We are going on 7 weeks of lockdown. Has it been worth it? Absolutely yes. Has it been difficult? Sure. Has it affected the frequency and enjoyment of a good 'ole Trader Joe's run? Certainly. Pre-quarantine I had gotten tired of the chasing after new products to try because most of the time, it seemed like an endless trail of pointless consumerism for me (nothing like a pandemic-imposed quarantine to bring out all the existential thoughts of an introvert :P). And yes, our society sorta runs on consumerism for better or for worse. But y'know as the prospect of a return to a new normal looms, I am learning to see the good and appreciate the fact that TJ's is still keeping people fed and reasonably happy. Bring on the snacks! The new ones!
This here is a new snacky snack! (And yes, in case you forgot Ima make everyone remember that every new snack represents one that has been previously discontinued. Tis the lifecycle of many Trader Joe's products, unless you're Mandarin Orange Chicken, the most tenured product like ever.) Can we talk about this packaging - a creepy looking green man with an incredibly large mustache treks up an a pretzel mountain in search of...treasure? Self-actualization? A picturesque place for the gram? He's looking a lot like Dr. Johnny Wilcox from Okja.
Disclaimer #1: I'm not a lager drinker. So to fully appreciate or even try the combination of these pretzel pieces with the recommended accompaniment will not be within the scope of this review.
2) I get that the assortment of size, shape, and thickness is part of the charm of this snack, but I'm not a fan from an ergonomic standpoint. For one, the thicker pieces are SO INCREDIBLY HARD. Great if you love those kinds of thick pretzels, but I find them difficult to bite. The bigger pieces also interfere with the seasoning distribution. The smaller pieces carry the flavor better because you don't have as much of the bland pretzel.
3) I did get used to the flavor. The honey mustard is slightly sweet but not as sweet as it could possibly be; honey mustard fans can probably stomach even more sweetness. So between that and the onion dust, it's aiite. Not too salty and pretty snackable.
4) If you're used to stronger flavors, you will find this snack kinda average. But if you like more milder flavors, especially a light honey mustard, you will probably enjoy this product and agree with the TJ's cashier that said, "omg these pretzels are soooo good."
5) $2.99 for one package. Points off for the super thick pretzel pieces. Otherwise not bad, potentially repurchasable.
TL;DR: Trader Joe's Honey Mustard & Onion Seasoned Pretzel Pieces. Irregular rustic pretzel pieces with mild sweet and zesty honey-mustard onion dust. Watch your teeth! 7 out of 10. Mantou Joe repurchase? Not my absolute fav but I'm open to it.
Looks like we have very similar tastes in snacks -- I got this and the Synergistically Seasoned Popcorn during my most recent trip to TJ's as well! I picked this to see how it compares with the Snyder's version.
ReplyDeleteI think the flavor is pretty similar, but I personally prefer the Snyder's version. I like the consistent pretzel piece size, and the more artificial flavorings in Snyder's pretzels make them more addicting hahaha.
DeleteThat's a good point. I usually reach for the smaller pieces with more surface area for the seasoning to stick to first anyway. And MSG does make everything taste better!
DeleteI saw these in the Flyer and almost purchased, but was concerned about breaking a tooth. Thanks for sharing photos and confirming my fears. The large pieces look terrifying!
ReplyDelete