Trader Joe's Organic Apricot Preserves: The Complete Guide
Quick Answer
Trader Joe's Organic Apricot Preserves is a USDA Organic certified apricot preserve made with five ingredients: Organic Apricots, Organic Cane Sugar, Fruit Pectin, Ascorbic Acid, and Citric Acid. The 17.5 oz (496g) jar contains about 25 tablespoon-sized servings. Vegan, gluten-free, no artificial preservatives. Product of Canada. Sold exclusively at Trader Joe's, available online and ships nationwide through HIOOL.
Key Takeaways
- USDA Organic certified — grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
- 5-ingredient formula: Organic Apricots, Organic Cane Sugar, Fruit Pectin, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors; no high-fructose corn syrup
- ~25 servings per 17.5 oz (496g) jar at 1 Tbsp per serving
- Certified Organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI) — third-party verified
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Versatile: breakfast, baking, savory glazes, and cheese boards
- Caution: may contain pits or pit fragments
Introduction
Most grocery store jams have ingredient lists that go on longer than they should. Trader Joe's Organic Apricot Preserves keeps it to five. No artificial colors, no artificial flavors, no high-fructose corn syrup — just organic apricots, organic cane sugar, and the minimal additives needed to set and preserve them.
The result is a preserve that actually tastes like apricots: bright, fruity, and lightly sweet with the natural tartness that makes apricot one of the most versatile flavors in the jam category. At $8.99 for 17.5 oz, it competes with specialty organic jam brands at a fraction of the price.
What Is Trader Joe's Organic Apricot Preserves?
It's a USDA Organic certified fruit preserve sold exclusively through Trader Joe's. The apricots are sourced from Canada and certified through Quality Assurance International (QAI), one of the leading USDA-accredited organic certifiers in North America. The organic cane sugar replaces the refined white sugar or corn syrup used in conventional preserves. Fruit pectin is the only gelling agent — no gelatin, no artificial thickeners.
Distributed exclusively by Trader Joe's, Monrovia, CA.
Ingredients & Nutrition
Full Ingredient List
Organic Apricots, Organic Cane Sugar, Contains 2% or less of Fruit Pectin, Ascorbic Acid (To Preserve), Citric Acid (Acidifier).
Allergen note: None of the major 9 allergens listed. Caution: May contain pits or pit fragments.
Nutrition Facts (per 1 Tbsp / 20g serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13g (5% DV) |
| Total Sugars | 12g (incl. 11g Added Sugars, 22% DV) |
| Protein | 0g |
| Iron | 0.2mg (2% DV) |
| Potassium | 30mg |
Certifications
- USDA Organic
- Certified Organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI)
- Vegan ✓ | Gluten-Free ✓ | Dairy-Free ✓ | No artificial preservatives ✓
Flavor & Texture
The flavor is bright and fruity — real apricot sweetness balanced by the fruit's natural tartness. It tastes like apricots rather than a generic sweet jam. The complexity comes from the fruit itself: apricot has a natural acidity that keeps the sweetness from being one-dimensional. Sweetness: 3/5 — balanced and fruity, not cloying.
The texture is smooth with small fruit pieces, spreadable straight from the fridge. The color is a deep amber-orange — rich and jewel-toned, which makes it visually appealing on a cheese board or pastry.
How to Use It
Breakfast
- Spread on toast, English muffins, croissants, biscuits, or scones
- Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal
- Spoon over waffles or pancakes
Baking
- Fill thumbprint cookies, linzer tortes, or tarts
- Use as a crepe filling
- Thin with a little water and brush onto pastries before baking for a shiny glaze
- Fold into muffin batter for a fruit swirl
- Use as a cake layer filling
Savory Cooking
- Glaze for roasted chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or salmon
- Stir into pan sauces for a sweet-tart note
- Mix with mustard and vinegar for a quick salad dressing
- Use as a dipping sauce base
Cheese Boards
Pairs beautifully with brie, camembert, aged cheddar, Manchego, and Gruyère. The sweet-tart apricot cuts through rich, fatty cheeses and complements sharp, crystalline ones.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Before opening: Store in a cool, dry place
- After opening: Refrigerate — stated on label; use within a few weeks for best flavor
- Freezer: Yes — portion into small airtight containers; thaw in the refrigerator overnight
- Best-by date: Check the cap
- ⚠️ Caution: May contain pits or pit fragments — eat carefully
Pros & Cons
Pros
- USDA Organic certified — third-party verified by QAI
- 5-ingredient clean label — no artificial additives
- Genuine apricot flavor — bright, fruity, and balanced
- Generous 17.5 oz jar — ~25 servings at $8.99
- Versatile — breakfast, baking, savory, and cheese boards
- Vegan and gluten-free
Cons
- May contain pits or pit fragments — stated on label
- 11g added sugars per tablespoon — moderate sugar content
- Sold exclusively at Trader Joe's stores (though available online via HIOOL)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trader Joe's Organic Apricot Preserves?
A USDA Organic certified apricot preserve with five ingredients: Organic Apricots, Organic Cane Sugar, Fruit Pectin, Ascorbic Acid, and Citric Acid. 17.5 oz (496g) jar, about 25 servings at 1 Tbsp per serving. Vegan, gluten-free. Product of Canada. $8.99.
What does it taste like?
Bright and fruity with natural apricot sweetness balanced by the fruit's inherent tartness. More complex and less one-dimensional than conventional apricot preserves made with refined sugar. Sweetness: 3/5.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes. No gluten-containing ingredients are present. Suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance — always check the label for any cross-contamination disclosures on your specific jar.
What does USDA Organic mean?
The apricots were grown without synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMOs, and the production process was certified by Quality Assurance International (QAI), a USDA-accredited organic certifier. The organic cane sugar is also certified organic.
Can I use it for savory cooking?
Yes — apricot preserves are a classic savory ingredient. Use as a glaze for roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or salmon. Stir into pan sauces. Mix with mustard and vinegar for a salad dressing. The sweet-tart flavor works well with rich proteins and cuts through fatty dishes.
Does it contain pits?
The label states "Caution: May contain pits or pit fragments." Eat carefully, especially when serving to children or using in applications where biting into a pit fragment would be unexpected.
Can I buy Trader Joe's Organic Apricot Preserves online?
Trader Joe's doesn't sell products online directly. HIOOL sources authentic Trader Joe's products from TJ's stores and ships them nationwide. You can order the Organic Apricot Preserves here and have them delivered to your door.
Is it good for gifting?
Yes — the clean label design, USDA Organic seal, and generous 17.5 oz size make it a thoughtful pantry gift. Pair with TJ's coffee, granola, or a selection of crackers and cheese for a breakfast or brunch gift set.
Final Verdict
Trader Joe's Organic Apricot Preserves is a well-executed, clean-label preserve that delivers genuine apricot flavor without unnecessary additives. Five ingredients, USDA Organic certification, and a generous 17.5 oz jar at $8.99 — it's a straightforward value for anyone who reads ingredient labels and wants a preserve that tastes like real fruit.
The versatility is a genuine strength: it works equally well on morning toast, in baking, as a savory glaze, and on a cheese board. That range of uses makes a single jar go a long way.
No Trader Joe's nearby? HIOOL ships authentic TJ's pantry staples nationwide — so your kitchen doesn't have to go without.