A definitive review of 5 Trader Joe’s items

Tessa Kassoff and Isabel Costa

Trader Joes’ absolutely spectacular Peanut Butter Cups. (Photo by Isabel Costa)

Peanut Butter Cups: 9.9999/10  

Absolute and utter perfection. I believe Trader Joe’s has mastered the perfect peanut butter to dark chocolate ratio. The peanut butter in Joe’s is not as thick as Reese’s, and the chocolate just tastes less artificial. The only reason this didn’t get a 10/10 is because there is a wrapper, which is an obstacle to eating as quickly as possible. Sorry (not sorry) to all of those Reese’s lovers out there — if there is one way to enjoy a peanut butter cup, this is definitely it. 

Everything but the Bagel seasoning is one of Trader Joe’s most popular items. (Photo by Isabel Costa)

Everything but Bagel Seasoning: 8/10

Make room in your cabinets for Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend (With Sea Salt, Garlic, and Onion). I forgive its long title and small bottle because if I could, I would purchase this by the gallon. The seasoning works with avocados, bagels (duh), toast, sandwiches, and dips. Additionally, it works with steak, creamed spinach, split pea soup, chocolate cake — literally anything! Personally, the taste of the seasoning on some avocado toast just slaps me across the face every time (in a good way).

Madeleine Cookies: 7.5/10

Very yummy. Like if a cookie and a cake had a child named Reginald. Dip these in chocolate, serve them with strawberries, and you have the perfect dessert. Not much to say (because they’re kind of bland), but the seasonal pumpkin madeleine cookies are much better. 

Trader Joe’s Naan Crackers come in plain and garlic salt flavors. (Photo by Isabel Costa)

Naan Crackers: 5/10

Not a humongous fan of these crackers. They’re good with dips, but by themselves, they are an absolute no.  They just taste dry and weird to me and rely on dips like their life depends on it. I do like that the box says “organic” because that makes me feel better about myself. Overall, the disappointment hits me like a Mack truck for this one.

New York Style Cheesecake: 12/10

So good. I would give the New York Deli Style Cheesecake an A+ and a full ride scholarship to Harvard. It’s not just a cheesecake; it’s a lifestyle. The cheesecake is creamy and lovely with assorted toppings like berries and whipped cream. If you enjoy eating beyond the “recommended” serving size for one person, you’re going to love this! Just a general reminder for everyone: dessert is not spelled with one “s”.