Does anyone else celebrate Taco Tuesday? I think we celebrate it on a lot of days during the week. I have a soft spot for nachos in particular. Who doesn't love cheesy chips? I adore them. Just not Trader Joe's Queso Dip. One of the cardinal rules of a dip is that it should never be watery or thin. This vegan dip does a better job of being cheesy than queso.
Taste
For those of us who don't eat vegan regularly, cashews are the answer to many situations where a creamy texture would be appreciated. Which is the case here.
I made vegan queso dip last year using a Minimalist Baker recipe. I was shocked how good it turned out. It was everything that was promised. It was pourable and relatively quick to make.
So I was already familiar with the concept of swapping out cashew for dairy. But how would that translate into a pre-made refrigerated dip?
Quite well.
Now, when I first tried this I had it cold. It wasn't my thing. So it sat in my refrigerator for a couple of days.
I gave it a second try. This time a small glop landed in a bowl and was placed in the microwave.
True to form, I got out some Trader Joe's Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips. It was exponentially better heated and it was way better than the queso dip they sell.
It isn't a spicy dip despite the presence of jalapeno peppers. But it is well-flavored and seasoned. The texture is pretty close to a good dip, not quite queso, but heated it up it can be poured.
There is the slightest texture from the nuts, but otherwise, this is actually a far better product that the queso dip in a jar. Keep in mind, that this is way better heated up so the temperature does matter.
Overall
Overall, this vegan dip is well done, organic, and flavorful. And it's well priced at $3.49.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy this product again. If I need a dip and a salsa won't cut it, I am totally reaching for this. Worth a try if you see it.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product Photos
The container of Trader Joe's Organic Creamy Cashew Fiesta Dip:
Calories
Ingredients
Directions
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 Organic Creamy Cashew Fiesta Dip
Product Name: Trader Joe's Organic Creamy Cashew Fiesta Dip
Product Description: Trader Joe's Organic Creamy Cashew Fiesta Dip is a dairy free cheese dip alternative
Price: $3.49
Summary
Trader Joe's Organic Creamy Cashew Fiesta Dip outruns Trader Joe's Queso Dip
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- This product does a better job at tasting cheesy than their own queso dip.
- It is a thick and pourable when warmed
Cons
- Does a good job of mimicking flavor, but if you are looking for cheese strings and pulls, it isn't here.
- This is way better warm regardless of the the package says
- Not spicy
Alek says
You didn't show what's inside of the container 🙁 Show us what's inside of it. I think this can be easily adapted to match spice level. Add some hot sauce in there.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! You are right. I'll have to update the post when I get a chance. Thanks for pointing that out!
Dagmar says
Interesting ---I may need to try it based on your review. Not the biggest fan in the world of cashews in general. Does it taste very cashewy? Just an FYI but I bought the avocado tzatziki dip the other night but haven't tried it yet.
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! It is cashew-y so I'd say if you aren't a fan then skip that one. I'm curious on your thoughts on that dip. I bought it too. Thanks as always for stopping by!
Robin says
Ooh, sounds good! I generally skip queso because it's typically made with super processed cheese. This sounds like a great option. I want to try it with sliced bell peppers and the TJ's parsnip chips for low carb dippers. Thanks for review!
becomebetty says
Hey Robin! Thanks for stopping by! The key to enjoying this is in heating it up. Otherwise it is unimpressive. I was dismissive of this the first time I tried it from the refrigerator. Glad I could help!
Ttrockwood says
I was going to buy this since I can’t have dairy but the jalapeños scared me off...! I’m such a spice wimp! But it sounds great and not spicy so i’ll definitely give it a try. I love that TJs is making more vegan dips! Now they just need to package the vegan ranch that came with the veg tray they sold around the holidays, that was amazing
becomebetty says
Hey Ttrockwood! I wouldn't be afraid on this one. Most people have actually complained to me about the lack of heat. That's an easy fix. Would love to hear back from you when you do get around to trying it!
Elizabeth Albert says
This organic fiesta cashew dip is probably the worst thing I ever tasted. It was so awful that I'm thinking maybe it went bad. I don't think I'll ever buy anything from TJ'S with cashews again. Even their raw cashews in a bag smell like fried fish. YUCK !
becomebetty says
Hey Elizabeth! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You can always return it if it didn't meet your standards. Thanks for taking the time out of your day to stop by and share!