There’s a new snack on the market causing quite a stir, and it’s not your typical chip aisle find. While Trader Joe’s is known for its beloved frozen seafood options like Argentinian Red Shrimp with Ginger Garlic Butter and Sesame Crusted Hardwood Smoked Ahi Tuna, a new player has entered the game, and shoppers are unsure of what to make of it.
Introducing Trader Joe’s latest creation: Garlic Shrimp Chips. This new from-the-sea snack has hit store shelves quietly, prompting a range of reactions from customers. Some are already singing its praises, with one Reddit user declaring, “I’m SO picky about shrimp chips and I LOVE these! Tried them for the first time today.” A store employee chimed in, stating, “Crew here, we had them in the break room today. Everyone LOVED them! And just the right amount of salt.”
Of course, not everyone is sold on these slightly salty, subtly seafood-flavored chips. Some social media users have voiced their skepticism. One Redditor bluntly stated, “My opinion is that these are not very good. They aren’t very similar to the ones I get from Asian markets. Those brands like Dandy and Calbee are much tastier than these. These are subpar to say the least.” Another shopper noted, “Calbee is better, but this is probably cheaper.”
For those accustomed to traditional shrimp chips, the reactions are mixed. One commentator compared the texture, saying, “Calbee’s has a different texture and mouthfeel. These look like the ones sold at Costco…which are airy and kinda styrofoam-like (not in a bad way for me). Calbee and Nongshim are denser.”
The buzz around Trader Joe’s Garlic Shrimp Chips has extended beyond Reddit, with the Trader Joe’s Treasure Hunt Instagram account posting a picture of the new product and prompting fans to share their thoughts on whether they would “try or deny.” Influencer Talia Heskett (a.k.a. Trader Joe’s Talia) expressed interest, while others were more hesitant, with comments like “Hmm, not sure how I feel about these. Will I buy? Probably not,” and “Something’s just shouldn’t be on a chip.”
The final verdict on these seafood-inspired chips remains up in the air. However, based on the mixed reactions from shoppers, they seem to fall into the category of “worth a try.” Whether Trader Joe’s will keep them as a permanent fixture or offer them as a limited-time seasonal treat remains to be seen. If you’re curious to sample this new snack, you might want to grab a bag for $3.99 sooner rather than later, as the online buzz surrounding these shrimp and garlic crisps suggests they may not stay on shelves for long.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.