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Trader Joe’s Elegant Cocoa Pearls, reviewed

Trader Joe's Cocoa Pearls
Trader Joe’s frequently rotates their inventory, dropping products that aren’t particularly popular with consumers and replacing them with new and different things. Lately, their baking line has been getting a little bit bigger and one of the newest introductions is Baker Josef’s Elegant Cocoa Pearls. These tiny cocoa and off white pearls are small sprinkles that are intended to give home bakers a natural option to finish off their baked goods with a more festive look.  They look chocolate and they look very “gourmet” when they’re adorning a cake.

The Cocoa Pearls may look like sprinkles, but they are a little more substantial than your average bit of waxed sugar. At the center of each of these balls is a piece of puffed rice or puffed corn cereal. This gives them a little crunch and a lot of lightness, much moreso than you would get from little balls of chocolate alone. It also means that there is something very reminiscent of a bowl of cereal to them if you decide to eat a handful on their own. Once they’re sprinkled onto a cupcake, however, any trace of cereal is lost and you’re left with crispy, slightly sweet Pearls that visually dress up the cake and add a pleasant crunch at the same time. I’m not going to be snacking on these alone, but a couple of jars have already found a home in my pantry and will be put to good use decorating cakes!

Trader Joe's Cocoa Pearls

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8 Comments
  • Linda
    November 1, 2011

    I also bought a couple of jars to play with when decorating. I love supporting TJs on any new item and when it looks like fun with baking, even more fun to support the store. I have learned they only keep some items like this during “baking season”. Like the cake mixes and other great items. It’s smart to stock up while they have it before it is “off-season”. Thanks for a good review.

  • nancy@skinnykitchen.com
    November 1, 2011

    I go to Trader Joe’s all the time but never saw these before. Can’t wait to pick some up now! Thanks for sharing this…

  • penandra
    November 1, 2011

    These are also excellent on ice cream (especially Trader Joe’s Caramel Swirl! 😉

    Earlier this year they had a sugar, chocolate, coffee bean mixture in a grinder in their baking area . . . they don’t have it now, but are expecting to get it back. It’s great on cookies, muffin tops, lattes, and ice cream also!

    I love me some Trader Joe’s!

  • Jenny
    November 1, 2011

    I saw these the other day and wasn’t sure how they would look on a cake or something. After seeing you put it on a slice of cake, I’m definitely going to buy some. thanks for the visual!

  • I need to get these!! Looks really good, thanks for posting the review

  • Joni @ Truffle Pops and More
    November 10, 2011

    I never thought of going to Trader Joes for cake supplies! I have to get those for my truffle pops!

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