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Trader Joe's Salted Butterscotch Macarons

I absolutely adored Trader Joe's Molten Chocolate Macarons. I dream about them. With vanilla ice cream to cut through the deep luscious chocolate. If I'm not buying a variety pack, the mango, or the pumpkin, I'm buying the big chocolate ones. Because at Trader Joe's I can afford to be affluent like that. At $2.99 for 2 giant macarons Trader Joe's Salted Butterscotch Macarons are a pretty good deal.

The good: Two large macarons that act like a lava cake but....

The bad: Salted butterscotch filling that reminded me of burnt caramel. Not what I hoped it would be. In fact I ended up scraping it out and just eating the cookie to not waste the cookie.

The verdict: ...

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Trader Joe's Vegetable Biryani Review: Spice, Rice, and Everything Nice?

Trader Joe's Vegetable Biryani is a frozen dish that aims to capture the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine in a quick, microwaveable meal. Priced at $2.99 for a 10-ounce box, this dish combines seasoned basmati rice, vegetable dumplings (referred to as kofta), and a medley of vegetables such as lima beans, peas, and carrots. Trader Joe's also adds in cashews and raisins for a touch of sweetness and texture. While it's a convenient option for lunch or dinner, it may not meet everyone's expectations when compared to traditional biryani.

Review: Taste and Texture

Flavor: The vegetable biryani delivers a strong curry flavor with a hint of sweetness from the raisins. The rice is well-seasoned, and the vegetable dumplings offer a chewy, savory bite. However, some may find the flavor too spicy for those unfamiliar with Indian cuisine. Also, I'm not wild about raisins in general so that was a miss for me. Overall, the dish has a nice balance of flavors but can feel one-dimensional at times.

Texture: While the rice is fluffy and well-cooked, the dumplings can be hit-or-miss. You might love the chewy texture or you might notice the dumlings can become soggy after microwaving. The overall texture varies between bites of well-seasoned rice, tender vegetables, and the occasional crunch from cashews, which keeps things interesting.

Overall: Of all the frozen Indian dishes this wasn't my personal favorite but is still pretty filling and decent tasting overall. The raisins were a miss for me.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Facts (per 1-cup serving):

Protein: 6g

Calories: 260

Total Fat: 8g

Sodium: 640mg

Carbohydrates: 40g

How to Prepare

Microwave Instructions:

Remove the tray from the box and pierce the film.
Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes.
Stir and let sit for 1 minute before enjoying.

Oven Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Remove film and bake for 20-25 minutes for a more even, crisp texture on the dumplings.

Serving Suggestions

With Raita: Pair the biryani with a cooling yogurt-based raita to counterbalance the heat and add a creamy element to the dish.
With Naan: Enjoy alongside warm naan bread for a more filling meal, and use it to scoop up the rice.
Add Extra Veggies: Amp up the nutritional value by mixing in some sautéed spinach or roasted cauliflower.

Pairing Suggestions

Beverages:

Mango Lassi: The creamy, sweet lassi pairs well with the spiced rice, offering a cooling contrast.
Chai Tea: A cup of masala chai enhances the spices in the biryani and complements the savory flavors.

Food Pairings:

Paneer Tikka: Pair the biryani with Trader Joe's Paneer Tikka for a more robust meal.
Samosas: Add a side of crispy samosas to make it feel like a full Indian feast.

FAQs about Trader Joe's Vegetable Biryani

The following are commonly asked questions about this product:

Is Trader Joe's Vegetable Biryani vegan?

Yes, this dish is vegan-friendly, though it's not labeled as such due to the use of sugar that may be processed with bone char.

How spicy is the vegetable biryani?

The biryani has a noticeable curry spice, which can be moderate to medium depending on your spice tolerance.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, though the rice and dumplings might lose some texture after being reheated a second time.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Vegetable Biryani offers a convenient and affordable way to enjoy Indian-inspired flavors at home. With its well-seasoned basmati rice, veggie dumplings, and a blend of spices, it's a satisfying option for those seeking a quick meal. However, the texture of the dumplings and the lack of sauce may leave some wanting more. Despite its shortcomings, the dish is a solid option for busy weeknights or work lunches, especially for vegans or vegetarians looking for a flavorful meal. Just be mindful of the portion size and spice level, as it may not suit everyone's palate.

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Trader Joe's Pizza Greco Roman

Pizza used to be a cheap thing from the local pizzeria. Now, pizza in the surrounding area can now set you back close to $20 a pie. On the other end of the spectrum, if you catch a good sale at the supermarket you can get a personal sized pie for $1. Trader Joe's Pizza Greco Roman is $3.99 and for that you get 2 pies. So we are looking at about $2 per pizza here. So here is the breakdown of what you get:

The Good: A solid choice in the freezer section of Trader Joes, thin crust, good amount of toppings. Personal pie size.

The Bad: No microwave on this one, but maybe thats a good thing. Sitting down and eating 1 pizza is 3 servings so keep that in mind.

The Verdict:

A buy if you enjoy the Mediterranean flavors of olives, peppers and feta. Good value compared to the supermarket.

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The nutritional information:

The ingredients:

How to prepare:

Out of the freezer bag it looks like this:

Out of a 400 F oven it looked like this:

If you enjoy a good thin crust pizza with lots of toppings with a Mediterranean flare, Trader Joe's Pizza Greco Roman is definitely for you. You'll get 2 per box so plan accordingly. Is this on my family's buy again list. Yes it is.

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Trader Joe's Coffee Cups Medium Roast Review: K-Cup, But Make It K-Cuter

If you're anything like me, mornings don't officially start until the coffee hits your cup (and, let's be real, your bloodstream). As the only coffee drinker in my house, my Keurig has been my ride-or-die for years-quick, convenient, and always there for me before I can form complete sentences. But K-Cups have one major flaw: the plastic guilt.

Trader Joe's Medium Coffee Cups claim to be the answer, keeping all the Keurig compatibility while dialing back the waste. They're lighter on plastic, a little easier on the planet, and still promise that magical caffeine fix we all need. But here's the big question: Can they serve a satisfying cup without sacrificing flavor? I brewed a few (strictly for research, of course) to find out.

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Review

Trader Joe's Medium Coffee Cups are their eco-friendlier take on the standard K-Cup pod. They're compatible with Keurig machines but ditch the bulky plastic cup for a lighter, more sustainable design. Instead of rigid pods, these come in a soft, filter-style cup sealed inside a plastic zip-top bag for freshness. You get 12 pods per box for $4.99, making them a mid-range option in the single-serve coffee world.

I love coffee. I'm also the only coffee drinker in my household, so my Keurig is basically my morning lifeline. When I spotted these Trader Joe's Medium Coffee Cups, I was intrigued-familiar K-Cup convenience, but with less guilt about the waste.

Here's where the experience takes a slight turn: If you're like me and have a countertop carousel or organizer for your K-Cups, be warned-these aren't going to work the same way. Because they lack the traditional plastic shell, they need to stay sealed inside their bag to stay fresh. That means instead of neatly displaying them in my organizer, I've got another box sitting on my countertop. Not a deal breaker, but definitely something I wish I knew before buying.

Taste-wise, they're… fine. Perfectly drinkable, but not remarkable. They brew a very average cup of coffee-smooth enough, with no bitter aftertaste, but nothing that stands out from other mid-range coffee brands. I'd put it squarely in the "serviceable" category, not the "must have" one.

Trader Joe's Medium Roast Coffee Cups directions

How to Serve

Brew as you would any K-Cup in a Keurig machine.
Drink black for a true taste test or add your favorite milk, cream, or sweetener.
Pair with Trader Joe's pastries like the Almond Croissants or seasonal muffins for a quick breakfast.

Trader Joe's Medium Roast Coffee Cups description

Creative Uses

Use brewed coffee as the base for an iced coffee, brew over ice, and add a splash of vanilla oat milk.
Freeze brewed coffee into ice cubes for an easy iced latte later.
Save the used grounds for composting or to sprinkle in the garden for a natural fertilizer boost.

FAQs about Trader Joe's Coffee Cups Medium Roast

The following are commonly asked questions about this product:

Are Trader Joe's Medium Coffee Cups recyclable?

They contain less plastic than traditional K-Cups, and the coffee grounds are compostable, but you'll need to check your local recycling guidelines for the filter material.

Do they work with all Keurig models?

Yes, they are compatible with Keurig machines.

How does the flavor compare to other Trader Joe's coffees?

It's smoother than some of their darker roasts but lacks the complexity of their small-batch blends.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Medium Coffee Cups are a step in the right direction for single-serve coffee lovers who want less waste without giving up convenience. While the taste won't wow coffee connoisseurs, it's solid for a weekday morning brew. Just be ready to store them differently-they won't work in your countertop K-Cup organizer. I'd recommend them to anyone who values eco-friendliness over bold flavor.

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Trader Joe's Vegan Chicken-less Mandarin Orange Morsels

I'm not vegan nor am I vegetarian. I'm skeptical at best when it comes to those items as far as taste goes. So I picked up Trader Joe's Vegan Chicken-less Mandarin Orange Morsels. I've had Morningstar Farm's "chicken" burgers and they weren't bad. So I gave this a shot. What it is "chicken" thats been battered and fried the way you would get in a Chinese restaurant. It was completely surprising to me that it was very good. You might even be able to sneak it past a regular carnivore without them knowing. It wasn't as thick as a regular nugget, nor was it as moist, but when you cut it open it does look like chicken. So here is what you get for $2.99.

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The nutritional information:

How to prepare this:

What comes out of the bag, the "chicken":

After being in the toaster oven for 15 minutes:

After being coated in the sauce:

After plating:

Cutting a piece open:

I ate a whole portion of this. It was excellent The sauce reminded me of my local Chinese restaurant. The "chicken" was perhaps drier than normal chicken, but could have easily have been passed off as meat. Would I buy this again? For $2.99 it is far cheaper than the local Chinese restaurant that you would probably pay double that price for the same sized portion. Good value and good taste.

Since the original review was posted, this item has been discontinued and replaced with Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chickenless Morsels. If you are looking for the non-vegan variety which remains unchanged, then check out Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken.

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