The pros: Trader Joe’s Diner Mac and Cheese is as close as you can get to homemade mac and cheese in a frozen package.
The cons: If you bring this as your lunch you will be consuming over 700 calories.
The verdict: …
Pasta
Trader Joe’s Marinara Sauce
The pros: Trader Joe’s Marinara Sauce is one of two new refrigerated sauces hitting shelves: this and mushroom medley alfredo sauce. The ingredient list is pretty simple and straight forward.
The cons: It isn’t going to be my first choice in sauce options. This would have been better if they had used San Marzano tomatoes. Keep some EVOO and some basil on hand if you are planning on using this. For the price, there are some equally good options in the jarred section.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Squid Ink Spaghetti
I love pasta. I’ll take all the carbs if you aren’t having them. The only time I’ve seen squid ink pasta is on the Food Network or on the menu of some fancy schmancy place….
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Mac and Cheese
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: …
Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad
The pros: Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad is new and makes for a good grab and go item if you are going to a BBQ or need a quick side dish.
The cons: Could use a bit more acidity. If you plan on mixing everything in this bowl, you’ll need to move it to a new container.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
The pros: Trader Joe’s Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is new to the refrigerate aisle and is vast improvement over some of the grab and go food items.
The cons: Mine only had a tiny wedge of lemon. If you are planning on eating this for lunch, then be ready for the fact this bowl is 500 calories. If you need to mix the ingredients, you’ll want to reach for a bigger bowl.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Fusilli with Vegetables and Basil Pesto
The pros: Trader Joe’s Fusilli with Vegetables and Basil Pesto is a quick meal. The veggies here are the highlight.
The cons: Not much in the way of pesto.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s 3 Cheese Vegetable Ravioli
The pros: Trader Joe’s 3 Cheese Vegetable Ravioli seems to the fresh pasta section in the refrigerated case.
The cons: Flavors here might not be for everyone. Some of mine were very stuck together. One leaked its filling
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Organic Italian Artisan Pasta Gigli
The pros: Trader Joe’s Organic Italian Artisan Pasta Gigli is one of three new pastas that are organic and artisan.
The cons: This is a premium priced pasta, but is still affordable. A few pasta pieces lost their cool shape.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Spinach Tortelloni with Red Pesto
The pros: Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Spinach Tortelloni with Red Pesto is a filling and tasty meal for one. There were a good amount of veggies in this.
The cons: Those who don’t love whole tomatoes might not appreciate their presence here. A bit high on the calorie side for a frozen meal.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Organic Pesto Tortellini
The pros: Trader Joe’s Organic Pesto Tortellini has been on the shelves for quite some time. It makes for a quick and easy meal.
The cons: Bland tasting pesto with almost no texture to it.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Organic Italian Artisan Pasta Orecchiette
The pros: Trader Joe’s Organic Italian Artisan Pasta Orecchiette is one of three new pastas on Trader Joe’s shelves. All three are labeled as organic and kosher.
The cons: Mine took closer to 18 minutes to reach an al dente texture. Be sure to test before draining these.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Organic Italian Artisan Pasta Capunti
The pros: Trader Joe’s Organic Italian Artisan Pasta Capunti is a new and tasty pasta in a fun shape.
The cons: Other than the fun shape, there was nothing stand out about this pasta.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Shells with Brie and Asparagus
The pros: Trader Joe’s Shells with Brie and Asparagus is a decent variation on mac and cheese.
The cons: Watch the calorie count here. This package is considered 2 servings, so if you are bringing this for lunch just be aware you will be consuming over 600 calories in this one package.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Italian Marinara Sauce with Barolo Wine
The pros: Trader Joe’s Italian Marinara Sauce with Barolo Wine is new and has an almost homemade taste to it. This is far more complex than most other sauces. The smell of this had me both smiling and thinking about Julia Child.
The cons: Slightly more expensive than some of the other sauces on the shelves. Jar indicates that the whole jar should be consumed in three days.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Italian Linguine
The pros: Trader Joe’s Italian Linguine is well priced but otherwise completely average pasta.
The cons: The plastic bag saves space but can also lead to more breakage.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Winter Snowflake Pasta
The pros: Trader Joe’s Winter Snowflake Pasta is one of many seasonal and whimsical shapes of pasta that Trader Joe’s offers on a rotating basis.
The cons: This pasta is special because of its shape, but there is nothing else that stands out about this product. For me, the cooking directions were off.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Egg Fettuccine Pasta
The pros: Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Egg Fettuccine Pasta is excellent. Fresh pasta is always better than boxed, but this was the closest substitute for “real” pasta I’ve ever tried.
The cons: Price. Gluten free products seem to command a premium. With any pasta product, I disagree with the serving sizes. I think two servings is the realistic size expectations
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Puttanesca Sauce
The pros: Trader Joe’s Puttanesca Sauce is a thick sauce that has a lot going on. It’s got sweet tomatoes, but savory elements too with a touch of heat.
The cons: If you are not a fan of olives, capers, or the subtle taste of anchovies, then this is not the sauce you should reach for.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce
The pros: Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce is thick, rich, creamy and will have you thinking that it is just a well made cream sauce.
The cons: It’s seasonal. I wished they would change the name and just sell this all year long. Sodium is high, but the flavor is good.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Fall Zucchette Pasta
The pros: Trader Joe’s Fall Zucchette Pasta is whimsical and seasonal pasta. My inner kid couldn’t wait to get these home.
The cons: I think they need to check the cooking directions. I needed an addition 5 minute to reach al dente.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
The pros: Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is new, frozen, filling, and the first fall seasonal item that I’ve found at my local Trader Joe’s.
The cons: It’s still mac and cheese so don’t expect this to be diet food. Mine was more spicy than I thought it would be. Based on the box design, this is likely seasonal.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Italian Fusilli
The pros: Trader Joe’s Italian Fusilli is basic pasta. Nothing more and nothing less. Price wise it is in line with other pastas at roughly a sale price of just under $1.
The cons: There is nothing really special about this pasta. It’s just basic pasta. The packaging might lead to more challenging home storage or breakage.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Arrabiata Sauce
The pros: Trader Joe’s Arrabiata Sauce is a pretty good jarred sauce at a reasonable price.
The cons: You may want to add your own herbs to this.
The verdict: …
