The pros: Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Mac and Cheese is new and the only gluten free pasta option currently in the freezer.
The cons: It still misses the mark compared to the non gluten free varieties.
The verdict: …
Frozen
Trader Joe’s Big Soft Pretzels
The pros: Trader Joe’s Big Soft Pretzels are new to shelves and have the salt package already in the bag so you decide how much or how little is best for you.
The cons: Four pretzels in a bag, but the bag can’t be resealed.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Macaron Aux Framboises
The pros: Trader Joe’s Macaron Aux Framboises has three generous servings and delicious dessert from France.
The cons: The coconut was a surprise but not a deal breaker.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Chipotle Vegetable Quesadillas
The pros: Trader Joe’s Chipotle Vegetable Quesadillas are a new addition to the quesadilla options in the freezer section of Trader Joe’s.
The cons: The wrap is quite doughy and pretty thick for a quesadilla. The finished product isn’t quite as gracefully beautiful as the pictured quesadilla.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Turkey Meatballs
The pros: Trader Joe’s Turkey Meatballs make for a quick dinner from the freezer that keeps the calorie check in count.
The cons: Not the greatest turkey meatballs that I’ve had before.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Meatless Breakfast Patties
The pros: Trader Joe’s Meatless Breakfast Patties are a good alternative to meat sausage patties in the morning.
The cons: True meat lovers probably will still want to stick with the real thing.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Artichoke Hearts
The pros: Trader Joe’s Artichoke Hearts is one of several artichoke options available at Trader Joe’s. This is cheaper than the marinated and has fewer calories.
The cons: This is a staple in my house can be sold out often at my local store.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
The pros: Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers are well done dumplings that are quick, easy, and relatively low in calories.
The cons: This is better if you have a dipping sauce.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Mango and Cream Bars
The pros: Trader Joe’s Mango and Cream Bars are light and refreshing.
The cons: No stick, but I’m not sure why these needed such explicit instructions.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Uncured Ham and Swiss Cheese Flaky Croissant
The pros: Trader Joe’s Uncured Ham and Swiss Cheese Flaky Croissant are the newest to a growing line of croissant products. These are well priced compared to getting these already made.
The cons: These are squares instead of the rolled shape of a regular croissant. It was a touch doughy in the middle.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s 8 Mini Croissants
The pros: Trader Joe’s 8 Mini Croissants are new and replace the frozen ones you have to proof. Don’t worry though, the Chocolate and Almond croissants are still in the frozen aisle.
The cons: If you imagined (like I did) that these would be about the size of say a crescent roll, then you will be surprised by how much they puff up. This bag is not resealable. They are made in Belgium.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Just Grilled Chicken Strips
The pros: Trader Joe’s Just Grilled Chicken Strips are an easy as can be, good to keep on hand product that makes for a quick meal or salad.
The cons: You are paying the same amount for this one pound bag as you would in Costco for an entire rotisserie chicken.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s 8 Mini Raspberry Pastries
The pros: Trader Joe’s 8 Mini Raspberry Pastries are a new addition to the frozen aisle. These are easy to make and the end product is good.
The cons: This bag should be resealable as 8 pastries might be more than you want to bake at one time. I found the cook time to be longer than what was mentioned on the box.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Potato Pancakes
The pros: Trader Joe’s Potato Pancakes are a really good breakfast/dinner option. This is a regular year round item.
The cons: If you don’t care for the taste of onion, then reach for Trader Joe’s Hashbrowns instead.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Mini Hold the Cone Vanilla Ice Cream Cones
The pros: Trader Joe’s Mini Hold the Cone Vanilla Ice Cream Cones are one of two year round varieties of mini ice cream cones.
The cons: Hard to eat just one. Chocolate and vanilla flavors are offered year round. Other varieties will appear, but are seasonal.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Mango Mini Mochi
The pros: Trader Joe’s Mango Mini Mochi is a classic dessert of east meets west. Mochi evokes strong feelings of love or dislike.
The cons: This is a texture pairing that not everyone is going to love and adore.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Cod Provencale
The pros: Trader Joe’s Cod Provencale is one of the better single meals that you can reach for in the frozen section.
The cons: Not quite as pretty as they package would have you believe. The cod does not taste seasoned at all.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Frozen Strawberries
For the most part, I tend to review one item at a time. However, for something as basic as frozen fruits and veggies I think it’s just best to review them together. Let’s be honest, it’s hard to write THAT much about such a staple freezer item. Now, if you are like me, I tend to let my wallet dictate my buying habits. However, for this item perhaps its best to do a side by side comparison. Trader Joe’s frozen strawberries come in two varieties. There is a third, in the Organic Tropical Fruit Blend, but that is also mixed in with other fruit, so I did not add that one into this review.
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Trader Joe’s Vanilla Ice Cream Bon Bons
The pros: Trader Joe’s Vanilla Ice Cream Bon Bons are a small and portion controlled dessert that might satisfy a sweet tooth.
The cons: Vanilla ice cream could be better.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Jumbo Sea Scallops
The pros: Trader Joe’s Jumbo Sea Scallops are found on the freezer section and are individually quick frozen. This bag can be resealed so you won’t have to cook the entire bag.
The cons: Expensive, but good seafood should not be cheap.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
The pros: Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi is quite possibly the best cauliflower “substitute” product to date.
The cons: This is not organic or labeled as being gluten-free. Once people try this, I predict it will be a while before I see this on shelves again.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Wild Salmon in Yogurt and Mint Sauce
The pros: Trader Joe’s Wild Salmon in Yogurt and Mint Sauce is easy to prepare.
The cons: Not great overall. You are better off doing a bit of meal prep yourself. Also, I’m not sure what purpose the tomato serves. It was just there for color and did not add much here.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Asian Vegetables with Beijing Style Soy Sauce
The pros: Trader Joe’s Asian Vegetables with Beijing Style Soy Sauce is a solid blend of Asian veggies with a thick and flavorful sauce.
The cons: Nothing stands out.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s 5 Cheese Greek Spiral
The pros: Trader Joe’s 5 Cheese Greek Spiral is crispy and cheesy.
The cons: If there were 5 cheeses in this, then they became indistinguishable once they were baked together.
The verdict: …
