Food, drinks, style, and humor
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: …
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: …
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: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Family Style Meat Lasagna is an adequate meal for about 4 people in the freezer section.
The cons: There was absolutely nothing that made me say, “wow” about this product.
The verdict:…
The pros: Trader Joe’s Sweet Corn, Burrata and Basil Ravioli is the newest addition to Trader Joe’s fresh pasta items. It’s very pretty to look at. The cheese and basil were nice.
The cons: Not much of a burrata taste and the corn is whole.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli is the mediocre quality you have come to expect from an item in the freezer aisle, but is below average for a Trader Joe’s freezer item. It’s ready quickly.
The cons: If you want really good ravioli, then reach for Trader Joe’s Spinach Ricotta Ravioli in the refrigerated aisle (and get some sauce).
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Bowtie Pasta is complete no frills pasta. It is priced well but…
The cons: There is nothing truly special about this pasta.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Spinach and Chive Linguine Pasta is a tasty alternative to plain pasta, it cooks quickly and tastes like homemade.
The cons: This is also pricier than most pastas.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Trofie Colore are fun colored pasta that have natural colors to them.
The cons: The pasta lost a lot of color in the cooking process. The reddish color stood out the most in terms of color loss. It was noticeable from the time I dropped Trader Joe’s Trofie Colore into the water.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Girasoli Ricotta and Lemon Zest is a flavorful pasta if you can find it. It has just enough lemon flavor and the smoothness of the ricotta cheese. It is ready in under 5 minutes.
The cons: None come to mind
The verdict: …
