11 Snacks to Nosh on While You’re Trimming the Tree

Cassandra Pisone
Dec 11, 2015

Decking the halls with boughs of holly can certainly work up an appetite. To get into the holiday spirit, you might play a little music, light a candle and sing a carol or two while you work. Okay, so there may be a few grumbles while the lights are untangled, but this year, things will be even better because you plan to take advantage of all the flavors of the season (Gingerbread! Peppermint! Caramel!) and start a new tradition: snacking *while* decorating. Check out these 11 tasty snacks to keep you from getting hangry while you trim the tree.

1. Three-Ingredient Chocolate Bark: The holidays are all about chocolate, right? Making your own is way easier than you might think. If you’re looking for something to gift to coworkers and friends, this recipe is customizable — just add whatever you have in your pantry. (via Yeah… I’mma Eat That)

2. Gingerbread Cookie Dough Cups: Take a pass on the Reese’s Peanut Butter trees this year — you can make a way better DIY version at home. Plus, making these is almost as fun as decorating the tree. (via Yeah… I’mma Eat That)

3. Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon Knots: Give cinnamon rolls some seasonal flair with these apple cinnamon knots. You can make a batch for breakfast after cutting down your tree and snack on the leftovers all day long. (via The Yooper Girl)

4. Vegan Cookie Dough Truffles: Grab those candy canes and get to the kitchen to make these vegan, gluten-free treats. They’re free of refined sugar, and you’ll only need 10 minutes to make a whole batch. (via Running With Spoons)

5. Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge: You probably already have everything you need to make this super easy fudge (no candy thermometer required!). A word to the wise: Double the recipe so you’ll have plenty to eat while you’re decorating the tree, and even more to give away as gifts. (via Brit + Co)

6. Hazelnut & Cherry Whole Grain Crackers: The sweet, fruity, nutty flavor of these crackers provides the perfect vessel for all those seasonal dips and cheeses. Regular crackers never had a chance. (via The Kitchn)

7. Almond Joy Energy Bites: Any snack that has chocolate, coconut + almond butter can’t be wrong. You don’t even need to turn on the oven to make these healthy energy bites. (via How Sweet It Is)

8. No-Bake Christmas Tree Cookies: Everyone will be impressed by your handiwork with these cute little trees, and you won’t even have to turn on the oven. Don’t skip the multipurpose mini M&Ms — they’re delicious and add “ornamental” (get it?) pops of color. (via The Recipe)

9. Cinnamon Dark Chocolate Chip Biscotti: Biscotti were made for enjoying with a hot beverage, which you’re sure to want after spending the afternoon picking out your tree. (via Kristine’s Kitchen Blog)

10. Easy Pretzel Pecan Turtles: The best snacks don’t make you chose between sweet + salty. You only need four ingredients for this cute little snack, and it’s easy to make ahead and store in the fridge. (via Sarah’s Bake Studio)

11. Maple Bacon Bourbon Popcorn: This gluten-free snack hits all the right notes. If you’re heading over to a friend’s to help decorate, this is the perfect hostess gift as well. (via Bless Her Heart Ya’ll)

How delicious are these little treats? Follow us on Pinterest for more holiday baking inspo.

The “Miraculous” New Trader Joe’s Snack You Won’t Feel Guilty Eating

There are plenty of Trader Joe’s snacks I could easily eat the entire package of, like the Milk Chocolate Covered Honeycomb Candy and the Ghost Pepper Potato Chips – but they’re definitely not intended to be eaten in a single sitting at the cost of a gnarly stomachache.

But, TJ’s is constantly innovating, and their newest snack surprisingly defies all expectations: the serving size is actually the entire package. Fans are nothing short of intrigued.

Reddit

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.

Reddit

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.”

Reddit

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.

Reddit

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.

Reddit

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.

Would you try this wacky Trader Joe's snack? Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to discover more buzzy TJ's items!

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17 Vegan Starbucks Drinks & Foods Plant-Based Eaters Need To Know About

Eating out as a vegan can be a true challenge, especially if you don’t exactly know that what you’re ordering is 100% vegan. Fast food faves like McDonald’s and Taco Bell are secretly packed with vegan items, and Starbucks is no exception. From oat milk coffees to satisfyingly savory snacks, you’ve actually got plenty of plant-based choices when you pull up at your local Starbucks.

Scroll on to explore every vegan Starbucks drink and food item you can add to your order!

Vegan Starbucks Drinks

Starbucks

1. Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado

This new-to-the-menu espresso drink combines brown sugar syrup and oat milk to balance out the punchy coffee notes.

Starbucks

2. Latte (Iced + Hot)

You can totally enjoy a latte at Starbucks if you're vegan. Their oat, almond, coconut, and soy milks are vegan, plus many of their syrups qualify as vegan, too, if you want to flavor up your drink. According to this Starbucks supervisor, all of Starbucks "clear" syrups are vegan and dairy-free. Starbucks' regular and white mocha sauces and caramel drizzle are also vegan and dairy-free.

Starbucks

3. Americano (Iced + Hot)

Starbucks' Americanos are just water and espresso, so you don't have to worry about any dairy being in there. Optionally, you could ask for a splash of non-dairy milk and pumps of your fave syrup.

Starbucks

4. Brewed Coffee (Iced + Hot)

Same goes for their brewed coffees, including iced coffee. Easily ask your barista to add in some non-dairy milk and a few pumps of syrup if you desire!

Starbucks

5. Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

This vegan cold brew drink is crafted with non-dairy cold foam that's flavored with salted caramel – and it's delish!

Starbucks

6. Nitro Cold Brew

A plain nitro cold brew from Starbucks is fully vegan and dairy-free. You can choose to add a splash of non-dairy milk, if you wish your sip to be a bit smoother and creamier.

Starbucks

7. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

This one's a classic: shots of espresso get shaken up with ice and brown sugar syrup to create a frothy foam, then the drink is topped off with oat milk to cut the bitterness. It's quite a delectable order, even if you're not eating fully vegan.

Starbucks

8. Starbucks Refreshers

All of Starbucks' fruity Refreshers are vegan. Plus, you can can add lemonade, tea, other flavor inclusions like strawberry and peach to add some extra oomph.

Starbucks

9. Iced Black Tea

Their refreshing iced black tea is certifiably vegan, too.

Starbucks

10. Iced Green Tea

If you prefer green tea, Starbucks' offering is vegan-friendly. If you tend to take your tea a bit sweeter, just order it with however many packets of your preferred sweetener, and your barista will add it in.

Starbucks

11. Lemonade

You truly can't go wrong with a lemonade!

Starbucks

12. Hot Teas

Starbucks' hot teas are totally vegan, too. If you want to make them fancier, ask for an additional splash of your go-to non-dairy milk!

Vegan Starbucks Foods

Starbucks

1. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Now onto the food! First up is Starbucks' oatmeal, which you can fancy up with nuts, berries, and brown sugar. Make sure to order it with water to ensure it stays vegan.

Starbucks

2. Plain Bagel

Surprisingly, Starbucks' bagels are also vegan.

Starbucks

3. Everything Bagel

The plain and everything bagels will work for any vegan eater.

Starbucks

4. Avocado Spread

Plus, you can order your bagel with a side of this delicious avocado spread for a nutritious boost!

Starbucks

5. Spicy Falafel Pocket

This 100% vegan snack pocket is new to the Starbucks menu, but it's already become a fan-favorite amongst vegans and non-vegans alike.

Starbucks

6. Chipotle Almond Dip

You can order the Spicy Falafel Pocket with a side of this fully-vegan Chipotle Almond Dip (AKA Bitchin’ Sauce). Yum.

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The 16 Best Vegetarian Trader Joe’s Snacks, According To Shoppers

If you think you already know all the best vegetarian snacks at Trader Joe's, think again, because the people of Reddit has something to say about every top-tier choice you can find between the aisles. From savory picks to sweet treats(my fave!), I just discovered a ton of new and surprising finds via Reddit, and I’m a very frequent TJ’s shopper.

You’re definitely not going to want to miss these 16 vegetarian snacks at Trader Joe's on your next trip!

Trader Joe's

1. Organic Roasted Vegetable Pizza

This vegetarian pizza has it going on with tons of roasted eggplant, zucchini, red onion, grilled yellow and red peppers, and garlic piled on top. One Redditor mentioned it was their favorite vegetarian find at TJ's and that they like to enjoy it with the Crumbled Goat Cheese once fully baked. Yum!

Trader Joe's

2. Crunchy Curls

The Crunchy Curls were mentioned several times because they truly make the best snack. These bites are made with lentil flour and potato starch to give a delicious but nutritious crunch.

Trader Joe's

3. Kimbap

This "veggie-forward" kimbap roll is made with Korean tofu to give it an extra boost of protein. All it takes to make is 2 short minutes in the microwave, so it's super easy to fix as a mid-day snack.

Trader Joe's

4. Mini Mushroom Tartelettes

If you're all about bite-sized snacks, the Mini Mushroom Tartelettes are perfect for you. Between a flaky crust lies so many satisfying flavors from the blend of white and shiitake mushrooms, chopped garlic and shallot, and Parmesan, cream cheese, and ricotta.

Trader Joe's

5. Almond Chipotle Dip

“This dip is my fave,” one Redditor noted about Trader Joe's Almond Chipotle Dip. You can easily use the spicy dip to dunk veggie sticks and crackers in or make it a spread for wraps and sandwiches. One user even noted that it tastes similar to Bitchin' Sauce, which goes great with everything.

Trader Joe's

6. Vegetable Bird's Nests

As a Trader Joe's OG since 2003, the Vegetable Bird's Nests are totally worth crunching on, and many Redditors noted it as their favorite vegetarian snack. The lightly-battered combination of julienned onions, carrots, and kale gets so tasty in the air fryer.

Trader Joe's

7. Thai Vegetable Gyoza

Gyoza is equally as good for a snack as it is for lunch or dinner. These dumplings are simply packed with veggies, plus they're extremely simple to make in the steamer, frying pan, or microwave.

Reddit

8. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

TJ's Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies are ahh-mazing. Next time you're in need of a sweet treat, swing by their bakery section to find tons of delicious vegetarian snacks!

Trader Joe's

9. Scandinavian Swimmers

These marine-themed gummies come in all sorts of shapes that will bring you just as much joy as their sweet flavor and chewy texture will.

Trader Joe's

10. Eggplant Garlic Spread

Described as a "sleeper hit" on the Trader Joe's website, this eggplant spread can work with a variety of dishes like sandwiches, wraps, toasts, pastas, pizzas, crackers, and crostinis. Bonus points since it's absolutely vegetarian-approved!

Trader Joe's

11. Organic Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls

No other breakfast food speaks to me quite like the classic cinnamon roll. TJ's fully organic version is no exception – they're perfectly fluffy and sweet to enjoy any time of day!

Trader Joe's

12. Vegan Banana Bread

This loaf boasts a "fabulously sweet" flavor and a "dense, moist texture" that you might not even guess is fully vegan and vegetarian if you didn't know already. Try enjoying it slice-by-slice with a smattering of nut butter and cinnamon for absolute amazingness (and a protein boost!).

Trader Joe's

13. Mini Vegetable Samosas

The Mini Vegetable Samosas came up several times as Redditors discussed their favorite vegetarian Trader Joe's snacks. They're essentially the best savory pastries around, stuffed with a "curry-like mixture" of peas, carrots, potatoes, lentils, onions, and Indian spices. They are astounding when you cook 'em in the air fryer!

Trader Joe's

14. Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos

It doesn't get more basic than a taquito when it comes to easy snacks. These frozen, pre-made rolls are made with just black beans and cheese, so all vegetarians can happily enjoy them! Trader Joe's recommends you eat them with their famed Jalapeño Sauce, which we can confirm is downright addicting.

Reddit

15. Korean Scallion Pancakes

One Redditor said that TJ's Korean Scallion Pancakes are worth the try for vegetarians, especially when topped with arugula and a fried egg for a more filling snack or meal.

Trader Joe's

16. Hashbrowns

"The hash brown patties are never wrong 🤓,” one Redditor said. And it's true – these hash browns from Trader Joe's make a great snack no matter the time of day. They work well as a savory breakfast pairing or on top of salads. They're even delicious when enjoyed alone!

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Jenna Bush Hager's New Book Club Pick Is A Family Drama That "Will Sweep You Off Your Feet"

What is it about family sagas that seem to make book clubs more interesting? Maybe it's because we know interpersonal relationships can be a little dysfunctional. It could be that we still don't know how to communicate with the people we love the most. Even if we love our parents and siblings, reading about other families' fictional twists and turns gives us a rush of adrenaline.

So it's no wonder Jenna Bush Hager's January book club pick feels like something we can read without putting down. It's full of complicated relationship dynamics, love, and reconciling one's identity with their past. You can say it's the perfect read to kick off your 2025 reading goals!

Learn more about Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 book club pick and fall in love with one character's journey of self-discovery.

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The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight

Penn should be excited about advancing her education at the University of Edinburgh, but she can't stop thinking about the secret her parents have been keeping from her. For some reason, she believes she'll uncover it while she's in Scotland because Lord Lennox — her father's friend — is in the area.

Her hunger for the truth leads her to Lord Lennox's estate where she she starts mingling with his family and even discovers love in this moving novel.

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Jenna Bush Hager's Thoughts About The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus

Jenna Bush Hager thinks readers will love The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus because "it's a rich novel" with themes of "friendship and motherhood" (via Instagram). It's so good, she's sure "it will sweep you off your feet (via Instagram).

We hope you enjoy reading about Penn's journey in The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus and encourage you to check out Reese Witherspoon's January book club pick next!

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7 New Trader Joe’s Items Under $5 You Need To Try In January

Trader Joe’s loves to keep us on our toes when it comes to their new arrivals. We’re constantly monitoring the aisles to discover all the new TJ’s sweet treats and savory snacks they launch – and these 7 new picks for January 2025 are not to be missed! All of these Trader Joe’s products will run you less than $5, which only makes sealing the deal on your grocery bill easier.

From delicious dips to a very enticing new frozen meal, these are the 7 best new Trader Joe’s finds you absolutely need to try in January 2025.

Trader Joe's

1. Teensy Candy Bars

These tiny little candy bar bites ($2.99) resemble Snickers in the best way possible: layers of nougat, caramel, and peanuts are enveloped in a delicious chocolate coating for maximum snackage. We're gonna have to resist eating the whole bag! TJ's even suggests using these bits as decoration for other desserts, like sprinkling some on a scoop of ice cream or baking them into some cookies.

Trader Joe's

2. Olive Tapenade Hummus

Trader Joe's array of dips is simply too good to resist, and this newcomer hummus ($3.49) is no exception! It's a tub of "smooth and nutty" hummus topped with a tapenade comprised of black olives, manzanilla olives, capers, and olive oil to give it a salty effect. It's gonna taste so great as a dip for crackers or as a spread on a Mediterranean pita wrap.

Trader Joe's

3. Organic Concord Grape Jelly

This squeezable grape jelly ($3.49) is nothing short of nostalgic. Trader Joe's says it's "super smooth, joyously juicy, and potently purple," which immediately has us sold on making PB&Js every day now.

Trader Joe's

4. Spicy Chicken Nuggets

Oh, yeah. Bring on the spice with these spicy nuggs ($3.99) that make the perfect easy meal no matter the time of day! Made from all-natural chicken breast and rib meat, breaded with wheat, rice and corn flours, then covered in hot sauce and lightly fried, TJ's has their texture down to a tee. You can easily cook 'em in the air fryer, oven, or microwave before chowing down!

Trader Joe's

5. Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos

These halved and fried frozen tacos ($4.99) will totally crush your Taco Bell cravings, since they come together super quickly and contain flavors with mind-blowing authenticity! Each taco is filled with a blend of seasoned mashed potatoes and some "ever-so- slightly spicy" poblano peppers that'll work so well with any dipping sauce, from TJ's salsa to their creamy Jalapeño Sauce.

Trader Joe's

6. Strawberry Mini Hold The Cone!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Trader Joe's is debuting a new flavor ($3.99) of their classic Hold The Cone! frozen dessert: strawberry! These tiny, chocolate-covered cones are lined with even more "rich" chocolate on the inside, then packed with strawberry ice cream, which TJ's says is crafted with plenty of strawberry purée.

Trader Joe's

7. Caesar Salad Dip

Trader Joe's shoppers have said this new Caesar Salad Dip ($3.69) makes a perfect girl dinner addition– which, if you get it, you get it! The tub starts with a "creamy" base that's then loaded up with Caesar-seasoned sour cream, mayo, anchovy paste, Parmesan, and finely shredded Romaine for the crunch. It's best enjoyed with crackers or veggie sticks to dip, but you could also smatter fried chicken or seared steak in it for some ahh-mazing flavor!

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