One bag of Trader Joe’s Crispy Dried Watermelon is packed with 1.5 pounds of vacuum-dried watermelon strips, though you wouldn’t guess it at first glance. TJ’s calls it “a true feat of physics,” which is truly enough reason for me to give ‘em a try.

Another notable aspect of this new snack is that each bite doesn’t lose its sweet melon flavor, even though all the moisture is gone. Of course, the most important feature is its serving size being 1 package.

Trader Joe’s Crispy Dried Watermelon isn’t yet featured on the grocer’s website, though it’s definitely gained some buzz on social media platforms like Reddit. One user shared their love for the wacky newcomer snack in this thread, saying: “without a doubt, the best thing I’ve ever had from Trader Joe's. It is sooo unbelievable.”

A few more users chimed in with praise for the snack, while others remained quite skeptical of its quality and taste.

“I like them,” one person wrote. “It reminded me of sweet plantain chips, except watermelon.”

“You’re the only person I’ve ever seen actually enjoy it,” another user commented.

“I’m glad someone is enjoying it! Our crew sampled it and we all hated it, that’s hilarious,” one more person said.

The same user posted a few photos with their comments about the Crispy Dried Watermelon, with one capturing the nutrition facts label on the package. One serving of the sweet snack (the entire bag) has 150 calories, 15mg sodium, 35 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein.

The only real caveat to its miraculous one-bag serving size is it contains 31g of sugar – so, if you’re watching your sugar intake, it might be best to snack on this one slowly.

In addition to simply munching on the Crispy Dried Watermelon on its own, TJ’s suggests crushing the pieces to use as a cocktail garnish or even blending it in a food processor with heavy cream and powdered sugar for a watermelon-flavored homemade frosting.

Brit + Co New Year's Eve Dinner Recipes

Mac + Cheese Gnocchi

When you’re forming your own traditions, start by riffing on classic recipes like this mac and cheese. Our fancy gnocchi side dish is loaded with three kinds of cheese and will make every carb lover give thanks. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

We love a good Instant Pot meal and this creamy and delicious dish does not disappoint. It's great for your NYE feast! (via Brit + Co)

Pressure Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Just dump the ingredients into your pressure cooker, and you'll have food enough to feed a family in less than 30 minutes. (via Brit + Co)

10-Minute Vegan Trader Joe's Stir-Fry

On a budget? You just need a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies and frozen brown rice on hand for the base to this healthy meal. (via Brit + Co)

Mango Shrimp Curry

A jar of mango chutney acts as the base of this shrimp stir-fry. Talk about summery goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Thai Basil Stir-Fry

Punchy Thai basil, chiles, and garlic add a burst of flavor to this simple ground chicken stir-fry. Serve with sticky white rice so you can soak up every last bit of sauce. (via Brit + Co)

4-Ingredient Vegan Baked Ziti

Bake pasta without having to boil it beforehand by giving it a quick soak. You'll be surprised at how much time you save. (via Brit + Co)

Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken, Squash, and Green Beans

We love everything about this simple and fresh sheet-pan chicken and veggies. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Sheet-Pan German Sausage and Veggies

Hearty vegan cooking doesn't have to take forever. Whip out your handy sheet-pan, and you'll be eating this melange of veggie sausage, potatoes, and cabbage in about 45 mostly hands-off minutes. (via Brit + Co)

Mexican-Style Hot Dogs in Lettuce Wraps

Keep it casual with a jumble of veggies and black beans that put a much fresher spin on hot dogs. (via Brit + Co)

20-Minute Tahini Salmon Salad

The rich and nutty tahini dressing is the key to transforming this salad into one you'll actually get excited about eating. (via Brit + Co)

Pressure-Cooker Carnitas

This flexible recipe has a flavorful base of pork shoulder, aromatic veggies, adobo sauce, and beer, but you can also get creative by adding your own combination of herbs and seasonings. (via Brit + Co)

Easy French Dip Sandwiches

For a casual yet still comforting NYE meal, try our version of Pinterest’s most-pinned Instant-Pot recipe cooks tender chuck roast in nutty ghee, which we serve on buttered pretzel rolls with mild cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and leftover juices for dipping. (via Brit + Co)

Paleo Orange Chicken

The classic American-Chinese staple is made even quicker when seared and pressure-cooked in the IP. Add a little bit of sriracha for a sweet and spicy flavor that's unmatched. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Beef Stew

You'll want to go ahead and bookmark this Instant Pot recipe because chances are, after you make this stew for the first time, you’ll go back again and again. (via Brit + Co)

Keto Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

We thought meatballs couldn't get much better but stuff them with cheese and suddenly they're a whole new meal that we can't get enough of. We love to use them on top of zoodles but any old noodles will work too ;). (via Brit + Co)

Pumpkin Curry

This side dish can also serve as a main course for any plant-based eaters around your dinner table this Christmas Eve. The flavors of pumpkin and vegetables keep things light and bright, while the spicy curry will warm you to your toes. (via Brit + Co)

Harissa Shrimp Recipe With Chickpea-Dill Tomato Sauce

You'll love this recipe due to its versatility. The tomato sauce could easily support any protein, from tofu to rack of lamb. Not into dill? Use parsley, mint, basil, or cilantro (or d. all of the above) instead. No chickpeas? Omit them or substitute literally any other legume. Go to Italy or India this NYE with your flavor profile. (via Brit + Co)

Squid Puttanesca

This sustainable, healthy, and delicious meal is a great start to a happy new year. (via Brit + Co)

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Sheet pan meals are a lifesaver on busy nights when you don't have time to cook and do a pile of dishes. Quick-cooking shrimp is the ideal protein for the method, since it cooks up in mere minutes. (via Brit + Co)

Sesame Shrimp Puffs

These savory puffs are perfect for your NYE potluck. (via Brit + Co)

Spicy Butter Chicken

makes for a romantic weeknight at-home date night. Serve with plenty of basmati rice for scooping up that addictive sauce, and enough slices of naan to literally wipe your plate clean. (via Brit + Co)

New Year’s Food That’s Both Fancy and Delicious

Pan Seared Duck Breast with Savory Blackberry Sauce

Duck breasts are surprisingly easy to prepare and this flavorful dish will have your dinner guests in awe of your cooking talents. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Beef Stroganoff

This crowd pleaser is comforting and easy to prepare with variations like extra creamy or garlicky. (via Culinary Hill)

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Make this cozy soup with the classic flavors of chicken pot pie,, topped with crispy puff pastry bites for the perfect NYE meal! (via Barley & Sage)

Crock-Pot Crispy Caramelized Pork Ramen Noodle Soup With Curry Roasted Acorn Squash

Who knew a crockpot meal could look so beautiful? We love this for an NYE party because it has a little bit of everything, thanks to some truly mouth-watering flavors. (via Half Baked Harvest)

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SPINACH LASAGNA

Make this flavorful twist on traditional lasagna with layers of roasted butternut squash sauce, roasted garlic and a cheesy spinach mixture, all baked until golden. (via Cozy Cravings)

PORCHETTA

This all-belly porchetta is so rich and tender and perfect for a holiday dinner. Fennel and traditional Italian seasonings make it feel fancy but it's super easy. Serve with some roasted potatoes and greens. (via The Endless Meal)

Pan Seared Ribeye With Herb Butter

If you need some New Year’s Eve food ideas for an intimate night with just you and bae, it might be time to whip out the top-quality ribeye. Don’t forget to dowse it in the homemade herb butter. YUM! (via Joyful Healthy Eats)

Apple and Gouda Grilled Cheese

Elevating cheese and apples… from the hors d’oeuvres tray to the dinner plate. If you feel like something more casual, try a grab-and-go instead of a sit-down New Year's Eve meal. This sandwich ticks all of the boxes. (via Domestic Superhero)

Oven Baked Salmon With Lemon Cream Sauce

If your New Year's dinner ideas need some beautiful color, this salmon recipe should do the trick. Paired with asparagus and rice, your guests will leave absolutely stuffed. (via Natasha’s Kitchen)

Braised Red Wine Short Ribs

We don’t want to get too fancy on you, but the Parmesan polenta made with this dish totally sold us. Plus, the braised ribs are super easy — toss them in the oven, then simply pull them out when guests arrive for a tasty New Year's recipe. Done! (via Inquiring Chef)

Bacon, Brie, and Apricot Grilled Cheese With Balsamic Reduction

This might be one of the most mouthwatering sandwiches, and New Year's Eve menu ideas, we’ve ever come across. The thick slabs of Brie melting into the apricot preserves goes perfectly with the crunchy, toasted bread. (via Yammie’s Noshery)

Chicken in a Creamy Parmesan and Sundried Tomato Sauce

These chicken breasts can be whipped up in a snap and are truly drool-worthy, which obviously makes them the ideal choice to serve at a holiday dinner party. This would be perfect on a bed of noodles or wild rice. (via Closet Cooking)

Curry Roasted Eggplant With Smoked Cardamom and Coconut Milk

If you're wondering what to cook for New Year's Eve, look no further. We think whipping up a curry would be super unexpected and a great surprise to dinner guests. They might be hesitant at first, but once they taste the tender eggplant, all bets are off. (via The Bojon Gourmet)

Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake With Bacon

Alfredo and bacon, friends… the savory combination we didn’t even know we needed. Make sure you’re ready for the cream overload, though, because this gnocchi bake is chock-full of ricotta, sour cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan. (via Cooking and Beer)

Honey Dijon Roasted Pork Tenderloin

This New Year's Eve meal idea is great for an intimate gathering of friends or family to celebrate the new year. Other than the pork, you only need four pantry ingredients (plus salt and pepper), so you can have this whipped up in no time. (via The Seasoned Mom)

Whole30 + Paleo Shallot Filet Mignon

Kick off the new year with this healthy yet totally satisfying meal. (via Olive You Whole)

Foolproof Beef Wellingtonby Chef Genevieve LaMonaca

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef Tenderloin center cut canon (ask your butcher)
• 1-2 T Avocado Oil for searing
• 8oz shallots, minced
• 1 lb Mushrooms, cremini or button, minced
• 6 T butter
• 1 t thyme leaves
• 1 T minced Parsley
• Salt and Pepper TT
• Pastry Dough x 2:
• Bread Flour 1 1/2 cups plus 1 T
• Butter 3/4 cup (6oz) cubed
• Salt 1/2 t
• Ice cold water 1/4 cup

Directions:

• Slice off a 2 lb center cut canon from a beef tenderloin or ask your butcher.
• Pat dry, season heavily with salt and pepper. sear on all sides using a fat with a high smoke point (Avocado oil)
• Tip: Precooking your beef is the secret to preventing a soggy bottom crust and most of the moisture is removed prior. This will also ensure that your tenderloin is cooked perfect every time.
• Roast in a 150 oven to an internal temp of 115. Chill
• TIP: I like to measure my canon lengthwise side to side then the circumference by using butchers twine. This will help me determine the size I need to make my prosciutto bed and pastry sheet.

• Make your mushroom duxelles. Saute half a pound of minced shallots in 6 T butter then add 1 lb finely chopped mushrooms and thyme, saute, deglaze with sherry wine as necessary, cook until pan is dry, add minced parsley, season and set aside.
• Add flour and butter to a counter top mixer and using a paddle, combine on lowest speed until the butter is turned into crumbs and all the flour is Incorporated. Pour in your ice water and mix until combined. Place dough onto the counter and form into a ball then flatten/ wrap with plastic wrap and chill.

New Year's Eve Recipes That Cover All The Bases

Savory Parmesan French Toast With Hollandaise Sauce

We’re noticing that Parmesan cheese is a recurring ingredient on this list, but we’re obviously okay with it. Take this savory French toast, for example. This New Year's Eve dinner recipe is breakfast for supper, only better. (via The Food Charlatan)

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks in Red Wine Sauce

Instead of just drinking red wine, you can cook your meat in it too. Serve these shanks on top of mashed potatoes and you have yourself a meal fit for your finest guests. (via Recipe Tin Eats)

Mushroom and White Truffle Mac and Cheese

This dish isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s the most grown-up of the grown-up macaroni and cheeses out there. If you love noshing on truffle fries, then this New Year's menu idea is right up your alley. (via The Almond Eater)

Parmesan Spinach Gnocchi

We’re mixing up New Years' party food and adding gnocchi with this recipe. It’s warm, delectable, and makes for a comforting winter dish. Everyone craves a cheesy, cream-based meal when it’s cold, so they might as well get it at your NYE dinner party. (via Life As a Strawberry)

Pasta With Light Avocado Cream Sauce

Don’t be fooled by the green — these aren’t zoodles, although those would make a great dish for New Year's Eve too. These noodles get their pretty green color from being tossed in avocados and creamy spinach. (via Yummy Healthy Easy)

Pear, Prosciutto, and Gorgonzola Pizza

This pizza brings together a whole lot of flavors we love and want more of. It’s salty and sweet perfection for dinner. The best part? It’s loaded with Gouda, mozzarella, and Gorgonzola. (via Recipe Runner)

Smoked Salmon and Avocado Pizza

Everyone will want to grab a slice of this pie (or the whole thing). If you weren’t sold at avocado, the “sauce” is made up of cream cheese, dill, and garlic, then melted together with grated mozzarella. (via Cafe Delites)

Instant Pot Lamb Chops With Creamed Cauliflower

If you got an Instant Pot for Christmas, this recipe will have you putting it to good use by making these tender and herbaceous lamb chops served over creamy puréed cauliflower. (via A Pleasant Little Kitchen)

This innovative take on ravioli includes a velvety butternut filling, crunchy walnuts, roasted cauliflower, and browned butter.

Barramundi en Papillote

Flaky barramundi is steamed in parchment alongside Meyer lemons, ginger, bell peppers, and butter for a meal that promises big flavor and little clean-up. (via Jelly Toast)

Apple Bacon and Blue Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops

There truly is no better way to enjoy a pork chop than when it’s stuffed to the max with a mouthwatering medley of sweet apples, tangy blue cheese, and salty bacon. (via Jo Cooks)

Instant Pot Korean Beef Tacos

Everyone loves tacos, so feeding your pals these tender and juicy Korean beef tacos topped with fresh cilantro, kimchi, peanuts, and Sriracha mayo is a surefire way to win at hosting. (via Pinch of Yum)

Garlic Butter Scallops With Lemon Sauce

Scallops will win over the heart of any dinner guest — especially when they’re pan-seared to golden perfection in buttery garlicky goodness. (via Rasa Malaysia)

Crockpot Coq au Vin Meatballs

Make these easy herb-seasoned parmesan chicken meatballs cooked in wine with vegetables, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs for a warm and flavorful holiday meal. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Arayes With Cheese

These crispy arayes feature a flavorful ground meat mixture and shredded cheese stuffed into pita bread then grilled to crispy, juicy perfection. (via Forks & Foliage)

Pomegranate Roasted Chicken Thighs

This easy chicken recipe has an intense sweet and sour flavor similar to balsamic. The pomegranate roasted chicken thighs are made with a flavorful marinade using pomegranate molasses. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Cheese Stuffed Shells

For an easy and delicious vegetarian dish, these cheese stuffed shells are made with three types of cheese, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan, baked with a marinara sauce, and served with fresh basil. !(via Feel Good Foodie)

One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage

This meal only takes 30 minutes but looks and tastes like you've spent all day in the kitchen. (via Salt & Lavender)

Vegan Creamy Lemon Pasta

Even if not everyone is vegan, this lemon pasta will please a crowd. The secret ingredient? Hummus! (via Maggie Bakes Grace)

Aloo Gobi is one of the easiest curries to whip up and made with cauliflower, potatoes and spices you likely already have in your pantry..(via Munching With Mariyah)

No-Boil Broccoli Rabe + Sausage Baked Pasta

This oven-baked pasta is one of the most satisfying for a winter holiday meal. (via Rach L Mansfield)

Seared Scallops in Roasted Vegetable Puree

Keep it simple yet elegant with seared scallops and vegetable puree, perfect for a fancy night dish. (via Nareen's Eats)

Coconut Dal

NYE is a great time to try something new like this coconut dal dish with comforting lentils. Serve over rice with warm bread or naan. (via allosimone)

BAJA NO-FISH TACOS

Oyster mushrooms and cashew cream make these vegan tacos as delicious as the fish-based.(via Chef Bai)

Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Go for this cozy classic with a vegan and gluten-free twist made with a brothy lentil base and fluffy mashed potato topping. (via Two Spoons)

Truffle Pizza

You can never go wrong with truffle oil and pizza to please a crowd. (via Live Eat Learn)

ITALIAN MAHI MAHI WITH LEMON BUTTER SAUCE

Mahi mahi, butter, garlic, white wine, lemon, capers, and parsley served over rice or pasta sounds like a perfect NYE meal to us! (via Cilantro Parsley)

1. Barrel Jeans

We have a love/hate relationship with barrel jeans because some of them can make us look frumpy. That's not a word we like to use often so that should be a hint at how complicated this fashion trend is for us. Still, we saw an increased interest in this and can't be mad at how great some people styled it.

Our favorite outfits included a plain button-up top, balloon jeans, flats, and a cute coat to accessorize it.

Try this style:H&M High Rise Barrel Leg Jeans

2. Oxford Loafers

Wearing loafers is never a cause for burning down the fashion industry, but we didn't think the clunky versions would be a shoe of choice for anyone. Some of us can't forget wearing penny loafers with our school or church outfits, but we never thought we'd see modern versions of a shoe we were forced to wear.

P.S. Can you picture the plaid dress or skirt with thick white stockings stuffed into black penny loafers? Or, is that just us?

Try this style:Dr. Martens Adrian Virginia Leather Tassel Loafers

3. Mary Jane Flats

Fashion trends aren't supposed to make us sigh and roll our eyes before admitting we love them, but Mary Jane flats elicited that response from us. We truly didn't know we'd see them so much in 2024, but they were another surprising popular style.

P.S. We have a pair in our closets too so you're not alone.

Try this style:Old Navy Mary Jane Square Toe Ballet Flats

4. Metallic Studs Galore

This really shocked us because we thought people were leaning towards minimalism. As far as anyone can see, there isn't anything subtle about strategically placed metallic studs on a garment or shoe. But, guess what? The girls loved it.

We can't say that we gave into the hype, but we're glad people enjoyed playing around with gaudy pieces last year. For all we know, someone will still love wearing this trend in 2025.

Try this style:Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat

5. Sequins Everywhere

We don't think this trend went out of style, but we saw how many people rushed to wear sequins during the holidays. We even gave in to it ourselves and we're kind of proud of it. However, we remember how annoying it was when some of our sequins popped off and rolled away into some unknown abyss.

Try this style:ELOQUII x Kate Spade New York Sequin Column Dress

6. Mini Bubble Skirts

Some of us were unable to participate in this fashion trend because of the way we're shaped, but we weren't complaining. This is probably the most confusing trend that we kept seeing, making us question what year we were living in.

Somehow, mini bubble skirts were one of the trendy styles to wear in 2024, but we really wish they would go back to wherever they crawled from. Sorry, not sorry!

Try this style:A New Day Bubble Hem Mini Skirt

7. Androgynous Neckties

It's not that we hated this trend back in the day, but we didn't think people would start wearing neckties again. It's one of those trends that felt easy to forget until you saw someone wearing one.

Try this style:Luckyvestir Tie