Trader Joe’s Rants & Raves (mostly raves, a few rants)

SEVILLE ORANGE Marmalade Fruit Spread

If you are a fan of ORANGE MARMALADE you will be glad to hear Trader Joe’s came out with this. Maybe “kind of glad”.

If you are a fan, you know doubt know that Trader Joe’s used to carry a terrific “true” orange marmalade. BUT THEY DISCONTINUED IT Yup. That beloved SEVILLE ORANGE MARMALADE they used to carry was terrific. Outstanding. A proper marmalade made with Seville Oranges. It was one of the best marmalade’s – and sold for an amazing price.

It had tons of fans (based on the feedback here). Unfortunately Trader Joe’s famously discontinued it (back in 2019).

Thousands of us fans of it were devastated. In fact, my old review of that marmalade – plus the fact that they had discontinued an outstanding product – happens to be probably my post with the most COMMENTS of this entire blog! Seriously. Their getting rid of it is one of the biggest RANTS here. People were shocked, aghast, angry and dismayed that an excellent product got the ax, and wrote something on this site to voice that anger. Over 80+ people took the time and effort to Comment and complain here.

Well guess what? About 5 years after they discontinued that Trader Joe’s came with this new product called: Seville Orange Marmalade Fruit Spread (yes it adds the words “fruit spread” after marmalade)

Frankly I was pretty surprised to see it . I had to try it and review it.

My honest review? While not exactly the same, it is in fact tasty… But this is a fruit spread. Basically meaning less thick. This new marmalade fruit spread is made in Belgium. That older (“real”) marmalade was from Canada.

So how is it? To be honest, I do find it tasty. As good as the old one? No. But I am glad I can pick up a jar at Trader Joe’s.

It is made from Seville oranges, and is actually pretty tasty with a good balance of bitter and sweet. Thin cut slivers.

A) VISCOSITY: This is looser than that original marmalade. A “fruit spread” is not as tight / thick as a jam (or marmalade). This lists apple juice concentrate as an ingredient. It is much less viscous (thick). So runnier than a true marmalade. You will use more of it.

B) SIZE. The original Seville Orange marmalade came in a big jar of about 17 ounces. This jar is just 7.5 ounces. Less than half the size of that old marmalade. Yet it costs about the same. So twice the price of the old one, and as less thick so will you use a bit more?

The ingredients on the old one (pictured below with a yellow green label) were: SUGAR, SEVILLE ORANGE PEEL, SEVILLE ORANGE JUICE. Plus pectin , the natural gelling agent in fruit.

This version lists sugar and Seville oranges but also apple juice from concentrate as the ingredient after Seville oranges. Which is why I assume this is described as ORANGE MARMALADE FRUIT SPREAD and not simply “Marmalade”. Now Trader Joe’s says something about this, and even puts a positive spin on it…. Ha-ha!

“A great marmalade is a bit of a balancing act. First, you’ve got to balance the sweetness of the fruit juice and sugar involved with the tartness of the citrus and bitterness of the orange rind. Then, you’ve got to find just the right balance of fruit and rind within the physical makeup of the marmalade—too much fruit, and it’s more like a jelly, too much rind, and it’s an overly-chewy mess. Luckily, when we decided to bring in a seasonal Seville Orange Marmalade Fruit Spread to our shelves, we had some real experts in our corner. Made by the same supplier in Belgium who previously demonstrated their mastery of balance with our Apricot Cardamom and Green Tea Yuzu spreads, this sweet, citric, and properly proportioned Marmalade is a triumph of harmonious flavors and textures on the palate.” – Trader Joe’s

https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/seville-orange-marmalade-fruit-spread-079516

So while I like the taste of TJ’s new “orange marmalade fruit spread” of course as a fruit spread it’s not as thick as it would be called just “orange marmalade”.

I’m glad I can buy something akin to orange marmalade at Trader Joe’s again, period. But. Its a small jar. My jar went fast. Again, so a bit of a mixed bag.

Cost: This small 7.5 oz jar will go much faster than the 17 oz one of course especially as its not as thick and concentrated. The new marmalade costs more than double what the old one cost. Granted it was 2019 but the old bigger jar went for $3.50.

Some people might actually like this “marmalade fruit spread” – ie, people who are new to marmalade 0 who may not like the (thicker) more intense versions of marmalade they might have tried in the past. If you are a marmalade lover, at least this is worth trying, even if not ideal for the true English marmalade lover. Again, a mixed bag.

Spread this new Marmalade fruit spread on an English Muffin or an English Crumpet with butter for breakfast. Put marmalade on some sliced Brie with crackers or toast.

Besides muffins or toast, try this on top of cottage cheese as Trader Joe’s suggests. I tried it and thats a nice match.

Trader Joe’s SEVILLE ORANGE MARMALADE FRUIT SPREAD $2.99 (7.5 oz)

So I do give this a thumbs up, as I am glad I at least I can buy something akin to “marmalade” again at Trader Joe’s

Let us know what you think in the Comments!

UPDATE: I haven’t gotten it in some time but just bought some, and after opening a jar it seemed a bit thicker than the first time I tried it. Is this true? Possibly they’ve changed the recipe and made it thicker and more concentrated?

PS – Over the years I used to make my own orange Marmalade which I gave away to friends for an Xmas gift. Want to try your hand it it? Here’s a recipe

https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/easy-orange-marmalade/

COOKING WITH MARMALADE : Versatile as an ingredient. Mix marmalade with some mustard (Dijon is best) and use as a glaze with salmon or chicken or pork!