Which Apples Are The Best? We Tested 16 Different Varieties From Trader Joe’s! 🍎🍏🍎

Check out the blog post for a complete list (with photos!) of the apples we tried: bit.ly/KrockAp...
Today on Krocks In The Kitchen, we tried ALL of the apples! Okay, maybe not ALL of them, but every single one we could buy at Trader Joe’s the day I went to the store. 🙂
Join us as we take on this ambitious taste test, and hopefully you’ll learn a few facts along the way! Don’t forget to comment below and let us know what YOUR favorite apple is.
Here’s a complete list (in order) of the apple varieties we tried:
Fuji
Fuji (Organic)
Pink Lady
Cripps Pink (Organic)
Gala
Gala (Organic)
Honeycrisp
Honeycrisp (Organic)
SweeTango
Rave
Jazz
Kanzi
Envy
Granny Smith
McIntosh
Rockit
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NOTE: We are not doctors, dietitians or nutrition experts. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please consult with your doctor before changing your diet. (Read more at bit.ly/KrockDis...)

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

Check out the blog post for a complete list (with photos!) of the apples we tried: bit.ly/KrockAppleTest

[@marley7659]

With all those extra apples you should make some apple spice cake and apple sauce.

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

@@marley7659 Stay tuned for the next video to see what we made!!! :D

[@pharrisph7]

Fun video! Thanks. :) If you get a chance, give KiKu apples from New Zealand a taste. Sweet and spicy, my absolute favorites. But we can only get them for a short time when they're in season in NZ.

[@jennifergenna3125]

My favorite are Mcintosh. My kids were obsessed with pink lady. Now they go for gala. I like a sweet, soft apple and was surprised to hear mcintosh are considered tart. I think I have been missing out. Thanks for doing this. I hear there are over 100 varieties of apples. 😳😊

[@Deb7643]

My favorite apples are, honeycrisp, red delicious, pink lady but would love to try the Envy and rock it.

[@JokerLurver]

I loved this, your descriptions are really great. Honeycrisps are my #1. Always. I've tried Rockit, wasn't bad but they were tiny, especially compared to the giant honeycrisp. I'd also agree that Envy are great. And Gala are a good backup. I'm glad you didn't include Red Delicious because frankly they don't deserve it. Thanks, Krocks!

[@Marchgirl329]

Jazz apples have been my fave for a couple years now. I tried them because I wanted Honeycrisp but those were hella expensive, so I got the Jazz and got a new favorite apple!

[@fooliejulie]

You two are such food nerds. I never thought I’d watch a 40+ minute video about apples! My favorite are Granny Smith apples which I eat every single day after dinner. The. Best. 🍏

[@dawng1922]

I’d love to see you try Oranges/Tangerines/Tangelos ♥️

[@newhouseb7]

There's a new apple in town called Cosmic Crisp. Haven't seen them yet this year but last year they were at Whole Foods and King Soopers (Kroger). The ones at the Kroger store had an unpleasant after taste, but the ones at WF were amazing. Since they are new, supply is limited and they came and went during the season. Highly recommended if you like sweet tart, juicy and crisp. They also weren't the cheapest.

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

I had some last year. They were pretty good. 😀

[@chukwuemerie]

@@KrocksInTheKitchen what is the difference between cooking apple and desert apple?

[@yarapierre2292]

We have those at food depot!! they are 59 cents and are soooo goood I USED to love Honey crisp as my fave but THIS TAKES THE CAKE!! so sweet crisp and juicy!!

[@donivanhummel4030]

The Cosmic Crisp was more complex than the Honeycrisp in my opinion, but I still prefer the Honeycrisp. Worth giving a shot for sure

[@ynnep72]

Gala, are my favourites. I have "prairie apple" tree in my front yard, which this year has produced a lot! I have frozen tons and mad a shit ton of apple sauce, would love some apple recipes!

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

You'll have to wait and see what we do for Sunday. 😀

[@traceysutton5367]

Pink lady and honey crisp are my favorite 😍 😍😍

[@lukewarm2075]

Pink Lady is my favourite

[@budgetgungeek9027]

absolutely not even close im pissed when my store doesnt have pink lady's i dont even wanna buy any apples

[@ginal2643]

Winesap is my favorite since I was a kid in NY but I never see those anymore. Lotta tang!

[@donnaw1835]

Oh mine too! An orchard booth at my farmersʻ market usually has them for two or three weeks a year. Unfortunately the booth has not been there since the pandemic started so I guess no Winesap this year. I asked the proprietor one year why they don't carry Winesap for a longer period (they always have Fuji) and he said the season for Winesap was very, very short with all the fruit appearing at once. He said that is the reason most professional orchards don't plant Winesap any more.

[@Maria-yf8fp]

Edge of the Woods market in New Haven CT has them all winter. Some years are better than others. Haven't gotten there yet too get them, they are latest in the season.

[@donnaw1835]

Maria Schreiner You are so lucky! I live in California so CT is a bit out of my way :(

[@sallywinn8121]

I eat and love organic Fuji. This was such a fun watch! I’m wanting to try the Envy apple.

[@susanr791]

Thank you for a very interesting apple breakdown - I’ve added envy and rockit apples to my grocery cart.

[@sjridges]

You guys have opened my eyes to the exciting world of apples and I’m excited to go see what apples my grocery store has and try them all! My favorite apple has always been Honeycrisp but they’re so dang expensive! Love you guys! Keep going! We need you. 💗

[@antheaphillips5679]

I love Pink Lady apples! I first heard of them from a Martha Stewart article. I think Envy apples are the ones Chef AJ loves. This was fun - thank you!

[@Livealohahawaii]

That was great! Envy is my favorite too. Thanks guys.

[@wendykelley2141]

Ambrosia and Envy are our household favorites right now! Now I have to find the Rockit apple to try. Love this video.

[@PatriseHenkel]

Since moving to Pennsylvania I’m thrilled to have real orchards around. I’ve been going for a peck or more every other week. This week it’s dark red Jonathan’s- crispy & tart!

[@tinaahern8907]

I love this video and I love apples. Pink Lady and Honeycrisp are two of my favorites. And now I can’t wait to try the Envy apple 🍎

[@webmeupscotty]

Australian here. Your accent and pronunciation of the names is so different from here. Gala we do not say “Gayla” it’s more like “Gar la”. Love this so much Thanks 😊

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

I'm sure there are tons of things we say differently. 🤣

[@webmeupscotty]

Krocks In The Kitchen oh and my favourite apple is Envy too. I got it straight from an Apple orchard when I lived in the country a few years ago. They now sell them in the grocery store here too.

[@Sox508]

Katrina Scott I’m in the U.S. (in MA) and pronounce it closer to the way you do - Ga-luh. It must be a regional thing too! 😊

[@webmeupscotty]

@@Sox508 after traveling all over the US i would say you're right. The U.S./English language is very different from one state to the next. truely fascinating.

[@bellasmom3895]

I’m American, I say gah-la. I think the pronunciation varies by region of the country.

[@Vanessa-fs7oz]

Champagne, licorice, bubblegum.. 😂 love all the descriptions

[@endanubis]

I wish TJs would get the Opal apples again. I love them!

[@vespachica]

Opal apples are so good!

[@b.questor]

🍎🍏 You both agree on Envy, so I will be looking for those and will try the Rockets... Have fun! Thanks.

[@janellmichael2166]

A possible "Apple destination" trip you might want to consider is Apple Hill in Placerville, CA (between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe). It involves about 30 + apple farms that has a festival each fall from September to November. You can get everything from apple cider/wine to apple cakes/pies/donuts/fritters etc. At Boa Vista Farms you can sample a variety of apples and even buy a 5 pound apple pie for you to take home to bake. You'll find arts and crafts and great food to sample. October 15th is the beginning of the Mountain Fuji harvest. Delicious!

[@Katgirl2024]

Placerville is my home town! I LOVE Apple Hill! I have a little cookbook from there from the 1970s. I have not lived there in 30 years. Miss it!

[@mammabear2183]

Chef AJ loves the envy apple the most. She often talks about how they are the envy of all other apples. 🍎 I think the envy is really good tasting. Thanks for sharing your reactions to all these varieties. Now I’m going to look for the rocket apple.

[@dolores79]

Very clever video. I love so many different apples and depends on eating or cooking. And, yes, Chef AJ always talks about the Envy apples...which are sweet.

[@margaretnasso2885]

Honey crisp, Braeburn, Envy Pink Lady,Fuji are favorites depending on the price is what I purchase. Sometimes the produce store will carry a local grown variety and will try it. Keep up the videos. Maybe try a video on how you pack lunch and snacks for day out or for work. Thanks

[@kimberlyb1180]

I was born and raised on MacIntosh apples. For me, it's not an apple if its not MacIntosh. Sometimes they are tart, sometimes smooth and sweat. They make the best pies.

[@maryzell-pascale3472]

Thank you for this I needed help finding a good Apple variety! You guys are the best!! I usually go for gala but I love Cortlands!

[@joannepereira5080]

Thank You, that’s really helps I didn’t know was 16 or more kind of apples 🍎 🍏 ❤️ I only buy organic because of my health pesticides & preservatives is very bad for me .. 1:36 in morning I have to eat a Apple now my mouth is watering seeing you both try all those Apples made want to eat some 😋

[@brandilynn]

Ooooh!! Try the Lola Glo!! THEY ARE AMAZING and pink in the middle! crispy sweet tangy!!

[@brendaharris2292]

Fugi and honey crisp now I can't wait to try the Envy and Rocket ty👍

[@lijohnyoutube101]

Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, Pippin and Granny Smith

[@briankennedy1313]

What an excellent couple and so perfect for this. Thank you.

[@feefsmanuel9106]

Love this idea. Thank u for this. Imma Granny Smith and Golden Delicious person

[@veelam]

So jealous of you guys having so many varieties! The grocery stores where I live only have a handful of choices, and not cheap :( Envy is my favourite too!

[@turinhorse]

i love apples. Jonagold and Pink Lady apples are my favorites. I also like the wild hybrids that grow on our farm

[@alishagriffin7059]

Pink Lady and Jazz apples are my favorite! And fun fact, I live in the next town over from the birthplace (Leominster Ma) of Johnny Appleseed!

[@sherrihardesty79]

Envy is my favorite apple but I tried a different apple yesterday from Costco it’s called ambrosia, it says it’s a crisp apple with a hint of honey! They don’t disappoint, they’re delicious and they’re huge!

[@antheaphillips5679]

Mmm apples! (I like how you guys are color-coordinated! 😁)

[@melinda7310]

I really love your videos!! Thank you for helping me change my eating and take charge of that aspect of my health!!

[@nancycosgrove4005]

Great video!!!! I love honey crisp. I grew up in the northeast and grew up on McIntosh and Macoun, which I have not found in Colorado. This was so interesting and I ammwillin* to try some different apples that I might not before. Love you 2

[@dthomas6577]

We tried this with our homeschoolers. I had never compared apples to apples before either. They created a chart and a rating scale. Fuji was a family favorite, followed closely by Honey Crisp and Gala. Thanks for the inspirational idea for math, writing, and health. We also enjoyed hearing your descriptions as we tried it ourselves. Loved your adjectives!

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

That is awesome! We are so happy your homeschoolers had so much fun doing this! 😀

[@Susan.M.]

Ya can't wait for what you make out of those 🍎 🍎

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

We had a blast with this one and we had a blast making stuff as well. Stay tuned for the next video. 😃

[@samanthagaton1310]

This is the kind of taste test I NEED. Thanks, Krocks!

[@mamakins5123]

Challenge suggestion. I would love to see a large selection of leafy greens (kale, radicchio, spinach, lettuce varieties etc). Maybe one of you could be blindfolded and have to name the varieties.

[@lijohnyoutube101]

I would love to see greens compared but without blindfold.

[@littlebirdlife2389]

The neighborhood I grew up in had been an Apple orchard once upon a time so there were apple trees everywhere. I love the smell of apples. It's the scent of fall and childhood. :). Empire and Cortland are my favorites.

[@littlebirdlife2389]

McIntosh make good apple sauce. The skins are easy to peel too so that's nice. :)

[@demesrvl6761]

Someone else knows Cortland!! Yay!!

[@christinagarcia1189]

My favorite season is apple season! I go apple picking every year! Honey crisp and Macoun are my favs.

[@djw8888]

#1 Braeburn, #2 Cameo (hard to find at peak ripeness), #3 Pink Lady The supersweet varieties don't appeal to me. I like a more complex flavor and good texture.

[@miekekuppen9275]

Forgot about Braeburn, that´s a good one.

[@Gaga30714]

Great video! I can hardly wait to try the rockit apples!

[@joelleaittama1416]

Pink Lady! My favorite.

[@carolisahammer3107]

I love Honeycrisp, Envy, and Cameo!

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

All good choices! 😃

[@klkpush]

I had a blast watching you both! A big yes 👍 for more taste test, thanks 😊 I learned so much, thanks Jessica! My favorite apples are Pink Lady , Sweet Tango and Granny Smith.

[@karenhardecker9058]

I Love Opal apples!! They have more flavor than a Honeycrisp. Another apple I really love also had more flavor than a Honeycrisp

[@straightedgeveganbel2453]

I love fuji and Washington Braeburn best!

[@jmhoff2ns]

Honeycrisp! Always! We gave them out as favors at our wedding (is that weird?)

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

That sounds like a great favor!!

[@One-robloxz]

Royal gala

[@Capriswaug]

Pink Lady a definite win! Thanks for your fun examination!

[@SummatllTurnUp]

We have very few apples available here in Cyprus; Granny Smith's, Gala, Pink Lady and Golden Delicious, and they're between €2 - €3 a kilo!

[@carolynlapota5495]

The envy is Chef AJ’s favorite. She said it is the envy of all other apples. She uses it in her recipes and for eating.

[@janetrogers5429]

Love watching you guys do this

[@jaylynn2873]

I don't usually comment on videos, but I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed this. Great idea to compare so many varieties. I'll be looking for three of these that I've never had-Envy, Jazz and Rockit. Well done!

[@lizzzarduh]

Wow thank you so Much for all the work you put into this!

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

Glad you enjoyed it! We loved doing this one. 😃

[@nnekervis1]

This was so fun. Favorite hands down for me....Fugi. It never disappoints! I'll give some of these others a try however. Thanks

[@sampanther7620]

My favorite is the McIntosh apple, but I do love other ones!

[@LindaR423]

Are you sick of apples right about now? LOL, I found this informative and entertaining. I lived about 5 miles from an apple orchard (Brown's) when I lived in PA about 9 years ago. They grew hundreds of varieties. My favorite is honey crisp. Yum.

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

Actually no... hahaha! I might go eat one right now... 🤣🤣

[@Rayis4444]

This reminds me of Fun with Flags from the Big Bang Theory. And I watched the whole episode and enjoyed it.

[@christinedougherty8089]

I’m drinking an apple pie smoothie while watching this video @thejaroudifamily - used a Macintosh apple. I bought a bag of them at Aldi- apples can be expensive here in Naples, Florida.

[@teresamsanchez7307]

Gala is my favorite!

[@Cookingforacrowd]

My fav video tonight!!! So fun!!!

[@heididow09]

Liberty is my favorite apple here in central Maine - juicy, sweet, and super crispy!

[@combustication07]

Honey crisp is my favorite! Never had a sweet tango or envy. I will need to try those

[@martha_s]

This was a fun one! Jessica laughing at Brian playing with the McIntosh skin was hysterical. I had lots of running commentary throughout. I am mainly relieved at Jessica’s impeccable taste for including MY favorite apple - the Granny Smith - in her top three. There’s no comparison between a tart and crispy Granny Smith and apples of other varieties. Granny Smith apples reign supreme. Every red apple I’ve ever tried is mealy by comparison. Epic “Krocks Try” episode. Can’t wait for the next one!

[@sophieca6906]

Pink Lady, Opal, and Envy are my picks. I want to try Ambrosia.

[@ralphnsandimartin]

Envy, honey crisp, gala. How about taste tests on nuts?

[@elamarie2794]

Loved this on ur list envy is my fav...can u do another one

[@patwhite8741]

We love SweeTango apples! Thanks for the awesome video!!

[@tanjamoller3675]

I am from Germany. And i love granny smith and BRAEBURN!🍏🍏🍏

[@tofutuesday]

Fave apple? Definitely a nice big super dark red (almost black) red delicious!

[@christinerutherford1780]

Granny Smith and gala are my fav.... and empire here in Canada

[@rosemaryt9223]

This has certainly made me think about apples a little more. I've sort of been stuck on Fuji, but maybe now I'll open my eyes and see what else there might be!

[@dawng1922]

The Rave Apple is bruised because.........well have you ever BEEN to a rave? 🤪😁

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@donnanorris4733]

Thanks for taste test. Trader Joe is opening tomorrow in Fort Waynd IN can't wait!

[@EddieMoney16]

Kanzis are the perfect apples to add for sandwiches

[@sunnydaysatl]

My favorite apple is opal, it’s very hard to found. Its a crossing of Golden Delicious' with Topaz.

[@poonyaTara]

I've noticed that I seldom notice a difference in flavor between organic and conventional produce, but organic produce seems to have a longer shelf life, which could be indicative of superior membrane integrity.

[@sheilamorse2624]

Pink Lady is my favorite.

[@pamfaggart]

Honey crisp - developed by Univ of MN for MN growing conditions, so the ones grown in other states taste different. If you live near the twin cities check out the UofM Apple House near the landscape arboretum to get yours right from the source.

[@VirgoVibe]

Pink Lady for me! Did you notice that the non-bagged ones taste any better than the bagged ones? My friend will not buy bagged apples because they say taste worse. I get the bagged Pink Lady's from Aldi, and I think they are great!

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

I do find that I end up with more bruised ones when I buy the bags... taste wise, not sure if there is any difference. But I am pretty picky and would rather see exactly what I'm getting when possible!

[@marshamyers8191]

With all those apples you have, make apple sauce in your instant pot! Put it in mason jars and keep!

[@carolynshull4841]

Pink Lady, Cortland

[@MargaretCSullivan]

I may or may not have paused this video and sliced up a honeycrisp apple and then enjoyed it with you. Honeycrisp is my favorite eatin' apple and I get the bag of galas to put in salads. I do that a lot this time of year (put apples in my salad).

[@darleneatkinson3906]

I look for the red delicious apples when I buy apples. My very favor.

[@klkpush]

So cool, love the taste test!! 😊

[@shannonfoster5070]

Love an Empire that and Rome are my favorites. Rome will give a nice pink hue to your sauce if you cook with the skin on.. Cortlands are good. Autum Crisp, Jonagold, golden crisp and golden delishious, Ambrosia are nice. I’m like the hubby there and just in general love apples. If you ever see a grapple try thoes...you really can taste grape in them! They are a bit $$ though worth the price of one package each year😊

[@veganbyday3771]

yay for the envy!!!

[@Deb_BG]

Who knew apples could be so interesting?! Thank you!

[@susunslatky]

My fav is Pink Lady. Honey Crisp is a close second. I’ll have to try some of the other ones that jumped to the top of your lists. 🍎

[@truthseeker6532]

Fennel, you guys most likely have on your shelves then. I Love Fennel, especially in homemade Spaghetti Sauce and homemade Meatballs.

[@carolynquinn9307]

Discovered Antique Gold this year, sell it at my farm market - fabulous!! Fun video

[@shelleyanne3522]

Ah apple experts now! I like the pink lady apple🍎🍎🍎🥝🥝🥝

[@savedbygrace1582]

Envy is absolutely my favorite apple. It's large (thinking of you, Brian), crisp, and sweet. Before I found it, apples tasted sour to me thanks to artificial sweeteners destroying my taste buds, but that apple is sweet to me. I love it.