Trader Joe's Truffle Mousse Pate

When I hear the word Pate, my mind immediately jumps to the last thing I fed my cat, Gary. I frequently associate the look of pate with cat food. I have a funny feeling that I am probably not alone in thinking this. Organ meat tends to be associated with a few things in American culture: pet food, gravy, or perhaps the relative who forgot to remove the organs from a holiday roast.

2022 Update

Fun Trader Joe's fact: when the packaging changes it means the original product recipe has been changed or there is a change in where it is manufactured.

In this case, based on the ingredient list alone there has been a reformulation of the original.

This new variety has some subtle taste changes: it isn't quite as rich as the original and the nutritional facts point to it. It is less fatty than the previous variety. Overall, the original review still stands and it isn't enough of a change other than this variety is slightly less rich than before.

Taste and review

Now, despite the fact this is about as attractive as my cat's last meal, I can tell you for a fact it smells so much better. Now, this is in no way something that everyone should go out and try.

This is neither a taste nor texture that will have universal appeal. If you can get past the visual appearance of this loaf of organ meat, you may find something beyond your everyday culinary horizons.

This pate will spread almost as smooth as butter and has an almost perfectly smooth velvety texture in terms of tasting. There is a small bit of gelatin at the bottom which will cleanse your palate slightly. You'll want to eat this with something. I opted for Trader Joe's Brioche Toasts. I figured they were French and would go well with this American-made French cuisine.

In terms of taste, some flavors are more assertive than others. Yes, the truffles and mushroom flavors are present. Truffle on its own is a love it or hate it food item. I know plenty of people who can't stand the earthy flavor present. The sherry wine manages to come through far more than the Brandy Aspic which was that gelatinous stuff at the bottom (or on the top when you first open it).

And yes, there is that familiar meaty and musky taste of chicken livers. The added chicken fat just adds to the mouthfeel here.

Now, I've had pate before. I've had it at a restaurant called Kindred Fare in Upstate New York and I've had a friend of mine make a Foie Gras dip. And while I loved both of those pates, I also really liked this too. It wasn't as refined or as delicious as either.

The pates that I have tried out or at a friend's house were not cheap. Instead of spending somewhere near $20, this is priced just under $6. For that price point, I'm happy to make some compromises. Throw in the earthy and expensive ingredient of truffle, then this is a bargain albeit less refined than pricier pates.

Packaging

This pate's packaging is barebones basic. The packaging is now in higher contrast compared to what was on shelves previously.

The little black tub is covered in plastic that keeps any air out of the product. If you do find yourself with leftovers be sure to tightly wrap this and consume anything leftover with a day or two.

For the price, I'm happy to not pay for fancy packaging.

Pairings

Here are some pairing suggestions to enjoy with Trader Joe's Truffle Mousse Pate:

• Bread and crackers. The crustier the bread the better.
• Vegetables like crisp carrots will work here.
• Sliced tomatoes will play up the flavor of the pate
• Wines that are lighter-bodied. Red or white will pair well. A burgundy or pinot noir if you are into reds. Chablis if you like white wine. Even a dry rose will pair well.

Common product questions

Overall

For $4.99 if you've ever been curious enough to want to try it, then this is priced right. If you can stomach the idea of eating truffles and pate (or at least willing to give it a go), then this is something worth picking up. It can be frozen in case you don't get a chance to eat it all.

This one small loaf could easily serve a small party. So don't let its small size fool you. As an added bonus, this has been a long-running item on Trader Joe's shelves which probably means this has a pretty good fan base to it.

Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Truffle Mousse Pate again. This is not a taste that is going to appeal to everyone. If the taste or sound of truffle makes your stomach turn, then steer clear. Otherwise, if you've been curious about pate, then consider this the most affordable way of giving it a whirl. I'm a fan of truffle and this was the most affordable pate I've tried.

Product photos

Nutritional facts and ingredients:

Previous product photos

The package of Trader Joe's Truffle Mousse Pate:

The nutritional information and ingredients.

How Trader Joe's describes how to handle this product:

Out of the mold, plated and next to some of Trader Joe's Brioche Toasts which happen to be the perfect size for each of these slices :

Up close and spread on one of those brioche toasts:

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

The Bottom Line

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