If I've had one complaint in 2019 about Trader Joe's, it is that I've tried too many snack related items. Not that I mind, I just look forward to the healthier options more. And only recently have some of those healthier options been hitting shelves. Like the recent Acai Bowl. Now that the weather is cooler, Trader Joe's Pappa al Pomodoro is a quick meal that keeps the calories in check.
Review and Taste
The first thing that might jump out at you in this picture is the breadstick. Perhaps you'll think there will be a bit of bread stuck in this box. However, there isn't. This is packaged the same way as Trader Joe's artichoke dip. You get 2 cute cylinders of soup in each box.
The bread comes into play once you heat this up. I opted for the microwave and the directions were more or less on point.
What stares back at you is a really rustic soup. And what I mean by that is that it is just thinner than a sauce. The tomatoes are chopped roughly and the bread is torn throughout the soup. The flavor here is pretty good for a premade soup.
Now, despite the color, this appears to be a dairy-free option. I made mine more filling with the addition of some bread to sop up the soup. But this soup is rustic enough to work in a bread bowl.
The flavors here are pretty fresh tasting with a good kick of red pepper flake at the end of each bite. There is some basil, but not enough to make me feel like I am sitting down with a jar of sauce. And when it comes to a tomato-based sauce, that is a fine line.
And despite the fact that I thought the soup wasn't terribly large, it did become filling once I brought my own bread to the party. So the portion size is quite reasonable.
Overall
For $3.69 you get two soups or two quick and tasty meals. Best of all, this isn't one of those sugar-laden items that I've gotten used to trying regularly. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come in 2020. But on a side note, now that Halloween is over most stores are already well-stocked for Thanksgiving and even the holiday season already.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Pappa al Pomodoro again. It made for a pleasant and warming lunch. But is totally doable as a dinner option as well.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product Photos
The box of Trader Joe's Pappa al Pomodoro:
Calories and ingredients
Directions
Out of the package you get:
After being cooked you get:
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Trader Joe's Pappa al Pomodoro
Product Name: Trader Joe's Pappa al Pomodoro
Product Description: Trader Joe's Pappa al Pomodoro is a Tuscan soup with bits of bread in the soup
Price: $3.69
Summary
Trader Joe's Pappa al Pomodoro is a rustic Tuscan inspired soup made with bits of bread in the soup.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- A pretty solid quick meal option especially as the weather gets cooler
- Soup had good flavor
Cons
- Like all premade soups, this is also high in sodium
- You'll probably still want to bring some more bread to the party
Alek says
It's great vegan offering of a tomato soup! I wonder maybe pairing with grilled cheese would be perfect. A splash of cream would be good too.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! You are absolutely right. Both would be perfect with it. Thanks as always for stopping by!
Dagmar says
I am definitely going to give this a try. maybe add some roasted garlic and parm to it and as you said some extra bread
Tbone says
Great flavor and super quick n easy to make. However, I don’t understand the soggy pieces of sourdough bread that is throughout the soup. They should either keep it separate or remove it altogether.
becomebetty says
Hey Tbone! The thought on this is it is rustic and more traditional as it is a way to use up day old bread without waste. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!
Tracy Taylor says
This is the best soup ever
I went and bought 28 of them yesterday
becomebetty says
Hey Tracy! Glad you enjoyed and you were able to stock up. Thanks for stopping by!