Trader Joe’s Just Dropped a New “Luxury” Pantry Staple
It’s no secret that Trader Joe’s is full of great finds — especially when it comes to baking. The grocer sells everything you need to make all the breads, cakes, and cookies. And if you’re a baking-lover, you know that vanilla extract is an essential ingredient when creating the perfect dessert. And Trader Joe’s just released a new baking staple that takes your classic vanilla extract up a notch.
Spotted by Instagram account @trader_joes_treasure_hunt, Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste is now gracing the shelves at the grocer for $4.99 a jar. According to the Trader Joe’s website, the main difference between vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste (aside from their unique production processes) is that vanilla pasta is thicker, adds a richer flavor, and has visible bits of vanilla bean throughout the puree. If you’re looking for the vanilla flavor to be the star of the show, you’ll want to use the paste.
“This Vanilla Paste adds a well-rounded sweetness and deep, full-bodied flavor of vanilla to cakes, cookies, pies, and more,” the grocer writes on their site. “It can be used in a straight 1:1 ratio as a substitute for vanilla extract, for any recipe you’d like to make that much more vanilla-y, and makes an excellent ingredient for cocktails, milkshakes, and homemade coffee drinks. Try mixing a small spoonful in your next batch of whipped cream, French toast batter, or even your morning yogurt.”
Trader Joe’s fans were excited at the prospect of a new baking item, claiming that they love the rich vanilla flavor and bourbon component. One user even suggested adding a spoonful to your yogurt. If you’re a lover of all things vanilla, you’ll certainly want to add this to your cart.
