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Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Twist Review: Twist and Shout

Pumpkin season is in full swing, and Trader Joe's knows how to celebrate it with their delicious lineup of pumpkin-flavored treats. Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Twist is one such product that stands out with its fluffy texture, buttery flavor, and subtle pumpkin spice. Whether you're enjoying it for breakfast, making French toast, or using it as a seasonal dessert base, this brioche twist is a versatile and tasty addition to your fall food repertoire.

Priced at $3.99 for a 16-ounce loaf, the Pumpkin Brioche Twist brings a little taste of autumn to every bite, and trust me-it's hard to stop at just one slice!

An unopened bag of Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Twist

Product Description

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Twist is a soft, pillowy bread that features a delicate swirl of pumpkin puree and warm spices. The loaf has a rich, buttery flavor typical of classic brioche, but with a fall twist. It's lightly sweetened, which makes it perfect for breakfast or dessert, and the pumpkin flavor is present but not overpowering. The subtle notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves complement the bread's natural sweetness without being too intense.

The loaf is beautifully twisted, which gives it a visually appealing swirl when sliced. It's sturdy enough for toasting, but also soft enough to enjoy as is, straight from the bag.

Honest Review of Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Twist

Flavor: The first thing I noticed is that the pumpkin flavor is surprisingly subtle. If you're expecting a pumpkin punch, this might not hit that mark. Instead, it leans into the buttery, slightly sweet profile of brioche with just enough pumpkin spice to remind you that it's a fall product. The balance is great for those who want a taste of pumpkin without going overboard.

Texture: As you'd expect from brioche, the texture is soft, fluffy, and rich, thanks to the high butter and egg content. It's light yet slightly dense, making it a satisfying bread whether toasted or eaten plain. When toasted, the outside crisps up nicely while the inside remains soft and tender, perfect for spreads like butter or jam.

Overall: The versatility of this brioche twist is what makes it a winner. You can make French toast, enjoy it toasted with butter, or even use it for a bread pudding. It also holds up well when topped with spreads, making it a fun and flavorful alternative to standard breakfast bread. If this is unavailable, another solid option is Trader Joe's Brioche which isn't seasonal.

Ingredients

Key ingredients include:

Enriched Flour: The base for the soft, fluffy brioche texture.
Pumpkin Puree: Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the bread.
Butter: Provides the rich, buttery flavor that makes brioche so irresistible.
Pumpkin Spice Blend: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger for that warm, fall flavor.

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Twist ingredients and calories

How to Use Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Twist

Toasting: Slice the brioche and toast it lightly for a crispy, buttery breakfast. Spread with butter, cream cheese, or pumpkin butter for an extra pumpkin punch.
French Toast: This bread makes incredible French toast! The soft texture absorbs the egg mixture perfectly, while the subtle pumpkin spice adds an extra layer of flavor.
Dessert Base: Use the brioche to make a pumpkin bread pudding or layer it with whipped cream and berries for a fall-inspired trifle.
Sandwiches: If you're feeling adventurous, try using the Pumpkin Brioche Twist to make a turkey and cranberry sandwich for a seasonal spin on lunch.

Recipe Suggestions

Pumpkin Grilled Cheese: For a savory twist, try using the Pumpkin Brioche Twist to make a grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar and apple slices.

Pumpkin Brioche French Toast: Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Soak slices of Pumpkin Brioche Twist in the mixture, then cook on a griddle until golden brown. Top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate fall breakfast.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding: Cube the brioche and bake with a custard of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices for a decadent fall dessert.

FAQs about Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Twist

The following are commonly asked questions about this product:

Is this product seasonal?

Yes, the Pumpkin Brioche Twist is a seasonal item typically available during the fall months, so be sure to grab it while it's on the shelves!

Can I use this bread for sandwiches?

Absolutely! It works well for both sweet and savory sandwiches, though the slight sweetness of the bread makes it especially good for breakfast sandwiches or pairing with something like turkey and cranberry sauce.

How should I store this brioche?

Store the bread in a cool, dry place, preferably sealed in an airtight bag or container. You can also freeze it to preserve freshness and toast slices as needed.

Does Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Twist taste strongly of pumpkin?

No, the pumpkin flavor is subtle. The bread has a light sweetness and a hint of pumpkin spice, but it's more buttery than pumpkin-heavy.

Conclusion

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Twist is a delightful seasonal treat that offers a subtle hint of pumpkin spice combined with the rich, buttery texture of traditional brioche. While the pumpkin flavor may be milder than some might expect, the bread's versatility makes it a perfect addition to your fall pantry. Whether you're toasting it for breakfast, turning it into French toast, or using it as the base for a dessert, this brioche twist is sure to become a fall favorite. At $3.99, it's an affordable way to enjoy a little taste of autumn, so grab a loaf while it's available-because like all things pumpkin at Trader Joe's, it won't be around forever.

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Trader Joe's Maple Poffertjes Mini Pancake Puffs Review: Tiny Pancakes, Big Syrup-rises

Trader Joe's Maple Poffertjes Mini Pancake Puffs are inspired by the Dutch street food classic. Each frozen box includes about 32 airy, bite-sized pancakes subtly infused with maple flavor. Made in Belgium, these come ready to heat and eat: no batter, no griddle, no pancake flipping required.

They're small, round, and charmingly rustic, perfect for stacking, snacking, or pretending you're at an outdoor market in Amsterdam (without leaving your pajamas). Priced at $3.49 they're a pretty good deal.

Trader Joe's Maple Poffertjes Mini Pancakes unopened on a grey surface

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Review

Let's get one thing straight: these are not your average mini pancakes. These are pancake puffs with a personality.

Straight out of the freezer and into the microwave or air fryer, these little guys heat up in under a minute but taste like you put effort into breakfast (imagine that). The texture is soft, spongy, and borderline soufflé-like when you microwave them. Want crisp edges? Air fry them. Want to feel like you cooked? Lie and say you made them from scratch.

The maple flavor is subtle. It's there, but it doesn't scream "I fell into a syrup vat!" More like a gentle whisper of sweetness that lets you dress them up however you want. Powdered sugar? Yes. Berries? Fancy. Dipped in Nutella and eaten while hiding from your responsibilities? Relatable.

One of the best things about these puffs is their sheer versatility. Breakfast? Obviously. Dessert? Heck yes. Sneaky midnight snack when the ice cream feels like too much effort? Absolutely. They're like the blank canvas of the breakfast world, ready to absorb whatever topping, drizzle, or sprinkle you toss their way.

My only complaint? The box is somehow magically empty after two sittings. You think you're just having a few and next thing you know, half the box has vanished. They're that easy to eat. Portion control who?

Bottom line: These are charming, tasty, and far more exciting than a boring old stack of pancakes. If you've got freezer space and a soft spot for carbs, toss these in your cart. This also comes in another seasonal variety with chocolate chips.

Nutritional information, calories, ingredients, and heating directions for Trader Joe's Maple Poffertjes Mini Pancakes — Dutch pancakes straight from Belgium. They're neighbors so I guess good enough?

How to Serve

Microwave: 12 puffs, 55 seconds = fluffy goodness.
Air Fryer: 350°F for 4-5 minutes = golden edges, warm centers.
Oven: 375°F for 8 minutes if you're feeling traditional.

Top with powdered sugar, whipped cream, fruit, or dip in maple syrup or Nutella if you're feeling extra.

Creative Uses

Mini Pancake Skewers: Stack on toothpicks with strawberries and bananas for brunch kabobs.
Breakfast Board Star: Add to a grazing board with jams, nut butters, and fruit.
Dessert Hack: Top with ice cream and caramel sauce for a DIY pancake sundae.

A bowl of Trader Joe's Maple Poffertjes Mini Pancakes next to the original box

FAQs about Trader Joe's Maple Poffertjes Mini Pancake Puffs

The following are commonly asked questions about this product:

Do they taste like real maple syrup?

They have a mild maple flavor baked in, but not overpowering. Think of it as a whisper, not a shout.

Can I refreeze them after cooking?

Not recommended, best enjoyed fresh after heating.

Are they sweet enough without toppings?

They're lightly sweet, but toppings make them shine.

How many servings in a box?

Roughly 3-4 depending on how generous (or hangry) you are.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Maple Poffertjes Mini Pancake Puffs are a charming, freezer-friendly treat that's ready to serve up maple-kissed joy in under a minute. Light, fluffy, and endlessly customizable, they're perfect for mornings when effort is not on the menu. Just be warned: they disappear fast.

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Trader Joe's Tofu Scramble with Soy Chorizo

There are some products that are almost unspoken gems that if you speak to die-hard fans they will profess their love for.

There are some products that Trader Joe's has run the cash cow dry on.

But soy chorizo? It's a hidden gem. I haven't seen it really used in any other application other than the unsuspecting plastic tube in the refrigerated aisle.

Trader Joe's Tofu Scramble with Soy Chorizo unopened

The taste

This product is geared towards those who might be focused on a vegan diet. For those of us who are non-vegan, I want you to imagine a western omelet made vegan. That's basically what you are getting here.

But when you are making an omelet and making it vegan then there are a lot of things you'll need to sub out. In place of eggs are shreds of tofu that sufficiently mimic eggs. I was actually dreaming about folding some of this product into an omelet.

But the bowl itself is quite filling. I stopped halfway. Not because I didn't like it, but because I was feeling full.

There is lots of spinach and bell pepper in this along with a nice helping of the strangely melted vegan cheese which never quite melts like the real thing.

Did I want to make a breakfast burrito with it too? Totally.

And if the tofu isn't enough soy product for you then there is some soy chorizo in this as well. It didn't quite lend as much as I was hoping for. So if you like your vegan tofu with a bit more fake meatiness then you might still want to keep a tube of the soy chorizo around to supplement it.

But while the veggies filled me up I also found myself to be quite thirsty. You see this is nearly half a days worth of sodium. And for some of you, that is a non-starter.

But overall the taste is decent enough for a freezer meal and I think you could easily make two servings out of this if you were using this as filling in a breakfast burrito. It could easily be added to real eggs to make a more filling omelet too.

The packaging

The packaging is pretty standard. The microwavable bowl comes in a box. The bowl has plastic covering the top. There really isn't much in the way of excess packaging.

Overall

For $3.99 this isn't a bad dish, but for me, it is a one-time purchase. The taste was fine, although it could easily be jazzed up with more cheese or thrown into a breakfast burrito. At the end of the day, the soy chorizo didn't shine as much as I was hoping for. And this tasted quite salty overall.

Would I buy this again? Because of the sodium content, I'm going to pass on buying Trader Joe's Tofu Scramble with Soy Chorizo again. It was good but not good enough to justify it.

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

A visual rundown of this product

The box of Trader Joe's Tofu Scramble with Soy Chorizo:

The nutritional information:

Nutritional information, ingredients and cooking directions for Trader Joe's Tofu Scramble with Soy Chorizo — A lot of protein and almost as much sodium.

After being cooked you get:

A fully cooked Trader Joe's Tofu Scramble with Soy Chorizo

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 Garlic Achaar Sauce

Every culture has a condiment that becomes the default condiment of choice. A few years back sriracha seemed to be placed on everything. Even Frank's Hot Sauce's slogan mentions putting it on everything.

Well, if you want another culture's take on the go-to everything sauce then let Trader Joe's introduce you to Garlic Achaar.

An unopened jar of Trader Joe's Garlic Achaar Sauce

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The taste

For me, this is a new item. I've never had achaar before. But if you are a fan of Indian flavors this doesn't disappoint. And yes, this will be the sauce that stands out among all of your spicy condiments.

The base here is like many hot sauces: it's made of red chili peppers. So it's medium in heat.

There is a subtle flavor of jalapeno peppers in here as well which will give you a sense of the heat. For some, that's already too spicy for you, to some that is not going far enough. I think sriracha overall is hotter than this sauce.

Once you get past the taste of peppers that is when the flavor of the garlic hits. There is both raw and roasted garlic in this as well. There is no hiding the garlic here just like it was the star in Trader Joe's Garlic Spread.

But what makes this a somewhat familiar taste is the spice mixture. If you've ever had any of the frozen Indian entrees then you are familiar with the flavors of fenugreek, coriander, and cumin which often makes up many of the masala sauces. What you are tasting here is going to be complex and quite different from any other hot sauces or condiments you might be keeping in your refrigerator.

This sauce is way too thick to be a simmer sauce although I see no reason why you couldn't thin this out. Heck, this would be great as an aioli as well.

What should I serve this with?

This is a pretty easy condiment to pair with a lot of different items. Bread, naan, paratha, grilled cheese, soup, eggs, french fries, or a protein that seems a bit plain on its own. Even some sour cream or yogurt could make this into a delicious dip. Just dip your spoon in and imagine the possibilities.

This is a condiment that is an absolute blank canvas and to be honest I haven't seen many retailers carry anything like this.

Overall

For $2.69 is a really solid and tasty item as long as you enjoy the spices of Indian food. This condiment is a truly blank canvas that will allow you to get creative with something that seems a bit plain.

Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Garlic Achaar Sauce again. I haven't seen anything else quite like it. It added a really nice pop of flavor.

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

A visual rundown of this product

The jar of Trader Joe's Garlic Achaar:

The nutritional information and the ingredients:

Nutritional information and ingredients in Trader Joe's Garlic Achaar Sauce

The rest of the nutritional facts for Trader Joe's Garlic Achaar Sauce

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 Brown Butter

Just in time for baking season is a new product that has already taken up residence in the same aisle as the olive oils. If having ghee wasn't enough then Trader Joe's has added what the French would call Buerre noisette or brown butter.

If you've made brown butter you know what a treat this is. If this is a new flavor for you then you are in for a treat.

For $5.99 you might find the product easier to swallow than this price tag.

The taste

So we all know what butter tastes like. In the case of this product, unsalted butter has been used. Without salt, butter doesn't have a ton of taste. The real treat here is that the work is already done for you. The bummer is this is more expensive than a whole pound of butter.

But if you need a grab and go to make a dish this is super convenient.

The taste out of the jar is pretty basic. It's unsalted butter with dark flecks. Those dark flecks are the milk solids from the butter that have been toasted through the cooking process. The taste here might not impress you.

But if you look at the nutritional information you'll notice this has 20% more calories per serving than regular butter. Why is that? Most of the water that is found in butter has been lost to the cooking process leaving you with more fat and toasted milk solids. Thus a richer and slightly nuttier end result.

But brown butter is rarely eaten on its own. In order to fully appreciate this product, you'll need to turn it into something.

And remember you can substitute this product anytime a recipe calls for melted butter for an extra pop of flavor.

I tried a bit from the container and it was a well-made brown butter. But that isn't how this product is going to be used.

I opted to make some chocolate chip cookies with this. Instead of regular butter, I swapped out the brown butter.

The end result was a nice pop of flavor from the brown butter that would not be there without the toasty nature of the milk solids. It had a deeper richer flavor than regular butter. As an added bonus the cookies were speckled showing the brown butter that was used.

The product here is like the brown butter itself- solid. It is easy to use. If you are looking to melt this, just be aware it might take a few extra seconds in the microwave. Be sure to scrape all the browned bits from the pot or dish you melt it in as they do sink to the bottom.

Recipe ideas

So maybe you bought this product and have no idea how to use it here are some recipe suggestions. Keep in mind when the recipe calls for you to make brown butter, this will allow you to skip that step.

Sweet uses for brown butter

Savory uses for brown butter

Overall

This product is a good time-saver, but it is pricey for what it is. It's up to you if you want to pay the premium for the time.

Also, I'm not sure why this state there are natural flavors in butter in the ingredients.

Would I buy this again? While Trader Joe's Brown Butter is a solid product it is still more expensive than buying an actual pound of butter. This is easy enough to make at home. So I wouldn't buy it again, but not for lack of quality.

If you find that you don't have the time to make the brown butter and let it cool then thick is a solid kitchen hack to keep on your pantry shelves.

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

Product photos

The jar of Trader Joe's Brown Butter:

The nutritional information and the ingredients:

Calories, nutritional information and ingredients in Trader Joe's Brown Butter — What natural flavors does butter have that need to be listed?

Jar open to see the contents:

An open jar of Trader Joe's Brown Butter with the cap next to it

Here is the batch of chocolate chip cookies I made in which I substituted the brown butter for regular butter:

A close up shot of brown butter chocolate chip cookies — Yes, there are mini chocolate chips but if you look at the dough those flecks are from the brown butter.

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

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