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

How to Use Trader Joe’s Yuzu Miso

Trader Joe's is on a bit of a yuzu kick between yuzu kosho, green tea with yuzu spread, and now yuzu miso. What's interesting about the yuzu miso is, it's basically a jarred version of miso ae, a sauce/dressing you'd usually make from scratch. It's typically just a combo of miso paste, brown…

ByMichelleJuly 15, 20240Comments

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 Spring Rolls with Tofu

There's a Shrimp Version, Too Summer rolls, spring rolls, fresh rolls, whatever you call them, they're delish. Trader Joe's Spring Rolls come in two varieties: tofu and shrimp. But because I was a little leery about shrimp, I went with the tofu version. Two to a package for $5.49, they come with a cashew dipping…

ByMichelleJanuary 22, 20240Comments

Product Review

We Tried Trader Joe’s Avocado Ranch Salad Kit

Trader Joe's salad kits aren't usually on my shopping list, but something about Avocado Ranch said throw one of these in your basket. See how it is. And let's be honest, I really never pass up a Frito salad. (There's a good one in The Homesick Texan's Family Table by Lisa Fain). So, for…

ByMichelleOctober 9, 20230Comments

Food News

What’s New At Trader Joe’s – August 8, 2023 Edition

I've been on the lookout for the non-dairy Salted Caramel Hold the Cones, but they haven't turned up yet at my local. In the meantime, let's take a look at what's new at Trader Joe's this week (as spotted in the Pacific Northwest). UNEXPECTED CHEDDAR CHEESE SPREAD WITH HATCH CHILES -- If you're a chilehead…

ByMichelleAugust 8, 20230Comments

Recipes

Dinner Inspo: Trader Joe’s Mafalda Corta Pasta

I love that Trader Joe's keeps rolling out pasta shapes you don't see on the reg in American grocery stores. The World's Largest Fusilli, available around the holidays, remains a favorite. But I'm also really liking Trader Joe's Mafalda Corta with its ruffly little edges. They're almost like itty bitty lasagna sheets. I ended up…

ByMichelleMay 31, 20230Comments

Product Review

Are Trader Joe’s Veggie Bites Amazing or Just Alright?

I had high hopes for Trader Joe's Veggie Bites. I love veggie fritters, I love tater tots, and what, we can have both in one little tot package? I even finally got an air fryer, so I figured that was gonna give them their best shot at deliciousness. The ingredient list is pretty clean…

ByMichelleAugust 26, 20210Comments

Product Review Recipes

We Tried Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes

First off, Trader Joe's Green Onion Pancakes are not to be confused with the Scallion Pancakes they've carried for awhile (years?). The Scallion Pancakes are the Korean version, aka pajeon, and in TJ's case have other veg in addition to the scallions. These, as the label says, are the Taiwanese version. Flaky texture, just…

ByMichelleJune 17, 20210Comments