We Tried Trader Joe’s Teriyaki Mushroom Mini Bao Buns

I was skeptical when I saw that Trader Joe's newest dumpling was teriyaki-flavored. Teriyaki in a bao? I imagined a gloopy super sweet soy-based sauce overwhelming the veg filling. But now that I've tried Trader Joe's Teriyaki Mushroom Mini Bao Buns? I think it's meant to be more of a shorthand toward a sweet,…

ByMichelleFebruary 18, 20250Comments

Product Review

We Tried Trader Joe’s Crispy Potato and Poblano Tacos

For awhile now, Costco has periodically stocked a flat Jack-in-the-Box-style crispy taco from Don Lee Farms. They came in chicken and pork. And now Trader Joe's is bringing us a vegetarian/vegan version with its Crispy Potato and Poblano Pepper Tacos. The filling is mashed potato and roasted poblano chile. So don't go in…

ByMichelleDecember 17, 20241Comment

Product Review

For $5.99, Trader Joe’s Spicy Meat Pizza Is a New Frozen Fave

Can I tell you how surprised I was by Trader Joe's Spicy Meat Pizza? Meat Lovers generally isn't my go-to (I like vegetables, what can I say?), but after popping this one out of the box and seeing the cornicione, the nice ridge on that crust, I was like, Hmh! Let's get it into the…

ByMichelleFebruary 26, 20240Comments

Dessert Product Review

We Tried Trader Joe’s Thai Coconut Pancakes (Kanom Krok)

Coconut fans, Trader Joe's is hooking us up with a super tasty air fryer-friendly dessert. Trader Joe's Thai Coconut Pancakes, or Kanom Krok, is a Thai street food that's usually cooked in a domed pan, similar to a takoyaki or aebelskiver pan. Made with coconut milk and rice flour, the centers cook up to a…

ByMichelleJanuary 17, 20240Comments

Product Review

We Tried Trader Joe’s Chicken, Lentil & Caramelized Onion Pilaf

If you're looking for a side dish to go with Trader Joe's Middle Eastern Style kebabs (koobideh), Trader Joe's new pilaf is a pretty decent option. Trader Joe's Chicken, Lentil and Caramelized Onion pilaf ($4.49) is flavored with saffron, cinnamon and cumin and cooks up pretty quick in the microwave. It's similar to something we…

ByMichelleJanuary 4, 20240Comments

Dessert Product Review

3 Best Desserts at Trader Joe’s Right Now

Trader Joe's is unstoppable right now when it comes to frozen section desserts. You've got holiday standbys like the Peppermint Hold the Cones (though it sounds like they're already done for the season in some places), and Peppermint Joe-Joe ice cream. But the three standouts for me right now are: Trader Joe's Mini…

ByMichelleDecember 5, 20230Comments

Product Review

We Tried Trader Joe’s Empanadas de Ropa Vieja

If you agree that Trader Joe's Mini Tacos are a shadow of their former selves, I've got something that's going to fill that hole in your heart. Trader Joe's Empanadas de Ropa Vieja. Now, of course, empanadas are their own thing entirely. They're not tacos. They're more like hand pies. I usually think of…

ByMichelleNovember 20, 20230Comments

Product Review

We Tried Trader Joe’s Mini Pumpkin Ginger Scones

When you get a scone at the store, it seems like there's a 75% possibility it'll be dry and chalky. Trader Joe's is solving that problem by serving up ready-to-bake pumpkin ginger scones in its frozen section. I baked up a few this morning for breakfast. And I think these are gonna be one of…

ByMichelleSeptember 7, 20230Comments

Product Review

Trader Joe’s Breaded Cheese Curds Are Entirely Too Snackable

Trader Joe's Breaded Cheddar Cheese Curds plus air fryer equals pretty dang tasty. Connoisseurs will note that you're not getting a squeaky cheese experience. But with a slightly savory breading and cheese that ended up oozing out of a few of them browning in the airfryer, well you're not gonna hear any complaints from me.…

ByMichelleMay 22, 20230Comments

Product Review

We Tried Trader Joe’s Boozy Macarons

Trader Joe's Boozy Macarons have the holidays written all over them. Does anyone else remember the boozy pound cake Trader Joe's (and other places) had in the early 90s? I think it came in multiple flavors -- rum, amaretto, maybe Grand Marnier? So when I saw the macaron fillings included rum, French brandy XO and…

ByMichelleDecember 1, 20220Comments