Kitchn Love Letters

This Brand-New $4 Trader Joe’s Treat Is So Good, I Can’t Stop Eating It By the Spoonful

Ali Domrongchai
Ali DomrongchaiAssociate Editor, Groceries
Ali Domrongchai, a Southern-raised, Brooklyn-based food writer, grew up around her family's Thai restaurant that sparked her initial love for food. (Fun fact: her grandparents briefly ran a Thai grocery store in the 70s). In this space, her curiosity on the role that food plays in building community lead her to pursue a Bachelor’s of Arts in American Studies with a focus on the ways in which pad Thai affects the Thai American experience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She joins The Kitchn as an Associate Editor for the Groceries vertical. Before this role, she held staff positions at Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Allrecipes. Her words and recipes have also been featured in Cook's Country, Simply Recipes, and EatingWell. Oh, and most importantly, she can’t go more than a few hours without a sweet treat.
published Aug 13, 2024
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Commack, NY, USA, 7.30.23 - A display in Trader Joe's. The sign says "New Items".
Credit: Jaclyn Vernace/Shutterstock

As a Trader Joe’s enthusiast, I’ve got a soft spot for the classics. Pancake bread? Don’t even get me started. Steamed chicken soup dumplings? Always in my cart (when they’re in stock). But let’s be real: The true draw of Trader Joe’s, to me, is the thrill of the new. Every few weeks, the store launches goodies on shelves that keep me coming back for more — forever peeking my head around corners waiting for something to catch my eye. 

My latest $4 discovery? Trader Joe’s Green Tea and Yuzu Spread. 

Credit: Ali Domrongchai

What’s So Great About Trader Joe’s Green Tea and Yuzu Spread?

When I brought this home, instead of immediately putting away my groceries, I popped the lid of the jar, and went straight in with a spoon (I couldn’t wait to dig in!). I was first hit with the floral-citrus punch of the yuzu, nicely balanced by the green tea’s earthy taste. A subtle flavor of lemongrass also came through, which triggered a long-forgotten food memory: As a kid, I used to beg my family to join in on their daily caffeine rituals. My grandma made me feel included by brewing me an herbal lemongrass-lemon tea that was sweet, aromatic, and totally reminiscent of Trader Joe’s spread in the best way possible. 

Credit: Ali Domrongchai

I checked the ingredient list and saw that the spread is actually made with lemongrass (my all-time favorite herb!), which only made me that much more excited about this new launch. This spread is slightly sour, bright, and totally delicious. It’s sweet without being overpowering and has a wonderful balance of green tea to yuzu to lemongrass.

Credit: Ali Domrongchai

What’s the Best Way to Use Trader Joe’s Green Tea Yuzu Spread?

The label on the jar says that this spread pairs great with cheese and toast, but don’t even get me started on all of the possibilities. It’s pure magic on toast, makes any cup of tea a spectacular one, and can turn plain yogurt into a decadent treat. (And this doesn’t even include the excellent straight-from-the jar-with-a-spoon snacking opportunities.) 

Credit: Ali Domrongchai

I’ve only had it in my pantry for about a week, but I like it so much that I’ve already gone back and snagged a few extra jars just in case it’s seasonal (IYKYK). I’m already planning on all of the ways I’m going to use it in the future. As a glaze for grilled chicken? Yes, please! Thinned out with some water and powdered sugar to make a punchy glaze? It’s going to revolutionize my baking.

The Trader Joe’s Green Tea and Yuzu Spread is now officially my secret trick for delicious snacks, meals, and everything in between.

Find it in stores: Trader Joe’s Green Tea and Yuzu Spread, $3.99 for 7 ounces

What new Trader Joe’s finds are you stocking up on? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Filed in:
Product Review