Trader Joe's Apple Cider Jam

The pros: Trader Joe's Apple Cider Jam is new and is a tasty apple jam.

The cons:  When I think of cider, texture doesn't seem to come to mind. This reminded me more of applesauce jam or pie filling rather then apple cider jam. However, shame on me. If I had read the description on the side, it did mention the chunky nature of this jam.

The verdict:  If you haven't tried Trader Joe's jams and jellies, you might be missing out. While I haven't posted the reviews for them yet, the reduced sugar ones will make you wonder how they did it. This isn't one of those jams and I'll save those for another day, but right now Trader Joe's seems to add a seasonal jam here and there. Over the summer it was the Peach Bellini jam which was sweet and tasty.

Trader Joe's Apple Cider Jam adds to a nice line of jams with some flavors that will remind you of a cross between a homemade apple sauce and an apple jelly. When I purchased this I was expecting a smooth jam. Something about the name made me think that because quite honestly I've never really had a chunky apple cider. Well, if you thought this too, then you'll need to read the side of the jar where it is spelled out that this has chunks of apple in it.

So it reminded me a bit more of a gelatinous apple sauce. Now, I know that description doesn't sound too good on it's own, but if you like apples, apple sauce, or apple jelly, then this is a well made one. When I say apple sauce, please think of the real homemade variety because there is a nice variety of spices in this jar. While the jar is vague and only mentions the term spices I thought I was tasting a combination of cinnamon, clove, allspice, and vanilla.

For $3.99 if you are into apple jam, then this should be your jam. It has that seasonal deliciousness of apples to it. While I haven't tried it in a more savory application, I totally agree with the description that it could be used with pork chops or chicken. Even a compound butter would work well here. If the thought of applesauce as a jam doesn't do it for you, then feel free to pass on it. My husband could not get into this jam.

Here is the visual run down of what you get if you buy this product:

The jar of Trader Joe's Apple Cider Jam:

The nutritional information and the ingredients:

How Trader Joe's describes this product:

Would I buy this again?  While Trader Joe's Apple Cider Jam was well done, I have a ton of jams sitting in my refrigerator. I do think this has the possibility of savory applications like a glaze, but I need to experiment a bit more before buying again.

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

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

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