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Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch

It's been a while since Trader Joe's has introduced a new condiment. The last creations Trader Joe's introduced were the Umami Mushroom Seasoning and the Everything but the Bagel seasoning. One knocked it out of the park. The other is still sitting in my pantry cabinet. Now, we have a new seasoning that is oil-based but seems like the partial contents of a spice cabinet have been emptied into it: Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch.

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Review

If you are an EBTB seasoning fan, you'll probably swoon over this. Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch has some of the same flavors: onion, garlic, and salt.

This product is like "say hello to your new secret weapon." Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch brings all the bold flavors of a spicy chili oil-but with turbocharged texture thanks to crunchy dried onions and garlic. It's the condiment that doesn't just whisper flavor it shouts it from the rooftops and then drags you along for the ride. Just check your expectations on the spice level.

That first spoonful is pure magic. You get a sizzling burst of garlic and onion that crackles on your tongue followed by a warm chili punch that is anything but hot.

The texture is the real MVP here. Those little onion bits stay crunchy, even after sitting in oil. Sprinkle it on noodles or tacos and you get heat and crunch in a single bite. It transforms slumbering dishes into flavor fireworks.

This stuff isn't shy about heat or salt so a little goes a long way. Start small, then go bigger. Drizzle over fried eggs, avocado toast, pizza, burrito bowls, scrambled tofu or basically, everything.

Jar size? Maybe still full after dinner No chance. It disappears fast once this becomes a staple in the kitchen. But if you find that you are downing this nearly $5 condiment a little too often, feel free to check out my Copycat Chili Onion Crunch Recipe.

Nutritional information, calories, and ingredients in Trade Joe's Chili Onion Crunch

Frequently asked questions

The following are commonly asked questions about Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch.

Does Trader Joe's chili onion crunch need to be refrigerated?

No, this is shelf-stable as it contains no water.

How does chili onion crunch compare to Lao Gan Ma?

Trader Joe's product is far less spicy. So if you are looking for a kick then reach for Lao Gan Ma instead. If you want more onion and garlic flavor then reach for the Trader Joe's product.

How do you use chili onion crunch?

You can use this with chicken, pork, beef, tofu, seafood, pasta, vegetables, pasta, and bread. Each of those has potential for solid flavor pairings.

Is this sold year-round?

Yes, this is sold year-round. You can also get this through third-party sellers on Amazon. You can also make this at home.

So what can I put this on?

This is a pretty flexible spice mix. Chicken, pork, beef, tofu, pasta, vegetables, pasta, bread all come to mind. This could be used as part of a marinade, mixed in with a more bland sauce, mixed with butter to make rich and tasty compound butter, which are just the start of ideas.

But overall, this is a pretty flexible seasoning blend.

For $4.49 this is loaded with seasonings and really can amp up the flavor of a dish.

How to enjoy Trade Joe's Chili Onion Crunch

What if I want to make this at home?

I've got you covered. I've been working on a copycat as soon as I got this. Plus, I hated reading on social media about how far people were searching for these little jars. You can see my recipe here. It's a total Chili Onion Crunch dupe and you can see it in the reviews of how good it is.

The author holding a bowl of linguine covered in chili onion crunch

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch brings all the zing in a jar. With crackling garlic and onion in chili oil you get instant flavor upgrade on eggs pasta tacos and more. Just a little goes a long way so start slow and watch this jar disappear fast. It's bold, it's fun, and it belongs in your kitchen arsenal.

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Trader Joe's Patio Potato Chips

When Trader Joe's hits us with new snacks, it is usually something to get excited over. There have been some real winners in the past. Or at least some polarizing ones like the recently returned popcorn in a pickle and perhaps Trader Joe's Patio Potato Chips belong in that polarizing category.

Taste

When someone tagged me in an image on Instagram, I was so excited to hunt these down. I even bought two bags anticipating joy.

In terms of uniqueness, this one takes the cake.

An unfortunately, after a week I've only consumed half a bag.

Normally, I start off with what I like. Since I mentioned the half a bag aspect, I wish to air a grievance. This bag is mostly air. Like not even half full of chips.

NOPE. Six ounces of potato chips. At least they're gluten free. So is the air these come packaged in.

To be fair, I don't know much about the manufacturing of potato chips. But I do know that when I buy those little single serving potato chip bags at the store, they don't quite need to have the same quantity of air.

Beyond that air ratio, here are literally all of your condiment flavorings in one bag. Notice, its one bag and not on each chip. Each chip like the bag so cutely describes is its own flavor. All ridged potato chips to ensure maximum seasoning adhesion.

So here are my thoughts on each flavor:

Dill- They've recycled the popcorn in a pickle seasoning and thrown it on potato chips.

Ketchup- This was the surprise, I actually liked this flavor the best out of the bunch

Salt & Vinegar- Blended in with the dill seasoning a bit too much and way more salt than vinegar.

BBQ- Probably my least favorite of the bunch, a touch smokey but nothing standout either. Kind of an average BBQ flavored chip.

Overall, I think the best way to execute a bag like this is separate the flavors out in the same way that Lay's has done with their annual Do Us a Flavor contest.

Overall

Now, some people already messaged me and gave me the heads up that perhaps a better use for this product (beyond the obvious snacking) is to use it on top of a burger or to perhaps make some potato chip-crusted chicken.

For $2.29 this isn't something that you need to rush out and try. The hype on these kinda fizzled pretty quickly.

Would I buy this again? Nope, Trader Joe's Patio Potato Chips are a one-and-done for me and my husband. Neither of us felt the need to polish off the entire bag.

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

Product photos

The bag of Trader Joe's Patio Potato Chips:

An unopened bag of Trader Joe's Patio Potato Chips

Calories and ingredients

How Trader Joe's describes this product:

Out of the package you get:

An open bag of Trader Joe's Patio Potato Chips revealing some of the chips

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.

Greyhound Cocktail

My Greyhound Cocktail is a quick and easy drink recipe complete with simple twists on the original recipe. It's a perfect summer recipe or when grapefruits are at their peak. This recipe works with vodka or gin.

There are certain cocktails that are classics. But time has treated some cocktails better than others. Personally, I've owned about a dozen drink books. And I've donated them. As appealing as those cocktails looked, the ingredient lists involved tons of obscure ingredients that I would have no other purpose for.

As far as what gets posted here, if it isn't accessible, then I won't post it. Or I'll just sub things out with something that is accessible. But with this cocktail, you can easily buy grapefruit juice of just squeeze a couple yourself.

Once you try this, you'll understand why this drink is a classic.

How Did the Greyhound Cocktail Get Its Name?

While the original inventor of the Greyhound Cocktail is lost to time, all we can do is go back to older recipe books to find mentions and references. The earliest references to this drink date back to a cocktail book called the Savoy Cocktail Book which was published in 1930.

By 1945 Harper's Magazine published a similar recipe with one major swap: they used vodka instead of gin. They called it a Greyhound in honor of a chain of restaurants that served this drink. And in case you guessed it, that chain was owned by the bus company of the same name: Greyhound.

What's in a Greyhound Cocktail?

Originally, a Greyhound Cocktail only contained ice, grapefruit juice, and gin. Later variations included sugar. Simple syrup can also be used as it combines nicely with the liquids in this drink.

Prior to 1945, most classic cocktails were made with gin. However, there has been a huge shift to vodka since the 1960s. In fact today, vodka now accounts for 25% of all spirits sold in America.

So I leave this to you, if you prefer gin or vodka, both are technically correct and yield a delicious drink. The end result will be slightly different:

A gin-based Greyhound will highlight the flavor of juniper and other botanicals that are in each different brand of gin.

A vodka-based Greyhound will be more consistent every time as vodka must be odorless, colorless, and neutral in taste.

Tips on Making A Greyhound Cocktail

Here are my best tips for making this cocktail:

Always use good quality ice
Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is best, but if you need to substitute 100% grapefruit juice that is ok too BUT depending on the brand it may throw off the sweetness as some grapefruit juices are labeled as 100% juice but aren't 100% grapefruit juice
Much like eating grapefruit, you may wish to add some simple syrup to balance out the tart flavors in grapefruit
This cocktail can be made with either vodka or gin
Garnish is optional, but rosemary, an orange, lemon, lime wedge, or a slice of grapefruit all make for visually appealing garnishes
This is a poured cocktail. In other words, you'll need no special equipment to make this, however, if you prefer your cocktail served up and without ice, then mix everything in a cocktail shaker and strain it into a glass

Watch Me Make This (32 Seconds)

Variations

Most cocktail recipes are super closely related to one another. The following drinks are related to the Greyhound cocktail with minor variations:

Salty Dog uses a salted rim
The Dalmatian uses black pepper syrup and vodka
The Italian Greyhound uses Campari and vodka in place of gin and yields a pink-hued cocktail
The Paloma is made with tequila instead of gin or vodka but uses grapefruit soda
A Sea Breeze is vodka, cranberry, and grapefruit juice

Up or on the Rocks?

Both are totally acceptable so if you like ice in your glass serve this in a rocks glass. If you prefer your cocktail up, then put everything in a shaker with ice and then pour it into a glass.

Step by Step Directions

Step 1: In a glass filled with ice pour either vodka or gin (your preference, same amount) over the ice.

A glass shot glass with vodka next to a glass filled with ice

Step 2: Add grapefruit juice and simple syrup (optional depending on the sweetness of the fruit juice).

A collage showing the simple syrup, grapefruit juice being added to a cocktail glass with the final picture showing the combined drink before garnishing.

Step 3: Stir to combine, garnish, and enjoy responsibly!

Two finished greyhound cocktails with slices of grapefruit all around zoomed out

I hope you enjoy this Greyhound Cocktail!

If you try this, would you mind hitting the "Rate" button? I'd love to know what you thought of it. If you modified the original recipe here, please let me know how it turned out. I love comments!

If you've tried this Greyhound Cocktail or any other recipe on the blog, I'd love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I'm up to.

Other Vodka Based Cocktails You Might Enjoy on This Blog

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Greyhound Cocktail

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: greyhound cocktail, salty dog

Servings:

Calories: 221kcal

Author: Brenda

Ingredients

4 ounces grapefruit juice freshly squeezed is best, if using bottled see notes below
.5 ounce simple syrup
2 ounces vodka gin can also be used

Instructions

In a glass filled with ice add grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and vodka
Stir to combine
Sip and enjoy responsibly

Video

Notes

Always use good quality ice
Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is best, but if you need to substitute 100% grapefruit juice that is ok too BUT depending on the brand it may throw off the sweetness as some grapefruit juices are labeled as 100% juice but aren't 100% grapefruit juice.
Much like eating grapefruit, you may wish to add some simple syrup to balance out the tart flavors in grapefruit.
This cocktail can be made with either vodka or gin
Garnish is optional, but rosemary, an orange, lemon, lime wedge, or a slice of grapefruit all make for visually appealing garnishes
This is a poured cocktail. In other words, you'll need no special equipment to make this, however, if you prefer your cocktail served up and without ice, then mix everything in a cocktail shaker and strain into a glass
To make this recipe into a Salty Dog rim the glass with salt before making

Nutrition

Trader Joe's No Sugar Dry Rubbed Uncured Bacon

Every now and again, I get excited to try something WITHOUT sugar in it. I mean I like to try more than chips, ice cream, and snacks. So you better believe that I was excited to pick up Trader Joe's No Sugar Dry Rubbed Uncured Bacon. I mean it screams "NO SUGAR." Words I've waited awhile to hear because even I believe that the low carb diets have been largely ignored by Trader Joe's.

Taste

When I made this, I naturally wanted to give some to my husband who treats bacon like a natural alarm clock when I'm home. The smell of bacon wafting in the house works its own magic.

And if this review were up to him, it would read as follows: "It tastes like bacon."

Short, sweet, and to the point.

However, as much as I agree with him, I do feel the need to throw a bit of shade at this product.

This isn't my first bacon review. I'm pretty sure I've gotten to all the bacon options from the fully cooked bacon, apple smoked bacon, black forest bacon, dry-rubbed bacon, ends and pieces, and the even the now discontinued one: Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon.

So that brings me to my next point, with the exception of the maple and brown sugar glazed bacon, all of them have less than 1 carb. All of them.

Why should the no sugar be in bold? Yes, other kinds of bacon mention that sugar is in the ingredients BUT then it isn't reflected in the nutritional facts.

The selling point in this bacon then becomes two things: lower sodium and crate-free.

In terms of taste, this seemed more pork in flavor than other bacon varieties as wasn't quite as salty. If crate-free is important to you, then you can check out this list that Trader Joe's has on their website about this.

Now, here is the part where I feel like many consumers will be voting with their wallets. This package cost me $4.49.

Not a bad deal right? But when you do the math, this bacon is nearly $10 a pound. This is priced identically to the Apple Smoked Bacon which has a 50% larger package. And when you compare this against Costco or another retailer, you can find lower-sodium bacon at a far better price.

If you are part of a meat buying subscription service, you are at least getting

So, this really comes down to priorities and the willingness to pay for that crate-free labeling. And if you are in the dark about food labeling, you probably aren't alone. Here is a pretty good breakdown of what all the different labeling terms really mean.

As for my household, we don't mind paying more, BUT it has to be good. If we do spend money on bacon, it's usually through a local farm delivery service like Walden Farms. It isn't cheap, but it tastes phenomenal and it's pasture-raised and delivered right to our door.

Overall

As always, the choice is yours as to what your priorities in food are and what your budget happens to be, I'm only here to provide my thoughts on how it tastes and put the information out into the world, but an 8-ounce package of bacon in my household is a no go.

Similarly, this product seems aimed at the low carb folks when bacon is already a low carb product. Perhaps it will catch the attention of those needing lower sodium products. But the bold words of no sugar seem more like a gimmick as all the current options have 1 carb or less.

Would I buy this again? No, I will not be buying Trader Joe's No Sugar Dry Rubbed Uncured Bacon again.

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

Product photos

The package of Trader Joe's No Sugar Dry Rubbed Uncured Bacon:

An unopened package of Trader Joe's No Sugar Dry Rubbed Uncured Bacon

Calories and ingredients

Directions

Cooking instructions for Trader Joe's No Sugar Dry Rubbed Uncured Bacon

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 Lavender Salt Scrub Review: The Best Spa-Like Treat You Can Buy on a Budget

If you love the feeling of smooth, moisturized skin with a touch of aromatherapy, Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub could be your new shower favorite. This salt scrub offers a relaxing lavender scent while exfoliating your skin with fine grains, leaving you hydrated and refreshed.

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Review

The first thing you'll notice when you open the jar is the calming lavender scent-it's clean and herbal without being overwhelming. The scrub itself has a fine, even texture that's easy to scoop and apply. It spreads well over damp skin, and the salt offers a satisfying level of exfoliation without feeling too rough or irritating.

The real standout is the oil blend. This isn't one of those scrubs that leaves you dry and itchy. Instead, it hydrates your skin as you rinse, thanks to ingredients like sweet almond, avocado, and sunflower oils. After rinsing, there's a light but noticeable layer of moisture that lingers, which feels especially nice on dry areas like elbows and heels.

The container is a wide-mouth plastic jar with a flip-top lid. It's practical and safe for use in the shower, though you'll want to be cautious-like most oil-based scrubs, it can make the floor a bit slippery.

Overall, this is one of the best-value skincare products at Trader Joe's. The scent is relaxing, the results are immediate, and it feels like a little bit of luxury for under six bucks. Whether you're exfoliating before shaving or just want soft, glowy skin, this is a fantastic option to keep on hand.

The benefits of Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub listed on the side of the jar

Key Ingredients and Benefits

This scrub is formulated with essential oils, including sunflower seed oil, which helps lock in moisture, while the lavender provides a calming aroma. The fine salt granules effectively exfoliate dead skin cells, making it a great choice for areas like arms, legs, and feet.

Ingredients:

Sea Salt
Sweet almond oil
Sunflower oil
Lavender oil
Avocado oil

Ingredient list for Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub

The blend of natural oils not only softens the skin but also provides a protective barrier, keeping moisture locked in long after your shower.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some commonly asked questions about this product:

Is Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub good for sensitive skin?

Yes, the fine grain of the salt makes it less abrasive than some other scrubs, and the natural oils help to soothe and hydrate sensitive skin.

Does Trader Joe's offer other scents for their salt scrubs?

Currently, lavender is the only scent available year round, though Trader Joe's occasionally releases limited-edition varieties during the holiday season. Keep an eye out for new options!

Can I use this scrub on my face?

It is not recommended to use this scrub on your face, as the salt and oils may be too harsh for facial skin. It's better suited for body exfoliation. If you are looking for a facial scrub then you should consider the Microderm Scrub also sold at Trader Joe's.

Where can I buy this?

This is available at Trader Joe's year-round or on Amazon.com through third-party sellers.

How to Use Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub

Apply a small amount of the scrub to damp skin.
Massage gently in circular motions, focusing on rough areas.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Pat your skin dry with a towel to remove any excess oil.

For best results, use 2-3 times a week to maintain smooth, hydrated skin..

How to use instructions on the side of the Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub jar

Top Tip

This will make your tub slippery due to the oils, so be sure to clean your tub well after each use.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub is a no-brainer if you're looking for an affordable way to pamper your skin. It's gentle enough for regular use, yet effective enough to deliver noticeable results after one shower. The formula is packed with nourishing oils, the scent is calming, and the experience feels far more luxurious than the price suggests. Just be careful not to slip, and enjoy your new spa-day favorite.

Do you love these reviews?

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.