I love sweet potato fries, but these fries are really disappointing. Even if you bake them longer and hotter than instructed, the fries are soggy and rather bland. These are edible, but far from delightful, with extra salt and spicy ketchup or barbecue sauce. This is one of the few items TJ’s provides deep fry […]
Trader Joe’s Aloo Chaat Kali Pouches
Well the name is certainly a mouthful! Unfortunately, this is an interesting product that doesn’t quite work. The crust reminds me of a McDonald’s apple pie. The filling is tasty, but visually unappealing (mushy and brown). These would be more appealing if there was some mint or tamarind chutney to dip in. Crisping sleeves are […]
Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
This chilled chocolate chip cookie dough makes tasty cookies. Super fast and easy since the dough is already scored into cookie size pieces. Unfortunately, the baked cookies turn out oddly dark brown and flat so not something you can take to a bake sale. I had hoped varying the baking time and temp might help, but no luck so […]
Trader Joe’s Garlic Fries (vegan)
These are fine fries, but they’re not particularly special and not comparable to what you’re likely to find at a restaurant or your favorite sporting arena. Therefore, I’m giving them a 2 pineapple rating. These are a nice addition to a vegetarian burger, but if I’m eating a burger I feel like I should be […]
Trader Joe’s Mango Chutney (vegan)
I like the chunkiness of this chutney, but it’s too sweet and doesn’t have the spiciness or complexity (more than one taste) I expect in a chutney. However, this does go well with Garlic Naan. Also works for one on my favorite sandwiches – brie cheese and avocado with mango chutney on whole grain bread. […]
Trader Joe’s Crowd Cheeser
These cheese slices are nothing special, but they are really convenient if you have cheese eaters in the house. The 4 cheese varieties are colby jack, swiss, mild cheddar and pepper jack, so something for everyone. A single slice works well for crackers or biscuits. Two slices are needed for sandwiches or burgers. Location: Cheese […]
Trader Joe’s Hamburger Buns
I’m glad TJ’s carries hamburger buns so I don’t have to get them somewhere else. However, these are not great. They’re soft and rather bland like a fast food bun. Location: Bread shelf Quantity: 19 oz bag, 8 servings per bag Calories:200 calories per serving, 25 fat calories per serving Cost: $2.49
Trader Joe’s Spicy Lentil Wrap (vegan)
Trader Joe’s carries a limited number of prepared vegetarian sandwiches and most of these are wrap-style. Unfortunately, all these wraps suffer from too much bread and not enough sauce and therefore receive a 2 pineapple rating. The spicy lentil is the best of the wraps, because the spiciness provides enough flavor to stand-up to all […]
Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nest (vegan)
An intriguing product from Trader Joe’s that doesn’t quite live up to expectations. Two pineapples for too much oil and onions. I don’t eat fried foods on a regular basis, but I do enjoy them. However, these Vegetable Bird’s Nest were disappointing. The onions overwhelm the other vegetables (carrot and kale) and both the onions […]
Trader Joe’s Mac & Cheese Bites
If you need a reminder that TJ’s is a not a health food store, this should do it. These are basically battered macaroni balls and not surprisingly kids love them. Trader Joe’s labels some of their foods as reduced-guilt. This one should be labeled extra-guilt due to the high fat and low nutritional value. These […]