Trader Joe's Fruit - Ends & Pieces

I feel almost bad (but not really) that we happened upon these at our store.  I've been hoping, dreaming that maybe one day we would get the "ends & pieces" of Trader Joe's fruit bars.

Low and behold, I happened to go down that specific aisle and there they were!  I bought 8 packs...now wondering if I should have gotten more or, better yet, bought all that was available.

These, basically, are what they say...the ends and pieces they cut off of the fruit leathers/all fruit bars that they sell.  I talked about them in this post.  Evee thinks that they are candy and they really are that delicious...all while being 100% fruit and goodness for you.

The "ends & pieces" are sold for 1/3 of the price of the other "fruit leathers" and i think taste just as good or better.  The only downside is that they come few and far between, which obviously makes sense but is sad none the less.

If you happen to come across them at your own store, my only words to you are this: STOCK UP!

Trader Joe's Soft & Juicy Dried Mango

Trader Joe's Soft and Juicy Dried Mango was a hit around here for awhile (it was in October's Fearless Flyer pg. 3).  It is $1.69/bag and is exactly as it's described - both soft and juicy.

While we really liked it, as far as taste, what I didn't like was the added sugar.  And, I couldn't tell how much sugar had been added.  Trader Joe's does have other dried mango, but it is much more expensive and still comes in a smaller bag then some of the other dried fruit.

It is a treat, but more like a candy treat than a healthy snack.  I won't be buying it again because we switched over to Trader Joe's Dried Apricots which don't have any added sugar and are still soft and juicy.  I'd recommend those over the mango, for that reason alone.  

Trader Joe's Fruit Leathers

These fruit leathers are a favorite treat of ours.  They come in different flavors, some being raspberry, strawberry, mixed berry, etc and are $.49 each.  They are sweet, but all natural and made with 100% real fruit. 

Trader Joe's has other fruit leather/bars that are bigger for $.55 each or ones that have added fiber for $.59 each.   These come in additional flavors, including apricot.

We use these as special treats, but they are always worth it!  The only reason they are not a bulk buy is because of the price.  The only place I've seen these cheaper is at Target, where you can get a 10 pack box for $2.99. 

Trader Joe's chocolate covered almonds

These have been my latest favorite Trader Joe's item!  They are so good.  They also have milk and dark chocolate covered almonds (a mix).

I was curious about what percentage of dark chocolate these were, since that matters with dark chocolate (70% or higher is best and makes it a healing food!).  A woman at the customer service desk called the distributor to ask!  How awesome are Trader Joe's employees!

Anyway, in the treat pictured above, it's only 50% dark chocolate.  So, not great...  BUT, this same employee pointed out that there are containers with dark chocolate covered almonds that are 72% dark chocolate!  I just had never seen them.  They are a bit more expensive, which is to be expected with the higher cocoa content. 

You should definitely try them out some time!  And, I'll be getting the true dark chocolate ones next time.

The almonds pictured above are $6.99 for 24 ounces.  The darker chocolate one is $4.99 for less, but I can't remember how much exactly (maybe 16 ounces or so). 

Happy snacking to you!

Simply Almonds, Cashews & Cranberries

Just a quick note to say that this trek mix is amazing.  We've been getting it for awhile now, but for those who have never tried it - you are missing out!  It's like all the best things of a trail mix, but without all the stuff you don't like (for me, at least :)).

You can buy it like this for $4.69 or in individual bags (which are really convenient) for the same price (but you get an ounce or 2 less).  Last week they just had this bag and I ended up putting them in individual containers for us to grab and go.

I'll report in tomorrow with the Meal Plan Follow Up!