Trader Joe's blog and cooking.
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 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 Banh Mi Inspired Noodle Bowl is a well done refrigerated item that manages to be fresh, filling, and not overly expensive. It is also a reasonable number of calories.
The cons: My package was a complete pain to open. I almost ended up spilling it all over the kitchen in an effort to release the top from the bottom.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Masala Simmer Sauce is a decent simmer sauce, but if you’ve had anything from the frozen Indian entrees those are far superior in quality.
The cons: While there are spices in here, the heat is almost non-existent. So if you are looking for the heat, keep hot chili powder or cayenne close by to mix in.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Spinach and Kale Bites make for a tasty side, appetizer, or single vegetarian meal.
The cons: Mine were stuck slightly to the paper box.
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 Roasted Rainbow Potatoes make for a beautiful presentation for those who don’t have the time to do the prep work.
The cons: This is a seasonal item. Does not come in a resealable bag.
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 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 Curried Carrot and Cashew Dip is a spin on hummus.
The cons: It’s not really that well executed.
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:
…
The pros: Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto is excellent pesto that rivals homemade.
The cons: Don’t let pesto’s green appearance fool you, this is not a low calorie sauce.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Japanese Style Fried Rice is vegan, super flavorful as long as you are willing to embrace the distinct seaweed flavor here in addition to the other Asian ingredients.
The cons: Not a lot of tofu in this so you might want to supplement it with your own.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Habanero Lime Tortillas sound intimidating but they are flavorful and just hot enough.
The cons: True spice junkies will likely be disappointed in the heat level in this product. I did not find this product to be very hot. They only come in the larger size.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Zucchini Spirals are frozen, ready in about 10 minutes, and as easy as can be.
The cons: Trader Joe’s Zucchini Spirals gave up a lot of water, the box indicates that there are 4 servings and I ate the whole thing in one sitting, and is a bit expensive for what you are getting here.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Champagne Grapes are teeny, tiny, seedless, and sweet.
The cons: If you are hoping for the flavor of a certain bubbly drink you will likely be disappointed.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s California Extra Virgin Olive Oil is one of an extensive collection of Trader Joe’s Olive Oils available that has some subtle nuances in flavor.
The cons: This olive oil is priced at somewhat of a premium compared to the prices of other olive oils.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Organic Refried Pinto Beans Salsa Style is tasty, spicy, and affordable.
The cons: This is more of a medium heat, so if you are sensitive to heat you’ve been warned.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Vanilla Coconut Beverage is vegan, gluten-free, and soy free. Also there is an unsweetened variety. Pretty long shelf life compared to dairy.
The cons: This item only comes in a half-gallon size. Quite a bit of saturated fat in each serving.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Stone Ground White Grits are creamy and well done if you follow the directions listed on the bag. The bag is resealable
The cons: These are the real deal, so they can’t be rushed. There are currently no quick grits or frozen grits available at Trader Joe’s.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Taco Shells are a solid choice in the pantry aisle. They make for good taco shells out of the box, but are better toasted per the directions.
The cons: I wished the plastic wrapping was resealable. No fun or exotic flavors to speak of here.
The verdict: …
