If you are reading this review it is likely summer and you are thinking this might be a new product or you've had this item on your pantry shelves for a bit and wondered what it might taste like.
Taste and review
As I am writing this review, my phone tells me it feels like 110 degrees outside. I'm just outside of NYC and it is actually cooler in Florida right now than it is here.
The joys of NY.
Anyways, the thought of cooking indoors is only appealing if you have air conditioning which we do. Of all days, I've done a lot of baking today.
So, I turned the oven to at a low temperature and got to work. Part of what is heading her way is Brisket. I picked up an already trimmed one and decided that is how I would taste test this seasonal offering.
The directions here are simply put this on the food you are going to cook about an hour ahead of time. With beef, you want to bring it up to room temperature anyway. So a lot of heavy sprinkling later it was coated.
What comes out of this jar seems pretty coarse in texture. As the hour progressed this seasoning became one with the meat itself. The smell coming from the meat was pretty intoxicating.
Last March, Trader Joe's had a whole line of coffee products among them were chicken and beef. It is completely possible for something that is as assertive in smell like coffee to work well with a roast.
The brisket spent a good two hours or so in the oven waiting to become tender as anything. But most importantly was what came out of the oven. Something very flavorful that did not just taste like coffee.
It was a richness of ingredients that pair very well together. You have the garlic, paprika, pepper, and onion, but the coffee adds an intense coloring that makes it look like it was cooked on high heat.
Overall
The only thing my husband and I felt like we were missing was the smokey flavor. While there is smoked paprika in this, there isn't enough to make much of a difference. Some smoked salt or liquid smoke would address that for next time. There wasn't much in the way of heat from spice so you may want to adjust for that as well.
Because this product is so coarse, I'm not sure I'd try it on veggies. But it is priced right to experiment at $1.99. It is seasonal. If you discover you like it, you'll realize that Trader Joe's might take it away from you.
So it's a seasonal find at Trader Joe's or you can find it through third-party sellers on Amazon.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic again.
Product photos
The tin of Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic:
The nutritional information:
The ingredients:
How to use this:
After being cooked with Trader Joe's Kosher Brisket you get:
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!
The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic
Product Name: Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic
Product Description: Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic is a seasonal seasoning that makes its appearance during summer months.
Price: $1.99
Summary
Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic only show up once a year and it happens to be during BBQ season in the summer.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic makes cooking just a bit easier.
- It's slightly bitter, sweet, and savory.
Cons
- I wished that there was a bit more smokey flavor in this.
- This is seasonal, so if you are curious about this then it is time to pick it up.
Rick says
I bought it a few weeks ago.
Apparently its discontinued.
Are trader joe seasonal items usually gone that quick?
becomebetty says
Hey Rick! My local TJs (Larchmont) still had it on my last trip. I think it depends on where you are. Usually seasonal items they'll do a single run of them and when they are gone, they are gone. I saw this item before Memorial Day. With the 4th of July right around the corner it wouldn't surprise me if some store have already run out. Thanks for stopping by!
Dag says
Wow I haven't seen this yet. It will be a definite try for me and I guess I better do it now before it gets blazing hot here. I live in a tiny apartment with no AC and when it gets into the 90s here which it does it is brutal. I have some really great smoked hot paprika that I may add to it. On a side note you are so sweet to bring your grandmother home cooked meals!
becomebetty says
Thanks. It's sad to see how the elderly are treated. It's been difficult at best to get her help. And with her she sees Meals on Wheels as a snack. I'm so sorry you have no A/C! Hang in there. Hopefully this heat will break soon!
Ttrockwood Ttrockwood says
I’m in nyc and hope for your sake you’re no longer here!! Although really adorable and amazing that you were cooking for grandma :)) i’ll probably pass on this rub since I’m vegetarian, i think it would be weird on tofu or veggies.
Jan says
Use it on steaks and it's delicious!!
becomebetty says
I agree! It's very good for BBQ season