The Ultimate Guide To Trader Joe's Vegetable Root Chips: What Changed In The 2024 Re-Release?

As of December 2025, the snack aisle at Trader Joe's is buzzing with news: the beloved, and briefly discontinued, Vegetable Root Chips are officially back, but with a significant update to their recipe and root blend. This iconic red bag of crunchy, colorful slices has long been a staple for fans seeking a satisfyingly earthy and savory alternative to traditional potato chips, prompting massive curiosity and debate across social media when the change was first rumored. The key to this snack's enduring appeal lies in its unique mix of exotic root vegetables, offering a complex flavor profile that is simultaneously sweet, savory, and deeply satisfying.

The latest iteration of the chips, which began appearing on shelves in late 2024, has sparked a fresh wave of reviews and comparisons among loyal customers. While the core concept of thinly sliced, expeller-pressed oil-fried root vegetables remains, the specific composition of the roots has evolved, leading to a slightly different texture and taste experience. Understanding this shift—from the original blend that included parsnip and batata to the new focus on cassava and taro—is essential for any devoted Trader Joe’s shopper looking to stock up on this irresistible snack.

The Evolution of a Cult-Favorite: From Batata to Cassava

For over a decade, the original Trader Joe's Vegetable Root Chips held a coveted spot in the store’s snack lineup. This classic version was known for its vibrant mix of four distinct root vegetables, each contributing a unique color, shape, and flavor to the bag. The initial blend typically included Sweet Potato, Taro, Batata, and Parsnip.

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The Discontinuation and the 2024 Re-Release

In mid-2024, loyal fans were hit with the disappointing news that the classic Vegetable Root Chips were being discontinued, a common fate for many long-running Trader Joe's products. However, this absence was short-lived. By October 2024, a "new" version of the chips—packaged in a familiar red bag—began hitting the shelves, signaling a major product refresh rather than a permanent removal.

The new version, officially titled "Vegetable Root Chips (Sweet Potato, Cassava & Taro)," features a streamlined blend. The most significant change is the removal of the Batata and Parsnip, which have been replaced by a greater emphasis on Cassava. This adjustment has subtly altered the overall texture and flavor balance, giving the new chips a slightly different character while retaining the essential "root chip" experience that customers crave. The availability of this new formulation confirms that this snack remains a core offering, just in an updated format.

A Deep Dive into the Root Vegetable Medley: Ingredients and Sourcing

The charm of the Vegetable Root Chips lies in their exotic and colorful ingredient list, which goes far beyond the standard Russet potato. This blend not only offers visual appeal but also a more complex, earthy flavor profile. The chips are sourced from a supplier in Peru, lending a unique "Peruvian twist" to the snack, utilizing root vegetables grown locally in-country.

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The Core Root Components (New 2024 Blend)

• Sweet Potato: A familiar favorite, providing a natural sweetness and a deep orange hue. It is often the most prominent chip in the mix.
• Taro: This root is typically deep red or purple-tinged, offering a slightly nuttier, more starchy flavor and a dense, satisfying crunch.
• Cassava: The newest star of the mix, Cassava (also known as yuca) is a staple root vegetable that provides a speckled white appearance, a very light, brittle texture, and a mildly savory flavor.

The chips are cooked using a blend of Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Safflower Oil, and/or Sunflower Oil, which is a key detail for health-conscious consumers. The simple seasoning of Sea Salt allows the natural, earthy flavors of the roots to shine through. Beet Juice is also included, primarily for color variation, ensuring the chips maintain their signature vibrant appearance.

The Unvarnished Truth: Nutritional Facts and Health Comparison

Many consumers opt for the Vegetable Root Chips as a perceived healthier alternative to traditional potato chips. While they offer more complex carbohydrates and a broader nutrient profile due to the variety of roots, it is important to look at the nutritional facts to make an informed choice. The preparation method—frying—means they are still a high-fat snack, but the use of expeller-pressed oils is often seen as a benefit.

Key Nutritional Data (Per Serving)

A standard serving of Trader Joe's Vegetable Root Chips typically contains around 150 to 160 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is significant, highlighting the chip's density:

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• Fat: Approximately 56% of the calories come from fat.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40% of the calories come from carbohydrates.
• Protein: A minimal 5% of the calories come from protein.

Compared to a standard bag of highly processed potato chips, the Vegetable Root Chips offer a more natural ingredient list and the benefit of dietary fiber from the root vegetables. The simple seasoning, relying only on Sea Salt, also means they avoid the complex flavor enhancers and artificial ingredients found in many other snack foods. For those managing specific dietary needs, it is worth noting that the product is generally considered Soy Free.

The Verdict: Flavor Profile, Texture, and Why Fans Love Them

The true test of the Vegetable Root Chips is in the eating experience. Fans consistently praise the snack for its unique combination of texture and flavor, which sets it apart from competitors like Terra chips. In fact, some devoted customers claim the Trader Joe’s version is even better than the popular brand-name alternative.

Texture and Mouthfeel

The texture is a major selling point. The chips are described as crunchy and crisp, but also brittle and light. The different root vegetables contribute varied densities: the taro and sweet potato chips tend to be thicker and more substantial, while the cassava slices are notably lighter and more delicate. This variation provides an exciting contrast in every handful, making the snacking experience more engaging than a bag of uniform potato chips.

The Signature Flavor

The flavor profile is complex and layered. The overall taste is earthy and mildly savory, driven by the sea salt and the natural starchiness of the roots. However, occasional sweet notes pop through, primarily from the Sweet Potato, balancing the savory elements perfectly. This balance is what makes them so addictive and versatile. They are substantial enough to be enjoyed on their own for casual snacking but also pair exceptionally well with dips like Trader Joe's Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip or a simple French onion dip.

The enduring popularity of the Vegetable Root Chips, even through a brief discontinuation and a significant ingredient change, speaks volumes about their quality and unique appeal. Whether you prefer the classic Batata/Parsnip blend or the new Sweet Potato/Cassava/Taro mix, this snack remains a must-try item on your next Trader Joe's run. The new version continues to deliver the vibrant color, irresistible crunch, and complex, earthy flavor that has secured its status as a cult-favorite snack.