Trader Joe's sells Umami take two. Yes, this isn't Trader Joe's first dive into selling us something that is simply just umami. A couple years ago they sold Umami paste. That paste was all sorts of umami from tomatoes, to mushrooms, parmesan cheese, olives, balsamic and other forms of umami. This product is clearly different.
Taste
This product isn't trying to be all the umami rolled into a tube. Don't get me wrong, I loved that little tube. But that tube has been discontinued.
Its biggest flaw was the obvious question: What the hell do you do with it?
I found ways of using it, but I know a lot of people struggled with how to incorporate that into a meal.
On the side of this jar you are still left with the same problem. It just says, "Any dish."
So here is what you are tasting when you get this. First off, this is primarily salt. So if you salt and pepper your first, I'd cut back on the salt before you overdo it.
Next, this has a mushroom flavor. What wasn't expected was the pepper.
I don't typically read through the ingredients before I try something. So there is a bit of bite and heat with this product. It's mild, but it is there. Nothing unpleasant. Likewise, the mushroom flavor here isn't nearly as assertive as the salt.
Now, what pairs well with a mushroom flavor? Here are some ideas for flavor pairings: almonds, arugula, bread crumbs, butter, carrots, parmesan cheese, chicken, cream, fish, garlic, lemon, onions, parsley, pasta, polenta, pork, potatoes, shallots, steak, soup, turkey, and tomatoes.
Odds are if a recipe you are using one of those listed items, this product might pair well with this item.
Overall
it isn't as awesome as Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel Seasoning blend and I don't see myself using this as much. But as a product that is closer to a seasoning salt, it isn't bad.
For $2.99 it's inexpensive and not a bad item to try (as long as you don't mind mushroom flavor).
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product photos
The jar of Trader Joe's Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend:
Calories
Ingredients
How to prepare:
Would I buy this again? Yes, I'd buy Trader Joe's Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend again. It might be a while, but I'd purchase it again.
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 Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend
Product Name: Trader Joe's Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend
Product Description: Trader Joe's Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend is a salt and mushroom seasoning blend that adds an umami flavor
Price: $2.99
Summary
Trader Joe's Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend is new and takes the place of the now discontinued Umami Paste.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- This adds a good bit of seasoning to a dish. I had mine with chicken and added a nice flavor to it.
Cons
- It might be hard to figure out how to best use this.
Maybe it good idea to use for steaks. Or even in cream sauces.
Hey Alek! Great suggestions right there! Thanks so much for adding to the list of ideas!
Like you said this sounds like a substitute to the discontinued umami in a tube which I kind of liked. In terms of how to use this of type of product is to just add a small amount at first to any dish that you want to have a more savory depth to like pasta, soups, stew, veggies, vegetarian dishes etc. In the past I have had added a small amount of the tube stuff to pasta mixed with a small amount of olive oil, butter, garlic, spinach and Parmesan. There was no meat in it but it still managed to have a savory-ish profile. Since I don't like mushrooms and I see two mushroom types in this I am hesitant to try it.....LOL.
Hey Dag! Great list of items and yes, I know you don't love mushroom. This is one you might want to pass on if you aren't a fan of mushroom.
I added it to plain Greek yogurt to make a dip for raw veggies. I like it and agree, I would buy it again but not as quickly as i go through the bagel seasoning.
Next i plan to try it on a mushroom and Swiss omelet and also broccoli with melted laughing cow cheese.
Hey Robin! That sounds like an awesome combination. Thanks so very much for sharing!
I’ve tried this so far added to a bowl of soup that needed more salt/oomph and that worked great. Also added ontop of my avocado toast. Not sure it will become a staple for me like the everyday seasoning, but i’ll buy more once this jar runs out.
I sprinkled some on some fried eggs. It was delicious!
Hey Patty! Thanks for the suggestion on how to use this product!
Was delish on pizza!
Thanks Kayla for sharing that tip. I'll have to add some on the next slice I get. Thanks so much for stopping by!
This was a great add in homemade Irish beef stew!
Hey Shannon! That's really helpful to know it pairs well with Irish beef stew. Thanks so very much for sharing!
It's great in homemade ramen!
Hey Tracey! Thanks so very much for sharing!
I love this one. I use it in eggs, both scrambled and fried. It's great on salads and deviled eggs. I've also used it on beef, chicken and shrimp.
Hey Jill! Great suggestions. Thanks so much for sharing and for stopping by!
Awesome idea to use in cream sauce!!!