For the most part, when I want Ranch dressing or dip, I make it at home. I found a mix I really love and it only takes 2 ingredients to whip up a dip that tastes better than store-bought. It doesn't last as long as store-bought, but then I make enough that I would consume. But usually, those two ingredients are often: mayo and buttermilk. Neither are vegan-friendly items. However, when I saw people raving about Trader Joe's Vegan Ranch Dip I was curious as to how good it could be.
Taste
How do they go about making this creamy especially now that Trader Joe's Vegan Mayo is a thing of the past? Well, this is coconut cream and canola oil. The rest are the expected herb and spice combinations that you've come to expect in a Ranch.
Now despite my expectation that this will be strongly coconut, it actually tastes quite strongly of the vinegar. It does have a bit of a bite to it.
But when you are crunching down a small plate of carrots it becomes a pleasant acidity.
However, if I'm being honest, it tasted somewhere between a cross between a ranch dip and a tartar sauce without the pickles.
I know that sounds very weird, but that is pretty much how much bite is in this.
But this becomes an interesting item. It could be used as a vegan mayo with the right pairings.
A lot of me wishes that they would pick a different oil to make some of the dips. I was hoping that this would be a keto friendly option, but sadly it isn't much like my beloved Garlic Spread.
But at the end of the day, it is a low carb vegan friendly option. It is intensely herbed and tastes very much of chives and all the other yummy herbs that go into a ranch dip.
Overall
I liked it and it was fun to try.
For $3.49 it is reasonably priced as well.
Would I buy this again? While I liked this, the vinegar was a bit too much for me. And for the calories, I'd rather reach for the Garlic Spread and Dip instead.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product Photos
The container of Trader Joe's Vegan Ranch Dip:
Calories
Ingredients
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Trader Joe's Vegan Ranch Dip
Product Name: Trader Joe's Vegan Ranch Dip
Product Description: Trader Joe's Vegan Ranch Dip is a new vegan option in the refrigerated aisle
Price: $3.49
Summary
Trader Joe's Vegan Ranch Dip is new and is found in the refrigerated aisle.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- A new vegan dip that is ranch flavored without any dairy
Cons
- Very acidic and not as balanced as I would have liked
Catherine of VegCharlotte says
Thanks for another great review! I personally found it tasted way too coconut-y for me. And you are right, the vinegar is strong! If I don't make a vegan ranch myself, I find Follow Your Heart ranch dressing to be superior. This dip isn't bad; it's just that you can do better.
becomebetty says
Hey Catherine! I've never seen the Follow Your Heart Ranch, but I guess that is something I'll have to keep an eye out for. I love trying new things for comparison's sake. Thanks again for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this!
Alek says
I could see this as a spread for sandwiches. Or for vegan coleslaw dressing.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! Both would totally work based on the flavors here. Thanks so much for taking the time out of your day to stop by and share your thoughts on this!
AJ says
I wish I had seen this, but I usually just use Uncle Dan’s Dill Dip with vegan mayo and sour cream
becomebetty says
Hey AJ! It's brand new, so it if you didn't see it you, you should in the near future. Would love to hear your thoughts on this when you try it. I'd love to hear how it compares. Thanks again for stopping by!
AJ says
I’ll definitely keep my eyes peeled for it