Trader Joe's Candy Cane Green Tea (Polar Bear Tea) & Chocolate Peppermint Soy Milk

Sunday, November 21, 2010

I know there are a bunch of food bloggers out there who are rolling out their favorite holiday cooking and baking recipes. Me? I'm going to start the holiday season by telling you things I like to BUY. :)
 
Here are two of my favorites: Polar Bear Tea and Chocolate Mint Soy Milk

While the official name is "Candy Cane Green Tea," I call it Polar Bear Tea. Trader Joe's sold it last year for the first time and it sold out in an instant. This tea is perfection for me; I don't drink caffeine, love decaf green tea and love peppermint. Score! When I saw it back in the store this year, I quickly picked up 6 boxes. 2 boxes are already gone. I need to go back. ($1.99 at Trader Joe's)

 
However, this year, I discovered this is Celestial Seasonings' holiday tea: Candy Cane Lane. Trader Joe's doesn't allow vendors to say they supply TJ's items (you should read this really good Fortune Magazine article: Inside the Secret World of Trader Joe's by Beth Kowitt). But the ingredients are EXACTLY the same. If you don't have a TJ near you (poor mija), then try the Candy Cane Lane from Celestial Seasonings. Personally, I think the Trader Joe's Polar Bear in Bridget Jones' worthy jumper chillin' out on the iceberg is cuter than the worker bee Celestial Seasonings bears.

My other favorite this holiday season is West Soy Chocolate Peppermint Stick Soy Milk. Yummy stuff for the lactose-intolerant or vegan. If you heat this up in the micro for a few minutes, it is delicious. 

Finally, here is a note to retailers. I went to the mall on Thursday, November 18th (a full-week before Thanksgiving) and Santa was at the mall. The whole photo set up going on. This is so wrong. First, stores are still hawking 75% off Halloween stuff. Second, we were a week away from Thanksgiving! You need to wait til Thanksgiving. Third, Santa looked sooooo freaking bored. I think kids thought he was a creepy leftover Halloween costumed man hanging out at the mall, and not Santa. And, really, shouldn't he and his people be making all the toys during this time? Sigh. Come on back in January as I rant about the Easter Bunny set up.
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8 comments:

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

I agree with you about the Santa thing. I'm ok with lights going up around this time of year since it gets dark so early and I think adds to all holidays.

But the Santas? Too soon.

Taylor said... [Reply to comment]

I had a feeling about the whole TJ's products/other products thing. Their veggie chili is exactly like Amy's Organic veggie chili - ingredients, label and all. Thanks for including the link to the article!

Mary said... [Reply to comment]

Hey Silly Girl...do you have a webcam? Because I am drinking Candy Cane Lane tea right now in front of my lap top...you are right...it rocks...great marys think alike :).

Mr. P said... [Reply to comment]

I am going to get some of that tea! I love Celestial Seasonings. You basically pay for the packaging. And I am fine with that! :)

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

I know what you mean. The shops here have had Xmas decorations up for a month but fortunately no sign of a Santa yet. And then there's a joy of Easter eggs arriving in the shops in January. No wonder people are retail crazy!

Mandy said... [Reply to comment]

Oooh! I love TJ Vanilla Cinnamon Tea! I have to go back and stock up before they don't carry it anymore.

Bec said... [Reply to comment]

I just discovered the Terra Chips holiday edition - Sweet Potato Chips with Cinnamon and Sugar. I'm seriously addicted! And, don't forget the Candy Cane Joe Joes from TJs.

luvlyloops said... [Reply to comment]

must try then; both that is!!

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