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:
Calories and ingredients
How Trader Joe's describes this product:
Out of the package you get:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
Trader Joe's Patio Potato Chips
Product Name: Trader Joe's Patio Potato Chips
Product Description: Trader Joe's Patio Potato Chips are new and a mix of condiment flavors
Price: $2.29
Summary
Trader Joe's Patio Potato Chips are all the condiment flavors in one bag of chips
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- If you like all these condiments and don't mind mouthfuls of all the flavors, this isn't bad to reach for
Cons
- Some flavors are more assertive and can over power some flavors
- The dill does taste like popcorn in a pickle (you've been warned)
- Would be better if these were sold as individual flavors
Lauren says
I was excited to try these but then I saw some posts (confirmed here) that the bags were nearly empty. Not worth $2.29, IMO.
becomebetty says
Hey Lauren! I could fit half my arm down this bag before I hit chips and I'm sorry, just sell me the appropriate sized bag. And I totally agree with you. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing!
EllenLV says
"No" from Brenda is good enough for me. Thanks for saving me money (again) Brenda.
becomebetty says
Hey Ellen! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. And you are always free to disagree 🙂 but I'm glad I could help.
judilyn says
A lot of potato products seem to be off the chart expensive, but these are $6.+ a pound. Seems like a lot, especially for such a mishmash of flavors that you describe.
Virtual hugs,
Judie < -- admiring the blueberry scones in the little movie recipe
becomebetty says
Hey Judie! I didn't even do the calculations for the per pound so thanks so much for adding that. Glad you are enjoying my videos :). Thanks as always for stopping by and sharing.
Dagmar says
I was also excited about these chips but then I saw very negative reviews. I love a taste variety but apparently in this case it was not done well. A pass for me. Back to the drawing board Trader Joe's.
Asdy says
I had them and loved how bold the flavors were, I would get like 10 bags of these contrary to your review !
becomebetty says
Hey Asdy! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed them. Thanks again for stopping by and sharing your experience!
Phill says
Best chips at Trader Joe’s. To the people in the comments—Get those taste buds checked folks. They were a huge hit at every get together I brought them to! Sad they are over for the season already.
Toni says
I LOVED these chips. I totally agree on how much was in the bag but I will tell you… I am craving these
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Toni!