I tried 3 pickle-flavored products from Trader Joe's and the potato chips are the only item I'd buy again
Talia Lakritz
- I tried pickle-flavored potato chips, peanuts, and seasoning blend from Trader Joe's.
- The potato chips were my favorite by far, with a bold, tangy taste that wasn't too overpowering.
I visited the Trader Joe's store in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood in search of pickle-flavored products.
Trader Joe's is known for discontinuing products, so I asked an employee where I could find all of the store's pickle-flavored items. He said that only two products had lasted from the store's "pickle craze" over the summer — pickle-flavored potato chips and pickle-flavored peanuts.
The pickle-flavored potato chips cost $2.49 for a six-ounce bag.
The chips appeared to be a popular item since there were only a few bags left on the shelf.
A six-ounce bag of pickle-flavored peanuts also cost $2.49.
The shelf appeared almost fully stocked, which indicated to me that the peanuts might not be as much of a hit.
The availability of Trader Joe's "seasoning in a pickle" seasoning blend remains limited, but I remembered I'd bought a bottle over the summer that I'd never used.
According to the official Trader Joe's website, the pickle seasoning blend cost $2.49 for a 2.3-ounce bottle when it was available during its limited run. It's possible that the store will bring it back as a seasonal item this summer.
Those desperate for a supply can still find bottles on eBay and Amazon at much higher prices.
First, I tried the "Chips in a Pickle" potato chips.
When I opened the bag, the delicious smell of salt and vinegar chips with a splash of dill pickle immediately made my mouth water.
The tangy flavor worked so well with the crispy, salty chips that I had to stop myself from eating the entire bag.
I could see why there weren't many bags of these chips left at Trader Joe's when I visited. I would definitely add a bag or two to my next Trader Joe's run.
I was a bit wary of the "Peanuts in a Pickle," but I gave them a try, as well.
Peanuts and pickles seemed like an odd flavor combination to me, but since Trader Joe's hasn't discontinued them yet, I figured they must be good.
I didn't love the mild flavor of the pickle-flavored peanuts as much as I had enjoyed the potato chips.
For my palate, the pickle flavor didn't really shine through the nutty taste. To me, they just tasted like slightly sour peanuts.
Next, I tried the pickle seasoning on some homemade popcorn.
I popped some popcorn on the stove, added melted butter, and tossed it with some generous sprinkles of the pickle seasoning. Since the first ingredient in the seasoning blend was salt, I didn't add any more.
I thought the popcorn tasted great, but I didn't love how the seasoning blend turned the popcorn brown.
If only Trader Joe's Popcorn in a Pickle wasn't just a seasonal summer item. I would make this again, but I'd prefer to just open a bag of ready-made pickle-flavored popcorn instead of having to pop it myself.
The "Chips in a Pickle" are the only pickle-flavored Trader Joe's item I'd buy again.
For me, the pickle-flavored potato chips weren't just a novelty item that's fun to buy and try once. I plan on keeping a bag or two in my pantry for the next time I'm craving a tangy, salty treat.
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