The pros: Trader Joe's Bacon Ends and Pieces is absolutely worth a try as it's very tasty.
The cons: Some pieces are very fatty and uneven pieces and that means uneven cooking time. Unfortunately, some people might not reach for this because it isn't as "pretty" as regular bacon.
The verdict: For $3.99 you are getting a full pound of bacon. I tried this on a whim as I made the mistake of going to Trader Joe's on a weekend close to closing time. If you've ever been to a Trader Joe's near closing time, you know that they can almost be cleared of most products (or at least most of the really good ones). I was looking for regular bacon, but this was on the only variety left.
Undeterred, I brought it home to try. Sadly, most bacon at Trader Joe's isn't a full pound which can be a bit of a bummer, however, this product is. While not as attractive as regular slices of bacon, this product is literally just the ends of pieces of whatever is used to make bacon in even slices and attractive. Some pieces are fatty and others are more meaty.
My husband and I both enjoyed the taste here. I can honestly say the only sacrifice you are making here is appearance. If you are willing to forgo presentation, you'll find this is a good value and portion controlled. Some pieces are a bit fattier than regular bacon, while others will remind you more of jerky. Not surprisingly, ours disappeared in record time. Therefore, we will buy this again.
The package of Trader Joe's Bacon Ends and Pieces:
The nutritional information and the ingredients:
How to prepare:
Out of the package you get:
Would I buy this again? Surprisingly, my husband and I both really enjoyed this. While it isn't as pretty or as uniform as most other bacon, it was still flavorful and delicious. It's a full pound and has become our go to bacon. We could care less about the presentation and evenness especially if we make it in the oven.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
mltrautz@yahoo.com says
I am fortunate enough to get a pig butchered so I get awesome bacon. Unfortunately, I get it once a year, which means I run out of bacon. The ends are always less expensive and I go for taste, not beauty. I have learned to put the thicker pieces in first. I like my bacon crispy.
Sometimes we are forced to try new things. It is nice when we are satisfied with the product.
calahan says
Wrap them around dates and bake them. Yummmm.
RossC says
I bought this packaging once... I don't recall anything negative but, I haven't repurchased.. Its time I do..
Alek says
It would make great swap for bacon bits. Just chop it up and nobody will tell the difference
becomebetty says
Great suggestion Alek! Thanks for stopping by!
Deitra Pawley says
I love your reviews , I bought these a few times so very good,plan on getting some tomorrow to add to my Ramen I ordered from Amazon. I am also getting beef kogi another favorite.
becomebetty says
Yum! This fried up crispy would be great with ramen. Thanks for sharing Deitra!
David Ryan says
Walmart sells the same for only $2.48 a pound
becomebetty says
Hey David! Thanks for sharing this. The closest Walmart to me is over 45 minutes away.