Earlier this year, I stumbled upon a new favorite at Trader Joe’s: the Sour Strawberry Candy Belts. They’re tangy, chewy and totally addictive, the perfect balance of sweet and sour. I was instantly hooked. But just as quickly as they appeared, they vanished. For months, shelves sat empty, leaving fans (myself included) wondering if they’d ever return and asking employees if they were every coming back.
Trader Joe’s Sour Strawberry Candy Belts
(Trader Joe’s)Trader Joe’s Sour Strawberry Candy Belts Are Back
Fortunately, in mid-October, the beloved belts reappeared, just as an employee had told me back in July. And fans couldn’t be happier. One TikTok user’s excited “PSA: sour strawberry belts are back!” racked up over half a million views and shoppers quickly chimed in. Some said they’re “the best candy ever,” while others weren’t convinced, complaining they’re “not sour enough” or even “gross.” You can’t please all the people all the time but for what it’s worth, in my humble opinion, these candies are an absolute hit.
Years in the Making
According to Trader Joe’s, these candies have been years in the making. The chain explains, “We’ve been wanting to add strawberry-flavored Sour Belts to our candy assortment for years. Though we searched the world (literally) for a worthy supplier, most candy makers use artificial flavors and colors. That’s not what we want to offer our customers.”
Their persistence, they say, paid off. The final version is made in Turkey by an expert gummy candy supplier who uses natural flavors and colors derived from fruit and vegetable juices, no artificial dyes in sight. Open the tub and TJ’s describe the fragrance you’re met with to a strawberry plant that’s been basking in the summer sun.
The Ingredients
And while the belts aren’t exactly a health food (sugar is still the first ingredient), they’re a cleaner take on a nostalgic treat. The ingredient list reads: sugar, glucose-fructose syrup, wheat flour, water, citric acid (acidulant), dextrose, coconut oil, apple juice concentrate, natural flavor, fruit and vegetable juice (color) and monoglycerides.
They’re also vegan, making them a fun, inclusive treat for anyone craving that sweet-sour candy experience without the Red 40 dye that so many similar candies rely on.
Perfect For Sharing … Or Not!
Trader Joe’s describes them as a “backpack-ready, shareable treat,” but of course … sharing is optional. I love giving them as small gifts and bringing them to Canada when I visit family in Toronto, especially for my 12-year-old niece. This holiday season, a few tubs are definitely going under the Christmas tree for her. The cute packaging also makes them highly giftable. Plus, they make a tasty (and cheaper) alternative to movie theater snacks.
At $3.49 a tub, they’re an easy little joy to toss into your cart and judging by how quickly they’ve sold out before, you might want to grab a couple extra. Hopefully, these Sour Strawberry Candy Belts stick around for good this time.
Dining and Cooking