I’m always keeping up with the latest Trader Joe’s news, whether its shoppers getting a first-look at the new mini canvas Halloween tote bags or finding a new $1 sugary dessert in the grocery store aisle. In late July, the budget grocer debuted a new “sweet heat” snack, and it has completely upgraded my snacking experience (and is currently accompanying me while typing this review).
A bag of the $2.99 Hot Honey Popcorn offers approximately seven servings (with 150 calories per serving). Trader Joe’s describes the new arrival as “light, airy, and wonderfully buttery” with “the sweetness of Honey powder” and “heat of hot cayenne pepper.” The spicy notes are intended to “round out the sweetness,” so that it’s a well-balanced sweet and spicy snack.
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After eating approximately an entire bag myself, I can confidently say that I agree with the budget grocer’s description. The butter is the first ingredient that hits your taste buds (almost like movie theater popcorn). Then, the flavor turns and you get a hint of sugar, similar to that of a classic kettle corn variety. Considering that the first ingredient in the list is sugar, I was surprised that it was not more overpowering.
Instead, that kettle corn-inspired taste complements the buttery flavor, featuring a hint of honey that completely ties the popcorn together. I was initially skeptical that the honey would be too sweet, but the savoriness of the butter debunked that theory. After a few quick bites, the spice started to kick in.
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Now, I want to preface this by saying that my taste profile is terrible with spice—I usually opt for any and all foods to be mildly spicy. However, I’m able to handle the kick this popcorn provides. It has yet to make my mouth feel like it’s overly burning, but provides enough spice that my tongue feels just the right amount of hot. Paired with the initial sweetness, I thoroughly enjoy the prolonged tasting experience that the heat supplies.
What I particularly like about this popcorn is that it can standalone or be complemented with another mix-in (such as cashews, pretzels, or chocolate). I personally trekked this snack to the movies, and paired it with Reese’s new Mini Pumpkins unwrapped, which recently launched in stores ahead of Halloween. Let me tell you—those sweet, savory, and spicy flavors were a dream combination for a self-proclaimed chocolate lover like me.
The only downside of this snack? It’s only available for a limited-time. Therefore, during my last grocery store trip, my friends and I stocked up on two bags each of the Hot Honey popcorn. In necessary food journalism fashion, I did speak to one Trader Joe’s associate to get the inside scoop on how long the treat will be available in stores. Unfortunately, the employee warned that this was just a “trial product” that may “disappear” for years to come, so it’s advised to add a few bags to your cart while you can.
You know what that means—run, don’t walk, to your local Trader Joe’s for your new favorite $3 snack.
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