Monday, October 24, 2016

Trader Joe's Big & Chunky Applesauce



I think, but can't be completely sure, that this is the last variety of Trader Joe's applesauce that we have not yet reviewed in these pages.

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to say that we had saved the best for last? Alas, it is not to be. For this stuff is--well, vile is probably too strong. But unpleasant is not.

That it contains large apple chunks is not a detriment. That the non-chunky part is actually slimy is a detriment. So is the fact that the product tastes only mildly of apples. These two conditions likely result from the manufacturer (1) adding water, and (2) artificially sweetening it with apple juice concentrate and white grape concentrate.

There is no excuse for this. Trader Joe's certainly knows how to make (or buy) good applesauce; it is the purveyor of two of the finest examples of the genre to be found on American store shelves. Why they thought this sweetened, watered-down bilge would be a hit with the same customers that like the good, pure stuff is a mystery to me.

The only compliment I can pay it is that it's not as bad as the Apple Banana Fruit Sauce Crushers. But that is the very definition of damning with faint praise.


Will I buy it again? 

Begone with your silly questions.


Nina's View

No. No no no no. Just NO.

Vile is not too strong. Worst. Texture. Ever. in an applesauce.

Banished to my Bottom Ten.

1 comment:

  1. I liked it, and I didn't detect any of the sliminess of which you speak so eloquently here. In my experience, the addition of various texturizers – gums, gels and extenders such as tapioca starch – is usually responsible for a slimy consistency. But never simple water.

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