The Limited Edition Trader Joe’s Cheese That’s Definitely Going to Sell Out
Trader Joe's fans know all about the Unexpected Cheddar. The way it starts smooth like cheddar before the tangy, slightly salty and crumbly flavors resembling aged Parmesan kick in is rather legendary. It's so popular Trader Joe's sells it in many forms: A block of cheese, shredded and a spread.
Now, there's a new Unexpected Cheddar on the block. Unexpected Cheddar fans received unexpected news when they shopped this month: The cheese has a spicy sibling called the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread with Hatch Chile. A Redditor spread the word with a simple post.
"Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread with Hatch Chile," the read the heading of the posted by u/skihare in the Trader Joe's subreddit. There's a picture to prove it.
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It was enough to send commenters into a cheese-induced frenzy.
Related: Top Trader Joe's Cheese Board Cheeses, According to Super Fans (It's a Controversial List)
What's the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread with Hatch Chile?
Expectedly, the new Trader Joe's cheese spread tastes like Unexpected Cheddar — with a kick. You'll get the smooth cheddar. Keep noshing because the chiles, bell peppers and touch of cayenne eventually take hold, and the heat is on.
As with the traditional Unexpected Cheddar Spread, salted butter, cream and whey make the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread with Hatch Chile a cinch to put on crackers or use as a dip.
Unexpected Cheddar vs. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread with Hatch Chile
It's the food fight you didn't know you needed: The original Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread vs. the brand-new Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread with Hatch Chile.
Let's start with the particulars. The color scheme of the new spread is hard to miss. The OG Unexpected Cheddar Spread uses Christmas-y red and green, while the photo of the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread with Hatch Chile clearly shows lime green accents. Looking at the website, both cost $4.99 for a 9 oz. package.
Unlike the original, which is available year-round, the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread with Hatch Chile is a limited edition product.
If the Reddit comments are any clue, the spread is so good that it'll likely be in short supply even while it's available. Some are plotting their visits now.
"I saw this the other day on their website and freaked out," wrote one. "I need to go this weekend."
Another isn't waiting.
"OMG, ok, I need to cancel my afternoon plans and get to TJ's today," the person wrote.
"Holy grail!" replied an eager fan. "I need this now. I’m already a cheese and hatch chile addict and love their other spreads, too. [I] can’t wait to try this. Nachos, here we come."
"I am an unexpected cheddar addict and am so curious how this compares," said someone else.
OP was back with a hot take on the matter, and it may be a little controversial.
"My 2 cents: It's got a bit of a kick that cuts through the richness and is somehow even better than the original."
Related: The 9 Best Trader Joe’s Salad Kits, According to Fans
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Best Ways to Serve the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread with Hatch Chile
Other Redditors are chiming in with the genius ways to enjoy (devour) the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread with Hatch Chile.
"It's so good. They were sampling it with the pretzel thins, and we got both," commented one.
"This would also slap in a breakfast burrito — spread on the tortilla," suggested someone else.
"[I] tried it on my lunch — absolutely delicious and better than original," raved one. "Try it on a ciabatta Demi baguette and air fry it so it melts into it."
"I put it on TJ's fig & olive crackers — 10/10," said someone else. "The cheese has just a little heat, and it pairs well with the crackers."
Or, just throw it in the microwave and eat it on its own.
"If you melt it a bit, it basically turns into a queso," noted another.
Well, I know what my afternoon plans involve — and it's not anything on my current to-do list.
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