Forget Trader Joe's Cannoli Dip, This One Is Our New Favorite

Missing Sweet Cannoli Dip? Get the scoop on where you can score an even better version.

We all have that favorite party dip that we always bring—or look forward to snacking on—when the occasion arises. While you may be conjuring up images of savory party dips like cheesy artichoke dip, Buffalo chicken dip, or guacamole, the go-to in my family happens to be sweet, and nine times out of ten, it’s store-bought (there are only so many hours in the day). Our pick? Cannoli dip.

If you’re one of the many poor souls who are up in arms because your go-to was Trader Joe’s recently discontinued Sweet Cannoli Dip, I’ve got good news. There’s a store that has been offering a better version this whole time. The “Most Trusted Grocery Retailer” in the Northeast: ShopRite.

Where to Buy the Best Cannoli Dip

ShopRite is a chain of supermarkets with stores in six states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. While I don’t actually have one by me, it’s the dependable neighborhood grocer for my family in New Jersey, and I always make a trip when I’m visiting. We all have our list of things we have to pick up there, like Premio Sweet & Hot Italian Sausage, Lactaid Ice Cream, Bowl & Basket Mini Grahams ... Maybe the occasional Richard’s Chocolate Cake.

And of course, the one thing my uncle always grabs when he knows I’m coming to town is a Cannoli Chip Party Platter with its irresistible dip. Unlike Trader Joe’s, which just sells a little standalone tub, ShopRite's tray gives you the full experience with broken-up pieces of shell, or “flats” to dip into a big container of sweet cream goodness studded with mini chocolate chips. It’s a one-stop cannoli dip shop and the ultimate party dip.

What Makes ShopRite’s Cannoli Dip So Good?

If you are otherwise unfamiliar with this treasured Italian dessert, a traditional cannoli is a fried pastry shell filled with sweet cream, garnished with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or simply dusted with confectioners’ sugar. The flavors range from vanilla to chocolate to pistachio, to really anything you can imagine in a dessert. The cannoli is like a blank canvas, ready to be customized to your liking. A fresh cannoli is a thing of beauty. But often, the shell itself can get soggy if the creamy filling sits inside too long. Enter cannoli dip: the perfectly portioned solution to enjoying fresh cannoli flavors without the soft shells.

ShopRite’s Dearborn Market version features crispy, crunchy, cookie flats dusted with sugar that have that signature fried taste without being heavy or greasy. These dip perfectly into an impastata ricotta-based spread that has a Goldilocks consistency; not too thin and not too thick. Impastata is a type of "mixed ricotta" that is turned into a paste and perfect for desserts thanks to its lower moisture content and smooth consistency. You'll also find mini chocolate chips that add a textural element and richness of flavor to the dip. But the ingredient that has me coming back for more, and differentiates this cannoli dip from others, is the addition of cinnamon, which balances everything out.

My only complaint is that we always seem to have more chips than dip as we quickly scrape the container clean. Luckily, the solution to this problem is simple, as the cannoli dip is also sold separately.

You'll find the enticing cannoli platter in the bakery section of ShopRite for about $16.99, but it didn't always carry the Dearborn label as it does now. The store's World Class brand used to produce the sweet chip and dip tray, though bakery employees assured us it's the same recipe that it's always been. The magical party tray has been around for as long as I can remember and has graced our tables at Christmas, birthdays, Easter, and just because. It even makes appearances "down the shore."

Other Places to Buy Cannoli Dip

Wegmans carries a Cannoli Dip & Chip Tray as well, though I have never tried it. Based on the ingredients listed, it seems similar to ShopRite's product. If you want to stay local, it's plausible to imagine that anywhere you buy cannolis can offer a tub of the filling on the side, deconstructed style, when you need a quick dessert dip to bring to your next dinner party.

How to Make Cannoli Dip

If you have none of these stores nearby, fear not. Cannoli dip is one of the easier recipes to make at home. You can source shells or flats from a specialty market, or make cannoli shells at home to break into individual dippers. You can also use fruit, graham crackers, pizzelles, or pretzels to offer a variety of dipping options.

A ricotta (impastata) cheese and confectioners’ sugar mixture is the gold-standard base for cannoli cream. From there, it can be customized by adding other kinds of cheese, like mascarpone or cream cheese, to change the richness and consistency. I personally stick with the classic ricotta formula. Flavoring agents like vanilla extract, coffee liqueur, chocolate, nuts, candied fruit, and citrus zest are always nice variations, too—and you know I’ll be adding cinnamon when I can’t get to ShopRite and need to make it myself.