10 Insider Things You Must Know Before Buying Trader Joe‘s Addictive Cookie Butter
As a self-proclaimed Trader Joe‘s fanatic, I‘ve tried my fair share of products from this obsession-inducing grocery store. But nothing comes close to the craze surrounding its legendary cookie butter.
This irresistibly delicious spread flies off shelves faster than TJ‘s can stock it. Once you try it, you‘ll understand why!
Here’s the insider scoop so you‘ll be prepared when buying this holy grail Trader Joe‘s treat:
1. What Exactly Is Cookie Butter?
Cookie butter contains many of the same ingredients as cookie dough:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture
- Sugar: Adds sweetness along with brown sugar
- Butter + oils: Imparts rich flavor and moisture
- Eggs
- Vanilla: Provides flavor
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom
These ingredients are creamed together into a smooth, nut butter-like spread that packs the flavor of just-baked cookies.
I like to think of it essentially as eaten raw cookie dough without salmonella risks!
2. Shocking Popularity and Crazy Sales
Trader Joe‘s struck gold when it decided to carry cookie butter made by the brand Lotus Bakeries, based in Belgium.
To give you an idea of just how popular cookie butter is:
- Trader Joe’s sells over 5 million units per year across over 500 stores as of 2022, up from only 2 million units in 2017.
- On Amazon, a pack of two jars amasses over 18,000 reviews with a perfect 5-star rating.
- It‘s spawned an internet frenzy called “cookierage” dedicated to new ways to enjoy this spread.
It‘s safe to say Trader Joe’s customers are infatuated with cookie butter!
3. Be Aware of the Not-So-Healthy Ingredients
I hate to break it to cookie butter lovers, but this addicting spread isn‘t exactly healthy nutrition-wise.
A 2-tablespoon serving contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 calories |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g |
| Carbs | 15g |
The saturated fat content is rather concerning at 16% of recommended daily maximum. This comes from palm oil, an ingredient that has faced environmental and ethical concerns around production practices.
For the calories and minimal nutrition value, I only enjoy cookie butter occasionally as a treat.
4. Tips for Choosing the Best Speculoos Cookie Butter
Trader Joe’s carries a few cookie butter options, but hands-down my recommendation is:
Speculoos Cookie Butter
I suggest avoiding the crunchy cookie butter with crushed up bits of cookie pieces. In my experience, it alters and masks the incredible flavor of smooth, velvety cookie butter.
The cocoa swirl flavor is divine but unfortunately discontinued as of 2020. I still mourn this loss!
5. Ingenious Ways Regulars Enjoy Cookie Butter
While it’s perfect off a spoon, here are some delicious ways TJ’s enthusiasts incorporate cookie butter:
- Fruit dipping sauce
- Spread on toast, waffles, crepes
- Swirled into oatmeal or yogurt
- Frosting for cakes and cupcakes
- Milkshake ingredient
I also love experimenting with cookie butter recipes like using it to replace peanut butter in my favorite homemade trail mix bars. So good!
6. Similar Products at Trader Joe‘s to Try
Once you get hooked on cookie butter, you’ll be happy to know Trader Joe’s carries other cookie butter inspired products:
Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream – Vanilla ice cream with cookie butter ripple
Speculoos Cookie Butter Cheesecake – A frozen dessert with cookie butter baked into the crust and cheesecake filling
Speculoos Cookie Butter Beer – A blonde ale by Blue Mountain Barrel House made with everyone’s favorite spread
These let you get your cookie butter fix in new forms!
7. Other Places to Buy Speculoos Cookie Butter
The OG cookie butter Trader Joe’s carries is made by Lotus Bakeries under their Speculoos brand based in Belgium.
You can also find Speculoos cookie butter in some well-stocked grocery stores like Whole Foods, specialty European markets, and purchased online.
But the jars at Trader Joe‘s offer the best value at $3.99 for a 13 oz jar. Compared to $6-8 elsewhere!
8. Properly Storing Cookie Butter
An opened jar of cookie butter lasts 2-3 months when properly stored. To maximize freshness:
- No refrigeration needed – Contains palm oil that will harden if chilled
- Store at room temp – in a cool, dry spot away from direct light
- Freeze extra jars – Thaw overnight in fridge before using
With these tips, you’ll avoid wasting a drop of precious cookie butter!
9. How Trader Joe’s Sources Cookie Butter
The Speculoos cookie butter carried at Trader Joe’s is made by Lotus Bakeries, a large company founded in 1932 based in Belgium.
Lotus Bakeries is a multinational corporation and publicly-traded company with over 1,800 employees globally.
As a trusted brand, Trader Joe’s feels confident relying on Lotus Bakeries to supply this cult-favorite item to its masses of adoring fans!
10. Why We’re So Addicted to Cookie Butter
In my opinion, here’s why Trader Joe’s shoppers can‘t get enough of this sweet spread:
- It tastes JUST like warm, freshly-baked cookies – that rich, buttery vanilla + cinnamon + ginger cookie flavor
- Smooth, spoonable texture – easy to dip fruit, slather on toast
- Sweetness satisfies cravings – snacks, desserts, baking
- Adds flavor to anything – ice cream, milkshakes, cheesecake (!)
- Brings back nostalgic memories – of baking Christmas cookies with family
For all these reasons and more, Cookie Butter will remain one of the most beloved items at my beloved Trader Joe’s!
So now you have all the behind-the-scenes details on Cookie Butter. Will you be joining the cookierage? Let me know!
