Product review of all my Trader Joe’s staples.. and an extra bonus review of their new shelf items! I started shopping at Trader Joes more often this year and I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing. I don’t go there for produce or meats, but their packaged items are so good.. which is also why it is so bad. I try to keep to a whole-foods diet but sometimes you gotta indulge. Below you’ll find a list of all my favorite items, reviews of their most recent items, and things I’d never pick up again. Looking forward to hearing what some of your favorites are in the comments as well.
Household Staples:
- Green Dragon Sauce
- This is the No. 1 reason why I started frequenting TJs more often. This was the first thing I was addicted to and from then on, every time I am nearing the end of this sauce, I make damn sure I hit up the store before we’re bone dry. This goes good on everything, especially Mexican food. It mildly spicy, garlicky, tangy, and just has so much flavor! There’s no lingering spice so you can just pour this all over your food. I add this to eggs, tacos, quesadilla, salads – basically replacing anything I used to put sriracha on I would use this green dragon sauce on. You NEED this, trust me.
- This is the No. 1 reason why I started frequenting TJs more often. This was the first thing I was addicted to and from then on, every time I am nearing the end of this sauce, I make damn sure I hit up the store before we’re bone dry. This goes good on everything, especially Mexican food. It mildly spicy, garlicky, tangy, and just has so much flavor! There’s no lingering spice so you can just pour this all over your food. I add this to eggs, tacos, quesadilla, salads – basically replacing anything I used to put sriracha on I would use this green dragon sauce on. You NEED this, trust me.
- Ghost Pepper Chili Flakes
- This is one of the newer items for me and I LOVE IT. A little goes a long way but this here is FIRE. So deadly delicious – it goes great on everything. I love sprinkling it on avocado toast, burgers/chicken sandwiches, pasta, eggs, curry – like I said, everything! My favorite avocado toast recipe includes the Everything but the Bagel Seasoning, these Chili Flakes, and some good ol honey. Try it out!
- This is one of the newer items for me and I LOVE IT. A little goes a long way but this here is FIRE. So deadly delicious – it goes great on everything. I love sprinkling it on avocado toast, burgers/chicken sandwiches, pasta, eggs, curry – like I said, everything! My favorite avocado toast recipe includes the Everything but the Bagel Seasoning, these Chili Flakes, and some good ol honey. Try it out!
- Ghost Pepper Chips
- Absolute favorite Trader Joes junk food item. These lattice cut chips are perfectly crunchy and although it’s called Ghost Pepper it’s not that spicy IMO. You’ll get a couple pieces with some heat but for the most part you can eat the whole thing in one sitting. Sad side note though, the bag is mostly air.
- Absolute favorite Trader Joes junk food item. These lattice cut chips are perfectly crunchy and although it’s called Ghost Pepper it’s not that spicy IMO. You’ll get a couple pieces with some heat but for the most part you can eat the whole thing in one sitting. Sad side note though, the bag is mostly air.
- Just Dried Mango
- The best dried mango out there that isn’t filled with added sugar. The texture of these are nice and soft, unlike those giant bags you can get at Costco (which I love but they’re a hit/miss). I love the big chewy pieces that are a little tart – the only down size is that they go so quick! My boyfriend can finish the bag in one sitting.. which means no more for me.
- The best dried mango out there that isn’t filled with added sugar. The texture of these are nice and soft, unlike those giant bags you can get at Costco (which I love but they’re a hit/miss). I love the big chewy pieces that are a little tart – the only down size is that they go so quick! My boyfriend can finish the bag in one sitting.. which means no more for me.
- Frozen Roasted Corn or Super Sweet Cut White Corn
- Freezer staple! I always grab a couple bags when I’m at the store and make sure I always have them on deck. The super sweet corn really is as advertised – super sweet and not soggy! I add it to everything: salads, bread, or even alone as a side. I can’t decide which one I favor more: the roasted or regular.
- Orange Chicken
- Put these in the air fryer – it takes only 12 minutes to be fully cooked and is perfectly crispy. No oil needed. Although they’re not perfect like Panda Express’, they hit most of the marks. They don’t taste artificial and is perfectly balanced of tangy and sweet. Its an easy option for lunch or dinner – I like to have a bag in the fridge just in case.
- Put these in the air fryer – it takes only 12 minutes to be fully cooked and is perfectly crispy. No oil needed. Although they’re not perfect like Panda Express’, they hit most of the marks. They don’t taste artificial and is perfectly balanced of tangy and sweet. Its an easy option for lunch or dinner – I like to have a bag in the fridge just in case.
- Everything but the Bagel Seasoning
- Perfect for eggs and avocado toast! It’s garlicky, slightly salty, and sesame-y. It also adds a pretty aesthetic in contrast to the green sliced avocado.
- Perfect for eggs and avocado toast! It’s garlicky, slightly salty, and sesame-y. It also adds a pretty aesthetic in contrast to the green sliced avocado.
- Cauliflower Thins
- Originally I swore these off because I thought they were expensive ($3.99 for 4 slices! I still think they’re expensive) and 2 of them molded in the fridge before I got to eat it. But honestly, they’re so good I picked it up the next time I came back to TJs. I toast a slice and then use it as a base for avocado toast! They are the size of a street corn taco tortilla and have a texture similar to cauliflower pizza crust. Makes for a perfect mid-day snack when you’re trying to cut back on carbs.
- Cauliflower Gnocchi
- I think this was a hit or miss with some, but I’ve always liked them. I never cooked it according to the package directions and have always pan fried them. The outcome is a crispy outer shell with a chewy pillow-y center. If you have an airfryer – this makes it 10x easier to get it to taste right! Just throw them in your AF, spray a little oil and cook for 12-15 mins and they’ll be perfect. Easy AF.
- All Purpose Flour
- During the pandemic when flour is a sacred item, TJs was the real MVP for having their flour shelves stocked. The all purpose flour has a high protein percentage which could be used as bread flour! I’ve used this for all my creations and now I make sure to always have this in my pantry.
- During the pandemic when flour is a sacred item, TJs was the real MVP for having their flour shelves stocked. The all purpose flour has a high protein percentage which could be used as bread flour! I’ve used this for all my creations and now I make sure to always have this in my pantry.
New/Seasonal Items:
- Mango Jalapeno Fruit Snack
- If you’re feeling sweet but want a little oomph, these fruit snacks will spice up your life! They’re SO good, after the first bite I was hooked – the spice level is there and that tingle on your tongue feels so good. The overall smell of the bag isn’t my favorite lol but it taste so good I can’t put it down! These are for sure going into my household staples category. 10/10.
- If you’re feeling sweet but want a little oomph, these fruit snacks will spice up your life! They’re SO good, after the first bite I was hooked – the spice level is there and that tingle on your tongue feels so good. The overall smell of the bag isn’t my favorite lol but it taste so good I can’t put it down! These are for sure going into my household staples category. 10/10.
- Jalapeno Seasoned Corn and Rice Puffs
- I wasn’t a fan of the hatch chili popcorn that TJ came out a while back so I was a little wary of these; however these turned out to be a major HIT for my taste buds. They were much more flavored than the popcorn and I am looking forward to my next bag. They’re bigger puffs than pirates booty which I prefer and each piece was perfectly crunchy. They’re a savory snack and although it says jalapeno – they’re on the mild side. Hoping these stay on the shelf for a while! 9/10
- I wasn’t a fan of the hatch chili popcorn that TJ came out a while back so I was a little wary of these; however these turned out to be a major HIT for my taste buds. They were much more flavored than the popcorn and I am looking forward to my next bag. They’re bigger puffs than pirates booty which I prefer and each piece was perfectly crunchy. They’re a savory snack and although it says jalapeno – they’re on the mild side. Hoping these stay on the shelf for a while! 9/10
- Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce
- This is a tomato based sauce but the pumpkin and butternut squash adds a sweet balance. I usually add a drizzle of honey to all my store bought pasta sauce but it’s not needed here! Perfectly balanced – all I needed to add was a hint of garlic salt and chili flakes (ghost pepper flakes). I would easily pick this pasta sauce over others. 8/10
- This is a tomato based sauce but the pumpkin and butternut squash adds a sweet balance. I usually add a drizzle of honey to all my store bought pasta sauce but it’s not needed here! Perfectly balanced – all I needed to add was a hint of garlic salt and chili flakes (ghost pepper flakes). I would easily pick this pasta sauce over others. 8/10
- Heart of Palm Pasta
- I was surprised these didn’t have to be refrigerated! I used it with the autumnal pasta sauce and I liked it. But when I used it with a tomato wine sauce mixed with a little bit of cauliflower spaghetti noodles, I loved it! Because of the extra noodles you almost can’t even tell 2/3 of the dish was heart of palm. Price is $2.99 for the package, three serving size, and each serving is only 20 calories. It’s a little small TBH, but I can see myself buying it again. I do think they’re a more noodle-y substitute than zucchini noodles. 7/10
- I was surprised these didn’t have to be refrigerated! I used it with the autumnal pasta sauce and I liked it. But when I used it with a tomato wine sauce mixed with a little bit of cauliflower spaghetti noodles, I loved it! Because of the extra noodles you almost can’t even tell 2/3 of the dish was heart of palm. Price is $2.99 for the package, three serving size, and each serving is only 20 calories. It’s a little small TBH, but I can see myself buying it again. I do think they’re a more noodle-y substitute than zucchini noodles. 7/10
- Pumpkin Ravioli
- These were alright. The ravioli shells were on the thicker side and the pumpkin filling was not as cheesy as I was anticipating. I made a browned-butter rosemary garlic sauce to go with these and although they were a treat – they’re not worth the calories. I added some salami to the mix for a salty/crispy balance. The pumpkin filling was mildly sweet and wasn’t too spice’d which I appreciated. However I would skip this, it’s nothing special. 5/10
- These were alright. The ravioli shells were on the thicker side and the pumpkin filling was not as cheesy as I was anticipating. I made a browned-butter rosemary garlic sauce to go with these and although they were a treat – they’re not worth the calories. I added some salami to the mix for a salty/crispy balance. The pumpkin filling was mildly sweet and wasn’t too spice’d which I appreciated. However I would skip this, it’s nothing special. 5/10
- Grainless Cassava & Coconut Tortilla Chips
- I saw these posted on IG and typically I don’t ever buy tortilla chips, nor am I tempted to. But I wanted to make ceviche so I thought it’d be a perfect opportunity to give these a try. I’m SO glad I did because these are delicious! They’re thick and crunchy, have a slight sesame taste with a little natural sweetness to them. They’re lightly salted and they make for a great dipping chip. But I found myself eating the chips as is – which is rare for me when it comes to tortilla chips. 9/10 – would definitely get it again, and I encourage you to as well!
- I saw these posted on IG and typically I don’t ever buy tortilla chips, nor am I tempted to. But I wanted to make ceviche so I thought it’d be a perfect opportunity to give these a try. I’m SO glad I did because these are delicious! They’re thick and crunchy, have a slight sesame taste with a little natural sweetness to them. They’re lightly salted and they make for a great dipping chip. But I found myself eating the chips as is – which is rare for me when it comes to tortilla chips. 9/10 – would definitely get it again, and I encourage you to as well!
- Garlic Naan Crackers
- I was really excited for this because … duh, NAN! I love garlic nan in bread form so I was quick to get my hand on these guys. Unfortunately high expectations lead to disappointment – they were nothing extraordinary. I wanted to like them more but they just taste like crackers. I was hoping for a little more crunch like the pita crackers and a lot more garlic taste. Would not get again, there’s better things out there for dipping. 5/10
- I was really excited for this because … duh, NAN! I love garlic nan in bread form so I was quick to get my hand on these guys. Unfortunately high expectations lead to disappointment – they were nothing extraordinary. I wanted to like them more but they just taste like crackers. I was hoping for a little more crunch like the pita crackers and a lot more garlic taste. Would not get again, there’s better things out there for dipping. 5/10
- Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas
- I brought these over to a friends house to try and we agreed they were yummy! Less pumpkin taste compared to Indian-Curryish. I loved that it was a different take on pumpkin than the standard pumpkin spice. I wish there were more filling to breading ratio though, otherwise I would be stocking up. 7/10
- I brought these over to a friends house to try and we agreed they were yummy! Less pumpkin taste compared to Indian-Curryish. I loved that it was a different take on pumpkin than the standard pumpkin spice. I wish there were more filling to breading ratio though, otherwise I would be stocking up. 7/10
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- I was most excited about this, I heard only good reviews online and at the time of purchase, the cashier at the store also raved about these. I brought this along with the samosas over to my friends house and this was a crowd pleaser! Everyone was pleasantly surprised and thought it was really good. We tried to use the oven at first but it took too long so we zapped it in the microwave for 3 mins and it came out perfect. Flavor was good and I love the texture of the noodles as well – they were a little bouncy and did not get soggy/fall apart. 8.5/10
- I was most excited about this, I heard only good reviews online and at the time of purchase, the cashier at the store also raved about these. I brought this along with the samosas over to my friends house and this was a crowd pleaser! Everyone was pleasantly surprised and thought it was really good. We tried to use the oven at first but it took too long so we zapped it in the microwave for 3 mins and it came out perfect. Flavor was good and I love the texture of the noodles as well – they were a little bouncy and did not get soggy/fall apart. 8.5/10
- Patio Potato Chips
- I don’t have a picture of these but I love them! I was horrified when I came back and realized that it was a seasonal item.. This is a mix bag of flavors: dill, salt and vinegar, and bbq on crunchy shallow ridged chips. They’re on the saltier end, but I live to find the pieces that are the perfect hint of salty, sweet, and sour. It can definitely get a bit too salty (I think the dill flavor is the saltiest) so this is an 8/10 for me.
Notable Mentions:
- Cowboy Caviar Salsa
- Salsa dip with beans and corn. It’s a little on the sweeter end but packs so much flavor. Wasn’t too big a fan of beans but I enjoy them in this salsa. There is literally no heat so it is suitable for all ages. Goes great with their corn chip dippers!
- Salsa dip with beans and corn. It’s a little on the sweeter end but packs so much flavor. Wasn’t too big a fan of beans but I enjoy them in this salsa. There is literally no heat so it is suitable for all ages. Goes great with their corn chip dippers!
- Strawberry Licorice
- I don’t know how I just recently found out about these but I like them! At first I thought the taste was a little mild but I couldn’t stop myself from reaching for more. I like that it’s not overly sweet, it keeps me from getting sick of them. I love the chew of the candy as well – definitely can get stuck in your teeth but there’s something very satisfying about it. Try it out!
- I don’t know how I just recently found out about these but I like them! At first I thought the taste was a little mild but I couldn’t stop myself from reaching for more. I like that it’s not overly sweet, it keeps me from getting sick of them. I love the chew of the candy as well – definitely can get stuck in your teeth but there’s something very satisfying about it. Try it out!
- Mushroom Risotto
- Easy, delicious and full of umami. It’s the perfect cheater’s entree to your home cooked dinner. 10 minute risotto to pair with the protein of your choice. I also love adding spinach or wilted kale for an extra bit of gourmet 😉 Note: I had leftovers and tried reheating the next day, it wasn’t good – so just enjoy the whole thing in one go!
- Protein Pancake Mix
- Very rarely do I eat breakfast but every now and again, I crave some lemon blueberry pancakes. With this pancake mix I feel a little less guilty because it has protein! I mix with oatmilk to get it fluffy and I add fresh blueberries along with some lemon juice and zest. Love that it does not taste like cardboard and it has a long shelf life which means it’s good to have for those weird craving days.
- Very rarely do I eat breakfast but every now and again, I crave some lemon blueberry pancakes. With this pancake mix I feel a little less guilty because it has protein! I mix with oatmilk to get it fluffy and I add fresh blueberries along with some lemon juice and zest. Love that it does not taste like cardboard and it has a long shelf life which means it’s good to have for those weird craving days.
- Charcuterie Cold Cuts and Cheeses:
- TJs has a wide selection of cold cuts and cheeses to choose from for your charcuterie board. They’re quite affordable compared to other grocery stores such as Ralphs or Safeway. I love getting their spicy salami, coppa, and prosciutto. My favorite TJs cheese is the unexpected cheddar! It has so much depth and flavor. Drool. They also have a variety of crackers that you can choose from, one of my favorite is the fig and olive crisps or the classic water crackers. If you’re looking to craft up a wine night – go to Trader Joes for a one stop shop! If you’re looking for inspo, check out the board my friend made below!
- TJs has a wide selection of cold cuts and cheeses to choose from for your charcuterie board. They’re quite affordable compared to other grocery stores such as Ralphs or Safeway. I love getting their spicy salami, coppa, and prosciutto. My favorite TJs cheese is the unexpected cheddar! It has so much depth and flavor. Drool. They also have a variety of crackers that you can choose from, one of my favorite is the fig and olive crisps or the classic water crackers. If you’re looking to craft up a wine night – go to Trader Joes for a one stop shop! If you’re looking for inspo, check out the board my friend made below!
Mistakes that won’t happen again:
- Truffle Ketchup
- The flavor is so-so however it left something to be desired. I still prefer good-ol Heinz Ketchup! The TJs one does offer a nice truffle touch but it is thinner compared to traditional ketchup which doesn’t give me the same satisfaction. Texture is sort of like blended up tomatoes. If you don’t have ketchup at home and want to try then grab this; but I don’t think it’ll be picking it up next time.
- Honey Mustard and Onion Pretzels
- Compared to their Snyder’s counter-part these were not up to par. At first taste they were ok but after a couple more bites, it was too sweet for me. Not balanced enough and after eating them for a while my throat got a little scratchy (idk why). Also – they stain your fingers. I prefer the Snyder’s brand which are more widely accessible.
- Hot & Sweet Jalapenos
- These were not good – too sweet and not spicy at all. No other comment except.. don’t get it.
- Romesco Dip
- Looked promising but tasted lackluster. Very bell-peppery, bland and a little watery. The color reminds me of a sun-dried tomato dip that I love, but unfortunately the taste was disappointing.
- Spicy Cheese Crunchies:
- Nice try, but nothing will come close to Hot Cheetos – but especially not this. I was not a fan of the flavor at all. Did not taste the heat and was not a fan of the sour-ish flavor.
- Chili Lime Seasoning:
- I love adding chili salt to all my fruits, the brand that I religiously buy was called ‘Klass’ but I can no longer find this in stores/amazon so I branched out. The Trader Joes version has a funky smell that I’m just not into – therefore I will not be buying this again. I’m not big on the regular tajin either – but I do like Tajin Habanero so I shall stick to that until I can find a better alternative.
- Nori Komi Furikake:
- This was a fairly new seasoning item that came out this year and although I wanted to love it – I didn’t. I felt that it lacked basically all flavor – it just tasted like seaweed strips with sesame seeds. The Nori Komi Furikake you find in the glass bottles are MUCH better and they’re my go-to. Depending on where you buy them it could be cheaper or more expensive than the $2.99 price at TJs.
Let me know if there’s other must-haves I’ve missed or have got to try!