So, here is a product that looks like mango, but tastes pretty much nothing like mango. Think about how different sauerkraut tastes from cabbage. Or perhaps how different Kim Chi tastes from cabbage as well. They taste pretty darn different. All thanks to a process called fermentation.
Taste and review
If you like cabbage, there is no guarantee that you will like sauerkraut or kimchi. They are at best distant from the original flavor.
So, if you are looking for a sweet mango dipping sauce or marinade. Please look elsewhere. This tastes far more of the spices contained in this pouch than the fruit which started this sauce.
If your sweet tooth looks forward to mango, be ready for the taste of curry in this pouch.
I've never had Amba prior to tasting this. So for those of you who are new to Amba also, this is a Middle Eastern/Indian condiment. It's commonly served in dishes ranging from fish to falafel to shawarma to kababs and salads.
And I don't think everyone is going to appreciate the flavors packed in this pouch. Yes, this is actually a refrigerated sauce, so if you've been looking on the shelves for this, you might be missing out.
Now, I only tried this as a dipping sauce. However, this could potentially be used as a marinade or with veggies as well.
Mango is the base, but the predominant flavor (which isn't listed other than the general categorization of spice) was fenugreek, turmeric, and a bit of heat.
If you are looking for a taste of Middle Eastern food, this might be worth a try.
As for me, I wasn't in love with the flavors. I know some people are wild for this, but for me, this just wasn't the right pairing of flavors.
As a side now, this pouch was kind of weird to use. I just wish for a jar or something a bit less awkward and something that doesn't pour out the sauce so quickly. But that is only a minor complaint. I like fresh sauces rather than the jarred variety.
Overall
For $3.29 it might be worth a try if you aren't expecting much mango flavor and really love a bit of heat and a whole lot of spice.
Would I buy this again? Trader Joe's Amba Mango Sauce is a no from me, but if you love certain spices, then you might want to try this.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product photos
The pouch of Trader Joe's Amba Mango Sauce:
Calories
Ingredients
How to prepare:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
Trader Joe's Amba Mango Sauce
Product Name: Trader Joe's Amba Mango Sauce
Product Description: A fermented mango sauce
Price: $3.29
Summary
Trader Joe's Amba Mango Sauce is a fermented mango sauce that tastes very much of the spices contained in the pouch.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Can be used as a condiment or marinade
- Not jarred and is found in the refrigerated aisle
Cons
- The spices here are the dominant flavor
- If you aren't a fan of Indian/Middle Eastern spices, then you might want to pass this one up.
Alek says
You didn't show the actual product inside. I think this might be ideal for marinate/salad dressing.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! I didn't take a picture that I liked on this one. It's orange just like mangoes. But it might be better as a marinade. I know some people really really like this. I just can't be counted as a fan for this one.
EllenLV says
Brenda, thanks. I went round and round on WGATJ trying to find the location of this item. Received one snarky remark, and one kind soul finally told me it was near the hummus. After your review, I will remove it from my list as I trust your opinion implicitly. Thanks for taking the time.
becomebetty says
Hey EllenLV! Yup, I couldn't find it initially too. I was totally looking in the aisle with the sauces and I was in the refrigerated section looking for something else. I know some people really love this one. But for my palate, it just didn't jive for some reason. Thanks so much for stopping by here and sharing your thoughts on this too.
becomebetty says
Hey Ellen! That's terrible! I couldn't find it initially, so don't feel bad about it. No worries! If you ever have any questions, just let me know!
Nik says
I generally agree with the reviews in here but in this one I have to disagree. I thought the flavors were delicious, I used it as a drizzle for baked pollock and rice and have also used it to liven up some pork. I even mixed some mango chutney into it and thought that made for a delicious combination, I like the pouch for its ease of dispensing without exposing a lot of the product to air or pouring out too much at once since it was runnier that I expected.
becomebetty says
Hey Nik! I welcome all opinions on here, so regardless of whether you agree with me or not, you are free to express them here. I'm really glad you shared how you enjoyed this one. I had mine with chicken and just wasn't loving it. Maybe I needed to try this with something else. Thanks again for stopping by!
Noni Stearns says
I neglected to refrigerate the pouch before opening it (haven't done that yet but stuck it in the fridge). It's been two weeks. Is it safe to use ?
becomebetty says
Hi Noni! It is meant to be refrigerated therefore I would toss it.
Karen Bell Fuscaldo says
This sauce is Ahhhhmazing!!!! In our Trader Joe’s it’s found on the top shelf above ground turkey/chicken breasts. I pour it over pork tenderloin and cook in my crockpot on low for 7-8 hrs. Add Sautéed baby broccoli and shaved Parmesan on top of a bed of Cauliflower rice. It’s soooo good!!!
becomebetty says
Hey Karen! Thanks for stopping by with the suggestion on how to enjoy this. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.