I Never Leave Trader Joe’s Without This $3 Find To Upgrade Any Meal

It seems like each time I enter Trader Joe’s, I am looking for the new “it” thing to try. Whether I’ve heard about it from family, friends, the Trader Joe's podcast, or the always-informed Allrecipes team, I can count on fellow TJ's shoppers to steer me in the right direction. And this latest gem was no different. When I heard a friend of mine talking about the one thing she gets every time she goes to Trader Joe’s, I knew I had to try it—and now it’s on my list of go-to products, too.

Along with the Greek Chickpeas, the Patio Potato Chips (when I can find them), and a frozen treat (or three), I now always grab the Trader Joe’s Crispy Jalapeño Pieces.

What Are Trader Joe’s Crispy Jalapeño Pieces?

These spicy, crunchy bits are just the thing to add a little something extra to anything from soups and salads to dips, and more. They're just like French-fried onions you know and love, only kicked up a notch.

Though at first I was expecting circular slices, the pieces are all different sizes, in strip form. The peppers are thinly sliced so they have just the right amount of coating to make them crunchy, but not heavy or greasy. They almost melt in your mouth. Each bite is a little salty, a little spicy, and a lot crave-able. They have a mild kick that will appeal to most palates—even those that can't tolerate a lot of heat.

How to Use Crispy Jalapeño Pieces

The possibilities for these fried jalapeño bits are endless. I snacked on a few as soon as I popped open the can while my lunch was heating up. Then it was as easy as sprinkling them on my tomato soup to turn my bowl into something better and brighter, with a delightful kick of texture and spice. As the pros at TJ’s suggest, “Snack on these straight from the canister. Sprinkle them on everything from mac & cheese and nachos to salads and pizza. For barbecue season, top your burger with a handful of Crispy Jalapeño Pieces for a dash of heat and a dose of crunch.”

Thanks to Reddit and some savvy TJ's customers, I found even more clever ideas for this product. The-Tea-Lady brilliantly uses these on Mississippi Beef. Others mentioned adding the pieces to sushi(!), veggie chili, sandwiches, scrambled eggs, and comforting casseroles. I'll be adding them to my weekday salads and tacos next Tuesday. They can also easily take the place of French-fried onions in green bean casserole for a fun twist.

One user chimed in on r/traderjoes with one of the simplest, yet best ideas for the product: "Just sitting on the couch eating the Crispy Jalapeño Pieces straight out of the can." There were many responses in solidarity, "I’ve never eaten them any other way! I love to snack on them." Respect.

Where to Find This Spicy, Crunchy Snackable Add-On

These crispy bits made their debut at Trader Joe's a couple of years ago to sit alongside (or replace, depending on the time of year) the seasonal Crispy Onion Pieces. They can be found near the other condiments and pantry staples. Priced at just $3, they are a no-brainer buy on your next TJ's trip, so that you, too, can sample the spicy goodness for yourself.