Trader Joe's blog and cooking.
If you buy fresh pasta from Trader Joe’s, you might have noticed they’ve updated the packaging on most of the ravioli products. They are now brightly colored. This means one of two things: either they’ve changed the product or they’ve only just updated the packaging.
In this case they’ve altered the name from previous years. They’ve dropped the name “Girasoli” and added the word ravioli. But overall, the taste seems pretty spot on from previous years. …
Well, if the Soba Noodles knocked it out of the park, then I will be giving these the bench. Now, in previous reviews I’ve liked Gochujang flavors when they have tried to incorporated them. But here in Trader Joe’s Gochujang Chop Salad Kit, they just didn’t work for me. Not. One. Bit.
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Taco night and pizza night. They are things that happen in my household with some measure of frequency. Mostly because of the wide appeal of those items. I mean who doesn’t love pizza or tacos? Tacos are made to taste too. You put as much or as little as the ingredients as you like on them.
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If you’ve come to Trader Joe’s for your Corned Beef, you are in luck for St. Patrick’s Day. Even if you don’t celebrate that holiday, Trader Joe’s Corned Beef corned beef is something worth celebrating. Best of all there are two varieties: uncooked and precooked. This review focuses just on the corned beef you’ll be cooking for yourself. If you find that you are enjoying it, be prepared for this to disappear over the rainbow when corned beef season ends….
Real Food! Trader Joe’s has finally graced us with something other than a snack food or dessert item. It’s been too long. On the flip side, I can say that this was worth the wait.
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It wasn’t all that long ago when Trader Joe’s introduced the Cold Pressed Fuji Spiced Apple Cider. What I thought was a seasonal item, is still on shelves. Now, that means one of two things: either people hate it and its sitting there still (Yes, I’m looking at you Carrot Cake Spread taking up all that shelf space at my local stores) or it might mean they still are stocking it. Given the fact that its in the refrigerate aisle, it’s highly unlikely that it is just sitting there. So, now along side of it is Trader Joe’s Cold Pressed Pineapple Juice….
If there is one good thing about going to a Trader Joe’s before the holiday, it’s that the people in there seem just a big more kind and jolly than most grocery stores. The other grocery stores near me, the customers are miserable. Worse, the employees are even more miserable. So I hope you’ve done your shopping or are only running out for an item or two. As for me, here is a rare double review in honor of Thanksgiving.
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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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After the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls that I tried, it had me longing for Stuffed Peppers. The premise in the end is pretty much the same, but the containment vegetable is much different.
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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 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 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: …
