A new sweet spread reminiscent of their popular Speculoos Cookie Butter just hit shelves.
Reviewed by Dietitian Lisa Valente, M.S., RD
Key Points
- Trader Joe’s Granola Butter is a spread with less than half the sugar of Cookie Butter.
- Made with oats, brown sugar and maple syrup, Granola Butter is gluten-free.
- At 4 grams of added sugar per serving, it’s a fun option for dessert or snacking.
We all have that one item we make a beeline for as soon as we see it at the grocery store. It might be a pantry or fridge staple that you use in every recipe, an essential ingredient in your morning coffee or a snack you just can’t seem to get enough of.
For many Trader Joe’s shoppers, that item is the brand’s classic Speculoos Cookie Butter. As one of the grocer’s most popular products, the sweet spread has inspired several spin-off products, including Cookie Butter Ice Cream and even a dessert beer—a golden ale formulated to evoke the sweet, caramel-y flavor of Cookie Butter in every flavorful sip.
It’s clear that the Cookie Butter is a hit, but with 11 grams of added sugar per serving, it may not be for everyone—experts recommend you have no more than about 50 grams of added sugar per day, and Cookie Butter can make a substantial dent in that number. If you’d rather opt for lower-sugar options, you’re in luck. TJ’s recently launched their Granola Butter, a product that the brand says is bound to be the next spreadable hit.
With a base of rolled oats blended with brown sugar, maple syrup and vanilla extract, the new product retains that enticing sweetness with less than half the sugar. In the same 2 tablespoon serving, the Granola Butter has 2 grams of fiber and just 4 grams of added sugar. Plus, it’s gluten-free, kosher and vegan.
Described as having a graham cracker-like flavor, the 12-ounce jar retails at $5.49, a dollar more than the classic Cookie Butter. While we’re sure it would be delicious straight out of the jar, Trader Joe’s recommends serving it on toast, using it in a sandwich or letting it live up to its name by drizzling it on top of yogurt or a smoothie.
We’d recommend using it as a dip for apples or swirling it into some deliciously creamy yogurt bark for dessert. Of course, this spread still has added sugar, so you may want to enjoy it sparingly if you’re concerned about your sugar intake.
However you enjoy it, we’re confident it will be a hit. If you’re looking for a sweet, creamy spread with less added sugar, this Granola Butter might just make your shopping list every time.