11 Things You Must Know Before Buying Trader Joe‘s Addictive Peanut Butter Cups
As a seasoned Trader Joe‘s shopper and peanut butter cup enthusiast, I‘ve tried my fair share of their sweet and salty confections over the years. If you‘re considering grabbing some on your next TJ‘s run, here are 11 insider tips I wish I knew earlier.
1. Curb Your Cravings With the Mini Versions
Trader Joe‘s offers both regular and mini peanut butter cup versions. If you‘re having trouble limiting yourself to just one or two, opt for the mini cups. With 140 calories and 7g fat each, the mini cups allow you to satisfy your craving without going overboard.
| Version | Calories/Cup | Fat (g)/Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | 210 | 13 |
| Mini | 140 | 7 |
2. The Peanut Butter Itself Is Top Notch
The peanut butter filling contains just two ingredients – roasted peanuts and salt. With no extra oils, sugars or emulsifiers, the true bold peanut flavor comes through with each bite. According to consumer reviews, fans say it‘s far superior to leading candy brands like Reese‘s.
3. Vegan Options Do Exist
The dark chocolate peanut butter cups contain milk ingredients, but fear not vegans! The sunflower seed butter cups are dairy-free, ensuring no one misses out. Both versions score well in reviews for their rich taste and creamy textures.
4. Quality Control Process is Robust
While Trader Joe‘s doesn‘t make their own products, they hold all suppliers to high safety and quality standards. Per their website, they conduct over 100 food safety checks daily along with third-party food safety audits.
5. The Price Beats Out Competitors
A 16 oz tub of any nut butter cup variety costs under $5 at Trader Joe‘s. Comparable organic or high-end brands can cost $1 or more per cup. Next time you need peanut butter chocolate bliss on a budget, TJ‘s has your back.
6. Ingredient Sourcing Reflects European Influence
As a brand inspired by European grocery stores, Trader Joe‘s sources many products internationally. The chocolate and cocoa powder for their peanut butter cups likely comes from fair trade growers in Africa, Central or South America.
7. Possible Seasonal and Holiday Flavors Coming
Trader Joe’s frequently rolls out special products timed with holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. Based on past limited batches, expect exciting peanut butter cup variations as these holidays approach next. Think pumpkin spice or candy cane for starters!
8. Curb Sugar Intake With the Dark Chocolate Version
If you love peanut butter cups but want less sugar, the dark chocolate cups are the way to go. With 7g sugar compared to 13g in the milk chocolate, the rich dark chocolate offers a less sweet option.
9. Baking With Them is Completely Approved
In the mood to bake something decadent? Go ahead and throw these cups in cookie dough, cakes, pies or other treats! Reviewers rave about using chopped up cups to make heavenly peanut butter-chocolate desserts.
10. Freezing Makes Them Even More Divine
For an outrageously delicious frozen summer snack, pop a few peanut butter cups straight from the freezer into your mouth. The chilled combo of smooth chocolate and nutty peanut butter takes these treats over the top.
11. They May Sparks Allergy Concerns For Some
With peanut-based products processed on shared equipment, those with peanut and tree nut allergies should exercise caution. Anyone with food allergy concerns should carefully read labels before consuming.
Hopefully these tips help you make the most informed decision on your next Trader Joe’s peanut butter cup purchase! Let me know if you have any other questions.
