Mentioning this in reference to Trader Joe's Carrot Cake Spread because, honestly, if I didn't know it was trying to taste like carrot cake, I probably wouldn't have guessed it right off the bat. It's kinda an odd concoction...but oddly good.
Let's do this hypothetically blindfolded. First words I would say are chunky, almost like a marmalade. Except it's little bits of matter instead of orange peel or whatever. But there's absolutely a jammy marmalade vibe. Then, sweet. Very sweet. I'd pick up on apples right away, then probably pineapple for a slightly tart taste. Then, spicy. Not overly. I'd say ginger primarily, maybe a little cinnamon too. Then, super sweet, lots of sugar. Almost too cloyingly sweet but it sorta reins it in a smidge.
Makes sense, I guess. Carrots really don't taste like much by themselves, and there's enough other stuff going on here.
Does it taste like carrot cake then? Meh....not sure. When I think carrot cake, my mind defaults more to it being a vehicle for cream cheese frosting inhalation, not a super sugary cake by its lonesome. Indeed, nekkid carrot cake would sway more towards savory in my opinion, while this TJ's carrot spread is undeniably sweet and sugary. So I wouldn't say it tastes just like carrot cake...but seeing the label, a little, I can see what TJ's is going for here. It kinda works.
Still, I just can't shake that the carrot cake jelly is a bit too sweet and perhaps a little off the mark. Maybe if labelled as Spiced Pineapple with Carrot or something goofy like that, I'd be a bit more on board with the general concept. You see, it's messing with me here...quitting while I'm somewhat ahead.
Bottom line: Trader Joe's Carrot Cake Spread: 7.5 out of 10 Golden Spoons
So glad to find out this stuff doesn't contain cream cheese. Definitely a buy for me.
ReplyDeleteI bought this yesterday and tried it on baguette with brie! It was amazing (if you like the sweet/savory thing, which I do). As with many jams and jellies, this will probably work its way to the back of my fridge and I'll find it sometime next April. But for now, I'm loving it. It's a nice change from pumpkin everything!
ReplyDeleteAs a graphic designer, I am indeed guilty of choosing wine by its label and reading a book by its cover. That aside, it is curious the main color for this label is turquoise blue, not a food color except for jelly beans and birthday cake writing.
ReplyDeleteWOW! It is gluten free, dairy free, and nut free. Allergen free spread for sure.
ReplyDeleteDunno that i would have picked this up but it sounds interesting- although i think the entire point of carrot cake is the frosting.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it’s a good topping for yogurt with some chopped walnuts!?
Ttrockwood
If I can get past the rather unappetizing "glistening goo" appearance, I might give this a try. Perhaps mixing it with Greek yogurt or plain oatmeal would temper the sweetness a bit?
ReplyDeleteI'm going to attempt a carrot cake fudge with my jar... I wasnt thrilled with the flavor:(
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the few Trader Joe's products I've tried that I found totally inedible. Unless your carrot cake is filled with preserved fruit/bitter marmalade, it's NOTHING like carrot cake. BLECH! I'll be sticking with the heavenly Pumpkin spice cream cheese, and Joe-Joe's, and..... lolol
ReplyDeletePS just noticed you said it suggested using it on pork (didn't notice it on the jar, but I trust u lol). Forget that. But for many years I stock up on their Pumpkin butter and use that on pork (and sometimes boneless/skinless chicken). It's FABULOUS and I have all my TJ's folks and friends using it that way. It keeps it so moist. Be sure to lightly salt first.
ReplyDeleteIf this is already bordering on cloying sweetness, then maybe mix it with regular cream cheese rather than cream cheese frosting?
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