The $1.19 Trader Joe’s Find I Buy Every Time I Go (And Eat on the Way Home)

As a busy mom, my weekly grocery run often feels like an arduous endeavor that deserves some type of reward—or at the very least, a little treat. After creating a doable (and enjoyable) meal plan, taking stock of the pantry and fridge, making a grocery list, and navigating the chaotic aisles, I often emerge from the store feeling like I could use a spa day.

This is why I’ve started rewarding myself with a little “good job, mama” treat to celebrate the fact that I’ve successfully restocked my family’s pantry and managed the mental load that goes along with it. 

My “treats” run the gamut from an iced coffee or sourdough croissants to a bottle of wine or hydrating hand cream. Lately, my go-to has been Trader Joe’s A Handful of Tiny Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels.

After pushing my heavy cart to the car and dodging errant shopping carts and distracted pedestrians, I look forward to sitting quietly in my vehicle and enjoying this simple pleasure alone. It’s a little pat on the back for braving the grocery store and emerging with enough sustenance to feed my crew for another week.

Why I Love These Tiny Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

These chocolate-covered pretzels perfectly strike the balance between salty, sweet, and crunchy. The salty, crisp pretzel provides a satisfying crunch, while the rich, dark chocolate coating adds a light sweetness that makes it feel treat-worthy. It’s a harmonious blend that would satisfy any snack craving.

Beyond their deliciousness, the portion size is also a selling point. I almost always buy the family-sized package of almost every product, but for just $1.19 this single-serve pouch is the perfect pick-me-up, leaving me free from the temptation to mindlessly snack in traffic all the way home. 

While I usually buy these pretzels to enjoy on their own, they are also a fun addition to a bowl of popcorn, ice cream, or yogurt. They can even be incorporated into baking projects. Tiny pretzel chocolate chip cookies, anyone?

No matter how you choose to enjoy them, the “good job, mama” treat makes a mundane task feel more special. So, go ahead and treat yourself, mama—you deserve it!