Trader Joe's Peanut Butter & Jelly Greek Yogurt

On a trip into Trader Joe's I specifically made a bee-line to the dairy section to pick up a few containers of the Trader Joe's Peanut Butter & Jelly Greek Yogurt. I had seen a picture of them on Instagram and since I am quite the fan of Greek yogurt I knew I had to give this one a go.

I decided to have this as a snack before heading out for the afternoon. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was hoping for pure awesomeness. At first it tastes very much like peanut butter. Second taste it tastes like a muted peanut butter and jelly. Third taste, it tastes like slightly tangy Greek yogurt. Then you pause and cycle back through all those steps again. Overall, it's decent, not the worst Greek yogurt I've tried, but certainly not the best. I wish the jelly flavor (strawberry) were a little more prominent but that's probably my only complaint.

 

The yogurt certainly didn't satisfy my want for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It hinted towards it, but didn't hit it dead on. I wasn't wowed but I also wasn't grossed out. I guess you can say, I was left kind of "eh" about it where I could take it or leave it. Do I think it justified the calories/points? Not at all. But it was something worth trying, at least once.

A serving is 170 calories or 5 points plus values.

Pumpkin Noosa

I've seen this yogurt time and time again but I recall checking the points of the blueberry flavor months back and was shocked at how high in points it was. But after hearing numerous people say how delicious this brand of yogurt was .. I decided to take the plunge. That is because of the Pumpkin Noosa which is available at Target.

 

Fall is the time for apple and pumpkin flavored dishes. Since I am a pumpkin fan and have yet to find a pumpkin yogurt that truly is #1 in my book ... that is ... until now!

 

I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened the container. I've had Greek yogurt in the past and it's typically tart. This was more along the lines of plain yogurts consistency (looser yogurt, not thick) which had a mild sweetness to it. After a quick glance over the brands website, it's an Australian yogurt which they adapted the Greek yogurt and mixed it with some honey for sweetness.  Here's the blurb from the brands website:

 

"We Aussies are famous for embracing other cultures, then adding our own little twist to make them our own. (It’s not “stealing,” it’s “being inspired.” There’s a difference!)
That’s exactly what we did with our Noosa Finest Yoghurt. We took a page from the Greeks (Ta, Greeks!) with their famously rich yoghurt. Ours is made in small batches, set, and infused with honey to give it that delicious sweet-tart tang, and smooth, velvety texture that sets us apart from the throng. We add just the right amount of fruit purees, made from the best the seasonal market has to offer, and pack it in clear tubs so you can see for yourself the lusciousness of what you’re about to enjoy."

The pumpkin was in the container on the bottom/side of the container which had a true pumpkin flavor ... more along the lines of a pumpkin pie filling. It wasn't overly sweet, it was smooth, with a cinnamon/nutmeg flavor to it. Quite enjoyable actually. It was perfect either mixed with the regular yogurt or eaten in small bites. I felt it was more of a "dessert" or "treat" than say, a breakfast (at least for me).

 

A container is a serving which is 290 calories or 8 points plus values. Admittedly high stats ... but for a good tasting, quality yogurt it's good for a once in a while treat. Or if you're dedicated enough you could split it into two servings.

Dannon Limited Edition Light & Fit Greek Mango Lemonade

Let me take a moment to introduce one of my new favorite yogurts: Dannon Light & Fit Greek Mango Lemonade. Admittedly, when I purchased this yogurt for the first time I only bought one container because I was weary. I've tried the citrus yogurt, which was a complete fail ... but I know I love the mango yogurt. So ... I hoped I'd like it. Turns out, I absolutely love this yogurt!

 

The yogurt itself has that classic sweet mango flavor, with small chunks of mango here and there throughout the serving. The lemon brings a rather subtle tartness to the yogurt which helps balance out the sweet mango just perfectly. I quite enjoy this yogurt on it's own, with fruit and even in a smoothie. It's just a fabulous summer time yogurt (which I'll eat any time of the year as long as it's on the shelves).

 

As with other Dannon yogurts, this is what I'd call middle of the road in thickness (with regards to Greek yogurt). It's not too thick and not too thin. It's sweet without being overly sweet and it's not as tart as some of the other Greek yogurts on the market. It's a perfect in-between.

 

A serving is 80 calories or 2 points plus values.

Trader Joe’s Greek Yogurt Nonfat Honey

I’ve been on a Greek yogurt jaunt as of late trying out new flavors. I’m content with the brands I typically purchase at my regular grocery store – but I’m finding I’m really enjoying the Greek yogurts at Trader Joe’s.  With that, I decided to pick up the Trader Joe’s Greek Yogurt Nonfat Honey.

I was hoping this yogurt would be along the lines of the Trader Joe’s Nonfat Mango but it was a little thicker than the mango and it was a LOT tarter.  Very tart.  I could taste the honey flavor, but the tartness of the yogurt made my face pucker. I did add a little artificial sweetener to it to help sweeten it up a bit, but even that couldn’t cut the tartness.  It wasn’t bad, I ate it with some strawberries and blueberries, but I probably wouldn’t repurchase it again because I’m not really a fan of tart yogurt.

Each cup houses a single serving, which are 120 calories or 3 points plus values.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite Greek yogurt flavor?

Trader Joe’s Apple Cinnamon Goat Cheese

I had seen the Trader Joe’s Apple Cinnamon Goat Cheese advertised on the website and I wanted to give it a try.  The apple cinnamon coating is what really pulled me in because I’ve honestly never purchase goat cheese to eat. I’ve had it on pizza, but I feel cooking cheeses sometimes changes the flavor compared to eating it cold.  When I got to Trader Joe’s they were actually giving out samples of the Apple Cinnamon Goat Cheese near the cheese section. So I tried a sample and I really enjoyed it ... so I picked up a log.

According to the label the cheese is “A great balance of textures and flavors. Tart, sweet, tangy and creamy.” I personally didn’t get much of a tart flavor, but I did get the sweet, tangy and creamy. The cheese itself is very creamy and when paired with the sweet apples it gives it a tangy quality.  I find it’s really best on a plain cracker that has little to no salt on it. I have had it on a piece of bread in lieu of a cream cheese and it’s tasty, but I prefer it more with crackers.  It really is a different and unique snack for me.

A 1 ounce serving, which is roughly 1 inch, is 80 calories and 2 points plus values.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite cheese-based snack?

Trader Joe’s Greek Yogurt Nonfat Mango

While shopping at Trader Joe’s, I decided to finally give their Greek yogurt a shot. I have been pretty content with the Greek yogurt I have been purchasing, but it’s nice to shake things up once in a while.  So with that I picked up a container of the Trader Joe’s Greek Yogurt Nonfat Mango.

I can be rather picky when it comes to Greek yogurt. Some yogurts I find aren’t thick enough, too tart, not sweet enough, etc. After mixing this one up and tasting it … I have to say, this was pretty much a slam dunk. It was moderately thick, yet not too thick, it was perfectly mango flavored while also offering chunks of mango throughout the yogurt.  It was sweet, but not too sweet and that natural tartness of Greek yogurt was there but it wasn’t at the forefront, which I appreciated.  The yogurt was thick, creamy and just all around delicious.

A single serving is 3 points plus values. Definitely worth it.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite Greek yogurt?

Yoplait Light Pumpkin Pie Yogurt

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again … fall is upon us, which means pumpkin everything! One of my favorite repeat purchases has been Yoplait Light Pumpkin Pie Yogurt.  This little gem is distributed by Yoplait this time of year … but oddly enough is usually only found (at least in my area) at Target locations. I first spotted this last year and have been hooked since then.  When I spotted this 4-pack at Target, I immediately put it in my cart.

The yogurt flavoring is on point; it tastes just like a pumpkin pie although a slightly tart pumpkin pie.  Before I take my first bite, I usually have to remind myself of the consistency. The yogurt is on the thinner side which isn’t the texture of pumpkin pie so it at first is a little mind boggling. Granted, if this were a Greek yogurt, I think it’d be a homerun in the park but even with it being regular yogurt it’s quite delicious.. Last year I did try these incorporated into a smoothie and it was a deliciously fabulous experience. I haven’t made a pumpkin pie smoothie yet because I ate up my yogurt and have to get to Target to get another pack soon!

One cup is 2 points plus, whereas 2 cups is 3 points plus.  Quite worth it for the average pumpkin lover!

QUESTION:
Have you tried the Yoplait Pumpkin Pie yogurt?

FAGE Total Split Cups Review

I was invited to take part in a BzzAgent BzzCampaign featuring FAGE Total Split Cup Greek yogurt.  I was immediately interested because I LOVE Greek yogurt, but I don’t try all the brands on the market – because lets face it, Greek yogurt can get pricey especially if you find after a bite or two you don’t like it.  I have seen a number of people eating them along with their lunch, but I had never taken the plunge to try it myself.

The interesting and unique part of this yogurt is the fact that the flavors are split. There is no “fruit on the bottom” or “blended flavors” in this yogurt – it’s simply a plain Greek yogurt on one side of the cup and on the other is the flavoring of the yogurt you’ve chosen. The flavoring resembles a loose jam or ice cream topping that can be mixed into the yogurt (my preference), layered with the yogurt bite by bite, etc.  It really allows you to control how much sweetness and flavoring you include with your yogurt.

The one great thing about this yogurt is there is no room for boring. There are so many different flavors available that it would certainly shake your everyday normal yogurt up.  The flavors available under the Total 0% are as follows: plain, raspberry, strawberry, peach, cherry, blueberry, cherry pomegranate, blueberry acai, mango guanabana, strawberry goji, honey, apple cinnamon raisins, orange cinnamon, passion fruit Clementine and kiwi papaya passion fruit.  Granted, your local grocery store may not carry all of these flavors (mine certainly doesn’t), but I found there were a number of flavors available to choose from without it being the same ole staple “boring” flavors.

Out of all the flavors I purchased, I enjoyed the blueberry the most.  It was filling and packed with flavor. The cherry was a second runner up but I found it was a little tarter than I’d hope for. I do not like plain Greek yogurt simply because it’s too tart for me to eat on its own.  But I will say, the plain yogurt is great to use as a vegetable dip.  I took the plain and added some ranch powdered dressing to it for a delicious, filling veggie dip.

These were a nice twist from the norm staple greek yogurts in my refrigerator.  They calculate out to 3 points plus values (the plain is 2 points plus values), which isn’t bad in comparison to some of the other brands on the market.  Overall, I did enjoy these – but I will admit, finding a flavor to suit your fancy can be a little trial and error as it is with really anything you buy that’s new to your palette.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite greek yogurt flavor?

Dannon Light & Fit Greek Blends – Toasted Coconut Vanilla

This is another one of the Dannon Light & Fit Greek Blends I purchased and this one is in the Toasted Coconut Vanilla flavor.  As I’ve mentioned I enjoy yogurt, but I especially enjoy Greek yogurt because of it’s added protein and filling quality.

The yogurt is thick, but not as thick as a Chobani greek yogurt.  Flavor wise it is undoubtedly coconut.  It’s quite delicious and I feel it tastes just as you would assume summer tastes like.  It’s very refreshing and just really tastes like a summer on a tropical island.  You’re supposed to enjoy your food, right?  So why not enjoy it and assume you’re laying on a beach in Jamaica? ;)  I have to say, out of the banana cream and this one – the toasted coconut vanilla TOTALLY takes the cake (er … spoon?).

The greatest part is the cup is only 2 points plus values.  The sad part is I have only been able to find these at Super Walmart locations.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite greek yogurt?

Dannon Light & Fit Greek Blends – Banana Cream

I have become such a huge fan of Greek yogurt. I enjoy regular yogurt, but since Greek yogurt has so much more protein in it, it’s far more satisfying and filling. I’ve learned that not all brands of Greek yogurt are for me – some are too tart, some are too sweet, some flavors are just horrendous for my taste buds and some are too high in points to be comfortable with.

One brand I learned I truly enjoy is Dannon Light & Fit Greek.  Typically they’re 2 points plus values, so when I spotted this new line at Walmart I had to pick up one of each flavor that they had available.  I tried the Dannon Light & Fit Greek Blends – Banana Cream flavor and it’s DELICIOUS!  I was and am pumped to have found a banana cream flavored greek yogurt that is points plus friendly.  There are other brands out there on the market for banana greek yogurt but they’re 3-4 points and sometimes I feel that’s too hefty in points for a yogurt.

The flavor of this yogurt is exactly as it reads – a banana cream flavoring. It’s not overly banana cream, nor is it fake tasting, it’s a nice balance in the middle.  It’s filling, tasty and a home run.  I’m just sad that the brand is only sold at Walmart (at least for now?) but I hope my local market picks up the brand because it’s too yummy to have to wait to purchase or play “find the yogurt” at Walmart.

QUESTION:

Have you tried the Dannon Light & Fit Greek Blends?

Weight Watchers Jalapeno String Cheese

I spotted this Weight Watchers Jalapeno String Cheese at Walmart many, many times and finally decided to give it a whirl.  My local grocery store only carries the classic light and the smoked so I usually don’t purchase any string cheese.  This string cheese has the classis light part-skim mozzarella cheese stick flavor but the jalapeno does bring it a nice, I feel a mild zip to it.  I personally don’t really care for light string cheese because I find the flavor of it to be overwhelming and unpalatable but this particular flavor variety I do enjoy.

Hot Pepper Jack cheese is one of my favorites to have with crackers and pepperoni – but since 1 ounce is not justifiable for the points I don’t purchase it any longer.  But with this jalapeno cheese I can tear off some strips, have it with some turkey pepperoni and a few Ritz crackers and I’d be good to go.

As mentioned I can only find this particular string cheese at super Walmart locations.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite string cheese flavor?

Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt - Pineapple

I was VERY excited when I spotted this new Dannon Light & Fit Pineapple Greek Yogurt at Wal-mart last week!  Pineapple Greek Yogurt is one of my favorites but because I’m not the biggest fan of Chobani I haven’t been purchasing it – I’ve been settling for Black Cherry which I absolutely love.  The Dannon is 80 calories and packed with flavor.  The consistency is not as thick as Chobani’s (for comparative reasons) but isn’t watered down either – and of course, it is quite delicious.  It’s sweet, but not overly sweet and it’s got a great pineapple flavor.  I’m down to my last container (which I am bringing to work in the morning) and I’m almost a little sad this is the last one.  None of my local grocery stores carry it yet – so I may have to make another trip to Wal-mart in my near future!

Points Plus wise – these babies are 2 Points Plus values!

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Dannon Light & Fit Greek yogurts?

Yoplait Light Pumpkin Pie Yogurt

Fall is upon us, which means pumpkin everything!  One thing Yoplait came up with was this Pumpkin Pie flavored yogurt.  For those who are on Weight Watchers (as I am) this light yogurt is only 2 points plus values.  I LOVE anything pumpkin, so I immediately threw these in my cart when I spotted them at Target.  The 4-pack was $2 as they were on sale 3 for $6 last week.

The yogurt flavoring is on point, it taste just like a pumpkin pie ALTHOUGH the consistency of the yogurt really threw me off.  It's watery in consistency as Yoplait yogurts tend to be so that kind of made me think the yogurt was strange.  The flavoring is there but it would have been SO much better if it were slightly thicker since anything pumpkin (in my opinion) should be thicker.  I did decide to use one of these in a smoothie and I found I like how that turned out.