Matcha Joe-Joe's

It's been a hot minute since I've updated on the blog! I have been shopping loyally at TJ's all the while, but moving around the States and attending college has kept me pretty busy. That being said, I'm all set to graduate in a week, so here's a post to celebrate!

Today's review is on the new Matcha Joe-Joes, which, if you're a matcha enthusiast like me, sound like a dream come true.

Here's the rundown:

1. They feature a vanilla cookie, but these ones are more golden-brown than the Vanilla Bean Joe Joe's crackers are. The cookies are pretty sweet, and in my opinion, less tasty than the normal Joe Joe cookies are.

2. The matcha filling seems to have the right bright green color, and yet both my roommate and I could barely taste the familiar matcha bitterness or taste at all, which made me sad! These look like matcha-filled cookies, but neither smell nor taste much like matcha. 

3. The creme filling is much more thin than normal Joe Joe's filling. As you can see in one of the middle photos, when I broke the cookie in half like I typically do with all my Joe Joe's, the creme immediately squished outwards. It's a very runny texture when compared to that of the typical Joe Joe's.

The Verdict:

As a matcha cookie, this would sadly have to be a pass for me. If you're just looking for a new cookie to try out, these might still hit the spot. If you're looking for a yummy matcha-flavored treat, however, look elsewhere. (Or maybe go instead with the chocolate or vanilla Joe Joe's!) 

As a reminder, these colorful cookies are Parve, and each cookie has about 6 grams of sugar. The box was $2.99 (the typical Joe Joe's price, however normal Joe Joe's flavors come in a much bigger box with more cookies).

Review: Mixed Nuts- Dry Roasted & Salted (50% Less Salt)

This is a quick update (hi I'm back, I've also changed states and thus local Trader Joe's!) and review on the Trader Joe's Mixed Nuts [Dry Roasted & Salted (50% Less Salt)]. I found these at my local TJ's for $6.99 in the nuts and dried fruit section. I didn't check the price on these- just picked them up and was surprised to see that these are seven dollars. They're definitely a little pricey considering that most TJ's trail mixes or nuts are around 5.99 or 4.99, but the quality of the nuts is good. I personally like the flavoring on these- they are less salty but still have a good and substantial flavor to them.

This is a great snack for between classes or anytime you're on the go and they're a healthier option than chips! Full of good fats, as my lovely nutritionist of a mother would say ;) Check them out, let me know what you think!

For a cheaper and slightly sweeter alternative, try their Omega-3 Fortified Trail Mix with cranberries. I just finished a pack and really liked it!

Review: Roasted Coconut Chips

I write this review while in the midst of eating the product under review. I can’t get enough! These are the Roasted Coconut Chips (aka manna from Trader Joe’s heaven) that you can buy in a cute white and brown pouch for $1.99.

These chips are small, thin, crunchy flakes of goodness. The thicker the flake, the more juice it brings with it. I’ve never been a fan of coconut and I can’t say I even enjoy Trader Joe’s Coconut Milk (unsweetened), but these are amazing. So amazing that every week, I find these sold out at my local TJs. Last week, I was fortunate enough to find two bags left…so naturally I bought both bags because with these, you never know when they’ll be back in stock.

These chips are delicious, decently healthy, and completely worth buying. They’re marketed to be great salad or ice cream toppers, but honestly I enjoy them just by themselves. Try it!

Review: Coffee Latte and Cream Bars

This frozen treat is priced at $3.49 and is delicious. It's a bar (basically a popsicle without the popsicle stick) with one side flavored as coffee and one side as cream. The coffee portion is the larger side of the bar and is made with real coffee and tastes like a delicious frappuccino. It has a creamy, milky texture which is juxtaposed with the crunchy, grainier cream-flavored side.

My one complaint about this product is that the packaging could be improved upon. Because these are bars and not popsicles, you're supposed to eat them by pushing them up through the plastic wrapper, which isn't ideal because your warm hands are holding the bar and it melts quicker than you can eat it. What I did to counter said problem was stick a fork firmly through the bottom of the bar to imitate a popsicle stick.

All in all, these bars are great for a dessert that will also give you that much needed caffeine boost that students and working folk could all use. Try it out and let me know what you think!

Recipe: Avocado Tomato Egg Melt

This is a quick and easy recipe for a complete, healthy, and delicious meal!

Ingredients: -Trader Joe's Sharp Cheddar Cheese (sliced)
-Trader Joe's Avocados
-Trader Joe's Large, Grade A Brown Eggs (Free Range)
-Organic On the Vine Tomatoes
-Multigrain or Whole Wheat bread. (My current favorite is the Trader Joe's Organic Whole Wheat Bread)

1. Fry the egg in olive oil in a pan and place the egg on the bread.
2. Immediately lay one piece of cheese over the hot egg to melt.
3. Cut your tomato and avocado into desired shape and size.
4. Place on top of cheese.
5. Enjoy!

The Avocado Tomato Egg Melt has carbs from the bread, protein from the cheese and egg, and vegetables with the tomato and avocado! Accompany the meal with a tall glass of milk (I like the lactose-free Lactaid that TJ's has) for some calcium :)

Review: Trader Joe's Movie Theater Popcorn

This is my fourth post today :) I have so many reviews to put out! This is reviewing the Movie Theater Popcorn which is said (on the bag) to be "buttery popcorn perfect for movie night or anytime!"

I'll tell you right now, I was disappointed by the popcorn. It is neither buttery nor flavorful, nor is it perfect. I didn't have that high of hopes for the popcorn, but I was still disappointed.

Although it is only $1.99, you're better off spending that money on the AMAZING Coconut Chips that TJ's just started selling (it was even sold out this Sunday when I went to buy it =[, I checked the shelf twice out of sad disbelief). Those are a much smaller bag but far more worth the money. If you're desperate for some popcorn, I did enjoy the White Cheddar popcorn in the orange striped bag. It had the buttery, flavorful texture you want in popcorn!

All in all, I say save your time and money and get a better treat from Trader Joe's!

Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

I started making these after seeing a recipe for Zucchini Pizza (which I can do a post about if ya'll want!) because the zucchini pizza merely opened the door for more pizza cravings. If you want the yummy taste of pizza without the price, then this will work for you!

Ingredients: -Trader Giotto's Pizza Sauce
-Trader Joe's 10 Flame Cooked Flour Tortillas (for a healthier alternative, get the Spinach Tortillas which are delicious but smaller)
-Trader Joe's Shredded 3 Cheese Blend (not the finely shredded cheese)
-Columbus Calabrese Salami
-Optional: Organic Tomatoes on the Vine
As usual, all ingredients can be purchased at Trader Joe's.

1. Lay out a flour tortilla and using a spoon apply the pizza sauce to the surface of the tortilla.
2. Sprinkle the 3 Cheese Blend over the entire tortilla
3. Cut thin slices of tomato and lay over surface of cheese as desired
4. Lay out several slices of salami as desired
5. Put in oven at 350 and bake for around 3-4 minutes.
6. Enjoy!
Easy, yummy, not really healthy at all (I will make sure my other recipes are)! :D