Trader Joe's Hot Honey Popcorn is a must for any certified snacker.
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During the work day, I’m a consummate snacker. Fresh cut veggies, a few crackers with fancy cheese and a handful of gummy bears are simply not safe around me from the hours of 9 to 5. In fact, most of my weekday lunches are just a snack plate with an amalgamation of odds and ends from the fridge and pantry.
On my list of top-tier snacks is popcorn. Store-bought or homemade, flavored popcorn can satisfy just about any craving, from buttery and sweet to salty with a kick. I also love that it is socially acceptable to shovel it in by the handful, whether you’re at a desk working, on the couch watching TV, in the car driving, or at a movie theater (and if it’s not, please don’t let me know).
So when I saw a new flavored popcorn at Trader Joe’s, it was an easy add-to-cart. And let me tell you, this Hot Honey Popcorn became my new favorite snack before I even left the parking lot.
Taste of Home Award
Hot Honey Popcorn
I Love Popcorn, and I Love TJ’s
Trader Joe’s has always been a great place to get popcorn because the store is not afraid to switch things up. Yes, TJ’s carries classic cheddar popcorn and movie theater-style butter popcorn, but the real stars are the more niche flavors. There’s the umami-rich Piquant Popcorn, a Buffalo-ranch popcorn for those who love spice, and even a peanut butter and caramel popcorn for dessert.
I was stoked when I spotted the Hot Honey Popcorn’s bright yellow and red packaging because I imagined the snack could have the perfect trio of sweet, savory and spicy flavors. This popcorn taste-test couldn’t wait until I got home, so I opened the bag the minute I got in the car—and I’m so glad I did.
It’s sweet like honey at first, but after a couple of pieces, the heat of the cayenne pepper starts to seep in and build. Like most foods with hot honey, the spice is by no means overwhelming, but it definitely makes its presence known. There are also pleasant hints of butter here and there, which means this popcorn hits all my favorite flavor notes.
But the best part is the texture. Instead of a powder seasoning, the popcorn has a super-thin coating, similar to caramel corn. When paired with the light and airy kernels, the resulting texture is crisp and crunchy, making me reach into the bag again and again. I love this popcorn so much that I’ve texted three friends (and, of course, my Taste of Home coworkers) out of the blue, telling them they need to try it.
It’s Destined for More Than the Bowl
I usually pour Hot Honey Popcorn into a bowl and eat it on its own as an afternoon pick-me-up, but that’s by no means the only way to enjoy it. Trader Joe’s recommends mixing it with other snacks, like chocolate chips, a chili snack mix or spicy nuts, for a variety of flavors and textures in every bite.
I think this popcorn would also be great packed in a make-ahead lunch for work or school, or served as a crunchy snack on a charcuterie board. I’ve also served it on a toothpick as a garnish for a bee’s knees cocktail, much to the delight of my dinner party guests.
But how long will Trader Joe’s Hot Honey Popcorn be available?
The Hot Honey Popcorn is only available at Trader Joe’s, so you’ll have to brave the notoriously tight parking lots to get a bag. The flavor is a limited-time offering, which means it’s unclear exactly how long the popcorn will stay on shelves. Some of TJ’s limited-time products become permanent, some return seasonally (like the mini carrot cake, which is now back for spring!), and others are discontinued (we dream of you often, cowboy bark). So, if you want to try Hot Honey Popcorn, you should grab your grocery list and head to the store sooner rather than later.
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