Trader Joe’s, home of the fine scent of essential oils that lingers in the air, and the sound of yoga mats gently unfurling. Also home of, as I’m sure you know, the Kale Chips (yuk), and Quinoa (yes please). What you may not know is, among this riot of kale chips and quinoa puffs, there sits a most curious prodcut: the Trader Joe’s Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips Chili and Lime Flavored. These handsome little spirals of crunch and spice are your local TJ’s bold attempt to clone the famously fiery, and rolled-up bits of heaven that are Takis. But are they really actually a quality match for the monolithic original, or just an also-ran snack for those who are simply too yoga-limber to purchase the real deal? Let’s find out together, as we dive belly first into this crunchy conundrum, and find out whether or not this chip truly represents a snack revolution!
If you haven’t been following along over the past couple of years a product from Mexico has taken the snack world by storm. That product is called Takis.
Takis are a twist on the regular tortilla chip you get in a bag, literally. They are rolled up in a tube (well most of the time, many of them are not completely rolled or two get rolled together). Instead of the triangle shaped chip you are probably most used to you get this little tube of a rolled up chip instead.
But what really separates Takis from normal chip is the fact that they are SPICY! I mean if you take your normal spicy Doritos and up the spice level by a factor of 10, then you are at the spice level that Takis is at.
However, while Takis bring the heat and excitement to snack time, they might not be for everyone. The spice level can be a bit much for those who prefer their snacks on the milder side. And, after munching on a few, you might find the flavor overwhelming, with the spice overshadowing the corn chip’s natural taste. But for those who are all about bold flavors, Takis are a hit.
But how do Trader Joe’s Rolled Chips compare to Takis?
Trader Joe’s Spicy Rolled Tortilla Chips capture a nuanced snack. The flavor balance is such that multiple flavors are at play and none inadvertently harsh the mellow snack experience. In a way, the chili and lime work together. One does not usurp the other, the lime adds a nice sharp tang that neutralizes the burn of the chili. That’s not to say that the chips aren’t spicy, because they are, but the spice serves to enliven, rather than deaden the flavor.
These have slightly less aggressive crunch and texture to them and that might just appeal to more laid-back snackers. Additionally, they seem to be ever so slightly less heavily coated in seasoning as well. This gives the spices a bit less of an impact, leading to a slightly more corn forward flavor. These might very much appeal to someone looking for a somewhat classier, milder snack to pass the time.
Meanwhile, Takis are for the brave, bringing all the heat of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and then some. The spice in Takis seems to fall on the stronger side, offering thrill-seekers the heat they crave from their snack. The lime of the Takis also appears bolder, providing an acidic undertone that accentuates the spiciness rather than calming things down. All in all, the merging of flavors provides a snack that’s extra fiery and tangy, with an aftertaste worth enjoying. The texture of Takis follows suit, being a bit louder as it has a crunchier, more aggressive feel. To add more volume to the mix, Takis also seem to really douse their chips in the powder, making sure that each bite is just as vivid and flavorful as the last.
Final Thoughts
I’d rate Takis corn chips an eight out of 10 stars. They’re a fantastic pick for the adventurous eater looking to spice up their snack routine. The balance between tangy and spicy is nearly perfect, though a tad more subtlety could broaden their appeal. All in all, Trader Joe’s Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips are a must-try for those who like their snacks with a side of excitement!
Ingredients
STONE GROUND YELLOW CORN, VEGETABLE OIL (HIGH-OLEIC SUNFLOWER OIL, HIGH-OLEIC SAFFLOWER OIL, CANOLA OIL), HOT CHILI LIME FLAVORED SEASONING (SALT, YEAST, CORNSTARCH, CANE SUGAR [ADDED SUGAR], CITRIC ACID (ACIDULANT)_FOR FLAVOR, YEAST EXTRACT, CORN MALTODEXTRIN [NOT AN ADDED SUGAR], GUM ARABIC, L-MALIC ACID (FOR FLAVOR), LIME JUICE CONCENTRATE [ADDED SUGAR], ONION POWDER, VEGETABLE JUICE CONCENTRATE, PAPRIKA EXTRACT [COLOR], TURMERIC EXTRACT (COLOR), NATURAL FLAVOR, BETA CAROTENE (COLOR), TOCOPHEROL (ANTIOXIDANT), OLEORESIN CAPSICUM, SILICON DIOXIDE (ANTI-CAKING)), TRACE OF LIME.
Bought them yesterday. Now they are gone. On the down side, I found them a bit too salty.