I Tried Trader Joe’s Most Controversial New Bakery Item, Here’s My Review
Trader Joe’s is hit or miss when it comes to new products. Frozen Spicy Spuds? A major hit. French-style ham and cheese sandwich? An airport food-level failure. But that’s part of the appeal. The company isn’t afraid to experiment, regardless of the reception. In the worst-case scenario, they simply pull the item from the shelves, never to be seen again.
Sometimes, however, Trader Joe’s launches a product that leaves its fanbase divided. This is the case with the new Earl Grey Blondies. These limited-time treats are infused with actual black tea leaves and finished with a dusting of crystal sugar. Currently, they are receiving highly polarized reviews.
Most critics argue that the Earl Grey profile is too subtle. Others take issue with the consistency, while some have unfavorably compared the taste to cannabis-infused brownies. Conversely, many shoppers absolutely love them.
What is the reality? Are they a success or a failure? Spoiler alert: They are excellent. Let’s dive into the full review.
Trader Joe’s Earl Grey Blondie Bars
Pros: I believe the flavor profile is spot on. It has just the right amount of Earl Grey essence, featuring a pleasant black tea bitterness that is perfectly offset by the crystal sugar topping. If the bergamot were any stronger, it would be overwhelming. Furthermore, the texture is fantastic. It is chewy, with that slightly under-baked cookie quality. The squares are small—ideal for pairing with an afternoon cup of tea—and in an era of Crumbl cookies large enough to feed four people, I find that quite refreshing.
Cons: If you aren’t a fan of Earl Grey tea, you likely won’t enjoy these. They do, in fact, taste like Earl Grey tea. (I’m looking at you, Reddit.) Additionally, if you prefer a drier, crumbly, or “short” baked good, these won’t be for you. Otherwise, I have no notes.
Verdict: I feel like I’m losing my mind because I consider these to be among the best baked goods Trader Joe’s has ever released. Perhaps I received an especially good batch. I’ll find out soon enough, as I fully intend to purchase them again.
