Of all the snack content on TikTok, one brand dominates: Trader Joe's. One of the newest snacks to take center stage? Crunchy Curls has recently achieved celebrity status on the clock app. Videos tagged #CrunchyCurls have amassed nearly a million views on TikTok. This snack has a texture somewhere between a cracker and thick-cut potato chips and can be found on almost any foodie's page. Potato Lentil Curls first went viral on the social media app after creator Bria Lemirande raved about them on her TikTok account @briialem, where she posts Trader Joe's Harvests and The World 's Most Calm Cooking Video™.
Since her first video calling for all Crunchy Curl lovers to unite on October 29, her 1 million followers have rushed to the nearest TJ's store to snap up the snack before it goes out of stock again (which, according to TikTok users argument, over the past few months).
As for her influence on delicious snacks, Lemiland certainly deserves credit. "In the beginning, no one really understood crisp curls, and I think they were a little misunderstood because they started out so plain," she tells Bustle. "Sometimes, people have to wait until their 10th to 20th Crunchy Curl to really start falling in love with them (trust me), but once you're hooked... you're hooked!"
So what ’s the secret to crispy curls? How do TikTok users incorporate this simple snack into their daily lives? Tip: Bria serves them as a side to her morning buttered toast.
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Pictured: Evidence of the Crunchy Curl revolution. Even if you can't find them at your neighborhood TJ's, the name is still fun to say.
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How do crunchy curls taste?
Before tasting vegan and gluten-free snacks, you should know that you're in for a pretty good experience. Unlike Trader Joe's new Fancy Cheese Crunchies, The crispy curls are generously seasoned with truffles and cheese, if you will, and are known for their bland taste. The ingredient list is also surprisingly short – they consist of lentil flour, potato starch, soybean oil, pregelatinized potato starch and salt. With their prominent potato flavor and almost buttery aftertaste, these are the kind of snacks you have to keep chewing to truly understand why everyone loves them so much. True to its name, the satisfying curl shape and consistent crunch define this snack, making them hard to put down while snacking.
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In a February video, Bria shared her 10 favorite foods, telling viewers, "They don't taste much alike, but they do have a buttery, salty flavor and an addictive crunch." (BTW, Crisp Curls is No. 4 on the list).
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Another TikTok foodie Natalie Ludwig (username @eatsbynat) commented on the viral snack on her page in March this year. She rated the Crispy Curls a 10/10, saying, "These are incredible. They're flavorless but delicious." It's safe to say that oxymoron has never looked better.
How TikTok users get crispy curls?
While Crunchy Curls can be eaten on their own, some TikTok users pair them with subtle curls paired with a variety of dipping sauces, or as a side dish to a main course.
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You can dip them in TJ's Green Goddess sauce like @steen.eats do for a creamy, avocado-rich appetizer.
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Or consider everything bagel sauce. This Trader Joe's Greek-Style Yogurt Sauce will add all the flavor your crunchy curls need. Really, any dip (even a homemade one like this) would be perfect for these babies.
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The power of social media taken to the extreme, folks. Consider this your final sign to add these products to your Trader Joe's shopping list. Just call ahead to make sure they put them back on the shelves.
