Trader Joe’s has pulled one of its “most popular holiday items” over a quality issue, according to the company.
Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s, the candy-cane-studded version of its signature sandwich cookies, will not be available at Trader Joe’s locations because this year’s batch didn’t meet the company’s “standards,” a representative for the grocery chain confirmed. Trader Joe’s also suggested that the cookies would remain unavailable for the entire holiday season.
“Every product undergoes a rigorous tasting panel process, in which every aspect of quality, taste, and price is thoroughly evaluated before the product can earn a spot on our shelves. Even after products arrive in our stores, we continue to taste them regularly to ensure they meet those same standards,” a communications manager for Trader Joe’s wrote in an emailed statement to Nexstar.
“This year, the Candy Cane Joe Joe’s simply didn’t meet our standards, so we made the decision to remove them from our shelves,” she added.
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Trader Joe’s did not elaborate on the specific quality issue detected in this year’s batch. But fans say they were told by Trader Joe’s employees that the cookies had “too much peppermint” or that the mint flavoring was “too strong.” Customers who say they bought Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s before they were pulled have made similar claims.
“I got a box a week ago and the peppermint is soooo off,” one Reddit user claimed, while others said the cookies tasted “chemical-ish” or “like minty tobacco.”
A couple of other customers, meanwhile, claim they were told it was a shipping or packaging issue that prevented the release of this year’s cookies
Whatever the reason, Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s are currently listed as “not available” on the Trader Joe’s website, where they’re still described as one of the store’s “most popular holiday items.” A gluten-free version, however, is listed to be available as of Friday, and Trader Joe’s confirmed a dark-chocolate-covered variety is also still on shelves.
“Our holiday season cookie selection is vast and includes a number of truly delicious cookies; we hope our customers will find a new favorite or two from among this selection,” the Trader Joe’s representative said.
