The $2 Trader Joe’s Grocery Item I Always Grab on My Way Out the Door

When we were growing up in the Philippines, merienda was a staple in our household; it could be any snack that’s eaten between breakfast and lunch, and another in the afternoon between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. There are many interesting Filipino snacks and some of my favorites include Goldilock’s ube polvoron and banana cue (fried caramelized bananas). Other times, I would whip up a cup of halo-halo as a reprieve from the summer heat.

Merienda has become a vestige of my former life in the Philippines. When I moved to New York four years ago, I found it suddenly difficult to find the snacks I’m familiar with. And as I get older, I’ve started opting for energizing snacks that aren’t too fatty or sweet. So, when I came across New Zealand-made Frooze Balls at Trader Joe’s, you can just imagine how excited I was.

There are a few reasons as to why Frooze Balls make great grab-and-go snacks. I have a fast metabolism, so the date-based energy balls help boost my energy in between meals (a two-ball serving has 3 grams of protein and  7% of the daily value fiber). The bite-size treats are sweetened with fresh spreads and jams, and made with no preservatives or refined sugars, so they taste as if your neighbor just made it for you. 

The Frooze Balls are available in six flavors, and I particularly enjoy the Peanut Butter & Jelly option. It’s inspired, no doubt, by the nostalgic childhood sandwich, the classic PB&J. Inside, the center contains freshly made peanut butter, and apple and strawberry jelly, while the soft, outer shell is a combination of crushed dates and peanuts that are then rolled in coconut flakes. The dulce de leche — a delicious duo of fruit-sweetened caramel and smooth cashew butter wrapped in a nutrient-packed shell of dates, cashews, and coconuts — is also very good and reminiscent of the decadent, thick and sugary caramel-like sauce. 

Aside from date-based, Frooze Balls more recently launched fruit-based balls made with only a few key ingredients. For instance, the apple balls contain just five: apple puree concentrate, sunflower seed butter, coconut, freeze-dried apples, and natural flavor. They’re juicy, not too sweet nor tart — perfect for everyday snacking. Even better, they are also inexpensive and allergen-friendly, and they have no added cane sugar. 

Each Frooze Ball flavor comes in a 2.5-ounce package or five balls (you can also find them online in bulk for slightly more per pack). The packaging is small and compact so you can easily put them in your bag or pocket while hiking, biking, or when you’re out and about. The date-based energy balls are rich and flavorful, so just pop them in your mouth and eat them as is. Let the flavors meld together, and you’ll discover layers and a variety of textures. Sometimes, I eat them with my favorite plain Greek yogurt for added protein. 

What are your favorite grab-and-go snacks? Tell us about it in the comments below.