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Tag: Trader Joe’s

Published on Leave a comment on Trader Joe’s Crunchy Chili Onion

This Trader Joe's Crunchy Chili Onion was purchased at the same time as their salsa macha. We didn't think that jar was truly representative of the condiment, as it was mostly nuts and seeds in oil, with little chili heat. This jar however, comes closer to a real chili crisp, and, curiously, doesn't choose to call itself that. Let's see what it tastes like.

Main Flavor Elements
  • Onion
  • Garlic
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Olive
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: N/S
  • Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Low
  • Texture: Crunchy
  • Saltiness: Low (150mg. per 18gm.)

As expected, the primary flavor profile favors the garlic and onion. The level of crunch is satisfactory, at least for a product without nuts. The heat sits nicely in the background, keeping things warm and spicy. Even though listed as somewhat low, we found the saltiness acceptable.

We couldn't help thinking that if only this jar had more chili pepper flakes, it should be the one TJ's calls salsa macha.

Of the two Trader Joe's offerings, we preferred this one for the added heat. And at $4.49 a jar, it doesn't break the bank.

Ingredients

Olive oil, dried onions, dried garlic, dried red bell peppers, crushed chili peppers, toasted dried onions, sea salt, natural flavors, paprika oleoresin (color).

More Information

Brand: Trader Joe's
Style: Crunchy oil
Price Paid: $4.49 / 6oz.
Country of Origin: USA
Manufacturer website:
Social media:

Published on Leave a comment on Trader Joe’s Crunchy Salsa Macha

We bought this Trader Joe's Crunchy Salsa Macha on a whim months ago. It was under $5 for the 8 oz. jar, a bargain if it was good. So was it?

Trader Joe's Crunchy Salsa Macha jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Mostly the nuts, seeds
  • Salt
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Olive oil
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Sesame
  • Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Low
  • Texture: Crunchy, by way of seeds and nuts
  • Saltiness: Low (90mg. per 15g.)

Another of the few olive oil-based ones we've seen, which we liked. There's a load of sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and pepitas. But we were quite surprised to see how little chili pepper there was in this supposed "salsa macha". The flavor here is mainly seed nuts and salt. There is little to nothing in the way of heat or spice. Pequin chile pepper, far down the list of ingredients, is barely detectable unless tasting the condiment exclusively on its own.

TJ's has another product called Crunchy Chili Onion that comes far closer to being a salsa macha. Having said that, there must be a place for this product in the world of infused oil condiments, but we aren't really sure where that is. Still, we kinda like it anyway.

We can't in good conscience categorize this as a salsa macha, so we're calling it a Crunchy Oil instead.

Ingredients

Olive oil, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, garlic powder, dried pequin chile pepper, salt.

More Information

Brand: Trader Joe's
Style: Crunchy oil
Price Paid: $4.49 / 8oz.
Country of Origin: USA
Manufacturer website:
Social media: