Oh Trader Joe's, you know most people won't keep the New Year's Resolution. So they are giving us another popular product double. And yes, this adds to a long list of product doubles that I've tried, especially in the snack food section. Behold, Trader Joe's answer to the popular snack: Takis.
Taste
If you've never had a Taki before in your life, then allow me to explain. They are rolled tortilla chips doused in a fiery chile and lime seasoning mix. Picture a spicy lime Dorito rolled up and that is pretty much a Taki. And the bag I tend to see the most is their Fuego variety found in a purple bag. They do sell a Nitro one with Habanero, but I haven't been able to find it to try it.
The kids at work love them. I see the Taki brand of chips all over. Those purple bags are everywhere. I had one and I was shocked by how much kid's taste buds have changed. When I was in school everything was very sweet. Takis are savory and hot. I can't even imagine how hot the Nitro must be. Fuego was hot enough to slow me down.
While Trader Joe's answers to Takis is similar, there are some differences. Yes, these are crunchy rolled tortilla chips that are heavily coated in a chile-lime seasoning blend with some key differences.
If you are more of a wimp when it comes to heat, then these are the more mild answer to the fuego variety.
These are far more limey. These also didn't dye my fingers a red color as strongly as takis did. Not a deal-breaker, because who doesn't love a finger full of the delicious powdery substance?
These are labeled as being gluten-free.
Overall
I liked these. Would I reach of these over a bag of Takis? No, but I think they are a reasonably good copycat product. I wouldn't say no to these either. As for repurchasing these, I wish these had landed closer to Superbowl time, as by then most people have abandoned their resolutions for the year.
For $2.49 they are an affordable chip, gluten-free, and a more tart take on Takis. It will be interesting to see if they introduce other
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product photos
The bag of Trader Joe's Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips:
Calories
Ingredients
Out of the package you get:
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Trader Joe's Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
Product Name: Trader Joe's Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
Product Description: Trader Joe's Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips Chile and Lime Flavored are meant to be Trader Joe's answer to Takis.
Price: $2.49
Summary
Trader Joe's Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips Chili and Lime Flavored are extremely similar to the commercially popular product called Takis. Specifically this is a take on the Fuego variety.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- A gluten free alternative to Takis
- If you like a more mild heat, then this is a good bag to reach for.
Cons
- Not has hot as Takis
- More limey, so if you don't like acidity, you might want to reach for the originals
Alek says
I wonder if I could same effect by sprinkling the chile lime seasoning on corn chips? Also when plan to do worst items at TJ's
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! I think the seasoning on this one is a little different than the chile lime. The chili lime is more chile, this chip is more the lime. It's in the works. Don't worry. I'm getting to it and haven't forgotten about it. Have a very Happy New Year!
Dag says
I really like these. The good thing is that you can only eat so many before you get sort of limed/chili'd out. I dipped mine into guacamole which ended up being a great accompaniment. Nutritionally these aren't that bad for you as far as most snack foods go---they are all natural, the saturated fat is not high, they have 2 grams of fiber per serving, the sodium content isn't outrageous & zero sugar. You could do a lot worse......lol.
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! Absolutely the lime slowed me down to. I'm thinking I'll use the rest of the bag crushed and put on top of a salad for some crunch. I think the acidity would pair well there. Have a very happy New Year!
elena says
waaay too limey for me and i have a high tolerance for Mexican snacks! tone down the lime like 50%.
becomebetty says
Hey elena! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Destiny Torres says
MY FAVORITE CHIPS!!! Had the great value ones just like these from Walmart but they stopped selling them so I went to these took some time to get used to but now I’m addicted to these and can’t stop eating them!! Absolutely addicting ❤️❤️❤️ Great combination never get rid of these !
Janie says
Compared to Takis, they're a good and healthy version that is more similar tasting to the Takis Nitro. Yes, the Takis Nitro ARE actually less spicy (so disappointing) than the Takis Fuego, and have more of the lime flavor. Nonetheless, I feel less guilty about eating the Trader Joe's bag but, I wish they were spicier!
becomebetty says
Hey Janie! I never had the nitro ones, I can only find the fuego ones. And yes, I wish there was more kick to these too. Thanks so very much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this!
Janie says
Great alternative to satisfy the Takis cravings! These are definitely more similar to Takis Nitro. They are more lime-y and less spicy! Takis Nitro are actually LESS spicy than Takis Fuego, so Brenda, don't bother trying to find them.
becomebetty says
Thanks Janie for the heads up on the Nitro ones!
Sophia Cheung says
The tortilla chips itself was super crunchy, just the way I like them. Too bad they were way too salty for me. Had to stop after 5 or 6 chips so my tongue could have a break. I hope they come out with a nacho cheese flavor.
becomebetty says
Hey Sophia! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing. I too would love to see a nacho cheese flavor.
Amelie says
Takis are my favorite chip, and I was actually really impressed by Trader Joe’s version. I probably should have gotten both at the same time to see how similar they really were, but I thought they tasted 99% the same as Takis (heat and lime). I like that the ingredients are real food that I recognize and can pronounce. They seem less processed than Takis. If I had a Trader Joe’s locally, I may never buy Takis again. However, Trader Joe’s is a two hour drive away, and Takis are sold at every shop.
becomebetty says
Hey Amelie! Thanks for sharing and I wish you were closer to a TJs!