Lobster bisque on a budget? Sign me up. But before you imagine yourself being whisked away to a seaside bistro, let's just say this soup is more about the vibe than the actual lobster. Still, for a refrigerated soup, this one gets a gold star in the flavor department, even if it skimps on the shellfish.
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Review
Trader Joe's Lobster Bisque is sold in the refrigerated section and comes in a 16-ounce container. Priced at $4.99, it's a velvety, seafood-forward soup that's intended to deliver restaurant-style flavor without the restaurant-style bill. It's meant to be heated on the stovetop or microwave, and while it claims "lobster" in the name, don't expect a claw or tail chunk in sight.
I wanted this to be luxurious. I wanted to pretend I was living my East Coast lobster roll fantasy. What I got was… lobster-flavored soup. And honestly? It wasn't bad. The flavor leans creamy and buttery with a seafood richness that's there but subtle. The seasoning is balanced, with just enough brininess and a little hit of sherry to round it out.
But let's be clear: you are not getting chunks of lobster here. You might get a few wisps of shredded meat if you're lucky. It's more of a suggestion of lobster than a starring role.
Where this bisque shines is versatility. I stirred it into pasta and boom-lobster cream sauce vibes without any effort. It's also good as a starter if you want to impress guests with "lobster bisque" while secretly knowing it cost you less than a latte. Creamy, comforting, and surprisingly good for the price. Just don't go in expecting something from a white tablecloth restaurant.
How to Serve
- Use as a base for seafood chowder by tossing in shrimp, langostino tails, or scallops
- Heat gently on the stovetop and serve with a chunk of crusty sourdough
- Add a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of chives to dress it up
- Pour over pasta or tortellini for an easy faux-lobster-cream-sauce situation
Creative Uses
- Fancy Ramen: Add it to instant noodles with a drizzle of chili oil for an ocean-inspired upgrade
- Seafood Mac and Cheese: Use it as part of your béchamel for a next-level twist
- Bread Bowl Brunch: Serve it in a small sourdough boule with a side salad
- Shellfish Shortcut: Stir in frozen shrimp or canned crab for a more filling version
FAQs about Trader Joe's Lobster Bisque
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about this product
It's found in the refrigerated section and should be kept chilled until you're ready to heat and serve.
Absolutely. It works surprisingly well tossed with pasta, especially something like ravioli or linguine.
Yes, but barely. It's in there, just don't expect chunks. Think more essence than abundance.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's Lobster Bisque is a sleeper hit if you're not expecting a full lobster claw to pop out of the bowl. It's flavorful, creamy, and makes a great shortcut to some pretty fancy-tasting meals. Just know it's bringing lobster energy, not lobster quantity. An MVP if you play your cards right. Or at least a starting point to a pretty good recipe.
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Trader Joe's Lobster Bisque
Product Name: Trader Joe's Lobster Bisque
Product Description: Trader Joe’s Lobster Bisque gives you big flavor on a small budget. Just don’t go in expecting claw meat.
Price: $4.99
Currency: USD
Availability: InStoreOnly
Summary
Trader Joe’s Lobster Bisque gives you big flavor on a small budget. Just don’t go in expecting claw meat.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Good Flavor – Rich, creamy, and nicely seasoned for a ready-made bisque
- Budget-Friendly – $4.99 for a lobster-labeled soup is a steal
- Versatile – Works as a soup or a pasta sauce
Cons
- Barely Any Lobster – Don’t expect to find actual meat floating around
- Texture – Smooth and creamy, but could use a touch more thickness
- Might Underwhelm Seafood Snobs – Great for casual eats, but won’t fool a purist
I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.