I got an email today from Trader Joe's about their annual survey of most loved food items. In fact, they do this every year. That had me thinking: Where is the list of things we don't like and don't care for? In the spirit of "out with the old and in with the new", here is my take on the worst things I've tried at Trader Joe's. I've done nearly 1,000 Trader Joe's reviews. No, I haven't tried it all. Not even close. But from what I have tried and written about I've got enough to choose from.
This is completely unscientific and my own humble opinion. It is also the opinions of those who shared their thoughts with me as well.
While I have liked, if not loved, most of what I've tried here on this blog, there have been some that have stood out in all the wrong ways. I did also put it out there to my followers on Instagram to see what they said. Their thoughts and commentary follow. If you have something you would like to add, then feel free to leave a comment at the end. I can't wait to see what made your "Trader No" list.
The Worst Things I've Tried
This list is presented to you in no particular order. As they popped into my mind, they were added to the list.
No surprises here with Trader Joe's Beef Cabbage Rolls. Here is something that I wished I could have un-smelled and not tasted the soggy cabbage leaves here. Most cabbage rolls I've had had a sauce. This one needed something. And with microwave only directions it did super weird things to the cabbage here. They also looked like a certain overused brown emoji.
The holiday season so often brings Trader Joe's A-Game. This year, this Spicy Shrimp Appetizer Duo just didn't measure up. The flavors were out of whack. I managed to consume two of these before they found their final resting place at the bottom of the trash can.
Now, when I posted this review I heard from a lot of employees of Trader Joe's that something had gone terribly wrong with this product. So bad that it appeared in the Fearless Flyer and then had to be pulled from shelves. Here are the undercooked balls of dough that had so much potential. Sorry Donut Bites, the ones I tried earned you a seat here. But I'm totally open to re-reviewing at a later date. I have a soft spot in my heart, tummy, and thighs for a rematch with any donut.
Sushi. The beauty of sushi is its freshness. No matter how many times I feel weak (read hungry) and the wrap section has been cleared toward closing time, I find myself reaching for sushi. This tale almost always ends up with regret and a trip to the drive through afterwards. You can see my review of Trader Joe's Tempura Shrimp Crunch Rolls here.
In the same section as the sushi, are a series of wraps. A series of calorie heavy, under-flavored and mildly soggy wraps. I always wondered why the tarragon chicken salad wrap was sitting there at the end of the day. I wonder no more. On a side note, it does seem that they are "redoing" the wraps at my store, so some of these might need to be re-reviewed.
In fact the ONLY wraps I'll pick up these days are Trader Joe's Cubano Wrap and the Bean and Cheese Burrito. Otherwise, I don't want to be bothered with them until they make the wraps better. I'm happy to eat my words, if the end product is better.
The bar that bites back. This one is on the list on sheer design flaws. I think they wanted a bar for Jaws and not one that actually fit into your jaw.
It ain't easy being green. And this combo of Pesto and Gouda just didn't work.
Here is another item where the combination didn't work and the picture from the box couldn't be further from reality. This must have been a talented food stylist to pull off that photo. You can read my review of the Wild Salmon in Yogurt and Mint Sauce here (and see some real pictures of the product).
Another case of poor execution. The cheese here is fine, but tread lightly with the marinade. There is nothing quite as taste deadening as a bunch of black peppercorns freshly ground. In your mouth. As you chew. You can read my review of Trader Joe's Goat’s Milk Cheese Medallions Marinated in Herbs here.
And yes, there have been failed desserts. This molten salted butterscotch macaron had so much potential. But it left molten and just had a burnt sugar taste to it.
Apple Pie Cheddar Cheese. Who approved this? Thankfully, I haven't seen it on shelves since.
The now discontinued Clams and Mussels are another item that just didn't make the grade. Too many broken shells. It just didn't work.
Look at those shrimp on that bag. Boy are you going to be disappointed when you open the bag. So much heat, so little shrimp in this Spicy Thai Shrimp Fried Rice.
Chicken Piccata. There are some people who love this. I can not be counted among the fans. It looked terrible. For me, the taste wasn't much better. And yes, most chicken in the refrigerated aisle leave something to be desired. Even basics like Chicken Parm have been somewhat rubbery at best.
This had so, so, so very much potential. I had dreams of carrot cake cookie butter. I felt lied to. Ok, maybe if i had read the jar before sticking it in my mouth, I wouldn't have felt that way. Who am I kidding? This was NOT my thing.
The Time the Comment Section Clearly Felt I Got Things Wrong
There are times as the author, your readers send you a resounding message in the comments section that you got things egregiously wrong. Now, I never tried the original product and that is where the conflict is. Originally, the product that preceded this one required it to rise overnight. The new bag doesn't require that. Which product is in question? Trader Joe's 8 Mini Croissants. You can read the full review here (and all the comments too).
Readers Respond with their Worst of List
Right before the holidays hit (ok, before Halloween) I put it out to my followers on Instagram to get a feel for their thoughts. They were very generous in sharing their thoughts (many of which were completely unfiltered). Because of the holidays and all the new items hitting shelves, this article did get pushed off. Here is what those who responded shared with me. And there were lots of green, sick emojis on some of the comments people sent me:
While not the worst thing I've tried, this Chicken Enchilada isn't great. You are better off going with the refrigerated chicken enchiladas with the verde sauce.
This little box also got an honorable mention from a few commenters. It was ready in two minutes and tasted like it was. It was mushy noodles with a not so great pad thai sauce. In fact, one follower wrote in, "They used to have these fake Asian take out boxes in the dry good section that SUCKED."
Another reader wrote in, "Teriyaki Chicken from the frozen area-I look one bite and threw it out." I've only bought Trader Joe's BBQ Chicken Teriyaki once. For the review.
This veggie panang curry had its share of haters too.
The dislike was real for this Seafood Paella too:
One reader chimed in about the Honey Walnut Shrimp and said, "The shrimp alone were great but the sauce was disgusting!"
Even the humble silver dollar pancakes weren't safe. One reader called them "yucky."
And then some readers admit to an unpopular opinion
And yes, this hit my inbox and made me laugh, "The Cauliflower Gnocchi! I know everyone loves it but it tastes like a ball of paste!" I love it, but there is a solid crowd who don't care for it one bit. And yes, having an unpopular opinion of a Trader Joe's product could be an article all by itself.
In Conclusion
While I've tried nearly 1,000 items at Trader Joe's (and no, I'm not sponsored, paid, affiliated, or work for them), this list is pretty short all things considered. Trader Joe's has brought us a lot of value, easy, affordable and tasty items.
But they just all can't be winners. I still applaud them for trying and can't wait to see what they bring us this year. And yes, 2018 did bring us a fair share of winners too.
Cheers to 2019 and (hopefully) not adding anything to this list.
Your Turn!
Did I miss anything? Sound off about what you've like the least over the years. I haven't tried or reviewed everything (yet), so I'd love your take on things!
You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I’m up to and share your thoughts with me there also!
Alek says
I thought the rice quinoa blend was disgusting. Smelled like weird earthy aroma. Nasty. I see some of the items are still on shelves.
PattiAnn says
Dear Betty,
I think you are incredibly brave to try all these TJ products.
Wow! Amazing reporting. Thank you.
PattiAnn
becomebetty says
Hey PattiAnn! Thanks so very much for your kind words. I hope you find the information here helpful. Thanks again for taking the time out of your day to stop by and share!
Chief Winehound says
Not sure how you screw up croissants, donut holes, or pancakes! Mussels I get! Fun read
becomebetty says
Thanks so much. Fun to look back on those not so fun moments. And yes, bad food happens from time to time! Thanks again for stopping by and sharing!
Dagmar says
On the things that you dislike that I have tried I am pretty much on par with you as to my dislike of them. I have to say again that the lemon piccata chicken has to be one of the most disgusting things I have ever tried from them in the refrigerated section. It took me three times of trying it to learn my lesson of Just Give It Up! It ain't going to get no better. I am also not a fan of their wraps-not worth the $ or the calories. I really don't understand the people is just like of the cauliflower gnocchi. I so love them! Thanks for this list. It was fun to review.
Robert Woolley says
I keep a list of my all-time-worst TJ's finds here: http://exploringtraderjoes.blogspot.com/search/label/Bottom%20Ten
becomebetty says
Hey Robert! I looks like we agree on a good number of those product. I totally forgot about the creepy bananas that looked so incredibly visually appealing. Thanks so much for adding this!
EllenLV says
I always love your reviews, good or bad, they are always to the point and honest. Thanks for a great read. Keep up the good work. Ellen
MS says
These are all first time products for me:
I am in the minority on Jingle Jangle. The hype was real. The product was a let down. It was too much of one flavor. It would benefit from a better mix of chocolates. All I could taste was dark. I make better mixes at the Winco bulk bins. The Astounding Multi-Flavor Joe Joe’s live up to the hype! Amazing. Also, while the dark chocolate PB cups are lovely, I found myself preferring the milk chocolate PB cups. Two of my favorites this year: caramel apple granola and gingerbread granola; both with milk and heated. I have tried Mandarin Orange Chicken in years past, but the amount of chicken seems lacking now. The Mango! gummies are wonderful. Hot Cocoa Dunkers are by far the best of the varieties. The Harvest Trek Trail Mix was a delicious surprise hit.
MS says
Brenda, your blog is a pleasure to read. It is a fun place to check-in and learn about interesting finds. I appreciate the detail you put in without the ridiculous 20 paragraphs of “life story” like just about every other blogger (recipes, right?!). I also like how you put a pic of the packaging, nutrition, actual pic before and after, and write a thorough yet concise review. It also sounds like you actually try these products vs other bloggers who pretend... So, thank you for keeping this blog for yourself and for your readers. 🙂
Ttrockwood says
Try the vegetarian chickenless mandarin orange version- my omni sister and nephew buy and love it, say can’t tell the difference with actual chicken one. I haven’t tried the chicken one (I’m vegetarian) but i also love the chickenless version
Ttrockwood says
Whoah you have certainly tried a lot of TJs stuff!!
Gotta say i do not understand why they even sell the sushi! Worst veg sushi i have ever had. Ever. And I’ve had veg sushi from 711 that was better.
The frozen riced cauliflower things i have tried have been an Epic Fail- just tastes like mooshy frozen cauliflower. Maybe i am not carb deprived enough to get it. And i hate most frozen veg, the texture/flavor is just nothing like fresh.
The butternut squash soup in a box is a big ICK from me yet apparently popular, just way too sweet.
Oh! And the other baffling HORRIBLE mouth stabbing inedible thing is TJs broccoli slaw! It’s like half shredded stalk- like the tough outside of the stalks!! (Wtf?!??) so it hurts to try and eat and so many tough pieces that can’t actually chew. Same if cooking it, still too many inedible tough parts. Every other company out there makes better broccoli slaw! No outer stalk involved.