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Trader Joe's Watermelon and Peach Macarons

When I said you need to make some room in your freezer I wasn't kidding. Trader Joe's Watermelon and Peach Macarons are a hit and I've already purchased 3 boxes. Flavor varieties like this are often seasonal and I feel like this is going to be no exception. And for under $6, this is a delight in every bite.

The taste

The chocolate and vanilla macarons have a special place in my stomach and probably my thighs. But if I had to reach for just one box of macarons, I would reach for this ahead of all of the other varieties I've ever tried.

Macarons are amazing little cookies. They can morph into pretty much any flavor imaginable. Here these are peach and watermelon, but what makes these different is the filling. This isn't a straight filling like the other varieties. This filling is the classic white chocolate but...it isn't all white chocolate. That chocolate keeps the fruit filling in check and prevents it from leaking out.

Each one of these two flavors has a jelly in the middle that gives it an outrageous fresh fruit flavor. And while there is no crunch with the watermelon, the filling is very reminiscent of Trader Joe's Watermelon Fruit Spread. It's just enough to make the flavor pop. The peach has a similar effect.

None of the shells were cracked and while maybe they could have squeezed a drop more filling into them, these were delicious. I've enjoyed every single bite.

These are pretty much ready to eat in as little as 30 minutes (or by the time I get home from the store). And yes, they rarely sit out more than a day. These are well-priced, well-made, and are really a bargain.

The packaging

There is no plastic in this package. These macarons are packaged in a box with a very clever cardboard divider that keeps all of the macarons from touching one another. This keeps these delicate cookies from cracking.

Trader Joe's other macarons

If you have found the macarons are your thing and you realize Trader Joe's offers the best price for the quality, then check out these other reviews of other varieties that appear seasonally.

Chocolate and Vanilla Macarons (year-round)
Heart-Shaped Macarons (Valentines Day)
Macarons des Fetes (Winter Seasonal)
Pumpkin Macarons (Fall seasonal)
Mango Macarons (Summer seasonal, but haven't been seen in a while)
Macaron Soap (Not edible, but still macaron shaped and was part of holiday gifts)

Overall

I'm not embarrassed to say I've gone through about 3 boxes and look forward to getting a few more for my freezer. I wish that more varieties were available. And by far because of the filling here these have been my absolute favorite. None of them will steer you wrong.

Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Watermelon and Peach Macarons again.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Product photos

The box of Trader Joe's Watermelon and Peach Macarons:

The nutritional information and ingredients:

Trader Joe's Watermelon and Peach Macarons ingredients, nutritional facts, calories, and ingredients.

Out of the package you get:

Trader Joe's Watermelon and Peach Macarons in an open box showing 6 macarons. — Green are the watermelon, the pink and orange are the peach variety.

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

Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.

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Trader Joe's Layered Beef Tostada

Usually, I say this around the holidays, but I'll say it now: it is time to make some room in your freezer because there are lots of new things to try. It seemed like Trader Joe's was slow with the pace of new products, but recently a bunch has finally landed including this Trader Joe's Layered Beef Tostada.

Review

If I had to say which part of the store has the biggest crowd of people it's usually the frozen aisles. There are a lot of hidden treasures to be found there. But I'm not sure Trader Joe's Layered Beef Tostada isn't going to be one of them.

I had serious questions about how something that is supposed to be crunchy could be done well out of the freezer.

Let's start off with the taste. First, there are way more beans than beef. So much so that I was questioning if there was any beef in mind. If it did have beef, the texture had been minced so finely that it blended into the more generous portion of beans and cheese. The flavor here is good, but I found it got better with the addition of some hot sauce.

The picture on the box is perfectly styled and the toppings are evenly distributed. That wasn't the case for the tostada that I got. Mine were lumped all in an s-shaped pile. They were very generous with the black olives. The tomatoes followed the same shape and were again piled up. And unfortunately, the freezer is never kind to fresh tomatoes and nor is reheating them. There were only a few slices of green onion to speak of.

The biggest problem I had was the bottom of my tostada was soggy. I used the recommended cooking directions and made this in the oven. By the end of 15 minutes, it did look done. But in reality, it probably could have gone another couple of minutes. But I don't think the texture here could have been improved any other way but to actually place it on the rack of the oven (a calculated risk I know, but maybe next time). Or maybe use my undersized air fryer.

But alas, this was a filling meal. Was it as good as say an Indian meal from the frozen foods section of Trader Joe's? Absolutely not. Was it a quick dinner that was filling? Yes.

While this is in no way my favorite, this item is tolerable especially when you are hungry and don't feel like ordering takeout. And if you are a household of one, making tostadas may be more of a mess. So this may end up being more cost-effective if nothing else.

The packaging

Trader Joe's Layered Beef Tostada is packaged much like a frozen pizza. Inside the box is a tostada wrapped in plastic wrap.

Overall

Trader Joe's Layered Beef Tostada aren't going to wow or break the internet. This is meant to take a basic takeout item and make it affordable and no-prep.

Would I buy this again? While this was just ok, I would probably buy it again. This was better than keeping a just ok burrito in the freezer for when I get hungry. It was filling, and with a little creativity and fresher toppings, it is very edible.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Product photos

The box of Trader Joe's Layered Beef Tostada:

The nutritional information and ingredients:

Nutritional facts, calories, and ingredients in Trader Joe's Layered Beef Tostada.

Cooking instructions for Trader Joe's Layered Beef Tostada:

After being cooked you get:

A fully cooked Trader Joe's Layered Beef Tostada next to the original box.

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

Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.

You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I'm up to.

Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40 Review: The Cult-Favorite Dupe That’s Worth the Hype

Trader Joe's may be known for snacks and frozen meals, but their beauty aisle has a few low-key hits, and Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 is one of them. Priced at $8.99 for 1.7 oz, this lightweight sunscreen has gone viral for being an affordable dupe of the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen.

Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen in an unopened box.

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Review

I'll be honest, when I first picked this up, I wasn't expecting much. Sunscreens are tricky: too greasy, too chalky, or too pore-clogging. But Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen was an immediate yes from the first time I used it.

The texture is gel-like and silky, almost like a makeup primer. It glides onto skin smoothly, leaves a soft matte finish, and most importantly, no white cast. It doesn't pill, doesn't sting my eyes, and wears well under makeup. I've worn it on no-makeup days and full-face days alike, and it behaves beautifully either way.

This sunscreen is oil-free, water-based, and feels like nothing once it's on. And it really does remind me of Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen for a fraction of the price. It has that same clear, velvety texture but without the high-end price tag. While it's not water-resistant, it's perfect for everyday wear, whether you're heading to work or just walking the dog.

For under $10, it's one of the best skincare finds at Trader Joe's and one I keep buying on repeat.

Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen vs Supergoop

Right now across social media people are discussing how similar Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen is to Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen. While Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen is close, it isn't Supergoop's formula, although the comparison isn't unwarranted.

The products are similar in that:

Doing a quick swatch they are visually almost indistinguishable
Both are sold as SPF 40
Both are sold in 1.7-ounce size
The active ingredients are the same
Good broad-spectrum spf ingredients

The products are different in that:

Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen costs $8.99 while Supergoop's product will set you back $36
While the active ingredients are the same, the % each company uses is different
Other inactive ingredient list is similar but different.

Now keep in mind, that these products are very similar, but aren't quite dupes; however, the case can be made that they are meant to be pretty darn similar. But in my world, for the price, I'll reach for the Trader Joe's brand and pocket the difference and spend it on something else.

Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen description.

Key Ingredients

The most important ingredients in this product are. The rest of the ingredient list is found in the image below.

Avobenzone (3%) - Broad spectrum UVA protection
Homosalate (12%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (6%) - UVB protection
Dimethicone - Gives that smooth, primer-like texture
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) - Antioxidant support for skin

Cruelty-free and paraben-free.
Vegan-friendly.

Ingredients and directions for using Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen.

How to Use

Apply generously to clean, dry skin as the final step in your morning skincare routine
Reapply every 2 hours if exposed to sunlight
Works great as a makeup primer, no need to layer additional products unless desired

Tip: Use the full two-finger rule for your face to ensure you're getting adequate sun protection.

Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen out of the original box.

FAQs about Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen

The following are commonly asked questions about this product:

Is this a dupe for Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen?

Yes, many users compare the texture and performance to Supergoop!'s cult favorite.

Does it leave a white cast?

No, it goes on clear and is ideal for all skin tones.

Where can I buy this?

This has gone from a summer-only to a year-round product at Trader Joe's. You can also find this through third-party sellers on Amazon.com.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40 is proof that skincare doesn't have to be expensive to be effective. It delivers on texture, finish, and protection, all while staying budget-friendly. Whether you're new to sunscreen or already loyal to high-end options, this one is worth trying. It's no wonder this product keeps flying off the shelf.

This adds to a long line of pretty good sunscreen products. Also check out:

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Trader Joe's Yellow Cake and Baking Mix

Behold a pretty normal and basic product: the yellow box cake mix. And I'll be honest, maybe I'm a little weird but I enjoy yellow cake from a box more than the most cake I can buy from a bakery. And truth be told, cake mix can often be had on sale for 4/$5.

Review

This yellow cake mix isn't labeled as being organic and it is priced higher than your basic Duncan Hines or Pillsbury mix. Usually, I keep a few boxes on my pantry shelves to have on hand as a birthday cake. But today I made myself cupcakes.

Trader Joe's Yellow Cake and Baking Mix is similar to a muffin mix as you handle the wet ingredients separately from the dry. In this case, you are mixing all of your wet ingredients together: eggs, melted butter, and milk. Then you are adding your cake mix and mix until smooth.

As far as the cook times go, I only did one mix, but the time stated for cupcakes was spot on.

The key here is the taste. This made for a nice cupcake. Adding butter instead of oil adds a nicer flavor, but it can be subbed out if you need this to be more dairy-free. The cupcakes were nice and tender but seemed a touch denser than Pillsbury or Duncan Hines.

In terms of cupcakes, this seemed like it would yield about 12-14 cupcakes altogether, so plan accordingly.

The key here is that it isn't organic and seems to be comparable in quality to other major brands, so my biggest hangup here is the price. This product is priced higher than what you can get on sale at the mass market grocery store.

But if Trader Joe's is the only place you shop for your groceries then this is a solid item to reach for if you need yellow cake.

Directions

In case you threw out the box or need visual directions here you go:

Trader Joe's Yellow Cake and Baking Mix steps to make the cake mix. Six images showing the ingredients going in. — 1- Add eggs. 2- Add melted butter. 3- Add milk. 4- Stir. 5- Add cake mix. 6- Stir until smooth.

So in other words, get all your liquid ingredients mixed together. Then add your mix. Once smooth prepare according to the box.

Packaging

The packaging is standard for a cake mix. It comes in a box. Within that box, there is a single plastic bag.

Other mixes

Trader Joe's Yellow Cake and Baking Mix is new. But if you are in the mood to bake there are a number of other cake mixes that have appeared on shelves. Many are seasonal.

Blood Orange Cake Mix with Icing (seasonal)
Bourbon Cake Mix (seasonal)
Chocolate Mochi Cake Mix (seasonal)
Chocolate Peppermint Loaf and Baking Mix (winter seasonal)
Cinnamon Crumb Cake Mix
Fudgy Chocolate Quinoa Loaf and Cake Mix
Mochi Cake Mix (seasonal)
Meyer Lemon Cake Mix with Lemon Icing (seasonal)
Spring Cake Mix (seasonal)
Vanilla Cake Mix

And of course what cake wouldn't be complete without Trader Joe's Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Mix. And no, Trader Joe's does not currently sell pre-made frosting.

Overall

Would I buy this again? Trader Joe's Yellow Cake and Baking Mix gets a conditional maybe from me. My biggest sticking point is that it is priced higher than other yellow cake mixes. If it were organic then I could justify it, but just for yellow cake mix, I'll probably stick to my regular brands.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Product photos

The box of Trader Joe's Yellow Cake and Baking Mix:

The nutritional information and the ingredient list:

Nutritional facts and ingredients listed on the side of a box of Trader Joe's Yellow Cake and Baking Mix.

Here are the ingredients you'll need and the instructions along with cooking times:

Backing directions for Trader Joe's Yellow Cake and Baking Mix.

After being cooked you get:

A collage of the baking tin with liner, batter, and fully baked cupcakes.

And frosted cupcakes and the bite shot:

Two frosted cupcakes made from Trader Joe's Yellow Cake and Baking Mix.

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

Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.

You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I'm up to.

Trader Joe's Mini Beef Tacos

Trader Joe's Mini Beef Tacos have returned to store shelves. They've been off of store shelves for a while and presumed discontinued. But they are back in the frozen aisle and seem like they've been reformulated. They are also now clearly labeled as gluten-free and have a higher price tag.

Review

Are Trader Joe's Mini Beef Tacos discontinued? Apparently not. From time to time we see products disappear and come back. Sometimes it is a seasonal thing. Sometimes it gets reformulated. Or sometimes it is just a new manufacturer. But they are back.

If you've tried this product previously then you know that it: was decent and never really look like the packaging. And in fact, that was a big center of internet debate. That has been corrected.

The new/returning Trader Joe's mini beef tacos seem to have had a bit of a makeover.

What is the same as the original mini beef tacos are the texture of the meat and the tiny size. The meat is ground fine enough to qualify as Taco Bell meat. But that seems to be where the similarities end.

What is new about Trader Joe's Mini Beef Tacos is that they are clearly labeled as gluten-free and the green salsa they are cooked in seemed to have a bit more flavor. The previous ones were a bit beefier in flavor.

And when I say beef, there is probably at most about a tablespoon of actual meat in this. But making these in the air fryer you might have a better chance of tucking in some extra toppings to add a bit more flavor.

But the tortilla can crisp up decently but not perfectly. That being said, these are ok tacos. Nothing mind-blowing. It's a decent nibble that cries out for something else to be added or served with something.

If you want really good tacos, then keep an eye out for Trader Joe's Beef Birria and yes, do it yourself.

Cooking Instructions

When I originally published my review of this product back in 2016, the air fryer hadn't caught on. Cooking instructions for trader joe's mini beef tacos are as follows: Heat your air fryer to 375F. Cook for 3-5 minutes. Make sure these are in a single layer. I did find these needed 1-2 extra minutes to get really crispy.

If you are making these in the oven, then preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Place them on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes.

Packaging

The packaging is improved. Yes, it does now actually look a lot more like the final product. The filling has been pushed up in the taco for the sake of the packaging which may have you believe this will be meatier than it actually is. But the interior bag that this comes in is more vacuum-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Mine seemed stuck together which made it hard to pull them apart because they were so squished together.

Overall

Yes, the price has gone up for these new mini beef tacos. They are priced at $5.99 which is a pretty big jump from the original $4.29. But the quality of the tacos and the directions have improved. And yes, if you are a fan of the Trader Joe's Mini Chicken Tacos those are back and improved too.

Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's mini beef tacos again. They were a favorite around my house beforehand and they are even better today.

Product photos

The new packaging for Trader Joe's Mini Tacos:

Nutritional facts, calories, and ingredients:

Trader Joe's Mini Beef Tacos nutritional fact and ingredients.

Mini beef taco cooking instructions:

Out of the box:

Cooked in the air fryer:

Trader Joe's Mini Beef Tacos fully cooked on a plate.

The Bottom Line

Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.

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