- Rebecca Landesman
Trader Joe's Food Guide: Sweet Treats
Our dessert guide was the longest and easiest to compile because the sugary snacks at TJ's are our favorite to test-try. We can't resist the wide array of options, and they rarely disappoint. Then again, dessert is hard to fudge up—pun intended. We've sacrificed our waistline to compile the perfect menu of sweet vices.
Via Trader Joe's
Vegan Banana Bread: For a sweet accompaniment to coffee or for satisfying a sweet tooth
We were hesitant to reveal this best-kept baked goods secret because we want all of these loaves for ourselves. When it comes to banana bread—or any baked sweets—if it ain't broke, but this vegan version is just as delicious as a traditional one. However, don't be fooled by the vegan title. This loaf has plenty of sugar and flour, so it's more dessert than breakfast, but we're still bananas over it.
Mochi: For those who like their dessert in moderation or a unique (international) treat
Mochi might be an acquired taste, but if you're a fan of these bite-sized babies you can't beat the TJ's deal. Try the green tea (our fav), or the mini mochi—yes, they CAN get smaller.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: For the ultimate guilty pleasure treat
These mini ice cream sandwiches are one of the best. Vanilla ice cream is sandwiched between chocolate chip cookies and a ring of chocolate chips. It's as good as we're making it sound—go to TJ's and buy these now.
Hold the Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones: For calorie-counters with a sweet-tooth
The perfect post-dinner dessert, these mini ice cream cones are low on calories while being a satisfying sweet fix. Toddlers will love these because they're small and cute. Parents will love these because it avoids huge ice cream messes—mini messes still occur.
Unsweetened Organic Açaí Puree Packets: Perfect for health-conscious folks and for an easy post-workout meal you can control
Açaí is a unicorn fruit, a superfood filled with antioxidants and fiber. Affordable açaí is also a unicorn—rarely seen and probably a myth—that is, until we found these organic unsweetened açaí packets. They're shockingly inexpensive and the convenient frozen pouches can be easily kept on hand for a post-workout smoothie or a delicious blended bowl for breakfast. Unsweetened means we can dictate the sugar levels and tweak our açaí creations to our liking.
Gone Berry Crazy Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pieces: For quelling cravings while remaining somewhat healthy
These bite-sized frozen strawberries are a wholesome dessert that isn't overly indulgent. They're super satisfying when you're craving something sweet, but they don't leave you with a guilty, post-sugar-binge feeling. The frozen bananas are great, too.
Cold Brew Latte Dessert Bars: For a healthyish dessert with a boost
These TJ's coffee ice pops combine our favorite things: dessert and coffee. Each bar has only 7 grams of sugar and a light, sweet coffee taste that isn't too overwhelming. Plus, we can't say no to anything that gives us a little caffeine kick.