Trader Joe’s – Live Laugh Love Do http://livelaughlovedo.com A Super Fun Site Fri, 19 Dec 2025 05:53:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 We Taste-Tested 26 Brands of Protein Bars—Here Are Our Favorites http://livelaughlovedo.com/we-taste-tested-26-brands-of-protein-bars-here-are-our-favorites/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/we-taste-tested-26-brands-of-protein-bars-here-are-our-favorites/#respond Sat, 30 Aug 2025 04:06:06 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/08/30/we-taste-tested-26-brands-of-protein-bars-here-are-our-favorites/ [ad_1]

We taste-tested 26 brands of protein bars you’re likely to find at your local supermarket or online. To find the very best one, we sampled each without knowing which brand was which. Our winner is Trader Joe’s Chewy Chocolate & Peanut Butter Protein Bars, but we also crowned four runners-up.

I’ve never bulked in my life, so the whole protein-packed world feels as foreign to me as the cult fandom behind Love Island. Still, I know a delicious and nutritious bar when I see one. I often snag a few bars before daylong hikes, high-intensity fitness classes, and marathon afternoons at the office. In recent years, protein bars have become a fixture of the checkout aisle: Rows of shiny bars in every flavor and protein level imagination sit alongside candy and gum, daring you to add one to your basket. The question is: Which are worth buying?

To find the very best protein bars, our editors sampled 26 different brands that you’re likely to find at your local grocery store or online. We focused on bars with at least 10 grams of protein, cutting each into quarter-inch cubes and sampling them in random order without knowing which brand was which. After snacking our way through a dizzying number of bars, we tabulated the results and crowned an overall winner, as well as four worthy contenders that we’d happily reach for when we want a nutritious snack.

Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez


The Criteria

While protein content matters, it’s just as important that the bars taste good. A good protein bar shouldn’t taste like protein powder, which can give bars a dry, chalky, and faintly bitter flavor with an odd milky aftertaste. Chunky add-ins, such as nuts or rice crisps, and flavorings, including vanilla and chocolate, can help mask the taste. But when overused, flavorings—natural or not—can result in cloying sweetness or an artificial edge.

Overall Winner

Trader Joe’s Chewy Chocolate & Peanut Butter Protein Bars

“Nutty and salty-sweet. I like!” wrote our senior editor, Genevieve, who gave top marks for its flavor and texture. Similarly, our associate culinary editor, Laila, enjoyed the light, crisp textures of puffed rice and its peanut-forward flavor. Both our associate visuals director, Amanda, and our senior social media editor, Kelli, praised the crunchiness of the protein bar, which stood out in a sea of dense (and at times mushy) contenders. Our editorial director, Daniel, preferred it over most others, since it contained “noticeable whole ingredients.”

Runners-Up

  • GoMacro MacroBar, Dark Chocolate + Almonds
  • Grab1 Protein Bar, Peanut Butter & Oat
  • NuGo Dark Chocolate Pretzel Protein Bar
  • Quest Double Chocolate Chunk Protein Bar 

Though our editors didn’t enjoy these protein bars quite as much as our winner, they still thought the four below were solid choices and would be happy to eat a full bar on the go. 

Best Protein Bar for Candy Bar Lovers: NuGo Dark Chocolate Pretzel Protein Bar

This bar divided our tasters but hit a sweet spot for those craving a salty-sweet, candy bar-like snack. “Minty?” wrote Daniel, who found the overall flavor OK. Both Genevieve and Laila thought it was a touch too salty for a protein bar, but found it paired nicely with the chocolate. Texture-wise, Kelli liked that it was “not too chewy,” and Amanda enjoyed its crunchiness.

Best Protein Bar for Those Who Like To Chew: GoMacro MacroBar, Dark Chocolate + Almonds

“Yes, I would eat a whole one,” wrote Kelli, who praised its slight chew and chocolate flavor. Laila also enjoyed this bar’s mild sweetness and the flavors of coffee and dates, adding that she’d happily eat a whole bar.

Best Crispy Protein Bar: Grab1 Protein Bar, Peanut Butter & Oat

This bar’s texture was far better than its flavor. Our editors, however, would still eat a full one. “Crunchy and airy, with a crisp bite—likely from crisped rice,” wrote Laila. Both Genevieve and Amanda enjoyed its crispiness as well. Still, most editors agreed it was way too sweet, and Laila thought it tasted too much like vanilla.

Best Protein Bar With 20 Grams of Protein: Quest Double Chocolate Chunk Protein Bar 

This product has nearly double the protein of most protein bars. While extra protein usually comes at the expense of flavor or texture, this bar struck a happy medium, and most of our editors thought this was just fine. “I could probably eat a whole bar,” said Amanda, who was a fan of its fudginess. Meanwhile, Kelli described the texture as “fine.”

Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez


The Contenders

  • 365 by Whole Foods Market Chocolate Chip Energy Bar
  • 88 Acres Banana Bread Pumpkin Seed Protein Bar
  • Aloha Organic Plant-Based Bar, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
  • Balanced Tiger Protein Bars, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
  • Barebells Protein Bar, Chocolate Dough
  • Clif Bar, Chocolate Chip
  • Fulfill Protein Bar, Chocolate Peanut Caramel
  • Genius Gourmet Protein Bar, Chocolate Dream
  • GoMacro MacroBar, Dark Chocolate + Almonds
  • Grab1 Protein Bar, Peanut Butter & Oat
  • Kellogg’s Special K Bar Protein Bars, Brownie Batter
  • Kirkland Signature Protein Bars Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
  • Kirkland Signature Soft & Chewy Granola Bars
  • Mezcla Puff-Crispy Bar, Peanut Butter Chocolate
  • Misfits Plant-Based Protein Bar, Caramel Fudge
  • Nature Valley Protein, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Protein
  • NuGo Dark Chocolate Pretzel Protein Bar
  • Power Crunch, Peanut Butter Fudge
  • Pure Protein Bar, Chocolate Peanut Caramel
  • Quest Double Chocolate Chunk Protein Bar
  • Quaker Protein Bars, Peanut Butter & Chocolate
  • RXBAR Protein bar, Peanut Butter Chocolate
  • Think High Protein Bar, Chunky Peanut Butter

  • Trader Joe’s Chewy Chocolate & Peanut Butter Protein Bars
  • Trader Joe’s Energy Bar, Chocolate Chip
  • TRUBAR Protein Bar, Oh-Oh Cookie Dough

Key Takeaways and Conclusion

With so many different protein bars available, it’s no surprise that there was plenty of variation in the products we tried. Some brands naturally increase the protein content of their bars by incorporating ingredients such as soy crisps, oats, nuts, and seeds, while others rely on protein powders. These protein powders are generally made with a blend of whey, milk, or soy, with each bringing its own distinct flavor. Our winners and runners-up are generally packed with plenty of good stuff—oats, nuts, and dried fruit—to mask the less pleasant flavors of protein powder.

Peanuts, whether as whole nuts, flour, or butter, are in many of our top picks. Peanuts not only add protein but also contribute a satisfying saltiness that balances the sweetness of the bar. Our winner, Trader Joe’s Chewy Chocolate & Peanut Butter Protein Bars, features a combination of peanuts, soy protein crisps, and semisweet chocolate. One of our chewiest runners-up, the GoMacro MacroBar, is predominantly made with brown rice syrup, almond butter, and a proprietary protein blend. Of all the runners-up, Quest’s Double Chocolate Chunk packs the most protein. The brand lists a protein blend of milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate as its very first ingredient. 

Most bars use binders—such as cocoa butter, sugar, agave, brown rice syrup, and/or maltitol—to hold the ingredients together and enhance flavor. Our editors preferred bars that rely on cocoa butter, nut butters, and natural syrups, such as agave or brown rice syrup. Conversely, bars that are heavy on sugar substitutes (also known as sugar alcohols) or palm oils were less popular, as they can give the bars an artificial sweetness or a greasy finish.

Our Testing Methodology

All taste tests are conducted with brands completely hidden and without discussion. Tasters taste samples in random order. For example, taster A may taste sample one first, while taster B will taste sample six first. This is to prevent palate fatigue from unfairly giving any one sample an advantage. Tasters are asked to fill out tasting sheets, ranking the samples according to various criteria. All data is tabulated, and results are calculated with no editorial input to provide the most impartial representation of actual results possible.

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]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/we-taste-tested-26-brands-of-protein-bars-here-are-our-favorites/feed/ 0 What to Buy (and Skip) at Trader Joe’s http://livelaughlovedo.com/what-to-buy-and-skip-at-trader-joes-for-summer-2025/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/what-to-buy-and-skip-at-trader-joes-for-summer-2025/#respond Sun, 20 Jul 2025 03:14:47 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/07/20/what-to-buy-and-skip-at-trader-joes-for-summer-2025/ [ad_1]

What to Buy (and Skip) at Trader Joe’s For Summer 2025: Insider Picks for Fresh, Wholesome Finds

By Sofia Patel – Wholesome Cooking Enthusiast

As I chop fresh garden veggies for a family dinner in my remodeled kitchen this crisp December morning, with my kids sampling plant-based snacks, I’m reminded of what to buy (and skip) at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025 to keep meals vibrant and easy. At 45, as a home chef who’s transitioned to more plant-based meals for better energy, I’ve cherished TJ’s seasonal hauls—my summer 2025 favorites like matcha lemonade and passion fruit sorbet elevated our backyard picnics. What to buy (and skip) at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025? From limited-time frozen treats to overrated snacks, this guide reveals insider picks for fresh, wholesome summer eats that stock up before they’re gone. On this December 18, 2025, as we reflect on the year, let’s uncover what to buy (and skip) at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025 to inspire your next wholesome adventure.

Drawing from my family traditions where TJ’s finds turn simple dinners into joyful feasts, I’ll blend expert insights with practical tips for savvy shopping. Whether stocking up for barbecues or skipping impulse buys, what to buy (and skip) at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025 ensures budget-friendly, nutritious choices. With TJ’s unique offerings like garlic butter potato chips and strawberry cloud cookies, let’s dive in with warmth and a focus on creating memorable, healthy meals.

What to Buy at Trader Joe’s for Summer 2025: Refreshing Beverages That Beat the Heat

What to buy at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025 starts with quenching drinks like Matcha Lemonade, a zesty green tea blend perfect for poolside sipping. My plant-based transition loves its antioxidant boost—stock up before it’s gone.

The Watermelon Cucumber Cooler is another must, with fresh flavors for hydration. Blend with ice in this blender—the exact one I use for quick smoothies.

For more summer hydration, see Nutrition Guide.

Best Seasonal Summer Trader Joe’s Products to Buy – Thrillist

What to Skip at Trader Joe’s for Summer 2025: Overhyped Frozen Snacks That Disappoint

What to skip at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025 includes Crustless PB&J Sandwiches, bland and not worth the calories despite convenience. My kids preferred fresh fruit—save space for better finds.

The Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Bread sounds seasonal but dries out quickly. Skip for homemade with this dough maker—the exact one I use for dough.

What to Buy at Trader Joe’s for Summer 2025: Garlic Butter Potato Chips for Crunchy Snacking

What to buy at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025? Garlic Butter Potato Chips, a savory hit for picnics. My remodel included air-frying copies—currently limited, run to grab.

Pair with dips; use this zester for fresh garlic—the exact one I use for zest.

See Exploring Functional Foods Benefits for snack ties.

Trader Joe’s Haul! What to Buy at Trader Joe’s in May 2025 | Sporked

What to Skip at Trader Joe’s for Summer 2025: Caesar Salad Dip That’s Too Salty

What to skip at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025? Caesar Salad Dip, overly salty and not fresh-tasting. My plant-based preference favors homemade—save money.

Make your own with this blender—the exact one I use for creamy dips.

Outbound to Bon Appétit for better alternatives.

What to Buy at Trader Joe’s for Summer 2025: Strawberry Cloud Cookies for Sweet Treats

What to buy at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025? Strawberry Cloud Cookies, light and fruity for dessert. My kids love them in lunchboxes—limited edition, stock up.

Bake similar with this mixer—the exact one I use for precise cuts.

See Holiday Dessert Dip Mixes for sweet ideas.

What to Buy (and Skip) at Trader Joe’s For Summer 2025 | Bon Appétit

What to Skip at Trader Joe’s for Summer 2025: Salted Maple Cold Foam Creamer That’s Overly Sweet

What to skip at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025? Salted Maple Cold Foam Creamer, too sweet and artificial. My transition skipped it for fresh brews.

Make foam with this blender—the exact one I use for creamy toppings.

What to Buy at Trader Joe’s for Summer 2025: Passion Fruit Sorbet for Refreshing Desserts

What to buy at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025? Passion Fruit Sorbet, tangy and dairy-free for hot days. My plant-based family loves it—gone fast, grab multiple.

Scoop with this prep set—the exact one I use for serving.

See Exploring Plant-Based Protein Options for vegan ties.

Trader Joe’s Items Coming This Summer — Including S’mores Ice Cream

What to Skip at Trader Joe’s for Summer 2025: Apple Pie Spread That’s Too Sugary

What to skip at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025? Apple Pie Spread, overly sweet and not versatile. My kids preferred fresh fruit—skip for homemade.

Blend your own with this processor—the exact one I use for spreads.

What to Buy at Trader Joe’s for Summer 2025: Root Beer Float Pieces for Nostalgic Snacks

What to buy at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025? Root Beer Float Pieces, creamy and fun for movie nights. My remodel included sharing these—limited, run to stock up.

Mix in desserts with this shears—the exact one I use for chopping.

See Gluten Free Meal Plan Week 1 for snack ideas.

What to Skip at Trader Joe’s for Summer 2025: Tom Yum Seasoned Popcorn That’s Too Spicy

What to skip at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025? Tom Yum Seasoned Popcorn, overly spicy for mild palates. My family skipped it for milder options.

Make popcorn with this air fryer—the exact one I use for healthy snacks.

Outbound to What’s Good at Trader Joe’s for reviews.

What to Buy at Trader Joe’s for Summer 2025: Chili Lemon Corn Sticks for Crunchy Bites

What to buy at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025? Chili Lemon Corn Sticks, zesty and addictive for trails. My hikes feature these—gone quick, grab extras.

Pack with this set—the exact one I use for storage.

See Summer Smoothie Bowl Recipes for complementary ideas.

Trader Joe’s New Items: What to Buy at Trader Joe’s in July 2025 | Sporked

What to Skip at Trader Joe’s for Summer 2025: Honey Mustard Pretzel Pieces That Lack Flavor

What to skip at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025? Honey Mustard Pretzel Pieces, bland compared to hype. My transition favored fresh—skip for DIY.

Craft with this zester—the exact one I use for flavor.

Essentials Amazon List for Summer TJ’s Meal Prep

Enhance TJ’s finds with tools. The blender for smoothies is this one—the exact one I use for berry blends.

The processor for dips is this one—the exact one I use for pesto.

The prep set for storage is this one—the exact one I use for salads.

The shears for chopping is this one—the exact one I use for herbs.

The air fryer for crisps is this one—the exact one I use for veggies.

Wrapping Up: Master What to Buy (and Skip) at Trader Joe’s for Summer 2025 for Wholesome Wins

What to buy (and skip) at Trader Joe’s for summer 2025 empowers your wholesome kitchen—stock favorites like matcha lemonade, skip salty dips. As 2025 ends, these picks inspire joyful meals.

Outbound to Bon Appétit for more TJ’s reviews.

P.S. Ready for wholesome recipes? Sign up for our free recipe e-book to get seasonal ideas and build your collection of inspiration: Free Recipe E-Book Signup.

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]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/what-to-buy-and-skip-at-trader-joes-for-summer-2025/feed/ 0 Trader Joe's quietly brings back incredible fan favorite candy http://livelaughlovedo.com/trader-joes-quietly-brings-back-incredible-fan-favorite-candy/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/trader-joes-quietly-brings-back-incredible-fan-favorite-candy/#respond Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:53:44 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/07/14/trader-joes-quietly-brings-back-incredible-fan-favorite-candy/ [ad_1]

Most people know their favorite grocery store by heart. They know exactly which aisle has their favorite candy, how much each soda costs, and perhaps even some of the staff by name. It’s wonderful when you have that kind of store nearby and don’t have to go to different locations to get what you need.

It’s a store where you feel comfortable and can get the best deal for your money. Trader Joe’s sets itself apart from other chains, maintaining its loyal customer base for several reasons.

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At Trader Joe’s, you won’t find many branded items, as shelves are stocked with about 85% of private-label products, and some of them are only available for a limited time. The store typically has around 4,000 items, which is significantly lower than at a typical grocer store, which may offer 50,000 items.

The company relies on a truck-to-shelf model, which means items are not being stored in the back but directly on shelves, ensuring freshness. This practice also avoids supplier favoritism by not allowing suppliers to pay for a better spot on a shelf.

The goal of Trader Joe’s is to provide great value through high-quality products, affordable prices, and especially friendly customer service. It listens to its customers, which is why it has just brought back a fan favorite.

Trader Joe’s had to discontinue its popular chocolate gummy bears last year over mislabeling issues.

Image source: James McDowall/Shutterstock

Popular Trader Joe’s candy is back after a mislabeling recall

Don’t you hate it when you walk straight to the aisle where your favorite snack is stocked and reach out, but can’t find it?

You look left, right, up, and down, everywhere. You don’t want to ask the staff if it’s placed somewhere else, because you dread the answer.

A product can get discontinued for various reasons, such as slow demand, challenges in manufacturing, or mislabeling issues. Sometimes products come back and sometimes they don’t, depending on the reason for their discontinuation.

Related: Costco brings back controversial perk, dividing loyal shoppers

Last year, Trader Joe’s milk chocolate gummy bears were recalled over labeling errors, according to several forums. It wasn’t too long before customers took their thoughts to Reddit, sharing their disappointment about how the tasty candy can’t be found anymore.

One Reddit user wittily described how much they like them, warning others not to buy them “If you value your waistline. They are like crack, and my self control is futile against an open bag of them!! Oh my word, these things are deadly.”

More food and drink news:

Then, the discussion began on how the gummy bears can’t be found on the shelves anymore. Most users confirmed they heard from employees that the product was pulled because the nutritional information on the back was not accurate.

Now, they’re finally back.

Fans are raving about the Trader Joe’s milk chocolate gummy bears’ comeback

There had been no updates on when the candy would return until June 10, when Trader Joe’s fan account revealed they were coming in July. 

The candy is now back in some locations, and fans are going wild.

Related: Costco brings back controversial perk, dividing loyal shoppers

One fan shared the news on Reddit, and comments started to pile up, with most of them saying they can’t wait to buy it again.

“Say what you want, these are incredible,” wrote one user who signed as a “non-sweets loving guy.”

Another went on to say, “Sorry guys, but I’m going to buy all of them.”

To create this popular treat, Trader Joe’s teamed up with an expert Swedish confectionery. The milk chocolate is smooth and creamy, and there’s an assortment of gummy bear flavors. 

An 8 oz. pack comes with a price tag of $3.99, and hopefully, this time it will stay on  shelves.

Related: Genius free app helps you save more money on groceries

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