The new Asian-inspired cakes have received a lot of positive feedback, but some customers are complaining that they do not look like desserts.
Trader Joe’s is constantly introducing new products to meet changing consumer preferences and retain its loyal customer base.
The specialty grocery store accomplishes this in part by offering a selection of international-inspired products.
Asian items are especially popular at the chain, with products like Kimbap and Squiggly Noodles going viral online and gaining a lot of attention.
In an effort to provide consumers with innovative products on a consistent basis, the grocery store has significantly increased its Asian-inspired food offerings.
For example, the chain has recently introduced Okonomiyaki Japanese Vegetable Pancakes, Kanom Krok Thai Coconut Pancakes, and Spring Rolls with Tofu or Shrimp.
Trader Joe’s has added another new product to its Asian offerings: Japanese Mini Taiyaki.
The limited-time frozen product includes eight miniature fish-shaped cakes for $4.99.
The “crispy” cakes have a mochi waffle consistency and are filled with a “creamy custard filling,” according to the product description.
“These bite-sized, perfectly pisciform Taiyaki are as much a feast for the eyes as they are a pleasure on the palate,” states the Trader Joe’s website.
“Every bite starts with the crisp edge of the wonderfully waffle-y exterior, which quickly gives way to the luxurious consistency of the cool custard cream within.”
SWEET MYSTERY
Trader Joe’s fans are already rushing to stock up on the new frozen treat, whose appearance has left many wondering if it is a dessert.
One shopper posted an image of the product on Facebook, which has received nearly 10,000 likes and hundreds of comments.
They encouraged other Trader Joe’s customers to try the Japanese treat.
“If you see these at Trader Joe’s, snatch them up!!” the shopper wrote. “They do not look like dessert, but they are!”
Top five fan favorites returning to Trader Joe’s this spring
Piquant Popcorn
First spotted in stores last month, Trader Joe’s snack aisle recently received an exciting new addition, Eat This, Not That! reported.
The Piquant Popcorn (140 calories) is seasoned with a flavorful mix of onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and a nutritional yeast, which has a rich and slightly cheesy taste. Sloan described it as having an “umami richness of flavor.”
Cinnamon Danish Twist Pastry
Trader Joe’s shoppers will have yet another pastry to choose from when the retailer debuts its new Cinnamon Twist Danish later this month. The baked good features a Danish pastry with cinnamon and a custard-style filling. And according to the podcasters, it’s absolutely massive. Amy said it was almost like a “super-sized cinnamon bun.”
The item will only be available for a limited time, but Amy said it should still be in stores around Easter and Mother’s Day.
Thai Peanut Satay Sauce
Trader Joe’s is offering its shoppers a taste of Thailand with a new Thai Peanut Satay Sauce (80 calories) sourced from a supplier in the Asian country. The sauce is made from coconut milk, peanuts, red curry paste, and a variety of savory seasonings, making it an ideal pairing for grilled proteins.
Miller said that Trader Joe’s has offered peanut sauces in the past, but believes this new iteration is” better than any” versions they’ve offered before. The item is already available in stores now.
Brown Sugar Boba Mochi
Mochi fans, rejoice! Brand-new Brown Sugar Boba Mochi are coming to a Trader Joe’s store near you right now. Miller said the treats feature a squishy rice dough surrounding a small boba pearl. They’re also individually wrapped to ensure they don’t stick together.
Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
Trader Joe’s stores tend to have limited freezer space, so the retailer is always rotating its ice cream selection to introduce exciting new flavors. The newest iteration is a Dulce de Leche Ice Cream, featuring a caramel-flavored base with a swirl of dulce de leche. The limited-time item should hit freezer shelves in late March.
Many others were equally perplexed by the fish-shaped cakes.
“Do not look like dessert,” said one Facebook user, while others speculated that the dessert was chicken nuggets or fish sticks.
Many people misread the packaging because they assumed the product was savory due to its shape.
“I thought it said ‘creamy mustard.'” “I can not believe that is a dessert,” one person wrote.
“I thought I read teriyaki custard,” added another.
In addition to the Japanese Mini Taiyaki, Trader Joe’s has introduced ten new items, including a new Matcha flavor that customers are excited about.
Meanwhile, customers are urging the grocer to “change their mind” after learning that a popular vanilla treat has been discontinued.