The pros: Â While mashed potatoes are an easy dish to make, Trader Joe's Garlic and Butter Mashed Potatoes is a real time saver without sacrificing too much in terms of taste.
The cons: Â If you like lumpy mashed potatoes this won't be your thing. These are very smooth.
The verdict:Â ...
There's something comforting about the idea of a creamy, cheesy pasta, especially on a weeknight when dinner feels like a chore. So, I picked up Trader Joe's Fettuccine Alfredo, hoping it would bring a little restaurant magic to my kitchen. Sadly, what I got was a reminder that sometimes convenience meals just don't cut it.
Trader Joe's Fettuccine Alfredo comes in a 16-ounce bag, featuring frozen nests of egg-based fettuccine and chunks of sauce. It promises a quick and easy dinner, supposedly enough for three servings, but let's be real: two people tops if you're actually hungry.
When I opened the bag, I was greeted by pasta nests and little frozen sauce cubes. Cooking was as easy as tossing everything into a skillet with a splash of water, covering it, and letting it do its thing. Points for simplicity there.
But here's where things fell flat for me. The pasta cooked to a decent al dente, and the sauce melted into a smooth, creamy consistency. So far, so good. But flavor-wise? It was bland. It tasted like a sauce that couldn't decide if it wanted to be cheesy or buttery, so it settled for being neither. The promised cheesiness was more of a whisper than a full-on, comforting hug.
Even with a sprinkle of black pepper and some extra Parmesan, it just didn't hit the mark. It felt like a sauce that was phoning it in-no depth, no punch, just… creamy white stuff coating noodles. And let's not talk about how the sauce-to-pasta ratio leaned too heavy on the pasta for my liking, leaving the dish crying out for more richness.
Portion size was another letdown. The bag claims to serve three, but unless you're feeding toddlers, you're probably going to need something on the side. Or maybe plan on eating the whole bag yourself (no judgment here).
Overall, this one just didn't wow me. It's convenient, sure, but convenience alone doesn't make up for the lack of flavor. If you're after a truly satisfying Alfredo fix, I'd say either make it from scratch or splurge on the refrigerated fresh pasta section-at least then you'll get a dish with some actual flavor.
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Yes. Just heat and eat. Preferably, doctor this up.
Yes, but keep an eye on it. There is a fine line between done and mush.
Yes, but honestly, it could use some meat-or at least some personality.
Trader Joe's Fettuccine Alfredo might save you time in the kitchen, but it won't exactly dazzle your taste buds. It's creamy, sure, but it's also bland and a little sad. If you're in a pinch, it'll do the job. Just don't expect a flavor bomb. With a little extra seasoning and some creative add-ins, it can be salvaged, but as-is, it's definitely not a repeat buy for me.
Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.
Salad can be so boring and predictable. When I think of salad my mind goes in one of two directions: fruit or the leafy green stuff. Many fruit salads that I've had are just ok. Very few leave me refreshed or wanting much more. Especially the canned variety. When I opened a recent copy of Food Network's magazine I saw a recipe that looked easy and caught my eye, Citrus Vanilla Salad....
Trader Joe's Dolmas are vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, onions, and herbs like dill and mint. They come pre-cooked and packed in a can with oil, making them shelf-stable and ready to eat. Each can contains approximately 10 dolmas and is priced at $2.99.
These dolmas are one of those Trader Joe's items that fly under the radar, but if you enjoy Mediterranean flavors, they're absolutely worth trying. For a canned product, they're surprisingly well executed.
The rice is tender without being mushy and is flavored with a clean mix of herbs, especially dill and mint. There's a brightness to the filling thanks to a hit of acidity, and the overall flavor profile feels true to what you'd expect from traditional dolmas. That said, it's not overly complex or bold-more of a mellow, comforting snack with just enough tang to keep it interesting.
The grape leaves are softer than what you'd get fresh but still hold their shape. Some people might find the texture slightly chewy, but that's typical for a canned dolma. These aren't oily in a greasy way, but there is a light coating from the oil they're packed in, which helps keep them moist.
These come ready to eat and are best served chilled or at room temperature. They're also incredibly versatile: great on their own, served with hummus or tzatziki, or added to a mezze platter.
Would they win in a head-to-head with fresh homemade dolmas? No. But for the convenience, the price, and the quality, they hold their own. They're one of those Trader Joe's staples that's easy to keep in your pantry for a last-minute snack or appetizer.
Nutritional Information (per 4 dolmas serving):
Trader Joe's Dolmas are relatively low in calories and provide a modest amount of fat and sodium. They're also vegan and gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Beverage Pairings:
Food Pairings:
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Dolmas are typically served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, you can gently heat them in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place like your pantry. They have a long shelf life, so they're perfect for keeping on hand for a quick snack or meal.
Once opened, it's best to consume the dolmas within a few days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Trader Joe's Dolmas are a convenient and tasty way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen. Whether you're a fan of mezze platters or just need a quick, healthy snack, these stuffed grape leaves are a versatile option that delivers on taste and convenience. At $2.99 per can, they're an affordable way to add something special to your meals. Just be sure to keep a can or two in your pantry-you never know when a craving for dolmas might strike!
Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.
The pros: Trader Joe's Chocolate Peppermint Almond Beverage is shelf stable (mine is good until October 2017, so about 11 months), gluten free, kosher, vegan if that is a concern to you or your family. I was surprise how good this was. This could easily pass as real chocolate milk with a slight and subtle but pleasant peppermint flavor.
The cons: It's a nut product so anyone with allergies will obviously have to stay away. It's seasonal and I literally only saw this product once in my local Trader Joe's.
The verdict: ...
