Bacon. It’s like meat candy all on its own. Add something sweet and spicy and you have on heck of a combination. The combined saltiness and textural elements work so very well in Trader Joe’s Sweet Sriracha Uncured Bacon Jerky.
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expensive
Trader Joe’s Steakhouse Seasoned Filet Mignon
The pros: Trader Joe’s Steakhouse Seasoned Filet Mignon is super tender, juicy and lean cut of meat. Lots of seasoning.
The cons: If you want gravy with this, you’ll have to bring it in. There were no juices to speak of here. Recipe is heavy-handed with the black pepper.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe’s
The pros: Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe’s are super chocolatey, rich with a nice balance of candy cane flavor and texture. The peppermint is a compliment to the chocolate and doesn’t overwhelm it. Good quality chocolate was used on the outside.
The cons: Only 10 in a package. Each cookie is over 100 calories each.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Tangerine Juice
If you enjoy citrus in the morning, but find yourself getting tired of the usual OJ routine, it might be time to mix things up. Trader Joe’s sells Tangerine Juice in the refrigerated section with the other juices. Trader Joe’s Tangerine juice will give your palate a similar flavor to orange juice but with a hint of sweetness.
The pros: Freshly squeezed Tangerine Juice.
The cons: Expensive ($3.29 for 1 quart) for what you are getting here as compared to other items in the juice section.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Stuffed Lobster Halves filled with Lobster, Crab, and Langostinos
The pros: Trader Joe’s Stuffed Lobster Halves is a dish that is not frequently available in many grocery stores. In fact you’ll be hard pressed to find it in many restaurants that are done well. I saw lobster and my eyes lit up and wallet immediately opened as I won’t have to harm this creature as someone already beat me to it.
The cons: Look at the picture on the box. See what’s missing from the lobster. I only realized it when I got home and was eating it. It says “filled with lobster.” They removed half the lobster before it’s reached you. A fresh lemon is still required to brighten up the flavor of the stuffing.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Turkey Breast
The pros: Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Turkey Breast is moist turkey breast ready in under 45 minutes.
The cons: Expensive compared to buying a whole uncooked turkey. No dark meat option at Trader Joe’s.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Blanched Almond Flour
The pros: $7.99 might sound like a lot for Trader Joe’s Blanched Almond Flour, but that’s actually a very reasonable price. King Arthur Almond flour sells for double.
The cons: Still expensive compared to regular wheat flour, but for some wheat flour is a non option.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Hat Trick Trio of Bitters
The pros: Trader Joe’s Hat Trick Trio of Bitters contain three bitters in one box. These are a large size for bitter bottles. These will last a long time as you only use a few dashes per recipe.
The cons: Somewhat pricey for Trader Joe’s items. This will set you back $15.99 and you’ll need to show ID. The cashier was shocked when the computer told him to ask for ID. I explained to him that bitters contain alcohol.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Korean Style Beef Short Ribs
The pros: Trader Joe’s Korean Style Beef Short Ribs have tasty Korean flavors. Short ribs were tender, thin cut, don’t require hours of cooking like many short rib recipes do. It’s already marinaded and waiting for you to defrost.
The cons: You can’t just grill these out of the bag. They absolutely have to defrost. Not a deal breaker, but if you are starving please plan accordingly. This isn’t a 5 minute meal. I also wish there were more in the bag. As one person it would be easy to polish off the whole bag. Not a deal breaker though. Can’t use a microwave.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Tri Tip Roast
The pros: Super beefy tasting cut of beef. Trader Joe’s Tri Tip Roast was tender out of the oven. It’s got all the culinary buzzwords going: no antibiotics, no added hormones, free range, vegetarian fed.
The cons: Over $20 for a roast that was just over 2 lbs. Not cheap, but it is quality.
The Verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
The pros: Trader Joe’s Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup is a quality maple syrup.
The cons: Expensive for what you are getting. This 8 ounce bottle was $9.99 which translates to only 4 servings in a bottle. I wanted to open the bottle and smell bourbon, or at least maple syrup (ok, I really wanted bourbon, what a way to start your day) but it had no smell to it.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Kona Coffee
The Pros: The smell opening Trader Joe’s Kona Coffee can was amazing.
The Cons: Price. This container was 13 ounces and cost $19.99
The Verdict: …
