Ahhh the holidays! Time for some Christmas cheer! I usually don’t really get into the holiday spirit, but 2020 has been a YEAR, to say the least. So I figured why not celebrate the holidays with some yummy vegan holiday goodies? Every year Trader Joe’s always has a bunch of holiday treats, so I went and scavenged this past weekend. Not gonna lie, it was a bit of a challenge to find vegan goodies out of the bunch, but I did manage to find a few that I will share and review below. So if you’re in the holiday spirit and want to try some delicious vegan goodies, read on!
1. Vegan Gingerbread Loaf
I normally like any type of dessert bread, especially banana bread. So when I saw Trader Joe’s Vegan Gingerbread Loaf, I had to grab it. Unfortunately, I was not a fan! It was very dry and crumbly. The date on the package was the following day after I ate it, so I’m not sure if that has anything to do with the dryness, but it honestly was my least favorite item I picked up.
Holiday Goodie Score: 7/10
2. Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s
These chocolate sandwich creme cookies are Trader Joe’s version of the Oreo. For the holidays they add real candy cane pieces into the creme filling. I was not expecting the crunch of candy cane when I bit into them. At first I didn’t know how I felt about them, but after I got used to the crunch I actually really like these cookies! I highly suggest grabbing a box next time you hit up TJ’s during this season. These versions are vegan, but beware because the gluten-free version is not!
Holiday Goodie Score: 9/10
3-5: Vegan Hot Chocolate
This is really like a three for one because I found three items to make them into vegan hot chocolate!
Peppermint Mini Marshmallows
By themselves these remind me of the little pastel colored Jiff marshmallows, but with a peppermint twist. They’re soft, sweet, and little, a yummy holiday treat all on its own.
Holiday Goodie Score: 10/10
Hot Chocolate Sticks | Dark Chocolate
These bad boys are THICK. Points off for being individually wrapped and hard af. Alone as a “sweet treat” as suggested on the box is too hard to enjoy. But heat up some oat milk and stir in and you have a mildly chocolate hot drink. I used the 8 fluid ounces it suggested and only one stick, I think I should have used two sticks to get the real hot chocolate experience.
Holiday Goodie Score: 7/10
Coconut Whipped Topping
I usually don’t see vegan whipped cream, but lately during the holiday season it’s been popping up! It says “vegan” right on the bottle and it was a delicious topping to the formerly mentioned gingerbread loaf and it is amazing all by itself or on top of this hot chocolate. A tasty topping great for your holiday goodies!
Holiday Goodie Score: 10/10
So after I heated up the oat milk, stirred in the hot chocolate stick, topped with peppermint mini marshmallows and coconut whipped topping I had a delicious hot chocolate concoction. I definitely recommend using more than one stick for a richer hot chocolate.
Overall Holiday Goodie Score: 9/10
Spiced Apple Cider
At first I thought this is a reach as far as holiday goodies go, but it was the last vegan thing I could find that is specifically around for the holiday season. I tried it cold and it was like a cinnamon apple juice, definitely yummy! But when I heat this bad boy up, it’s a game changer. Think wassle, but easier. I would definitely take this drink in a thermos to go walk around and see Christmas lights! Maybe add a little brandy or whiskey to kick up the heat and we’re in business. An overall spirited holiday drink!
Holiday Goodie Score: 10/10
And there you have it! My Trader Joe’s vegan holiday goodie haul! I definitely recommend trying out the Candy Cane Joe Joe’s and Spice Apple Cider. The mix of all the hot chocolate items left something to be desired, but it’s still a great vegan option to see. Let me know in the comments below if you plan on trying any of these holiday goodies and have a vegan holiday!! :)