Trader Joe's Pepita Salsa is a 12-ounce jar of tomato-based salsa enriched with dry-roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), red bell pepper puree, chipotle powder, and a blend of spices. Priced at $2.99, this salsa offers a thick, hearty texture with a smoky, nutty flavor profile. It's a seasonal item, typically appearing in the fall, but has garnered a loyal fan base that hopes for its year-round availability
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Review
Let’s get this out of the way: I didn’t know I needed salsa with pepitas in it but here we are.
When you crack open this jar, the first thing that hits you is the smoky aroma, think campfire vibes, but make it edible. It’s thicker than your average salsa, more like a dip than a pour. This isn’t the kind of salsa that politely drips onto a chip. No, this one grabs hold and doesn’t let go. It's clingy in the best way.
Now, about that flavor: it’s got that roasted, nutty vibe from the ground-up pepitas, but don’t expect crunch; this is more creamy-meets-smoky. The chipotle gives it just enough heat to warm you up without blowing out your sinuses. It’s complex, earthy, and kind of makes you feel like your chip just graduated from culinary school.
And because this is Trader Joe’s, this started off as a seasonal item but stuck around long after pumpkin season because of its popularity. But with all things Traders, here today possibly discontinued tomorrow. Let's hope not, because this is one of the true hidden gems.
How to Serve
Besides inhaling it directly with tortilla chips (we’ve all done it), here are a few ways to use it:
- Use it as a base for nachos—cheese + this salsa = a fall masterpiece
- Dollop it on tacos, burritos, or quesadillas
- Spoon over scrambled eggs for a smoky breakfast upgrade
- Swirl into sour cream for an instant creamy chip dip
- Drizzle over roasted sweet potatoes (trust me on this one)
Creative Uses
- Pepita Pasta Sauce: Heat with a splash of cream or coconut milk and toss with pasta. Is it traditional? No. Is it delicious? Yes.
- Salsa-Stuffed Grilled Cheese: Spread some inside a grilled cheese sandwich before toasting. Bonus points if you dip it in soup afterward.
- Pumpkin Seed Marinade: Mix with olive oil and lime for a flavorful marinade for chicken or tofu.
- Autumn Pizza Sauce: Spread it on flatbread, top with cheese, and roast. Fall-themed pizza night? You're welcome.
FAQs about Trader Joe's Pepita Salsa
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Not at all. It’s savory and smoky, not sweet or pie-like. Think pumpkin seed pesto meets salsa roja.
It’s mild to medium. Smoky chipotle heat that builds but doesn’t punch you in the face.
Nope. The seeds are ground up, so it’s smooth with a slight texture, not crunchy.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Pepita Salsa is proof that fall snacks don’t have to be sweet to be seasonal. With its smoky heat, savory nuttiness, and thick texture, it’s basically the salsa version of your favorite cozy sweater. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and you’ll absolutely miss it when it’s gone. So grab it while you can—and maybe an extra jar or three.
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Trader Joe's Pepita Salsa
Product Name: Trader Joe's Pepita Salsa
Product Description: Salsa with tomatoes, peppers, and pepita seeds
Price: $2.99
Summary
A new bright flavored mild salsa that contains pumpkin seeds, but no other pumpkin beyond that.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
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Unique flavor – Smoky, nutty, and not your average salsa.
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Thick texture – Great for dipping, not dripping.
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Surprisingly versatile – Works as more than just a chip dip.
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Budget-friendly – Gourmet vibes for under $3.
Cons
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Seasonal heartbreak – It disappears when you finally get attached. Started off seasonal, but so far has stuck around. Could change at any moment.
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No crunch – If you were expecting whole pepitas, you’ll be disappointed.
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You’ll run out of chips too fast – Not the salsa’s fault, but still.
Alek says
I like how TJ's is experimenting with different salsas. I can see this in different mexican dishes and adding more pumpkin seeds to the dish or even a pasta sauce treatment would be great.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! Me too. This would be a great addition to taco night too. I haven't tried the Harvest Salsa yet, which some people have told me to get. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing!
judilyn says
The "Like" button was visible today. The salsa looks good!!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
becomebetty says
Hey Judie! This is a good salsa. I totally can get into adding pumpkin seeds to salsa (or lots of other things too). Thanks so much for stopping by!
Dag says
Hmmmm. Not sure I'm interested enough in this product to actually buy it. I like my salsa on the spicy side. I did find out why the nutrition information has been abbreviated. Companies. are no longer required to list vitamin A or vitamin C because there is no widespread deficiency of those nutrients in the US anymore. Companies can opt to just provide this very abbreviated list of vitamins and minerals - vit D, calcium, iron & potassium or provide the whole panel. I don't know what the excuse is regarding the other vitamins and minerals. I think it really sucks. I want to see the percentage of all the nutrients in the food I buy.
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! I couldn't agree more with you on the labeling issue. Especially for companies that are focused on better or healthier products. I thought it would be a better selling point. Bummer 🙁 Thanks for getting to the bottom of that.
Amy says
Their harvest salsa is delicious!
becomebetty says
Hey Amy! I know! I keep hearing that suggestion being made. I guess I'll have to pick that one up too to have a good comparison point! Thanks so much for stopping by!
foureyedcurmudgeon says
Congrats on the Business Insider article and appearing on the podcast. You're becoming a big media star!
becomebetty says
Hey foureyedcurmudgeon! Thanks so much! I was so excited to be interviewed for both of these! Big media star, not yet. I try to get a little better each day. Thanks so very much for noticing and stopping by! I think the original article you mentioned is here: http://time.com/money/5411990/worst-best-deals-trader-joes/
Ttrockwood says
I read that too and was like OMG i “know” her!! Congrats :))
becomebetty says
Hey Ttrockwood! Thanks so very much! I had a blast being interviewed. Thanks so much for your kind words!
Ttrockwood says
Well now i wish i had bought this one....the fact it didn’t say how spicy it was scared me because I’m wimpy so i got the fall harvest salsa instead- which is very very mild- and I’m not a big fan of it, just kinda weird to have a squash like purée basically as the base of a salsa instead of tomatoes or tomatillos. It’s missing that acidic punch.
becomebetty says
Hey Ttrockwood! I think you might like the Pepita Salsa. No squash, just good flavor, mild heat and a bright acidity. Hope you try it!
Calig says
I like this salsa, but I'd almost hesitate to even call it salsa. It's more like a spread akin to ajvar or pinjur. Excellent on a sandwich to add flavor and moistness in place of mayo.
becomebetty says
Hey Calig! Thanks for taking the time out of your day to share. I think salsa makes it so that people are more familiar with the product, but it doesn't taste much like traditional salsa. Thanks again for stopping by!