Trader Joe's blog and cooking.
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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The pros: Trader Joe’s Stuffed Peppers make for an easy meal at a reasonable calorie count.
The cons: This might be a regional item as I’ve only seen it a handful of times. In fact, I’ve seen it more via social media than in person.
The verdict: …
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: …
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: …
