There are some items I'll probably never get around to trying on my own. Unless someone hands me a sample. That is my story with this jam.
I read the description and I just did not like the thought of pepper, spice, and jam. Then I was handed this jam with some brie and crackers at the sample station. Then I bought this.
For $2.49 you are getting an 11 ounce jar that is not something you would slather on to a PB&J sandwich. This is really meant for a cheese platter or as a dipping sauce.
Keep the crackers on the plain side because this would be the highlight of a cheese platter if you can convince guests to try it. This is not your typical jelly.
This one at room temperature isn't quite as solid as most jellies. It almost is more of a sauce than a jelly.
In fact, the taste of this reminded me of a cross between a duck sauce and Thai sweet chili sauce. There is a distinct sweetness, but also you get a mix of peppers in each spoonful.
Most of my peppers seemed to be red bell peppers. However, don't let the appearance of those bell peppers fool you. This has a nice mild heat. You'll definitely get some hot pepper seeds in each bite.
For me, this worked best with cheese and crackers, although I can totally see myself using this to dip egg rolls into it as well. Plain crackers worked best as this jelly quickly became the star when served with Triple Creme Brie.
I would just skip trying it with peanut butter. I liked it and it will have a place in an appetizer platter in the upcoming holiday get together season.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly again for the holiday season. This was a really nice surprise that I would have otherwise walked past and dismissed as a weird flavor otherwise. It's actually well done and can be used in a few different ways.
Here is the visual run down of what you get if you buy this product:
The jar of Trader Joe's Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly:
The nutritional information and the ingredients:
Served with brie you get something that looks like this:
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 Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly
Product Name: Trader Joe's Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly
Product Description: Trader Joe's Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly is a seasonally available jelly offering.
Price: $2.49
Summary
Trader Joe's Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly is a seasonal item.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Trader Joe's Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly is a very well done and non-traditional jelly that is a really good compliment to cheese and crackers.
Cons
- This is a seasonal item so if you find you like it, then pick up a few.
- Or at least that was what I was told at the sample counter at Trader Joe's by an employee.
I'd probably pass on this, too, if not touted by you. It does, indeed, look quite inviting with Brie!
Virtual hugs,
Judie