Trader Joe's blog and cooking.
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 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: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Balsamic Rosemary Beef Steak Tips are new to the refrigerated aisle.
The cons: These are good, but don’t quite reach the level of great.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Tomato Basil Hummus is a unique flavor pairing which on a surface level seems like it should be a good pairing. This is priced well at $1.99.
The cons: The pairing here ended up tasting odd.
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 Harvest Salad with Grilled Chicken is a filling and good salad option where the calorie count isn’t too terrible.
The cons: You’ll need a spare plate to dig out the dressing or at least to mix the dressing in.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Smoked Salmon Poke Bowl is another new addition to the refrigerated section and has a lot of familiar flavors.
The cons: My brown rice was a bit more on the undercooked side.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Hummus with Freshly Ground Horseradish is a recent addition to the dips of the refrigerated aisle.
The cons: Does not bring the heat that you might expect.
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 Wild Fresh Haddock is a fresh option in the refrigerated case at a reasonable price.
The cons: You’ll need your own recipe as cooking suggestions are limited to bake, pan fry or broil with no suggestions as to how long.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is one of two salmon options available in the refrigerated aisle.
The cons: This is priced higher than the farm raised salmon. No cooking directions on the package beyond suggestions of bbq, pan fry or broil.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s 3 Cheese Vegetable Ravioli seems to the fresh pasta section in the refrigerated case.
The cons: Flavors here might not be for everyone. Some of mine were very stuck together. One leaked its filling
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 Marinated Beef Flank Steak Pesto Roll has a lot in common with the seasonal Trader Joe’s Porchetta Roast.
The cons: Make sure to use a roasting pan or a dish with a lip as a lot of liquid and oil came off of my roast. I’m still not sold on the idea of cooking pesto.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s A Complete Salad Kale and Hemp Seeds is a fresh and tasty combination of flavors
The cons: This suffers from the same problem that most other salad mixes suffer from at Trader Joe’s: there just isn’t enough mix ins or dressing to go around. Unless you like your salad very lightly dressed.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Gyro Slices are decent gyro, but nothing that will wow.
The cons: These are no where nearly as good as a Greek restaurant, however, if you are no where near a good Greek place, then these are a decent substitute.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing and Dip is a very tangy blue cheese dressing. It can be used as both a dressing and a dip.
The cons: If you prefer a thinner consistency or don’t appreciate the tang of blue cheese, then skip this.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Truffle Mousse Pate is a truly unique product that will have its raving fans. For those with a curious palate and not a big wallet, it’s a neat item to try.
The cons: This is neither a taste nor texture that everyone will appreciate. If you’ve been curious about pate and can stomach the flavor of truffle, this is a well made one to reach for. Pate is not diet food, so don’t be surprised by the calorie count.
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 Uncured Bacon Wrapped Porchetta Pork Roast is a great seasonal find that makes for a presentable roast.
The cons: This is a seasonal item so if you want to try it, grab one as soon as possible because when they are gone they are gone.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Uncured Extra Thick Cut Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon is new to store shelves and did not appear to be marked as “HOL” on my receipt which might indicate this might be sticking around.
The cons: It’s bacon and sugar. Just don’t look at the nutritional info. Just don’t do it. This is also just a spin on candied bacon.
The verdict: …
