The snack ranking is back! My roommates and I will always jump at the opportunity to try new treats, and what better time than Valentine’s Day? This February, Trader Joe’s is stocked with a plethora of Valentine’s Day snacks that we tried and ranked so you don’t have to.
#5: Sugared Rice Crackers
These petite crispy crackers are heart-shaped and full of Valentine’s spirit. They are dipped in soy sauce and honey and coated in sugar. Some say they are reminiscent of Frosted Flakes, but that wasn’t the majority opinion. If you’re looking for a treat this holiday that isn’t overpoweringly sweet, these crackers might be a good option for you!
Our Rating: 3.2/5
#4: Heart Shaped Macarons
This pack of eight macarons includes two flavors: vanilla crème with a strawberry center and raspberry crème. We agreed that these macarons have a rather mild flavor and are chewy. They’re a nice treat for Valentine’s Day, but aren’t compulsively snackable.
Our Rating: 3.7/5
#3: Raspberry Star Cookies
These cookies are exactly what they sound like: star-shaped shortbread cookies with raspberry jelly in the center. Compared to the previous two snacks, these cookies are pretty sweet. They taste fresh and are a great choice for lovers of a local bakery! The cookies have the same rating as the macarons, but disregarding outliers, the cookies won out.
Our Rating: 3.7/5
#2: Gummy Xs & Os
For Scandinavian Swimmer enthusiasts, you might just love the Xs & Os! The gummies come in three flavors: red is cherry, pink is strawberry and white is citrus. Their texture is nice and chewy, making them an enjoyable way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Our Rating: 4/5
#1: Dark Chocolate Mini Heart Cookies
The holy grail of Trader Joe’s Valentine’s snacks! Personally, I am so obsessed with these (and the star version) that I may have sent a strongly worded email to Trader Joe’s HQ when I thought these cookies weren’t coming back for the holidays. These cookies are chocolate shortbread and covered in dark chocolate and nonpareils. The dark chocolate means they aren’t overwhelmingly sweet, meaning they’re super easy to snack on! We all loved them.
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Written By Chloe Langerman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.