Some frozen mac and cheese is comforting, predictable, and familiar. Trader Joe's Truffle Mac and Cheese is not that. This one leans gourmet. It takes the classic TJ's frozen mac template and dresses it up with earthy mushroom notes and a surprisingly assertive truffle flavor. At $3.49, it felt like an inexpensive way to have a restaurant style bowl of mac in your lunchbag. This one was an early fan favorite for a reason, and revisiting it still feels like a little treat.
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Review
Trader Joe's Truffle Mac and Cheese comes frozen and looks unassuming, but once the microwave works its magic, the aroma gives away what is coming. The truffle flavor here is not subtle. It is not overwhelming either, but it is very much present. If you have never tried truffle before, the flavor is earthy, musky, slightly savory, and very unmistakable. It is the kind of taste that either feels luxurious or confusing depending on your palate.
The cheese sauce is rich and creamy. It sits somewhere between a traditional mac and a mushroom cream sauce. The pasta holds up well even after microwaving and stays pleasantly al dente instead of going mushy which is always a win with frozen pasta.
The mushroom presence is mild but noticeable. It feels more like a mushroom infused cheese sauce rather than actual mushroom pieces. The truffle comes through via truffle extract rather than shaved truffles which makes sense for the price point. But surprisingly, it does not taste artificial or perfumey which is a balance that some truffle products struggle with.
This is also a heavier dish. The box contains two servings which is important since most people eat the whole thing as a meal. If you treat this as lunch, you are looking at about 600 calories, so it is filling.
One thing I noticed is that this tastes even better after it sits for a couple of minutes. As it cools slightly, the cheese thickens and the truffle notes settle in rather than steam off. That is when the flavor hits its sweet spot.
Overall, this feels like a bowl of mac that is trying to be fancy without being fussy. It delivers comfort but with a twist.
Serving Suggestions
• Add a handful of sautéed mushrooms on top for even more earthiness.
• Stir in spinach or arugula to brighten the dish.
• Use as a side for steak, roast chicken, or a special occasion dinner.
• Drizzle a tiny bit of actual truffle oil before serving if you want a stronger hit.
• Plate in a small cast iron pan for a restaurant style presentation.
FAQs about Trader Joe's Truffle Mac and Cheese
The following are commonly asked question about this product:
The flavor comes from truffle extract which still provides a strong but balanced truffle taste.
It has been discontinued but Trader Joe's sometimes reintroduces seasonal or limited products.
Other Mac and Cheese Options
There are no shortage of mac and cheese at Trader Joe's. Here are a few to keep an eye out for:
- French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese
- Diner Mac and Cheese
- Reduced Guilt Mac and Cheese
- Pizza Mac and Cheese
- Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Microwavable Mac and Cheese
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's Truffle Mac and Cheese delivers a creamy, earthy, luxurious macaroni experience for the price of a fast food side. The truffle flavor is confidently present without being overwhelming, the cheese sauce is rich and smooth, and the whole dish feels like comfort food dressed up for a night out. If you enjoy mushrooms, truffle, and a heavier mac, this is a freezer find worth grabbing. If it ever returns to shelves, this is a solid yes from me.
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Trader Joe's Truffle Mac and Cheese
Product Name: Trader Joe's Truffle Mac and Cheese
Product Description: Trader Joe’s Truffle Mac and Cheese delivers a creamy, earthy, luxurious macaroni experience for the price of a fast food side.
Price: $3.49
Currency: USD
Availability: Discontinued
Summary
Trader Joe’s Truffle Mac and Cheese delivers a creamy, earthy, luxurious macaroni experience for the price of a fast food side.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Luxurious flavor with pronounced truffle notes.
- Creamy, rich sauce with good texture even from the microwave.
- Filling and indulgent which makes it a great lunch or side dish.
- Affordable gourmet moment at under four dollars.
Cons
- High calorie count if you eat the entire bowl which most people do.
- Not for truffle skeptics since the flavor is bold.
- Two serving label feels unrealistic for a single person lunch.
- No real truffle pieces which is expected at the price point but worth noting for purists.
Lisa says
Has this been discontinued? I haven't found this in my store and would love to try it!
becomebetty says
Hey Lisa! It was seasonal. However it was a winter item. And I didn't see it make a comeback this year. I was really bummed out about it. I wish I had better news to share with you.