Copycat Trader Joe’s Snacky Clusters

A homemade version of Trader Joe’s Snacky Clusters using just a few ingredients. These are the ultimate salty, sweet and crunchy snack to make.

These are the new hot commodity at Trader Joe’s. Or maybe they’ve been there for years and I’m new. But from what I can see – these are new and a new addiction over here.

What is a snacky cluster though? As Trader Joe’s says, “Sea salt potato chips, corn chip dippers and mini pretzel nuggets in milk chocolate”. They are perfection to all my friends here who love a good crunchy, chocolatey and just a little sweet something.

The 8-ounce bag is fairly priced at $3.99 near me. But they’re also easy to make at home and you know I love a good copycat recipe or nostalgic something of sorts.

I also make mine a bit larger than Trader Joe’s does. Theirs are more bite-sized so if that is what you prefer, go for it. Size is totally up to you when you make these clusters.

What I love about this recipe is the texture and the flavor. The crunch is fantastic and the flavor is unique with the sweet and salty mix. Except if salty sweet mix isn’t your thing – don’t try this. I also like these as a snack more than a dessert. They’re great for the 4pm sweet craving you know?

Let me know if you try these at home! I cannot wait to hear what you think of them.

What ingredients you need to make Trader Joe’s Snacky Clusters:

•  Dark chocolate, milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate – really any chocolate can work. Use your go-to!
• Coconut oil – just a little to help melt the chocolate well
• Corn chips – think Frito’s vibes – I get the organic corn dippers at TJ’s
• Gluten-free pretzel sticks or twists – or use any pretzels you prefer
• Potato chips – use a sea salt potato chip
• Sea salt for topping – optional here but I love it for a topping

How to make Snacky Clusters at home:

1. Melt chocolate in microwave in 30 second increments until melted (stir well) or use stovetop if you prefer
2. Add chips and pretzels to a large bowl and crush up a bit with hands
3. Pour melted chocolate on top and mix all together
4. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
5. Add scoops of snacky mixture to the tray to form clusters (whatever size you want!)
6. Add flakey sea salt on top if desired then add to fridge to set

FAQs and tips on making Trader Joe’s Snacky Clusters:

• What are the Trader Joe’s Snacky Clusters? As Trader Joe’s says, “Sea salt potato chips, corn chip dippers and mini pretzel nuggets in milk chocolate”. They are perfection to all my friends here who love a good crunchy, chocolatey and just a little sweet something.
• Are these a healthy dessert? These are more of a crunchy snack to me. They are sweet and salty and a great midday snack of sorts. Depending on the chocolate you use, they will be sweet or not too sweet.
• Where is the best place to store these? The fridge for 1 week or freezer for 2 months.
• Are these gluten-free? Yes, if you use all gluten-free pretzels, chips and chocolate then yes.
• Are these clusters vegan or dairy-free? That will vary based off the brands you use ingredient wise. Very feasible to make these vegan or dairy-free if you use dark chocolate.

A few other copycat recipes to try out:

Copycat Entenmann’s Crumb Cake Donuts (gluten-free)

Homemade Thin Mint Cookies (gluten-free)

Vegan Nutter Butter Cookies

Homemade Paleo Dark Chocolate Twix Bars

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