Trader Joe's blog and cooking.
The average Trader Joe's store stocks a few thousand products, most of which bear its name. But quality can vary in the refrigerated section, fortunately, that's why you have this site!
From Beef Bool Kogi to the Bean and Jack Cheese Burrito find hundreds of reviews of Trader Joe's products and see which ones are worth your time and which ones you may want to consider leaving on the shelf!
I’m not sure how it is almost Thanksgiving already, but it seems like the end of the year is just zooming by. On the stroke of midnight on Halloween it seemed that Trader Joe’s made the transition from pumpkin to turkey to now aisles of just holiday items. And at my store, you aren’t quite sure if it is going to be Thanksgiving or they are just diving straight into the winter holidays.
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I’m at Trader Joe’s about twice a week. But I’ve noticed a bit of a shift in the pasta section recently. Yes, there are some new pastas like this and the Brussels Sprout ravioli, but also it seems that some packaging is also being updated as well. Which means, I may have to revisit some older reviews to get them updated. But in the meanwhile, Trader Joe’s Sweet Italian Sausage and Four Cheese Ravioli is another new one.
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There are a handful of foods the are absolutely polarizing to discuss: cilantro, truffle, and yes Brussels Sprouts (I know there are far more than just those). But only one of those has food memories often associated with childhood. Either you have grown to like it, or you remember sitting at the dinner table with those terrible mini cabbages which you knew by smell alone were vile.
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If you are wondering, yes, I’ve reviewed Carrot Spirals before. Previously it was in the freezer aisle. They were the first spiralized item that I had seen in the freezer item. Since then I’ve added Zucchini Spirals. But now the refrigerated aisle is getting a bit of a makeover with spirals of sweet potatoes, butternut squash, zucchini (at my store these aren’t Trader Joe’s branded), and even pre-cut Spaghetti Squash.
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So as 2018 draws to a close, it seems that Trader Joe’s has committed to two food products: sugar and cauliflower. The vast majority of the items I’m writing about are super sweet. I was more than happy to give my palate a break. While I don’t mind cauliflower sneaking into more items, but for me, it needs to be done well.
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The pros: Trader Joe’s Stuffed Peppers make for an easy meal at a reasonable calorie count.
The cons: This might be a regional item as I’ve only seen it a handful of times. In fact, I’ve seen it more via social media than in person.
The verdict: …
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: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Asian Style Ground Chicken is a new pre-marinated product that can make a meal a breeze.
The cons: Nothing really stands out.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Wild Fresh Sea Scallops are one of two options for scallops at Trader Joe’s. The package is vacuum sealed and keeps the scallops very fresh.
The cons: Nothing really stands out.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Grass Fed Organic Rib Eye Beef Steak is a new and premium addition to the meat aisle of Trader Joe’s.
The cons: This is a premium product at price point of over $21 per pound. There is also quite a bit of fat that could have been trimmed off.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Mango Vinaigrette is seasonal.
The cons: If the name were honest, it would be sweet and cilantro-y. Would make for a better marinade than actual dressing.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Pollo Asado Autentico is a long standing favorite in the refrigerated aisle.
The cons: It is best on the day you prepare it. The leftovers just aren’t as outstanding the next day.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter Spread is one of two new butter options.
The cons: With some room temperature butter you can easily make this at home for a fraction of the cost.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter Spread is one of two new butter spreads available at Trader Joe’s.
The cons: While this container isn’t expensive, this works out to over $11 a pound. I think you can do better in terms of price.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Italian Style Wrap is one of the better wraps in the refrigerated aisle.
The cons: This has a lot of calories in it. The creamy Dijon is more mayo than mustard. Oh and it contains 74% of your recommended fat intake. You’ll want to look over the nutritional information before grabbing and going.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Moroccan Inspired Cheddar Cheese seems to be a new spicy addition to cheese aisle packed with options.
The cons: The last spicy cheese wasn’t around for very long so I’m not sure if this will be a seasonal offering or not.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Uncured Salame di Parma Mild Salami is a nice and unusual shaped Salami. If you are concerned about the humane raising of animals, then you’ll want to read on.
The cons: Nothing really stood out to distinguish this from any other salami I’ve tried. This is also a bit more expensive as well at nearly $20 per pound.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Edamame Hummus is a very different hummus from the rest of the options on the shelf. In fact, the first ingredient here is edamame.
The cons: It doesn’t taste like much. It’s creamy, but you may find yourself needing to add things to make it more interesting.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Rainbow Wrap is a new and a vegan addition to the refrigerated aisle.
The cons: The calorie count is pretty darn high on this one.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Center Cut Filet Mignon Steak is a tender and high quality cut of meat. This is USDA Choice which is one step below USDA Prime.
The cons: Price. This is quite expensive and is a substantial jump in price compared to the Filet Mignon that I reviewed in 2017. Not only is the packaging, name and quality grade difference but this is almost $10 per pound more expensive.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Organic Caesar Salad Kit is a vast improvement over Trader Joe’s Caesar Style Salad Mix.
The cons: Keep your expectations in check as this mix is as good as this is a good bagged salad mix.
The verdict: …
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: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Hot Smoked Scottish Salmon is a pretty good smoked salmon.
The cons: This is more expensive than even Trader Joe’s Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon. Like any smoked fish, this has an exceptionally short freshness period. It is highly perishable, so you’ll need to use it right away.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s BBQ Seasoned Spatchcocked Chicken is an easy and delicious pre-seasoned item that comes out very moist.
The cons: This item is likely seasonal. But the package also mentions that it can be frozen. Keep in mind this is BBQ seasoned, but not BBQ flavored.
The verdict: …
