Trader Joe's Opens in Austin: A Review of Fan Favorites

A new Trader Joe's location was built outside Austin in the Texas Hill Country, creating significant local excitement. A shopper named Emily Bond, who typically shops at H-E-B and Central Market, visited the store to evaluate its most popular products. She tested a variety of items for her family of four, aiming to determine which fan-favorites truly deserved their reputation.

The review process involved testing products ranging from holiday snacks to frozen meals. While several items, such as the Jingle Jangle pretzel twists and Sublime ice cream sandwiches, were deemed worthy of repurchasing, others like the Mandarin orange chicken and bubble waffles failed to impress. The experience highlighted a mix of successful discoveries and disappointing misses that may influence future shopping trips.

The visit to the new Trader Joe's store yielded several positive discoveries that justified the local hype. The shopper found that specific snacks and beverages stood out among the selection, offering flavors and textures that surpassed expectations. These items have been added to the list of potential future staples.

Jingle Jangle Pretzel Twists

Trader Joe's Jingle Jangle pretzel twists were described as a "lovely holiday-themed treat." Although a seasonal item, the product made a strong impression. The pretzels were covered in peanut butter and topped with chocolates and cookie crumbles. The shopper noted that the pretzels were much bigger than anticipated and tasted delicious. Regarding the peanut butter coating, it was stated that the coating "wasn't as messy as I thought it might be." Despite not being the absolute favorite among the sweet treats purchased, the product was understood to be worth the hype.

Ridge-Cut Potato Chips

Trader Joe's ridge-cut potato chips seasoned with horseradish and chives were identified as one of the favorite purchases. The shopper admitted that potato chips are not typically a go-to snack, but these chips were considered one of the top three favorite Trader Joe's items bought. The horseradish seasoning was anticipated to be overwhelming, but it was described as "perfectly sharp." The chips also received praise for having an "excellent crunch without tasting too starchy."

Henry Hotspur's Hard Pressed for Cider

Exploring the alcohol section, which is known to be particularly good, led to the discovery of Henry Hotspur's Hard Pressed for Cider. This product was a "definite win" for the shopper. The cider was characterized by a "tart and crisp taste." It was also appreciated for not being overly sweet or syrupy, distinguishing it from other ciders the shopper had tried previously.

Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

Trader Joe's Sublime ice cream sandwiches were a standout frozen dessert. The shopper had previously been disappointed by soggy cookie ice cream sandwiches, but these held up well. The creamy vanilla ice cream was described as "indeed sublime." Due to the quality and taste, these sandwiches were immediately added to the shopper's rebuy list. Each box contains four sandwiches.

Not every product tested met the high standards set by the store's reputation. Several items, including a sparkling wine and frozen meals, were disappointing due to issues with flavor and texture. These products will not be returning to the shopping cart.

Almond Creek Vineyards Sparkling Wine

The Almond Creek Vineyards almond-flavored sparkling wine was a significant letdown. Although a friend had raved about the wine's "stellar taste," they warned it might not be for everyone. The shopper fell into the latter category. The taste was compared to "drinking a bottle of cold and fizzy almond extract," making it too strong for her liking.

Mandarin Orange Chicken

Trader Joe's Mandarin orange chicken was compared directly to a version from H-E-B, a competitor. The Trader Joe's version did not beat out the favorite H-E-B variety. While the sauce smelled promising, the taste was "too vinegary." Additionally, the chicken had a "spongy texture" that was disliked. The shopper decided to stick to the H-E-B version for future purchases.

Bubble Waffles

Trader Joe's bubble waffles, which are vegan and made with coconut milk, wheat flour, and cane sugar, were also disappointing. The shopper found the waffles to be "overly sweet" and noted that the bread had a "slightly grainy texture." A major flaw was that the waffles did not become bubbly when prepared, failing to meet the product's name and expectation.

Some products tested resulted in mixed reactions, leading to household disagreements or specific utility cases. These items did not result in a clear "buy" or "pass" decision but offered insight into the versatility of the store's offerings.

Kimbap for School Lunches

Trader Joe's kimbap, a viral social media item, was a hit with the shopper's children. The product consists of greens, root vegetables, braised tofu, and pickles wrapped in rice and seaweed. It was found to taste best when prepared in an air fryer. As a result, the kimbap has become a new addition to the children's school lunch rotation.

Double-Cream Brie

Trader Joe's double-cream Brie caused a "contentious debate" between the shopper and her husband. The shopper thought the cheese was "too mild and tasted almost watery," lacking flavor. However, her husband, a fellow cheese lover, loved it. Because of this split opinion, the Brie was categorized as a "maybe" rather than a total pass.