The pros: Trader Joe's 100% Mango Juice from Carabao Mangoes is sold in a four pack of cans. It's good mango juice but...
The cons: Not terribly different from Trader Joe's Mango Nectar. Since this can only be grown in the Philippines then this too is likely seasonal.
The verdict: I was happy to see Trader Joe's Dried Carabao Mangoes back on shelves recently. I was even more excited to see that I could experience them in full liquid form. Those dried fruit were just like eating candy. The bag almost did not need to be resealable. I was just that easy to polish off the whole bag. They were almost like eating natural fruit roll ups.
This can however, did not bring me to the same level of joy as the dried fruit did. Yes, these are sold as a four pack in the drink aisle along with the 100% Pineapple Juice, the Pineapple Coconut Water, the Calamansi Cooler, and other random drink cans they periodically offer. There are reasons why this does not measure up to the dried fruit of the same mango. With the dried fruit I was able to tell that there was something special and distinct about that product. They were unlike any other dried mango that I had every had. This mango juice was nearly indistinguishable from Trader Joe's Mango Nectar.
Put side by side, I'm not sure I would be able to tell which is which. I mean, I would if the packaging where there, but there was nothing terribly standout about this product other than it is packaged in a four can pack. It's thick enough for a drink, but so is the mango nectar. It's got a nice tropical color and would probably be pretty good in a mixed drink. There was no discernible chalkiness about the flavor here. Just mango flavor through a single ingredient.
For $2.99 for four cans, it is a bit pricey. This was fun to try, but not something that I would buy again. If you are debating on getting it, perhaps save it for some real mangoes. Specifically, the Ataulfo variety from Mexico are outstanding. I'd rather eat one of those and drink it hoping to capture some of that rich and intense flavor.
Here is the visual run down of what you get if you buy this product:
The can of Trader Joe's 100% Mango Juice from Carabao Mangoes:
The nutritional information and the ingredient:
How Trader Joe's describes this product:
Out of the package you get:
Would I buy this again? No, I would not get Trader Joe's 100% Mango Juice from Carabao Mangoes again. It's pricier and harder to discern a difference between this and the mango nectar. Not to mention the price difference.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
So darned tasty I find it addicting -- can't praise it too much!
Hey MJ! If you think this was good, you gotta try the Dried Carabao Mangoes when they have them. Those are outstanding. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and share your thoughts!
I just discovered this and like this better because I believe the mango nectar has added white grape juice, sugar, etc.
Hey SC! You're absolutely right, this is pure mango juice as opposed to the mango nectar which is more of a mix. If you liked this, then keep an eye out for the dried Carabao Mangoes. Those were a standout for me. I tend to only see them in the winter. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!