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Trader Joe's Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers

I remember as a kid, we used to compete who could stick the most sour candies into their mouth without spitting them out or tearing up. Sour patch kids were the start, but when Warheads came out that was a complete uplevel. Now, granted those lemon Warheads didn't stay sour for very long without sweet relief, but for the time they were quite a challenge.

Taste and review

As a comparison, these are a lot closer to Sour Patch Kids than Warheads. So the term Super Sour isn't totally accurate. They're sour enough. They're tart. But they are nothing that will really get you puckering.

And that is a good thing.

At least in adulthood. Kids are another story.

If you are a fan of the classic Scandinavian Swimmers and like the gumminess of those candies, then you'll probably like these.

These are at least twice as thick as a typical sour patch kid.

But that leads to a pretty good gummy to sour ratio.

The sugar is coarse enough to add a crunch in addition to a sour kick. And just like the regular swimmers, each color is a different flavor. However, it was pretty darn difficult to decipher which flavor was which as the sour made them blend together.

I did know that I gravitated towards the pink and orange gummies. But in terms of ratios, my bag was primarily red starfish.

Overall

For $2.99 this is a fun item to try.

Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers again. It's not going to be a regular purchase, but none of this bag went to waste.

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

Product Photos

The bag of Trader Joe's Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers:

An unopened bag of Trader Joe's Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers

Calories and ingredients

How Trader Joe's describes this product:

The description from the package of Trader Joe's Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers

Out of the package you get:

An opened bag of Trader Joe's Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers with four shapes out

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 Cinnamon Bun Spread

Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread is a seasonal offering that promises to bring the warm, cozy flavors of a cinnamon bun into a jar. This spread is perfect for those who love the idea of a sweet, buttery cinnamon filling that can be added to various treats. But does it deliver on its promise, or is it just another sugary spread? Let's explore the taste, texture, and how to make the most of this indulgent treat.

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What is Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread?

Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread is a caramel-esque spread made with ingredients like sugar, butter, and cinnamon, designed to mimic the filling of a cinnamon bun. It's smooth, spreadable, and offers a rich, sweet flavor with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. While the spread is inspired by cinnamon buns, its flavor leans more towards caramel with a touch of spice, making it versatile for various uses.

Taste and Texture

The taste of Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread is more caramel-like than cinnamon-forward. The sweetness is prominent, with a rich buttery undertone that complements the cinnamon flavor, though the cinnamon itself is not as pronounced as you might expect. If you're looking for a spread that tastes exactly like the filling of a cinnamon bun, you might find this a bit lacking in spice. However, it's still decent and works well in many applications.

Texture-wise, the spread is smooth and creamy, making it easy to spread on toast, pancakes, or waffles. It's not gritty or overly thick, which adds to its versatility. The absence of any crunch or texture might be disappointing if you were expecting something akin to the filling of a traditional cinnamon bun, but it still offers a satisfying mouthfeel.

Now, that being said, if someone called this cinnamon and caramel spread I would have viewed this differently. But I had imagined what spreading a cinnamon bun would be like and this just didn't match expectations. I found this product to be disappointing compared to its name.

Ingredients and Nutritional Information

Ingredients:

Primary Ingredients: Sugar, butter, cinnamon, honey, water.
Flavor Enhancers: Cinnamon, vanilla extract, natural flavors.
Preservatives: None; the spread is made without artificial preservatives.

Nutritional Information (per 1 tablespoon serving):

Calories: 60
Fat: 2.5g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Sodium: 65mg
Carbohydrates: 8g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 0g

This spread is rich in sugar and fat, making it a treat best enjoyed in moderation. The high sugar content contributes to its sweet, caramel-like flavor, while the butter adds richness.

Calories and nutritional information in Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread

How to Use Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread

This versatile spread can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

On Toast or Bagels:
Spread it on warm toast or a toasted bagel for a quick and indulgent breakfast. The heat will melt the spread slightly, enhancing its buttery richness.
As a Pancake or Waffle Topping:
Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles instead of syrup. The sweet and buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the soft, fluffy texture of these breakfast staples.
Swirled into Oatmeal:
Stir a spoonful into your morning oatmeal for a sweet and spiced start to your day. It adds a touch of decadence to a healthy breakfast.
As a Dessert Topping:
Use it as a topping for ice cream, apple pie, or bread pudding. The caramel-like notes complement the flavors of these desserts beautifully.
Baking Ingredient:
Incorporate the spread into your baking by using it as a filling for cinnamon rolls, in cookies, or as a swirl in quick breads and muffins.

Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings:

Coffee: The sweet, buttery flavor of the spread pairs wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee. Try it with a latte or cappuccino for a comforting treat.
Hot Chocolate: Add a touch of decadence by pairing the spread with a rich hot chocolate. The caramel and cinnamon notes will complement the chocolatey goodness.
Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea mirror the cinnamon in the spread, creating a harmonious pairing that's perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.

Food Pairings:

Cheese Plate: Surprisingly, this spread works well as part of a dessert cheese plate. Pair it with a mild, creamy cheese like Brie or Camembert.
Fresh Fruit: Serve the spread alongside sliced apples or pears for a sweet and satisfying snack.
Pastries: Use the spread as a filling for crescent rolls or pastry dough to create an easy version of cinnamon rolls.

FAQs About Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread

The following are some commonly asked questions about this product:

Can I freeze the spread to extend its shelf life?

Freezing is not recommended, as it may alter the texture. It's best enjoyed fresh.

How should I store this spread?

Store the spread in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks for the best flavor and quality.

Can I use this spread in baking?

Absolutely! It's perfect for adding to cinnamon rolls, quick breads, or even as a swirl in cheesecake or brownies.

Conclusion

For $3.49 fun to try, but not a winner in my book. This got a lot of hype on social media thanks to a really clever name. But it never truly lives up to a cinnamon bun.

While it leans more towards a caramel flavor with subtle cinnamon notes, it's still a a decent option for adding sweetness to your breakfast or dessert. Whether you're spreading it on toast, swirling it into oatmeal, or using it in your baking, this spread offers a comforting and indulgent flavor experience. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation, given its high sugar content. But if you are imagining this to take like an actual cinnamon bun, you may walk away disappointed like me. This is a one-time purchase from me and not something I'd buy again.

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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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Trader Joe's Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos

It's been a while since Trader Joe's Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos have been found on store shelves. And that made me sad. And it made my readers sad because these were the more flavorful of two taquito options.

Taste and review

Whenever there is a packaging change, that means something has changed from the original product. Since they are back they are a mere 30 cents more expensive but seem just as good as they were previously.

These are a staple in my household as they make for a quick and easy dinner. Best of all they can be dressed up with lettuce, salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole or sour cream on top for a filling and more balanced meal.

But more importantly here is the taste, out of the toaster oven these are flavorful and filling. They seemed a bit cheesier than they did the last time I had them. But the beans, are very filling.

Unlike the Chicken Taquitos, these actually have flavor. They were fine on their own but even better with a few extras.

Air Fryer Directions

Since the air fryer has taken off in popularity, a lot of packages don't have directions that reflect that this would be a good option for this product.

Preheat your air fryer to 400F.
Once your air fryer is preheated add the taquitos in a single layer.
Cook for about 7 minutes

Overall

If you love the idea of a crisp fried tortilla wrapped around a flavorful and cheesy filling, then add this to your cart.

Unfortunately, this is not an item that does well in the microwave. You'll get the best flavor from either the oven or toaster oven as you really want that familiar taquito crunch.

Would I repurchase this item? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos again and I'm really excited they are back.

Visual rundown

The package:

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos

Calories, ingredients and directions

Calories, nutritional information, and cooking instructions in Trader Joe's Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos

And the fully cooked taquitos:

Five fully cooked Trader Joe's Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos on a white plate

Previous product on shelves

Here is the visual rundown of what you can expect if you purchase this item:

The freezer package of Trader Joe's Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos:

The nutritional information:

Trader Joe's Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos nutritional information

How to prepare (which by the way is annoyingly on the plastic wrapper and not on the container):

Trader Joe's Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos instructions

This is not a freezer item for the microwave. The last thing you want is soggy. So this one is going in the toaster oven:

Coming out of the toaster oven:

This is one of those freezer items that ends up on "Buy It Again" List. It's crispy and the filling is delicious. If you make the entire package, its easy to eat the whole thing. The only thing that might stop you is the bean and cheese filling. It will make you full. Pick one up for your next get together, movie night, staycation of whenever you enjoy some appetizers in place of an actual meal.

Or be classy and have Trader Joe's Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos as an entire meal with a Caprese salad.

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 Lavender Dryer Bags

When I reviewed Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub, I asked if there was another product that I'm overlooking in the health and beauty aisle? To which one item came up more than anything else: Trader Joe's Lavender Dryer Bags. Some people even were willing to admit they buy these in multiples.

Testing this

It's taken a good week to test these out. So let's start with the basics. This package of 4 bags will cost $3.99 at Trader Joe's. Each is good for 5-10 cycles. So in a week, I probably hit the low end of that range.

Plus this is about the same price as most dryer sheets I would probably buy anyway.

Out of the box I was hit with the super pungent smell of lavender. It was just as strong as the salt scrub. There was no hiding the lavender.

The words "natural moth repellent" had me concerned. I don't know about you, but I think everyone has had that one older relative who has a trunk full of items that smell of mothballs.

And there is almost no getting rid of that scent.

But alas, I went forward with this experiment. And despite my hesitation in using a bag with a load of laundry, I was pleasantly surprised that my clothes came out only mildly fragranced.

Best of all, there is almost no waste with this product. Unlike traditional dryer sheets where you toss the used up sheet, you can choose to empty onto the carpet and vacuum up one last time before disposing of it altogether.

I'd rather toss one bit of packaging rather than the 5-10 (or so) used-up dryer sheets.

Overall

If you can't find these at your local Trader Joe's, then they are also available through third-party sellers on Amazon.

Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Lavender Dryer Bags again.

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

Product Photos

The box of Trader Joe's Lavender Dryer Bags:

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Lavender Dryer Bags

What the dryer bags look like:

A view of what the lavender dryer bag looks like

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 Super Lemon Room Spritz

Every time I leave the gym, I walk past a Bath and Body Works. Right across from this is Sephora. So it takes quite a bit of self-control to stay the course and go to the gym and go to my car without stopping (or using walking around those stores are a warm-up). But one item I've taken a liking to is Bath and Body Work's concentrated room spray. So when I found Trader Joe's Super Lemon Room Spritz I wondered how it would compare.

Testing this

Once I got this little bottle home, I gave it a good spritz. And I'm happy to report the super lemon part is spot on.

It's very lemony. Like a good lemon candy. And that in my book is never a bad smell.

But is it as lemony as say my Limoncello concentrated room spray? Unfortunately, the answer is no.

However, this is only $1.99 unlike the Bath and Body Works product that is regularly $7.50. That's a huge difference.

So while both are very full of citrus scent, the Bath and Body Works product does a better job of leaving fragrance that lingers.

However, this being less potent can be a good thing. I wouldn't mind spraying this in my car either for a quick freshening up.

Despite the fact this has spearmint oil in it, I really wasn't smelling it all that much.

So if you are into room fragrances, but can't burn a candle, then this is a totally affordable and solid option.

Overall

The only downside is that this is the only aroma available.

Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Super Lemon Room Spritz. It's affordable and my mind associated lemon with a clean scent for some reason.

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

Product Photos

The bottle of Trader Joe's Super Lemon Room Spritz:

An unopened bottle of Trader Joe's Super Lemon Room Spritz

The ingredients:

Ingredients and instructions for Trader Joe's Super Lemon Room Spritz

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.