As the semester comes to a close, the stress of finals looms over the entire campus, and one of my favorite remedies is holiday treats. These seven Trader Joe’s holiday items are the perfect way to prepare and recover from these next stressful weeks.
Candy Cane Green Tea $2.79
Looking for a decaffeinated holiday drink? Turn to this refreshing candy cane green tea. This tea is so heavenly that when Trader Joe’s first introduced this tea in 2009, they fully ran out. With a soothing peppermint base with hints of orange peel, cinnamon, vanilla beans and more, try this tea to relax before finals or pour over ice for a natural pick-me-up after late night study sessions.Â
Gingerbread Coffee $8.99
If you are mourning Starbucks and Dunkin’ removing their gingerbread lattes like I am, try this medium-dark Vienna roast coffee. With cinnamon nutmeg, cloves, allspice and ginger mixed into the grounds this coffee will make your whole kitchen smell like the holidays. However beware that after one cup it will be hard to turn down another.
Glazed Maple Donuts $4.49
In preparation for the many 8 a.m. finals these glazed maple donuts are a great choice. Try these new additions to Trader Joe’s donut line up this year. Cut out the stress of making breakfast the morning of your exams and rely on these classic cake donuts infused with maple syrup.
Jingle Jangle Pretzel Twists $3.99
This is a Trader Joe’s classic that comes from just down the street. Provided by the same Baltimore supplier for the original Jingle Jangle, these large salty pretzels are covered with peanut butter candy coating, mini chocolate candies and crushed Joe-Joe’s cookies. Whether you’re dunking these in coffee or savoring them alone, very few flavor combinations can beat this.
Mini Peppermint Meringues $2.99
This twist on your average meringue keeps the delicious airy crunch but provides a new peppermint upgrade. Perfect for a late night snack or to add to a holiday charcuterie board, these holiday treats are not only gluten-free but are also kosher-certified and mouthwatering.Â
Snack Bar $5.99
If you prefer salty over sweet, look no further than the snack bar mix. Every year, Trader Joe’s brings back this snack. Now choose between the traditional mix: honey mustard pretzel pieces, chili lemon corn sticks, honey roasted peanuts and Trader Joe’s Cheddar Rocket Crackers or the spicy take: jalapeño pretzel pieces, spicy cheese corn sticks, spiced chile almonds and crispy chile lemon corn nuggets.Â
White Truffle Popcorn $3.29
A shockingly affordable twist on typical salty popcorn makes for the perfect snack. This popcorn is sprinkled with French sea salt and Italian white truffles perfect for winter. The rich elevated flavor alongside the unmatched price, makes it impossible to turn down this holiday treat. Whether you try this snack at McKeldin Library at midnight or as a pregame for your finals, be prepared to be impressed.