Trader Joe's new jalapeño chocolate bark is the spicy snack shoppers didn't see coming

Alabama Life & CultureShoppers can’t stop talking about this new Trader Joe’s chocolate bark with a spicy secret ingredientFans are on the opposite ends of Trader Joe's new chocolate candy bar.canva stock imageBy EmilyAnn Jackman | ejackman@pennlive.comIf you’re a huge fan of Trader Joe’s, then you’re aware of how unique the chain can be at creating products that become the next big hit.This time, the chain is trying out new candy that is already generating buzz. The popular grocer is rolling out a brand-new flavor of chocolate bark that features pistachios, sea salt, and dried jalapeños, making it an option for shoppers seeking a snack that is sweet, salty and spicy.If you’re unaware, sea salt and chocolate have long been a popular pairing but over the past couple of years, pistachio has been a welcome addition because of its soaring popularity of Dubai chocolate bars, which feature pistachio cream and kataifi inside. But the use of jalapeño adds an unexpected twist.Although the idea of spicy chocolate turns some customers off, others are excited to try the combination.“Had to read the text twice to confirm it said Jalapeño’s,” one Reddit commenter admitted. “Very interesting and excited to try!” “I have had this on my shopping list for a couple of weeks ... Sweet + spicy + salty = yum!” another commented on the thread.As one might not have expected at first, the mashup seems to make perfect sense. Trader Joe’s use of dark chocolate pairs well with jalapeños, as the spicy peppers are known to intensify the complex flavors that dark chocolate contains.The company described the pairing of its Dark Chocolate Bark with Pistachios, Dried Jalapeños, & Sea Salt on its website:“Dark Chocolate, Pistachios, Jalapeños, and Sea Salt may make utterly intuitive pairings with one another,” the website reads. “But it’s only within the context of this Bark that this curious combination gets to shine together. And so, every bite becomes a symphony of rich, buttery, nutty, grassy, spicy, savory, and sweet, all at once.”EmilyAnn Jackman is a trending reporter for Advance Local Media. She handles the top trending topics on social media, as well as breaking stories in food news, pop culture and entertainment news that goes viral...