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Fans of Buc-ee’s in the North received exciting news earlier this year when the chain announced its plans to open its northernmost location in Wisconsin. Is this a promising move toward turning the southern favorite into a nationwide chain? Possibly, though only time will tell. In the meantime, many people will have to take a road trip to enjoy Buc-ee’s famous snacks. We’ll take any excuse to go on an adventure, but even the chain’s famed Beaver Nuggets aren’t always worth the multi-hour drive.
Sure, there’s something to be said for the excitement of an occasional indulgence—knowing you can only enjoy Beaver Nuggets during that yearly holiday visit to your family makes the snack even more special. But hankerings don’t stick to an annual schedule, and few things are worse than having a culinary itch you can’t scratch.
Fortunately for fans of Buc-ee’s who don’t have easy access to the roadside convenience stop, one grocery store carries a remarkable copycat of its famous Beaver Nuggets. Of course, it’s Trader Joe’s.
Trader Joe’s Maple Pancake Flavored Puffs Returns to Shelves
Sub-$5 eats are popular at Trader Joe’s, but the return of the beloved Maple Pancake Flavored Puffs snack officially rejoins the even more affordable lineup of craveable options under $3. What’s more, the gluten-free, vegan bite-sized morsels are made from corn and rice. Not to mention, a 4-ounce bag costs $2.49. Loyal shoppers have plenty to say about the news of the fan-favorite snack making a return.
“Do not buy maple pancake puffs,” cautioned a Redditor in a thread, who went on to clarify that the snack isn’t actually bad but is too tempting to keep on hand. “I just finished two bags in one sitting,” they admitted.
More people chimed in, agreeing that the puffs are simply too good. “Regrets! I bought these on my lunch break. Opened them to sample, [and] immediately ate half the bag. An accident,” confessed one Redditor. “Adding these to the list of things I cannot buy.”
Others also can’t seem to make the snack last: “I had half when I opened it and the other half later in the day. I’m usually better about eating the serving size,” added another.
Now, you might easily distinguish TJ’s Maple Pancake Flavored Puffs from Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets when tasting them side by side, but fans of both products often compare them immediately. In fact, one Redditor noted, “They’re similar but not as good as Beaver Nuggets. That said, I just bought my second bag.”
For anyone still on the fence, another shopper explains the difference in more detail: “[It’s] less sweet than Beaver Nuggets. Also, the coating is not crispy caramel but more like lightly powdered. I’ll say Beaver Nuggets are denser and heavier. I like both, though.” In other words, if you prefer an on-the-go snack that’s similar to the iconic nuggets, just with less sweetness and a lighter quality, then this TJ’s treat is perfect for you.
So, Buc-ee’s fans, you might not have to wait until your next road trip to enjoy your favorite packaged snack. Trader Joe’s Maple Pancake Flavored Puffs are a tasty alternative, and if you want to toss some into a yellow-labeled, beaver-embossed bag for the full experience, we won’t tell a soul.
