If you are wondering, yes, I've reviewed Carrot Spirals before. Previously it was in the freezer aisle. They were the first spiralized item that I had seen in the freezer item. Since then I've added Zucchini Spirals. But now the refrigerated aisle is getting a bit of a makeover with spirals of sweet potatoes, butternut squash, zucchini (at my store these aren't Trader Joe's branded), and even pre-cut Spaghetti Squash.
Taste
However, as excited as I was for these, it turned into disappointment. While everything in this picture looks well and good, I have some bad news: this wasn't as spiralized as I would like.
You see, if you are selling me spirals, I'm really buying these as a pasta substitute. These on the other hand aren't long enough to be twirled. These are like carrot shreds with an arc to them.
They cooked up fine via the stovetop. The texture was fine. But I was missing that familiar pasta gesture of spinning my fork around in some sauce.
These would be fine in a salad, but if you were hoping for the fresh answer to what is in the frozen aisle. You'll end up disappointed like me. Even when I went back to the store in hopes that my bag was just a misfire, I realized that pretty much all of them were like that too.
Overall
For $2.69 you are better off spiralizing these yourself. Or you can just reach for the shreds as they are close enough. For me, they won't end up in my cart. I have other spirals to get into.
Product photos
The bag of Trader Joe's Carrot Spirals:
Calories
Ingredient and directions
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The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Carrot Spirals
Product Name: Trader Joe's Carrot Spirals
Product Description: Fresh spiralized carrots
Price: $2.69
Currency: USD
Availability: InStoreOnly
Summary
Refrigerated carrot spirals for those who prefer fresh over frozen
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- This item cuts down on mess and prep time
Cons
- If you were hoping to substitute this in place of pasta, you might end up disappointed
- This product is a bit redundant if you are going to just put it in salad
- Because the work is done for you, this is more expensive by the pound than buying carrots in a bag
judilyn says
Did I do the math right? These carrots (33 cents a pound at my local store) are over $4. a pound when "almost spiralized"???? AAAIIIIYYYYEEEEEE !!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
becomebetty says
Your math is pretty spot on. It's amazing the mark up for having someone do the work.
Alek says
You could use in baked goods! Carrot cakes save time of grating it. Or Russian meatballs in carrot sauce.
Dag says
I have a spiralizer so I agree that their markup is totally ridiculous. Alek- do you have a recipe for said Russian meatballs in carrot sauce. I would love it!!!!!
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! I agree. Maybe if these were twirlable I could possibly justify it, but they were curly shred and a big pass from me. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing!
Alek says
https://www.gastrosenses.com/blog/russian-meatballs-tefteli/. Here you go! Although carrots needed to be finely shredded but you can give it a quick chop.
Alek says
https://www.gastrosenses.com/blog/russian-meatballs-tefteli/
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Alek! Sorry, when people submit links I have to manually go through and approve of them. Nothing against you, but you would be shocked at what happens on the back end of a website.
Dagmar says
Thanks so much Alek!
Ttrockwood says
I bought a countertop spiralizer a few years back, maybe $20, basically three easy to clean pieces that can also go in the dishwasher.
When i want spiral veggies i just go at it and make a lot all at once, they keep well a few days. Although carrots aren’t as easy as softer things.
So i’ll never pay that much for spiralized shredded carrots.... if those are thin enough maybe they’re better for a carrot salad (i love a french style carrot salad) or adding to a stir fry.