So I'm a huge truffle fan. And over the past few years, there have been a bunch of really good products hitting shelves (albeit seasonally). I get a little excited about stuff like this. Truffle just isn't too commonplace.
The taste
To be honest, it is a polarizing flavor. You love it or you can't wait to wash that earthy flavor out of your mouth.
I clearly have a bias towards truffle things. If you don't believe me then check out my reviews on the White Truffle Potato Chips, Truffle Dip, Truffle Salt, Truffle Butter, Truffle Mac and Cheese, Truffle Mousse Pate, Truffle Alfredo, or Truffle Oven-Baked Cheese Bites.
Now, this jar isn't too far off from Trader Joe's Walnut Pesto that was released over the summer. This cashew pesto is a much thicker consistency.
Knowing that it is a pesto my imagination went in one of two directions: pasta or as a spread on a sandwich.
I opted for the pasta option. Because this is so very thick I opted to thin this down with some pasta water in order to get it to more evenly coat pasta.
Bad move.
I would be lying to you if I told you that it then suddenly tasted like I had coated my pasta in Cashew Butter. Trust me, I wouldn't do that.
Out of the jar this smelled divine. It should go something that will set you back nearly 400 calories before serving it with something.
Yes, you read that correctly: 380 calories per serving.
For 380 calories per serving the taste needed to match the smell.
With this, it just didn't. I did not like this one-bit with pasta. Nibbling on it with a spoon it was decent enough. Just not 380 calories worth of good.
It was nutty, cheesy, and just a little bit truffle-y. But not enough truffle to stand out against all the other savory and umami flavors here. If you are a fan of this you might want to give this copycat recipe a go (minus the basil if you are looking to keep it exact)
Overall
For $3.99 it is just ok. There are lots of other truffle items to get to this season.
Would I buy this again? Trader Joe's Black Truffle Cashew Pesto Sauce gets a no from me. This is probably the first truffle item that I didn't love and didn't feel the need to repurchase.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
A visual rundown
The jar of Trader Joe's Black Truffle Cashew Pesto Sauce:
The nutritional information and ingredients
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Black Truffle Cashew Pesto Sauce
Product Name: Trader Joe's Black Truffle Cashew Pesto Sauce
Product Description: Trader Joe's Black Truffle Cashew Pesto Sauce is new and seasonal.
Price: $3.99
Summary
Trader Joe's Black Truffle Cashew Pesto Sauce is a new and seasonal jarred sauce
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- If you are curious about truffle then this is a very mild truffle flavor
- Smells great
Cons
- So many calories
- Not enough truffle flavor
- Smell didn't match the taste and it didn't go well with pasta (and pasta water).
I wonder why not TJ's just sell actual truffles? That would be bit too pricey and truffles usually a high value item having to be stashed away to prevent theft.
I thought it was awful. I didn’t realize that it was made with sunflower oil, and it’s the first ingredient, no less. I *love* truffles. I don’t know what I was thinking when I got this. The only other ingredients that, IMHO opinion can be mixed with truffles are butter or cheese.
Thank you so much for sharing!
I think it’s great. I thinned it down with some butter I browned and added it to some lobster ravioli I got from costco. Turned out great.
Thanks for sharing Scott!
Everyone who is saying it is awful, clearly hasn’t used it as a pizza sauce. Best pizza I’ve ever made!
Thanks for sharing Christina!
I loved it and am sad that I haven't been able to find it in so long. I spread it on sourdough toast or thin it out with a little brown butter and put it over pumpkin or butternut squash ravioli!