Affogato is one of those desserts that sounds fancy but is actually very simple. Ice cream plus espresso. That is it. So when Trader Joe's introduced a boxed version with two individual servings, I was curious. On one hand, this is very easy to make at home. On the other, ordering an affogato out can feel wildly overpriced for what it is.
Trader Joe's version sits right in the middle, convenient, controlled portions, and a decent option when you want dessert without a lot of effort.
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Review
Trader Joe's 2 Affogatos come two to a box and are found in the freezer section. Each serving includes a scoop of dairy free ice cream made from coconut and a packet of instant espresso. The ice cream is designed to be topped with freshly prepared espresso right before serving.
Despite being coconut based, the ice cream does not lean heavily into coconut flavor, which is a pleasant surprise.
Let us start with the ice cream. This was better than expected. The texture is creamy and smooth, and if you were not told it was dairy free, you might not guess it right away. The coconut flavor is very mild and neutral, making it passable as a regular vanilla style ice cream. That alone makes this dessert work.
The espresso is where things get slightly trickier. The package directions suggest mixing the instant coffee directly with hot water and pouring it over the ice cream. I tweaked this a bit. I made the espresso in a shot glass with hot water and the packet of instant coffee, then poured it over the ice cream. Same end result, just felt more intentional.
Flavor wise, the espresso is more bitter than I would ideally want in an affogato. It is not bad, but it is not particularly smooth either. It does the job and provides that contrast against the cold ice cream, but this is where the dessert could improve. A smoother espresso would elevate the entire experience.
Price wise, four forty nine for two desserts is more expensive than making this at home, but still far cheaper than ordering affogato at a restaurant. Calorie wise, it is also a reasonable dessert that feels indulgent without being over the top.
Overall, I liked this enough to repurchase it. It scratches the affogato itch without requiring an espresso machine or extra planning.
How to Serve
- According to the directions- pour instant coffee in the middle of the well and add 1 ounce of hot water.
- How I made this- Prepare the espresso separately and pour over the ice cream
How to Upgrade This
- Add chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top
- Sprinkle with crushed biscotti
- Add a splash of coffee liqueur for an adult version
FAQs about Trader Joe's Affogatos
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about this product:
No, the coconut flavor is very mild.
It is bitter rather than smooth, but it works.
Yes, significantly.
Yes, I already have.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's 2 Affogatos are a solid, convenient take on a classic dessert. The dairy free ice cream is the standout and works surprisingly well, while the espresso does its job even if it lacks some smoothness. This is not meant to replace a perfectly pulled shot from a café, but it is a very respectable freezer version.
If you enjoy affogato and want a low-effort option that is still satisfying, this is worth trying. With a slightly smoother espresso, this would be a standout. As it is, it is a repeat buy for me.
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Trader Joe's 2 Affogatos
Product Name: Trader Joe's 2 Affogatos
Product Description: Trader Joe's 2 Affogatos is a new frozen dessert that takes a restaurant classic and makes is dairy free at home.
Price: $4.49
Currency: USD
Summary
Trader Joe's 2 Affogatos is a new frozen dessert that takes a restaurant classic and makes is dairy free at home.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Very good ice cream, creamy and not strongly coconut flavored
- Dairy-free accessible for more diets
- Easy to prepare, no special equipment needed
- Portion-controlled satisfying without overdoing it
- Cheaper than ordering out an affogato without restaurant pricing
Cons
- Espresso is bitter could be smoother
- More expensive than DIY costs more than homemade
- Instructions could be clearer hot water straight over ice cream feels odd
Elaine Berger says
Why would anyone buy a frozen Affogato with powdered espresso when it is so easy to make yourself, even if you use your own powdered expresso? By all means use a quality vanilla ice cream like TJs, Talenti, or Haagen Dazs rather than that crap they include (unless of course you are lactose intolerant).
becomebetty says
I agree with you, but making coffee is pretty easy too and a lot of people go out for that anyway. I think this is along the same line. Thanks again for sharing Elaine!