The $2.29 Trader Joe's Find I Buy Every Time I Go

Trader Joe’s has no shortage of high-quality snacks. Their dried fruit and nuts section is arguably the best, and their herb popcorn and rolled chili lime tortilla chips are surefire favorites. Not to mention their fancy dried apricots, which I eat daily thanks to general manager Emma Christensen raving about them.

There’s one snack that’s been taking over my life lately—one that I simply cannot leave the store without grabbing a bag (or two or three): Trader Joe’s Sweet Plantain Chips.

I grabbed a bag once on a whim, as I often do when visiting Trader Joe’s. I like their other plantain chips just fine—TJ’s is one of the few nationwide grocery stores that offers multiple options on plantain chips—but these looked extra tempting. They were affordable at just $2.29 so buying a bag seemed low risk.

This is a day that will go down in snacking history. Now I can’t stop eating the dang things, and I will happily pass on my dilemma to you. 

Why I Love Trader Joe’s Sweet Plantain Chips

They’re light and crispy, just as a good chip should be. They don’t feel greasy or heavy or so thin they disintegrate; they’re just right. I love that they’re cut on a bias for a longer chip, making them fun to pick up and eat. They’re just sweet enough but still salty, like well-balanced kettle corn, with a subtle plantain flavor I love so much. I can eat half a bag by myself without thinking. 

While the sweet plantain chips are delicious as-is for a quick crunchy snack, I also enjoy pairing them with sandwiches and wraps. My husband loves them too, but I have been known to hide bags from him so that they are all mine.

Fun Ways To Eat TJ's Sweet Plantain Chips

There’s no wrong way to snack on these chips, but I’ve found that their elongated shape makes them ideal for dipping. Try them with the simple dipping sauce from this tostones recipe or a garlicky green sauce of blended cilantro, green onion, garlic, lime juice, and sour cream. They’re also delicious with black bean dip or chipotle mayo. Set them out at a party and watch them disappear.

I also enjoy serving these sweet plantain chips with salad. Stand some up along the side of the bowl for snacking, or crumble them on top. I find they pair nicely with a Southwestern-style salad with spiced black beans, like this roasted sweet potato salad.

No matter how you choose to enjoy Trader Joe’s Sweet Plantain Chips, I highly suggest picking up at least two bags at a time—trust me on this one!

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