Author: Madeline Mahoney

Photographer: Karina Mak

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and what better place to shop for gifts than Trader Joe’s? Seriously, the grocery chain offers some affordable and festive options whether you are looking for simple gifts or to satisfy your own sweet tooth! Trader Joe’s Valentine’s Day items are scattered throughout the store. The bakery section offers several options for pink or heart-shaped treats. Without further ado, here are my thoughts on the TJ Valentine’s Day Collection!

For the Love of Chocolate Mousse Cake

My personal favorite was the “For the love of Chocolate Mousse Cake.” With layers of chocolate cake and a light mousse, it is reminiscent of a Little Debbie’s cake. Though there’s plenty of cake to share with your Valentine, having the whole thing to yourself may be an attractive consolation prize.

Raspberry Mousse Cake

Another bakery offering is the raspberry mousse cake, which comes with six mini cakes per package. Although I enjoyed the cute design of the pastry, the raspberry flavor was a little intense and overpoweringly sweet.

Raspberry Heart Cookies

The final bakery item I tried was their Raspberry Hearts— two heart shaped shortbread cookies with raspberry jam sandwiched in-between. I wasn’t particularly impressed with this dessert, but if there are any Trefoil lovers out there, this one might be for you!

Frozen Aisle Snacks

Mini Heart Cookies & Dark Chocolate Covered Marshmallows

I also scouted two more seasonal desserts from the frozen food aisle: the Mini Heart Cookies and the Dark Chocolate Covered Marshmallows. The Mini Heart Cookies were another clear winner. The chocolate-covered shortbread cookies are delightfully small and easy to snack on. The chocolate covered marshmallows were just adequate in my opinion— the marshmallows were a little too chewy. I think I’ll stick with s’mores.

Miscellaneous Snacks

Belgian Chocolate Hearts, Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Bar Thins, Rhubarb & Strawberry Soda

Close to the checkout line are some perfectly gift-able snacks. If you can stand in line for several minutes without picking out a treat, congratulations! The Belgian Chocolate Hearts are my go-to gift this Valentine’s Season. They have a beautiful marble swirl and a creamy hazelnut center. I also sampled the Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Bar Thins which come in a package of three. The bar’s flavors were satisfying, though I think they could have used a little more caramel.

Finally, after sampling so many rich and sugary desserts, I needed something to drink, so I went for the Rhubarb & Strawberry Soda. Although this is not part of the Valentine’s Day collection, the adorable pink can fit right in with the themed items. Maybe it’s just because I had been overwhelmed with chocolate but the soda was refreshing and light.

If you’re willing to step outside in this freezing February weather, Trader Joe’s has many tasty options to celebrate this Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Date with Trader Joe's