The quest for a quick and flavorful lunch is really what got this blog started. My love of Trader Joe's did start in the frozen section. And with the Indian selections that I was eating for lunch. Trader Joe's quietly added a new item: this Cuban Citrus Garlic Bowl. Now, if you've ever had good Cuban food you know it is deeply flavorful with the right amount of acidity. So with fingers crossed, I grabbed this one day for a quick meal.
Review & Taste
As much as I was hoping this would be as good as the Chicken Burrito Bowl, I have to admit, I was disappointed in this.
Yes, for me the chicken burrito bowl was missing a kick of something: like heat.
This Trader Joe's Cuban Style Citrus Garlic Bowl, on the other hand, seems to be missing the mark on a lot of different levels.
First off, I prefer dark meat, but I know some out there don't share the same appreciation for the slightly greasier thigh meat. But that is a matter of preference.
Where this bowl lost me was on pretty much every other element in the bowl. The rice was a wet and sloppy mess. There was flavor but it was muddled at best. When it says "zesty citrus," I felt like I was getting bites of sweet citrus rather than the acidity that this bowl desperately needed.
And plantains? If it weren't listed on the box, I honestly couldn't tell that there were any in this box. And that is a darn shame, especially considering what a staple it is in so many cultures.
Overall
I'd grab the Chicken Burrito Bowl any day over this. It just didn't turn out well executed at all.
Having this for lunch was a disappointment at best.
While the calories in this are in check as are the added sugars, I can tell you it still wasn't worth it. I only managed to get through a few bites before saying goodbye to this.
For $3.49, it is affordable, but not worthy of repurchase in my book.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product Photos
The box of Trader Joe's Cuban Style Citrus Garlic Bowl:
Calorie and ingredients
Directions
Out of the package you get:
After being cooked 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.
Trader Joe's Cuban Style Citrus Garlic Bowl
Product Name: Trader Joe's Cuban Style Citrus Garlic Bowl
Product Description: Trader Joe's Cuban Style Citrus Garlic Bowl is a new Cuban inspired bowl that doesn't quite live up to good Cuban food.
Price: $3.49
Currency: USD
Availability: InStoreOnly
Summary
Trader Joe's Cuban Style Citrus Garlic Bowl is a new grab and go mean in the freezer section.
-
Taste
-
Value
-
Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- A quick lunch
Cons
- Fails to deliver a really delicious bite
- Tastes too sweet and not acidic enough
- Texture of the rice gets lost in the sauce.
Alek says
Happy New Year!!
Darn that's disappointing. Maybe they could do a Rice & Beans Bowl. Or maybe even a chicken quesadilla bowl. Philly Steak Bowl.
Dagmar says
I saw this last month and did a hard pass, it just didn't sound good to me. From my experience these types of bowls are a hard thing to do well.
Sarah H says
I tried this and it was disgusting lol
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts on this.
Ellen says
I had this for the first time today and I threw it out after a few bites. And I'll eat anything. The meat was tough and there was no taste to the rest of it, just mush. This was a solid miss.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing this Ellen!
Bren says
I absolutely love this cuban bowl! The flavors was on point and I wish I would of purchased more than one! So this definitely goes on my list to repurchase!
becomebetty says
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this!
Ellen Haiken says
I made it and I totally agree with all your comments: mush without much flavor. So: I filled a bowl with romaine, sliced red onions, cilantro, red/orange peppers, calamata olives, salt, pepper, and used the whole mushy mess as a dressing of sorts. Mixed it all up. Not bad and a filling, low calorie easy meal.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Ellen!