Trader Joe's blog and cooking.
The pros: Trader Joe’s Miso Ramen Soup is one of two new soups, but this one is vegan, filling, and does not taste quite as salty as some other ramens that I have had.
The cons: Not as cheap as the 4/$1 ramens, but those don’t come with their own microwave safe cups. Also, when I had my second cup, it did not contain an oil packet.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Island Soyaki is different from other teriyaki sauces on the market and slightly different than the similar sounding Trader Joe’s Soyaki.
The cons: If you don’t like pineapple, then you should skip this item. This also tastes very salty, so you might be better off using this sparingly if you are going to marinade something.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookies are delicious, vegan, and are the solid form of Cookie Butter.
The cons: The box that I bought disappeared off of my kitchen counter three times before I was able to complete this review. In fact, it took four boxes to get the final picture. My husband consumed all of these although is reluctant to admit to it.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Soft Baked Snickerdoodles are delicious on their own, but it’s very clear there is also a targeted audience: people with allergies.
The cons: If you like crisp cookies, then you won’t want to pick this up. Box only contains 12 cookies.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Unsweetened Almond Cashew and Macadamia Nut Beverage is a new addition to a growing line of shelf stable, vegan, soy free, dairy free, and gluten-free options.
The cons: Depending on how sweet you like your nut milk might dictate how much you might end up liking this.
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 Matcha Almond Beverage is new to shelves. This is a half way point between a the canned matcha beverage and a matcha latte in terms of sweetness.
The cons: If you are not a matcha fan, then this is probably a flavor you can skip.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Blueberry Lavender Flavored Almond Beverage is a new seasonal gluten-free, vegan, dairy free, kosher, shelf stable almond beverage flavor that has nuances of both blueberry and lavender that are very subtle.
The cons: There is a direct correlation between how much blueberry flavor you are expecting and how happy you will likely be with this product.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread Dip is a hidden treasure in the refrigerated aisle.
The cons: The calorie count is equivalent to eating mayo.
The verdict: …
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: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Mushroom Medley are quick and easy mushrooms that can used in place in of freshly sautéed mushrooms.
The cons: Not as low-calorie as some other frozen vegetable options, but not terrible either. They are simple in flavor as they only contain mushrooms, olive oil, salt, parsley, and garlic.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Falafel Mix is a new mix that is vegan and gluten free and very easy to prepare.
The cons: You won’t be able to make this instantly as the box requires you to wait 30-60 minutes before cooking. You can’t skip this step.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Carrot Ginger Miso Salad Dressing is very similar to the dressing that I’ve had in most Japanese restaurants. This dressing is also vegan.
The cons: This is more perishable than regular dressing.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Chickenless Mandarin Orange Morsels has returned to the frozen section.
The cons: Does not live up to the previous bag that looks so strangely familiar to this one. Consider this a review 2.0. Unless you are serving this with rice the package of sauce will drown the morsels.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast is relatively new and has the vegan community excited. This item is well priced for the size that you get.
The cons: If you have never had this or have no idea what to do with it, you might not end up liking it.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Salad Dressing is one of three new refrigerated dressings. This is very low in calories compared to many bottled dressings. Each serving is 20 calories.
The cons: If you are used to a dressing with a mayonnaise base, then this might not cut it for you.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almond Cashew Beverage is a fantastic substitute for those who can have nuts but are dairy free, soy free, gluten-free or vegan. It’s also darn good if you also want to change. This is ultra pasteurized so it is shelf stable.
The cons: Not as smooth as chocolate milk, but this isn’t a milk product. Price. This is more expensive that buying Trader Joe’s Almond Beverage by the half gallon.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Chickenless Crispy Tenders are a meatless vegan option in the freezer aisle.
The cons: This breading turned out to be a complete disappointment on this. The finished product did not look much like the picture on the box.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Zhoug Sauce is a new addition to the refrigerated dips and sauces at Trader Joe’s. This product is also vegan if that is important to you.
The cons: If you are sensitive to the taste of cilantro or cumin, then pass on the this sauce. The oil in this package is quite yellow and could possible stain anything it touches that isn’t treated right away. This is not a low calorie sauce.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Yellow Jackfruit Curry with Jasmine Rice is the newest addition to the frozen foods aisle. Unlike so many of my recent posts, this item might not be seasonal.
The cons: You’ll need to like yellow curry to appreciate this dish. Coconut milk drives up the saturated fat in this dish.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Coconut Whipped Topping is ideal for someone who can not have dairy products but still want to have whipped cream. However, this is not quite as neutral in flavor. If you like coconut, then you’ll like this.
The cons: This item is priced higher than regular whipped cream and due to social media buzz about it, it seems to have disappeared off of store shelves.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Almond Nog is soy free, gluten free, diary free, vegan, kosher, and seasonal. Best of all, it does a very good job of replicating the flavors that you might expect in a regular egg nog.
The cons: Why is there not a recipe on this carton to make this boozy egg nog? Isn’t that what egg nog is supposed to be about? It’s also not quite as thick as a regular nog.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Riced Cauliflower Stuffing is a healthier spin on stuffing that is perfect for vegans and the people who really watch what they eat.
The cons: For some this might not take the place of actual stuffing. This bag can not be resealed and this item is seasonal.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Ribbons are found in the refrigerated section and are another substitute for pasta.
The cons: With a little bit of prep, you could probably make these yourself.
The verdict:
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