Review and Giveaway: Thumbs up for Almondina, Original and new Chocolate Cherry
We are big fans of Almondina cookies. Trader Joe's carries the original flavor of these thin, crisp cookie-biscuits and we almost always have it in our carts. Wona and I don't do a huge number of straight product reviews aside from things we use in recipes, but once in a while we'll tell you about something we really love. We contacted Almondina not too long ago and asked if they would please sponsor an Almondina giveaway to our readers. We were thrilled for two reasons: First of all, they said yes (woohoo! details below!). Second, they told us that a new flavor was going to be hitting Trader Joe's stores. What!? Yes, they said, (cue fanfare)...Chocolate Cherry.Trader Joe's has carried the Original Almondina flavor for a long time. I would describe these cookies as a super-thin biscotti, light, very crunchy, and pretty addictive. Every cross-section has almonds, raisins, and lots of dense crunch. They're not overly sweet, which I like, and there's no added fat or salt, which is another plus. They're also free of artificial ingredients and preservatives, check! Occasionally, I'll pack a couple as a dessert in the kids' lunches, and I feel like it's a nice and healthy cookie option. My kids are highly anti-raisin and always have been, but they happily munch away on Almondinas. If you have never tried them, they're the kind of cookie-biscuit that goes great with a hot cup of tea of coffee. If you want to get fancy, you can spread a little fresh goat cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone cheese on them. You can even top it off with a few thin slices of cucumber! (Good appetizer idea...just don't make them too far ahead of time or else they will get soggy)
I have to be honest and say that I never knew how many varieties of Almondina there are! Most of my shopping is at Trader Joe's (I figure you already know that) and I had never looked for Almondina at other grocers. Taking a look at the Almondina website, I'm pretty sur
e I counted 11 varieties, including Cinnaroma, Gingerspice, Choconut, and an Anniversary cookie that has a touch of anise. The Sesame variety is great for savory toppings.And of course, now there's Chocolate Cherry! My kids and I did a taste testing of these and they are just as good as they sound. The cocoa-y flavor is a perfect complement to the sweet tang of cherries, a classic combination that really comes together in this crunchy treat. If you haven't already spotted it on the shelves at Trader Joe's, it should be arriving any day. OR, maybe you'll get lucky and win the sampler pack in our giveaway - comment below to enter!
Giveaway: One lucky random winner will get a 12-pack sampler case of Almondina cookies. The rest of us will be so jealous! Enter by commenting below on this thread. That's it! Tell us if you're an Almondina fan, if you've tried them, how you enjoy them, or if you've explored any of the other flavors. If you've never tried Almondina, comment and maybe you'll get lucky and hit big! One entry per person and US residents only please!
Deadline: Enter by Midnight PST Friday June 4th, 2010
Posted by Deana Gunn at May 27, 2010 
Categories: Product Reviews, Announcements Fun and Contests, Favorite Products
Tags: chocolate cherry giveaway almondina almond cookies almonds biscotti
Categories: Product Reviews, Announcements Fun and Contests, Favorite Products
Tags: chocolate cherry giveaway almondina almond cookies almonds biscotti
I have never tried Almondina cookies before. Now I'm intrigued! I'll have to look for them at TJ's the next time I go.
Just stumbled upon your blog and can't wait to try out some of the recipes this holiday wkend!
I'll admit I've never noticed these cookies either! I presume they use the Almondina label at TJ's (rather than a TJ's label?) I'll have to keep an eye out next time I'm there - I love biscotti!
MMM Chocolate and Cherry and yummy combo. I have not seen these before in TJ's. I will make an effort to seek them out. Are they in the cracker/chip area or the cookies over the frozen food section? I wonder.
I have never tried Almondina but this has certainly piqued my interest! I will look for them on my next trip to Trader Joe's. And chocolate/cherry...woohoo! My favorite flavor combo for sure~
Chocolate and cherry is a wonderful combination. These cookies sound perfect to go with a cup of tea.
I haven't seen these before, but now I'm wishing I had one with my coffee...
I live over 100 miles away from my closest Trader Joe's, but that doesn't stop me from shopping there. I love the Almondina cookies, but I have only tried the original flavor. Now I can't wait to try the Chocolate Cherry flavor. It sounds divine.
I have never tried Almondina!!! I will go today now to go buy some! I'm thinking of how wonderful these would be at my housewarming party coming up
Sound delicious. I haven't tried Almondina yet, but I will look for it the next time I'm at Trader Joes. I would enjoy a sampler case to try the different varieties!
I love Almondina especially the spicy ginger flavor. It is a guilt free cookie. Thank you for the giveaway.
I never thought of putting goat cheese on something that looks like a biscotti! Sounds intriguing, a must try!
Those looks so yummy! I'm betting we would love them here!
Arrgh! I just came back from Trader Joe's! Now I wish I had read my email first. I will try some on my next visit. Thank you both for your website and updates.
never tried nor seen them in the aisle. How is that possible? I'll have to look for them on my next visit. Or, maybe I'll win them.
I look forward to trying these cookies!
I need to get lucky and hit big!! Whaaaat???-Almond, chocolate and cherry all in one cookie? Sorry - that is right up MY alley. I'm thinking of dipping them into my cherry yogurt for a great snack! YAY!
Don't get to TJ's very often, but I love biscotti. I'll look for them next time.
Almondina are super yummy and great alternative to cookies and brownies! Can't wait to try the chocolate cherry!
I look forward to trying the new flavor soon!
Although I do most of my grocery shopping at Trader Joe's, I've never tried these cookies. Maybe I should give them a try. They sound delicious.
Never have tried Almondina, though I am a Trader Joe's addict. Since I absolutely love the combination of chocolate and cherry (a particularly good ice cream flavor!), I will have to pick a package up on the way home tonight to have for my Memorial Day picnic!
These are truly scrumptious cookies! I'd love to win the new flavor. Thanks for this giveaway, Deana!
Looks like another great thing to try at TJ's!
Oh looks good and make with all healthy and yummy ingredients. Can't wait to try them!!
I have never tried them, and would love to, so I hope I win!
My husband and I have been fans of Almondina for quite awhile but have only bought the original flavor. We like them by themselves but especially with coffee or as a light after meal treat. We will definitely try the chocolate cherry flavor when we see it - sounds great!
Yum! I'd love to try these!
Great,something new to try at Trader Joe's!
I LOVE Almondina cookies! They have such a great flavor and are LOADED with nuts and goodies! I have never heard of the sesame ones and will be on the hunt for them next visit to the store. I can't wait to try the choc/cherry..yummy!
I love Trader Joe's. I just stumbled upon your blog. I've never had these. If I don't win them, I will have to go and get some!
Those sound really good! I'd love to try them.
The chocolate cherry sounds great.
I hope I win or at the very least able to find them at TJs!
Mmmmm! I have never tried Almondia cookies, but I am looking forward to it!
I've never tried Almondinas because I've never noticed them (otherwise I would). They sound fantastic!
Wow. Chocolate cherry sounds amazing.
Thanks for the tip! I'll look for these next time I'm at TJ's! The new flavor sounds wonderful!
The Chocolate Cherry sounds rreally good!
these sound yummy
These are my "special treat"! For those who haven't seen them, look for a very small package, in my T.J.'s it's above the freezer section...not easy to spot! I've only seen/purchased the original...can't wait for the other flavors!!
Looks good! but I have never tried them.
i've never tried almondinas but i am always looking for healthy snack choices!
I have never tried these yummy looking cookies...the combo of dark chocolate and cherries is one of my very faves.
I'm thinking these would be fantastic.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
ALWAYS WILLING TO TRY A NEW COOKIE AND I HAVE NOT HEARD OF THESE UNTIL TODAY
I just saw these at TJ's. Now I have a good reason to try them!
these look just wonderful thanks
I have never tried them but will look for them when I take my yearly trip to Trader Joes.
Not sure why my previous entry just is not here. If it shows up, kindly delete this one. I have never tried these products, hope I win.
These cookies are delicious! I love the original, and I'd love to try some new flavors...thanks.
Chocolate and cherry is a wonderful combination. These cookies sound perfect to go with a cup of tea
I'm a big fan of TJ's biscotti, but am looking forward to trying Almondinas. They're on my list for next week's shoping trip.
I haven't tried Almondina, but I like biscotti and mandel bread, and these flavors sound great.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I haven never tried these but they sound interesting.
I checked out the Almondina website and their biscuits look delicious. I don't have a Trader Joe's around here, but we do have a Yokes which is a very similar store. Will be checking there for Almondina!
I have never tried Almondina but I do imagine they would be that they would compliment my tea addiction. I do love biscotti. I will be on the lookout the next time I stop by TJ's.
I've never tried Almondina, but now I want to. Thanks for the chance.
I have never tried Almondina - but now I really want to!
I have never tried Almondina before but I really want to now. I'll definitely look for it next time I'm at Trader Joes'!
I haven't tried Almondina before, but the Chocolate Cherry is going to have me looking for them at TJ's!
Love Almondina, can't wait to try the Chocolate Cherry!
I've never tried Almondina, but I will now! I just started shopping at Trader Joe's and I'm really excited to have found this blog!
I have never tried these, but am very anxious to do so
I have never tried these cookies, but am anxious to do so
Have tried these and they're quite delish!
Never tried 'em.
I haven't heard of this brand but like to try'em..
I have never tried Almondina cookies before but I would love to!
austma7@aol.com
I've never tried these before either but it sounds like I'd love them! The sample pack sounds like a fantastic way to do it!
I have tried them and I love 'em!
I've never tasted Almondina but I'm sure to try them now as soon as I'm shopping at Trader Joe's.
I haven't tried these before -- you make me want to stop by Trader Joe's and get some!
I love Trader Joe's. Their black bean and jack cheese burritos have got to be so bad for you, but they sure taste so good. And their tomato basil hummus with the sesame pita chips...mmm. Never tried the Almondina cookies, but hope to!
Trader Joes is pretty cool. I haven't tried these cookies yet, but maybe I'll be the lucky one! And if not, I know where the store is.
Look forward to trying them.
I've never tried Almondina. The new chocolate cherry biscuits sound scrumptious! Thanks.
This sound so yummy...would look for it the next time I'm at Trader Joe's.
I've not heard of these before but I[m now craving Almondia cookies andmilk.
I've had the Sesame ones and the Gingerspice ones and they are both super good! They are like really crunchy, thin biscotti cookies. I brought them into work and my coworkers enjoyed them too. I'd like to try some of the other flavors.
These cookies look so delicious! They look like almond biscotti and the chocolate dipped ones look amazing. I hope I win so I can try them all
Thank you for writing about these cookies! I looked at the website and saw that they do not contain dairy, which my husband sure would appreciate. Like many of the posters on here, I'd never spotted them at my Trader Joe's nor have they been featured in the Fearless Flyer to my knowledge.
These are so good - I really like that they're thin and crunchy. They're a perfect snack.
I have not tried this product yet but your article has intrigued me enough to visit Traders this week and pick some up! Thank you for the "heads up" regarding this product!
I'd love to give 'em a try.
I've yet to try these, but....I love almonds, so I will
I never thought of putting goat cheese on something that looks like a biscotti! Sounds intriguing, a must try!
Cool, a Trader Joe's product I have yet to try!
sounds perfect, I can't wait for these
I've never tried these but they sound yummy!
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I've never tried these. We don't even have a Trader Joe's anywhere close by.
Oh my, those look really delicious.
I have never tried these, but they sound delicious!! I'll have to check them out next time I go shopping...
I imagine they'd be delicious with coffee or hot chocolate in the morning!
I haven't tried Almondina, but I want to - especially the chocolate cherry flavor!
Never have tried these, but I am a HUGE fan of dark chocolate and cherries. Can't wait to try! Thanks Trader Joe's.
I've only had the plain (and loved it!) but the new flavor sounds AMAZING!
Never tried these but I like every Trader Joe snack I have ever trid!
I've never tried these but they look tasty and I would love to try them.
I have never tried the Almondina cookies, but I spend a lot of time in Trader Joes. Will look for them next time.
I have never tried Almondina Cookies and would like to do so!
never tried Almondina, but I want to.
I've never tried Almondina, but I'm going to now! It would be great to win the sampler pack, as I have picky kids who may need to try a bunch of flavors before finding the one they love.
Would LOVE to win! I love biscotti, and I love the cherry/chocolate combo!
I've never tried Almondina, but I'm craving them after reading your review!
These look delicious!
I've never tried them, but I'd like to
They sound yummy!
I have never tried these but they look and sound delicious.
They would go perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
I'm going to look for these the next time I'm at Joes.
chocolate cherry giveaway - send some my way....please? never had them!
I would love to try them. Anything with cherries, is a fave of mine!
I'll be looking for these at TJ!
Haven't tried them, but I'm intrigued by the different flavors - interesting pairing of flavors that I would like to try. SO send them my way!
Nothing sounds better than chocolate and cherry together...definately going to try.
Cherry, chocolate and almond.....uummmmmmmm......... <3<3<3
Delicious combination.
It's Friday...only a few more hours of work then TJ's, Almondina and a yummy weekend!
Almondina cookies are my favorite indulgence! Two cookies with a cup of green tea make my day! I just tried the chocolate cherry ones and have now put them at the top of my T.J's grocery list!
Ooooo...my husband and I think the original are really yummy! They make you feel like you are eating something mildly sweet, but with a lot of healthy goodness in them too! Heading off to TJ's today. Who knows...they just might end up in my basket!
I just tried the chocolate cherry yesterday! They were absolutely perfect. I was introduced to Almondina in a Weight Watchers meeting. It had been a while since I'd bought them and I was so excited to see a new yummy flavor.
I love almondina cookies. They are so good, and good for you
Love Almondina cookies,they're nice crispy and a bit chewy. Great flavor
These cookies sound soooo yummy! I can't wait to try them!!!
haven't seen them yet, though I will now surely look for them at Trader Joes
I think I may have just posted, but I cant see it- this is actually the first time I have ever "blogged" so forgive me
My favorite store, Trader Joe's, will now be carrying a favorite flavor for my cookies. I can't wait to stock up on I know will be a winner. Thanks for bringing us all these great products!
These cookies are addictive.Good thing the package isn't any bigger. I could eat the whole package in a sitting!
Love Almondina, and the new chocolate cherry ones are just as good as the original ones!
Love the new chocolate cherry ones! Another great product from Almondina!
Haven't tried these yet, but they sure sound yummy. Now I have added a another thing of my list of things to do "Go to Joe's"!!
A favorite for many years. Can't walk past its aisle without putting a few in my cart!
Sweet! Love, love Almondina!
I love Almondina cookies!
I have not tried these either! the original looks really good, not too sure about the cherry chocolate.
I adore the Original Almondina cookie... but just recently discovered the new Chocolate Cherry Almondina cookies at T.J.'s and they Rock!
I was expecting them to be good - but when I tried them they surpassed my expectations. I loved the tart cherry against the chocolate and almonds. Bravo!
I have never tried Almondina, but they look tasty. I will pick some up next time I'm at TJ's.
When I tried the Almondina cookies, they were sooo good. I told my husband, the only thing to make them better would be chocolate. Would be excited to win a sampler.
These are good!
I have never tried Almondina cookies before, but they sound incredibly delicious!!
I've never tried them before but they sound great! especially the cinnamony one!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Hey Deana
Thanks for turning me on to these. I love them, and like others never noticed them before. I try to avoid that sweet section above the freezer at TJ's and now it calls my name to buy these. I like that they are not to sweet.
Thanks again for making my life more delicous.
I am an almond addict! I drink almond milk, I am passionate about marzipan and the smell of almond drives me wild! I have never tasted these cookies but I never met a cookie I didn't love AND anything with the word "Almond" in its name can't be anything except ravishingly delicious!!!
I have never tried Almondina. I love almond anything and hope I win these delicious morsals.
Chocolate and cherries always taste so yummy together. I'd love to try the new flavors!!
I would love to try them. Thanks.
haven't tried them yet!
These look great. Thanks for the chance.
I've never tried Almodina but they sound sooo good!
These look interesting. Don't think I've seen them at TJ's, but I don't get there that often, unfortunately.
I've never tried them but they sound tasty!
Love TJs and the Almondina cookies sound awesome!
These seem Fantastic. I have never tried Almondina however I'm sure if I did I'd be a fan of them as I'm a sweets person for sure.skyxsky27(at)gmail.com
i have not tried almondina cookies before, but i would love to
I have not tried Almondina. However, a friend of mine makes something similar and we love them. Cookies that are not too sweet.
Thank you for the entry! These would come in handy for our trip to Florida. On a tight budget this year and with three children, we need all of the snacks we can get.
Nikki
I've never tried them! I hope I get the chance to.
I have never tried this brand, but, it seems I have relatives here a few times a week for "coffee and"!! These would be perfect. Thank you!
Never tried but I would love to!
Have never tried them, but they sure look and sound delicious.
I've never tried Almondina cookies, but you can bet I'll be looking for them next time I'm at TJ's!
My entire family loves the Almondina cookies. We always have at least 2 packs at home. It's one of the reasons I go to Trader Joe's.
sound like good cookies
My husband and I have been fans of Almondina for quite awhile but have only bought the original flavor.
I've never tried them but they sound tasty!
I can't wait to try the new Chocolate Cherry flavor. Biscotti is my favorite treat with coffee!
One of the primary reasons I became a grown up was so that I could have dessert whenever the mood struck me.
So, now my night stand has an electric tea pot and a jar of cookies so that before ever getting out of bed in the morning I sip hot tea with honey and enjoy an Almondina. They are both crunchy and chewy, rich and just a little sweet. The nuts provide protein and the dried fruit adds fiber so I start my day of with a healthy treat as I watch the sunrise and forget to watch the news.
We've taken Almondinas with cheese to parties as an appitizer and we've taken them back packing in Yosemite....had to fend of the bears but well worth it!
I think I have seen these before. Now I will look for them.
These sound like tropical cookies...Yum!
Yum yum...I want some!
These cookies sound healthy and good! I look forward to trying them very soon!
Thanks!
Chocolate Cherry sounds like heaven! Would love to win!
I have never tried these but I love Trader Joe's and I will look for them the next time I'm there.
I haven't tried these but they sound good so I'd love to
I've never tried these cookies. This is the first time I've heard of them. I hope I get lucky because I want to try them.
I've never tried them before and would like to.
Never win, why not try though - love Almondinas, haven't tried all flavors yet.
I've never tried them but they sound wonderful!
I love Almondina cookies, but we don't have a Trader Joe's nearby, so I always stock up when we visit my parents who live about 2 1/2 hours away.
I've never tried Almondina before but would love the chance to do so!
I've never tried these cookies before. But I want to!!
Congratulations to our winner Wendy, chosen at random to win the yummy 12-pack case of Almondina cookies. If you didn't win, don't be sad - we'll have lots more great giveaways coming up! Visit again for more Trader Joe's recipes, favorites, and reviews.