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 Handheld Chicken Pot Pies

We're gonna try something new and see how posting video goes. I'm a big fan of pot pie and hand pies in all their incarnations, savory or sweet. So when I saw Trader Joe's Handheld Chicken Pot Pies, I knew they were coming home with me. They come two to a package and I opted…

ByMichelleJanuary 29, 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

We Tried Trader Joe’s Vegan Soup Dumplings

Vegetarians & vegans and people who occasionally eat plant-based, you've got a good xiao long bao option. Trader Joe's Vegan Soup Dumplings, officially Steamed Vegetable Soup Dumplings, are very good. As usual, I recommend steaming them on the stove, if you can. The soup tends to dry up in the microwave, and these seem to…

ByMichelleJune 17, 20240Comments

Product Review

We Tried Trader Joe’s Japanese Soufflé Cheesecake

So many times Trader Joe's has done us dirty on the Japanese food front (the karaage is the most offensive of the bunch). But the Japanese Soufflé Cheesecake that rolled out this week is pretty solid for frozen. And at $3.29 for a package of 2? It's a no-brainer. The package calls for…

ByMichelleMay 7, 20240Comments

Product Review

Hurry Up with My Damn Croissants aka We Tried Trader Joe’s Mini Croissant Swirls

The one downside of Trader Joe's frozen croissants is that you have to remember to proof them overnight. With Trader Joe's Mini Croissant Swirls, they're giving you a READY-TO-BAKE backup plan. While not exactly the same texture as a full size croissant, you still get the flakiness of croissant dough with good quality chocolate in…

ByMichelleMarch 19, 20240Comments

Product Review

We Tried Trader Joe’s Papas Rellenas (Potato Croquettes)

Meat and potatoes is a classic combo nearly the world over. And with Trader Joe's Papas Rellenas, TJ's is serving up a Latin American take in the form of mashed potato croquettes stuffed with seasoned ground beef. It's then rolled in bread crumbs and fried for a crunchy outside. All you need is 20 minutes…

ByMichelleFebruary 28, 20240Comments

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

Food News

What’s New (and Returning) at Trader Joe’s – February 21, 2024

In the aftermath of Valentine's Day only a few new items seemed to roll in last week, but I stopped in after a dentist appointment today and there were plenty of new and returning items to chuck into my basket. As spotted in the Pacific Northwest. NEW: I've got the oven preheating for Trader…

ByMichelleFebruary 21, 20240Comments

Product Review

We Tried Trader Joe’s Chocolate Cheesecake Bites

I had high hopes for Trader Joe's Chocolate Cheesecake Bites ($4.99). But with cheesecake, texture is everything. It can be thick and dense New York-style or on the creamier side. Trader Joe's comes in more toward the creamy side with a verrrrrrrrrry crumbly chocolate cookie crust. (If you have a pup who monitors you while…

ByMichelleFebruary 1, 20240Comments