you dip it in soup afterward.
Pumpkin Seed Marinade: Mix with olive oil and lime for a flavorful marinade for chicken or tofu.
Autumn Pizza Sauce: Spread it on flatbread, top with cheese, and roast. Fall-themed pizza night? You're welcome.

FAQs about Trader Joe's Pepita Salsa

The following are commonly asked questions about this product:

Does this taste like pumpkin?

Not at all. It's savory and smoky, not sweet or pie-like. Think pumpkin seed pesto meets salsa roja.

Is it spicy?

It's mild to medium. Smoky chipotle heat that builds but doesn't punch you in the face.

Are there whole pepitas in it?

Nope. The seeds are ground up, so it's smooth with a slight texture, not crunchy.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Pepita Salsa is proof that fall snacks don't have to be sweet to be seasonal. With its smoky heat, savory nuttiness, and thick texture, it's basically the salsa version of your favorite cozy sweater. It's weird, it's wonderful, and you'll absolutely miss it when it's gone. So grab it while you can-and maybe an extra jar or three.

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Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter Review: Because Who Needs Syrup When You Can Have a Sweet Hug in a Jar

If you're a fan of maple syrup and are looking for a new way to indulge in its rich, sweet flavor, Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter is about to become your new pantry staple. With only one ingredient, 100% organic maple syrup, this spread offers the same delightful taste of maple syrup but in a creamy, buttery form. Whether you're spreading it on toast, drizzling it over pancakes, or adding it to your morning coffee, it's pure maple bliss in every spoonful. After a brief hiatus, it returned to shelves for a limited time.

Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter unopened on a pink background.

Product Description

Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter is exactly what it sounds like-maple syrup that's been cooked down and whipped into a smooth, spreadable consistency. However, the package has been downsized from in a 9.5-ounce jar to a 7-ounce jar but priced at the same at $5.99. This product is as pure as it gets, with only one ingredient: organic maple syrup. The rich, creamy texture makes it perfect for spreading, and it delivers an intense maple flavor that is both sweet and slightly caramelized. It's perfect for adding that touch of fall sweetness to anything you can think of.

Review of Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter

Flavor: The flavor is everything you love about maple syrup: rich, sweet, and slightly smoky, only more concentrated. If you're a maple syrup fan, you'll love how this maple butter provides a deep, pure maple flavor without any additives. It's sweet but not overwhelming, so you can use it in both sweet and savory recipes.

Texture: The texture is velvety smooth and spreadable, almost like a very soft butter. It doesn't run like traditional maple syrup, making it perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or waffles. The creamy consistency holds up well, even at room temperature, making it easy to use in a variety of ways.

Performance: Whether you're spreading it on toast or swirling it into oatmeal, this maple butter adds a rich depth of flavor to whatever you pair it with. It's a fantastic alternative to other spreads like nut butters or jam, especially if you're looking for something naturally sweet.

Overall: This is delicious and a nice swap for a jam or something sweet. The flavor is good, is a good value, and only one ingredient.

Nutritional information for Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter.

Ingredients

Organic Maple Syrup: That's it! No additives, preservatives, or extra ingredients. Just pure, organic maple syrup, whipped into a creamy spread.

How to Use Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter

Spread it on Toast: Maple butter makes a delicious topping for your morning toast, bagels, or English muffins.
Use it in Baking: Swirl it into your cookie or cake batter for a boost of maple flavor.
Drizzle on Breakfast Foods: Top off your pancakes, waffles, or French toast with a spoonful of maple butter instead of syrup.
Add it to Coffee or Tea: Stir a small amount into your morning coffee or tea for a hint of maple sweetness.
Pair with Savory Foods: Try it on roasted sweet potatoes, as a glaze for vegetables, or on a charcuterie board paired with cheese.

Recipe Suggestions

Maple Butter Oatmeal: Stir a tablespoon of maple butter into a warm bowl of oatmeal for an instant upgrade.
Maple Butter Glaze: Combine maple butter with a bit of melted butter and use it as a glaze for roasted carrots or brussels sprouts.
Maple Butter Cookies: Use maple butter in place of sugar or honey in your cookie recipe for a unique maple twist.

Description of Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter

The following are commonly asked questions about this product:

What is Maple Butter?

Maple butter is made by whipping pure maple syrup into a creamy, spreadable consistency. Despite its name, it contains no dairy, just pure maple syrup.

Is Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter vegan?

Yes, it's 100% plant-based and vegan-friendly since it's made entirely from organic maple syrup.

Does Maple Butter need to be refrigerated?

Yes, it's best to store it in the fridge after opening to maintain its texture and freshness. However, it spreads best when allowed to come to room temperature before use.

How long does it last?

Once opened and stored in the fridge, maple butter will last for a couple of months, though it's so delicious, you might finish it much sooner!

Conclusion

Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter is a sweet, spreadable take on traditional maple syrup, offering the same rich flavor in a creamy form. Made from 100% organic maple syrup with no additives, this maple butter is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast or add a maple twist to baking. It's versatile, vegan, and gluten-free, making it a great option for a wide variety of diets. Whether you spread it on toast, drizzle it over pancakes, or use it in your baking, Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter is a delicious and indulgent way to enjoy the taste of maple syrup. Just remember to grab it while it's in season

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Trader Joe's Brussels Sprouts and Caramelized Onion Ravioli

There are a handful of foods the are absolutely polarizing to discuss: cilantro, truffle, and yes Brussels Sprouts (I know there are far more than just those). But only one of those has food memories often associated with childhood. Either you have grown to like it, or you remember sitting at the dinner table with those terrible mini cabbages which you knew by smell alone were vile.

Taste and review

I remember smelling them as a kid and knowing they weren't for me. It wasn't until fairly recently that I was willing to give brussels sprouts a go.

A girl's night out, turned into a sit at the bar kind of night. So after a few drinks, I thought nothing of trying my nemesis of childhood.

Yes, the liquid courage worked that night and I embraced what seemed to be the world's strangest appetizer: fried brussels sprouts with rice crispies, parmesan cheese, and chili honey.

It was delicious. It was strange-looking. I couldn't stop eating it. I've been trying to replicate at home it ever since. The amount of contrast in that dish was phenomenal which is why it worked.

And yes, like the appetizer that reintroduced me to this veggie, this pasta is about contrast as well. It's cheesy, creamy, slightly bitter and kinda sweet all placed in a tender yet pretty pasta package.

In this clear box is an artsy-looking ravioli. It is two-tone, but that green hue will fade a bit with cooking.

But if you can embrace the Brussels sprout's bitterness, then you are in for a treat here.

The directions are typical for fresh pasta and there were no surprises. In the three boxes, I've purchased, I've only had one ravioli not stay sealed.

After these are cooked, you are rewarded with a sweet and bitter contrast of this cheesy filling. The sweetness comes from the caramelized onions. It's not as pronounced as the sprouts, but it acts as a contrast in terms of flavor.

Now, that is going to lead to a common question: What type of sauce should I pair with this?

With a filling that is the star here, I've opted for just olive oil or butter. It wasn't something (unlike childhood experiences with brussels sprouts) that I wanted to cover up.

Overall

For $3.99 these are inexpensive and worth a try. Two servings seem about right.

If you find yourself liking brussels sprouts, then here is something worth a try. If you are grown and you still hate them, please skip this product. This was a hit in our household. These do freeze well if you need to store them longer or realize you like them. They are seasonal, so they won't be on shelves forever either.

Product photos

The box of Trader Joe's Brussels Sprouts and Caramelized Onion Ravioli:

Calories and ingredients

Trader Joe's Brussels Sprouts and Caramelized Onion Ravioli nutritional information and ingredient list

Directions

After being cooked you get:

Trader Joe's Brussels Sprouts and Caramelized Onion Ravioli fully cooked

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

The Bottom Line

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Trader Joe's Best New Products of 2018

With 2018 drawing to a close, it's time for me to take a look back on Trader Joe's Best New Products of 2018. Yes, there have been hits and misses. Consider this the highlight reel of the new items that made their way onto shelves this year. I've categorized them by section so you can see if you agree with my list. If you have something that I missed, I'd love for you to comment below.

Frozen

The frozen aisle seems to have picked up the largest number of winners and in fact has always been one of Trader Joe's strongest aisles in terms of product quality. Here are my picks of the best new items of 2018.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's 27 Layer Sesame Croissini box

If you aren't into all the sweet, but are still feeling like you want something to snack on, then check out these Croissini. The are half croissant, half breadstick with enough sesame seeds to bake another back. You can see my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Cream Cheese Brioche Pastries box

I'm a fan of the sliced french brioche bread (which freezes really well by the way). If you are too, then this is another hit. Cream Cheese Broiche Pastry is like a Danish and is best served slightly warm. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

An unopened bag of Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi bag on a green background

I said it then, and I'll say it again. This was probably product of the year when it first came out. Cauliflower Gnocchi is a substitute for real gnocchi but it is done exceptionally well. If you are willing to get these crispy, that means saute them, you will be rewarded with an easy and delicious meal. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Gone Berry Crazy box on a red background

I'm shocked Trader Joe's didn't think of these earlier. Chocolate and strawberry are an amazing combination and this dessert box was no exception. You can read my full review of Gone Berry Crazy! here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

An unopened bag of Trader Joe's Big Soft Pretzels

I am only slightly embarrassed as to how many of these Big Soft Pretzel bags I've purchased. This is now a household staple (along with Pub Cheese). This has become our go to snack because of its taste and ability to adjust the salt levels. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

Trader Joe's Macaron aux Framboises is new, yet not new to shelves. If something hasn't been seen on shelves in many years, it's new, right? This is the one item that was last seen on shelves several years ago, giving all of us hope that Trader Joe's might just bring back our favorites on day. You can read my full review of this delightful frozen dessert here.

Grocery

Here is the more shelf stable items, edible and health and beauty of this year.

An unopened jar of Trader Joe's Italian Marinara Sauce with Barolo Wine

This Marinara would certainly please Julia Child. The wine taste is strong with this one, and the only down side is the saltiness to this sauce. Otherwise, this has become my go to sauce. You can see my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Falafel Mix on a green background

If you are willing to give these the time you need, you will get some delicious Falafel. This box is also labeled as being Gluten-Free as well as Vegan. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

Non Food Items

The health and beauty section is getting more interesting. This hair mask is outstanding, smells great, and even my husband took to it. This is much cheaper than many hair masks and did not leave my hair greasy. You can read my full review here with all the product information.

Trader Joe's Rich Hydrating Face Sheet Mask

At under $2, this Face Sheet Mask is hydrating, inexpensive, and slightly tingly. If you can embrace the cucumber aroma and the fact that no sheet mask will fit EVERYONE 100%, then this is a great try. You can read my full review here.

Refrigerated

Here are the best additions that are found in the refrigerated case. Yes, you can freeze them to extend their shelf life too. But they are all solid options if you haven't tried them already.

Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs package

I can't tell you if these Chicken Shawarma Thighs are authentic or not. But I can tell you this is one of the most repurchased items that I've had this year. The chicken is tender, flavorful, and moist. It cooks best if you cut it into smaller pieces. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

Trader Joe's Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon package

Now, the refrigerate aisle got a big makeover in 2018, which has recently spread into the produce section as well. The fresh fish options can now compete with your local fish monger. Wild Salmon, Farm Raised Salmon, Scallops, and Haddock have all graced my local Trader Joe's. They all get a thumbs of for me for taste, freshness and price. Click on the links to see all the product information from calories to price to suggestions on how to prepare these.

Snacks and Sweets

I've got a sweet tooth and Trader Joe's has been very good to me this year. There have been plenty of sweet and snackable options hitting shelves this year.

An unopened bag of Trader Joe's Churro Bites Bag

Ok, so they don't taste anything like Churros. But I couldn't stop eating them either. This product nearly ended up on my discontinued list, but has since returned to shelves. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Coins

Don't let the name fool you, the cookies are mini, the flavor of these isn't. Think of these as Thin Mints on steroids in terms of flavor, especially on the chocolate end of things. You can read my full review of these here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Cartwheel Cookies box

One bite of these Peanut Butter Cartwheel cookies and I was about to do cartwheels too. This box did not last very long in my household. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Bite Sized Crispy Cookies filled with Belgian Chocolate

So, Crispy Cookies filled with Belgian Chocolate is also a returning item, because they were previously pulled off of shelves because Trader Joe's was sued over their similarities to the Milano cookie. Doesn't matter, these do laps around their more oval counterparts anyways. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

Seasonal But Not Forgotten

Here today, gone tomorrow. If you've ever wondered about that one person who has 15 of one item in their cart, they must be a regular to Trader Joe's. They know that some items are only temporary and it isn't always easy to tell which ones are keepers. Here are my two that I liked a lot, but have vanished in the same year.

An unopened jar of Trader Joe's Marsala Style Sauce jar

Marsala Style Sauce was loved by many, but found its run on shelves way too short. It even sounded like some people hoarded it when it came out. Sadly, this too has disappeared off of shelves. We can only hope for its return because this had the most wine flavor out of everything I tried short of wine this year. You can read my review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price. Please note, this item has returned however it might be a seasonal item

Trader Joe's Mint Watermelon Flavored Black Tea package on a pink background

Mint Watermelon Black Tea showed up on shelves in the early part of summer but quickly vanished. It was best enjoyed cooled, but we can only hope to see it again. You can read my full review of this product here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price..

The Bottom Line

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Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ginger Hold the Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones Review: This Cone Said 'Pumpkin Spice,' but All I Tasted Was Seasonal Peer Pressure

Trader Joe's is known for embracing all things pumpkin once fall rolls around, and their Pumpkin Ginger Hold The Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones are one of the most exciting seasonal offerings. These mini cones are the perfect bite-sized dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping those fall flavors front and center. With a delicious blend of pumpkin, ginger, and ice cream all packed into a crunchy cone, these treats offer a festive twist on a classic favorite.

At $3.99 for a box of eight mini cones, Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ginger Hold The Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones provide a fun and affordable way to indulge in some fall-inspired sweetness.

Trader Joe's Mini Hold the Cone Pumpkin Ginger Ice Cream Cones

Product Description

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ginger Hold The Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones feature a rich and creamy pumpkin-flavored ice cream with just a hint of warming ginger, all encased in a crispy, chocolate-coated mini cone. The outside of each cone is dipped in white confectionery coating with a sprinkle of crushed ginger cookies on top. The pumpkin and ginger combination is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making these cones a delightful fall treat.

These mini cones are an ideal size for a quick dessert or snack, offering a small but satisfying portion without overindulging. The best part? They're fun to eat, and they're sure to be a hit at any fall gathering.

Honest Review of Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ginger Hold The Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones

Flavor: The pumpkin ice cream is the star of the show here, offering a smooth and creamy texture with just the right amount of pumpkin spice. It's sweet, but not overly so, and the ginger adds a lovely warmth that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully. The white chocolate coating provides a nice contrast in both texture and sweetness, while the crunchy ginger cookie topping ties everything together. If you love pumpkin and ginger, this is a match made in fall dessert heaven.

Texture: The texture of these mini cones is fantastic. The pumpkin ice cream is creamy and smooth, the cone is crisp and sturdy, and the white chocolate coating adds a satisfying snap when you bite into it. The ginger cookie crumbles provide a nice crunch, adding another layer of texture to the overall experience. Everything works well together, making each bite fun and flavorful.

Overall: These mini cones are perfect for when you want a quick treat without committing to a full-sized dessert. They're also great for entertaining, as they're easy to serve and eat. The flavors of pumpkin and ginger really shine, making these cones a standout among Trader Joe's seasonal offerings.

Ingredients

Key ingredients include:

Chocolate Cone: The mini cone is coated with a thin layer of chocolate inside, ensuring it stays crisp and adds a slight richness to the overall flavor.

Pumpkin Ice Cream: Made with real pumpkin and a blend of spices to capture the essence of fall.

White Chocolate Coating: Adds sweetness and provides a nice textural contrast to the creamy ice cream.

Ginger Cookie Crumbles: Crushed ginger cookies add a bit of spice and crunch, rounding out the flavors perfectly.

Trader Joe's Mini Hold the Cone Pumpkin Ginger Ice Cream Cones ingredients

How to Enjoy Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ginger Hold The Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones

Serve as a Dessert: Enjoy these mini cones straight from the freezer for a quick and easy dessert option. They're great for portion control, too, since they come in a mini size.
Perfect for Entertaining: These mini cones are a fun addition to any fall-themed party or gathering. Arrange them on a dessert platter for a festive treat that's sure to be a hit with guests.
Pair with Coffee: For a truly indulgent experience, pair these cones with a cup of hot coffee or a pumpkin spice latte. The warmth of the coffee contrasts nicely with the cold, creamy ice cream.

Trader Joe's Mini Hold the Cone Pumpkin Ginger Ice Cream Cones out of the box

Recipe Suggestions

Mini Cone Dessert Board: Create a fun dessert board with an assortment of mini cones, cookies, and candies for a DIY treat station at your next fall party.

Pumpkin Cone Sundae: If you're looking to elevate your dessert game, serve a few of these mini cones alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent fall sundae.

Hold the Cone Milkshake: Blend a couple of mini cones with some milk and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a unique pumpkin-ginger milkshake.

Trader Joe's Mini Hold the Cone Pumpkin Ginger Ice Cream Cones nutritional information

FAQs about Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ginger Hold the Cone Mini Ice Cream Cone

The following are commonly asked questions for this product:

How many mini cones come in a box?

Each box contains eight mini cones, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying over a few days.

What's the best way to store these cones?

Keep the cones in the freezer and enjoy them whenever you're in the mood for a sweet treat. Once opened, be sure to seal the box tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Can I use these mini cones for a dessert platter?

Absolutely! These mini cones are a great addition to a dessert platter, especially for fall-themed parties. They're small, festive, and packed with flavor.

Conclusion

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ginger Hold The Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones are a delightful seasonal treat that delivers all the flavors of fall in a convenient, bite-sized cone. With a smooth pumpkin ice cream filling, a crisp chocolate cone, and a sprinkle of ginger cookie crumbles, these mini cones offer a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy textures. Whether you're serving them at a fall party or enjoying them as an after-dinner treat, they're sure to satisfy your pumpkin cravings. At $3.99 for a box of eight, they're an affordable way to indulge in the seasonal flavors we all look forward to. Just don't wait too long-these are a seasonal item, and once they're gone, they won't be back until next year.

And if these are gone, you can always check out the vanilla or chocolate varieties.

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