Trader Joe’s Mango Taffy
Posted: June 17, 2016 Filed under: Trader Joe's Brand | Tags: Candy, Mango!, Trader Joe's 18 Comments
MANGO MADNESS! MANGO MADNESS! MANGO MADNESS!
| What it is: | Nice taffy that tastes like mango. |
| Price: | $3.99 for a 12 oz. tub |
| Worth it: | Yes, if you like mango and taffy. |
Pumpkin Madness? That I can handle. Over time I’ve started to come to terms with Trader Joe’s annual pumpkin deluge – the October tradition of stocking the store so full of pumpkin derived products that they spill from the shelves and choke the doors.
What I was absolutely not prepared for is my favorite fruit in the entire world, getting the same treatment. My hands are quivering, I’m still breathing hard – and I went in the Trader Joe’s YESTERDAY. Guys, every aisle – every nook and cranny – is absolutely bursting with mango products, each item more outlandish than the last.
I should be thrilled – swinging from the lamp posts – but instead I find a strange uneasy churning in my stomach.
First, I’m not sure my grocery budget can take the strain of purchasing every new Mango product. But even more nervous-making, I’m worried for the mango itself.
Pumpkin is one thing. Pumpkin is the dependable, workman-like squash of the vegetable world. You can do anything to pumpkin and it won’t complain – mash it, roast it, puree it, spice it, candy it, press it for oil – whatever. It’s a mellow gourd with an unassuming, laid-back taste.
So which side of the line does Trader Joe’s Mango Taffy fall on?
Trader Joe sidesteps this pitfall – delivering a mango taffy actually tastes like mango. Close your eyes and concentrate and you can nearly taste the juiciness of a nice bite of ripened, succulent mango flesh. It’s not quite there, obviously, but it’s a fair simulacra, and certainly deserving of the mango name.
The price is reasonable, to boot. If you’re looking for a confection that will really blow your socks off, you could do better in the magical candy aisles of Trader Joe’s, but if your a mango fan or a taffy fan, you’ll not go wrong picking this up.
The Breakdown
Would I Recommend It: Sure – this is pretty good taffy.
Would I Buy It Again: Yeah, I guess so.
Lives Up To The Name “Mango”: Yup – real mango flavor in these taffies.
Final Synopsis: Good mango taffy.
Eating At Joes 
Only because you’re mentioning mangoes, I’d like to proffer this little PSA: the stem end of a mango has a sap that contains the exact same irritant as poison ivy – urushiol – that will make many a mouth bubble and blister if not keenly avoided. I kind of tend to eat a mango the way I imagine our ancestors did, barely peeling away the skin to get to every sweet bite as quickly as possible, and I ended up with a mouth that looked like a really bad collagen job. Those of us who are allergic will generally be fine with just the fruit as long as it’s fully separated from the peel. Just something I wish I’d known a few weeks ago.
I’m glad you mentioned this. I’m also excited about it as well, but I notice it’s hit and miss. I’ve been getting the Just Mango Slices for a while (they’re an existing product) and when they’re soft and fresh they’re heaven, but sometimes they’re rock hard and too dry. The candle is also amazing and I’m trying the body butter too.
The mango situation at trader joe’s right now is out.of.control!! I really liked the mango slaw salad, looovvvee the mango mango mochi, and the frozen mango salsa is great. I always buy the regular frozen mango chunks- i eat them semi frozen with some fresh mint or basil for a snack or on plain greek yogurt.
Love what you’re doing, it really helps me make decisions when I choose TJ products LOL.
Quick question: I’m a writer at Spoon University (spoonuniversity.com) and I’m currently doing an article on Trader Joe’s foods. Is it okay if I use one of your photos for the article? I would give you guys photo credits of course, linking back to your site.
Are you alive? It’s been a long time since you posted! I’m worried!
Really enjoy your blog and really appreciated this post! I liked the mango flavor a lot but was a little disappointed in the texture. I thought it was a little less substantial than most taffy. Maybe because it is “whipped”? Look forward to reading more – curious about your thoughts on their Mango-O’s!
did u die
Possibly. I’ll have to check with my doctor.
We miss your posts, lots. If some idiot said something unkind, just let me know and I’ll beat them up for you.
Miss you too!
will you ever come back? it’s almost 2018!
Please come back!
I would love to, but I am so dang busy with life right now
I’ll return someday. Until then, keep eating the weird stuff!
We miss you!!!!
Aww, thank you – I miss writing for you all!
I keep looking for a chance to get back into posting, but I am still skiing on an avalanche of work! I keep you all in mind though!
Someday, like King Arthur (or MacArthur), I shall return.
Just thought it should be noted here that today Joe Coulombe, founder of Trader Joe’s, has shuffled off this mortal coil. While he may be gone from this earth forever, his influence lingers on — much like my hope that Eating at Joe’s will one day return.
I used to read this blog often. I can’t believe it’s been 5 years. Would you be willing to give the domain to someone else to continue reviews?
Or maybe you’d just like to share the load? I would gladly help out in writing some reviews. They might not rise to quite the original level of cleverness, but I’d do my best.