Trader Joe’s, you’ve done it again. Just when I thought my snack drawer was at maximum capacity, you slide in with the Chocolatey Drizzled Strawberry Flavored Kettle Corn, complete with freeze-dried strawberries sprinkled on top. Because, obviously, what the world was missing was another way to turn popcorn into a dessert imposter. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a culinary plot twist. Regular kettle corn? Too mainstream. Adding strawberries and a chocolate drizzle? Now we’re in uncharted snack territory. So, grab your favorite overpriced artisanal beverage, and let’s dive into this daringly decadent, possibly over-the-top, snack aisle escapade. Who needs regular popcorn when you can have a fruit-infused, chocolate-laden spectacle in a bag?
When I first saw this on the shelf at my local Trader Joe’s, I knew this product would be trouble. Because why not? Chocolate, kettle corn and strawberries in a munchable combination that is surely going to be your next Trader Joe’s addiction.
On the surface, this Chocolatey Drizzled Strawberry Kettle Corn is a continuation of a series of products over the years. First, there was plain kettle corn and we all went Yum!. Then they started drizzling it with chocolate and we went Yum Yum! Then Trader Joe’s came out with this Frankenstein and we went OMG!
How Does It Taste?
Right away when you open the bag you can smell the chocolate and strawberries. The strawberries almost smell fake because they are so fragrant but I think that’s what the freeze drying process does to them. It accentuates the strawberry scent.
Visually, this Kettle corn looks just like any other kettle corn, except you see the chocolate and the strawberry flakes sticking to the popped corn.
The one thing I will mention that the chocolate melts very fast in your hands so it does get a little messy but it’s worth the effort when you eat it because this is one of the most interesting kettle corns I’ve ever had and Trader Joe’s is genius for sprinkling dried strawberry bits all over the popcorn becuase wow does it lift it into a different plane!
The addition of the dehydrated strawberries gives it this extra dimension of flavor. The strawberry flavors come shining through like a beacon of light on a foggy day. You go, why didn’t I think of that and where is my shaker of dehydrated strawberries to start sprinkling on everything?
Different Ways To Use
Trader Joe’s Chocolatey Drizzle Strawberry Kettle Corn can be more than just a snack straight from the bag. Its unique flavors lend itself to a bunch of cool ideas. Here are five fun ways to put this snack into recipes or as an ingredient in various dishes:
- As a Decadent Ice Cream Topping: Crush the kettle corn lightly and sprinkle it over a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The combination of the cold, creamy ice cream with the crunchy, chocolatey, and fruity popcorn will create a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
- In a Sweet and Savory Trail Mix: Mix the kettle corn with nuts like almonds or pecans, dried fruits like cranberries or banana chips, and perhaps some mini pretzels or dark chocolate chips. This trail mix can be a perfect sweet and savory snack for movie nights or outdoor adventures.
- Chocolatey Strawberry Popcorn Bars: Use the kettle corn as a base for homemade popcorn bars. Mix it with melted marshmallows and a bit of butter (similar to rice krispie treats), press into a pan, let it cool, and then cut into bars. It’s a fun, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for parties or as a snack.
- As a Crunchy Salad Topper: Add an unexpected twist to a fresh garden salad by sprinkling some of this kettle corn on top. It would pair well with leafy greens, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette, adding a unique sweet and chocolatey element to the salad.
- Chocolatey Strawberry Popcorn Pancake/Waffle Topping: Crush the kettle corn and sprinkle it over pancakes or waffles along with whipped cream or Greek yogurt. The combination of the warm pancakes or waffles with the crunchy, sweet popcorn makes for a delightful breakfast treat.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate covered Kettle Corn is 2000s and while it’s a great product, we can pretty much get it anywhere but this is the first time I have seen dried fruit added to kettle corn and it just shoots Trader Joe’s Chocolatey Drizzled Strawberry Kettle Corn into another dimension. Run, don’t walk to get several bags before it’s gone! I am going to give it 9 out of 10 Stars!
