18 Trader Joe's Products I Absolutely Adored In 2021 (Plus 10 More I Wouldn't Buy Again)
I'm Hannah, and you might know me as a big Trader Joe's fan. I love TJ's for its creative products, affordable prices, and constantly changing seasonal foods, but not everything on the shelves is a winner. So I rounded up my absolute favorite Trader Joe's products I've eaten over the past year, plus a few I wouldn't buy again.
1.BUY: Pa Jeon (Scallion Pancakes)
Pa jeon (scallion pancakes) are one of my favorite foods, and whenever I go out for Korean food, it's the first thing I order. I was so excited to discover that the Trader Joe's frozen version tastes just as good as takeout. It's delightfully crispy and loaded with veggies like mushrooms, leeks, and carrots. Each pancake is also pretty large, so a package of four goes a long way.
They make a great side dish for pretty much any Asian-inspired meal, and recently I've started making them for brunch with a fried egg on top (it's SO good). I usually pop them in the air fryer to achieve peak crispiness, but however you heat them up, these are a real treat.
2.BUY: Pastry Pups
If I were stuck on a desert island (assume there's an oven) and I could only bring one Trader Joe's product with me, it very well might be a box of Pastry Pups. These are pigs in a blanket as they were meant to be — a huge upgrade from Hebrew National.
For me, it's all about the pastry puff jacket. They are flaky, light, and coated in a delectable sprinkle of Parmesan. And the mini hot dog itself is perfect — not overly salty with a perfectly crunchy casing. Paired with TJ's garlic aioli mustard garlic sauce, these are my absolute favorite party app and comfort food.
3.SKIP: Crunchy Almond Butter Puffs Cereal
One of the greatest disappointments for 2021 was sinking my teeth into this almond butter puff cereal. Come on Trader Joe's, this had so much potential. The cereal is hard and overly crunchy. It needs to soak in milk for a while to reach edible cereal consistency. As a huge fan of peanut butter cereal (I'm lookin' at you Cap'n Crunch), this almond butter imposter isn't worth your time, money, or possible trip to the dentist after cracking your teeth on it.
4.BUY: Kung Pao Cauliflower Tempura
I don't buy a ton of frozen food, but I do love having a few things in my freezer that I can rely on when I'm not sure what to make or when I'm just feeling lazy. Enter: Trader Joe's kung pao tempura cauliflower. It takes about 10 minutes to reheat in the oven or in the air fryer. Then, you just coat it in the kung pao sauce (included) and you've got dinner.
I always find the sauce to be pretty powerful, so I don't use the whole packet. Paired with rice and some sort of sautéed veggie or crispy salad, it's comforting, easy, and filling. Because the kung pao sauce comes on the side, you can always heat up the cauliflower tempura and drizzle it with something else like tahini, Thai chili sauce, or buffalo sauce.
5.SKIP: Creamy Cauliflower Jalapeño Dip
I wanted to like this creamy cheesy cauliflower dip so badly. In fact, I bought it on more than one occasion, thinking that it might just be an acquired taste. Sadly, that was not the case. This dip is too loose and watery and lacks the cheesiness I expected from the three-cheese description. For a much more satisfying veggie spread, reach for the sour cream spinach dip or Jalapeño artichoke dip.
6.BUY: Argentinian Red Shrimp
I get that frozen shrimp may not be the sexiest item at Trader Joe's, but there's something about this red Argentinian raw shrimp that is SO good. IMO, every other frozen shrimp I've tried is always sort of meh...except for this version. The shrimp themselves are large enough to taste substantial in a stir-fry, lettuce wraps, pasta, or salad. And the meat is so sweet sweet, it honestly tastes more like lobster. I always have a bag of these in my freezer for nights when I'm just not sure what to make.
7.SKIP: Beef Pho Soup
Many of the frozen meals at Trader Joe's are delicious, and many others are totally decent. But man, this attempt at Vietnamese pho was a real disappointment. First of all (and it might seem superficial) but this soup looks pretty gross, like a brown, gloopy mess. More importantly though, it's bland as can be. Whereas pho is typically incredibly fragrant and bursting with complex flavor, this frozen version tastes like it needs a heavy hand of spices.
8.BUY: Refrigerated Pizza Dough
I love making pizza at home. I guess you can say it's a passion that runs deep in my family. When I want to pull out all the stops (and when I have the time), I make dough from scratch, but I usually keep Trader Joe's pizza dough in my freezer as a backup. It defrosts beautifully and tastes as good as fresh dough. I've tried many store-bought pizza doughs (including dough I've bought from some of the best pizzerias in New York City), and Trader Joe's version is a top contender. It's my secret weapon for a pizza party.
9.BUY: Chili Onion Crunch
I will admit, I'm a bit of a condiment fiend, and my kitchen is stocked with all different condiments, sauces, and spreads. Trader Joe's has a ton of winners, but Chili Onion Crunch just might be my favorite. I hear a lot of people say that Chili Onion Crunch isn't as good as more authentic options like Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp. And while I also love Lao Gan Ma, I consider Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch to be totally different.
It's crunchier, thicker, and bolder in flavor. I love adding a spoonful of Chili Onion Crunch to pretty much anything, from scrambled eggs and roasted vegetables to salmon and chicken. It just livens up a dish and adds both heat and texture.
10.BUY: Mushroom & Truffle Pesto
Every winter, Trader Joe's unleashes a parade of truffle-infused products, and they tend to be hits or misses. This year, I spotted this mushroom and truffle pesto, and boy was I glad I tried it. Made with portabella, cremini, and shiitake mushrooms, white truffle oil, and Romano cheese, the flavor is seriously bold and every little drizzle is like an umami bomb.
You could add this to basically anything, like pasta, bruschetta, soup, etc... Or, of course, you could just eat it by the spoonful. For only $5, it's one of the best flavor-boosting ingredients I know.
11.SKIP: Kale Gnocchi
Apologies to all the kale lovers out there, but this stuff is just not meant to be. I can get behind a lot of gnocchis (and actually, I'm a big fan of the OG cauliflower gnocchi), but this kale version just isn't very good. Unlike regular potato gnocchi, which almost melts in your mouth, this kale version has a strange, almost coarse texture and a weird aftertaste. Sadly, I'll be passing on this frozen pasta from now on.
12.BUY: Canestrato Pepato Sardinian Sheep's Milk Cheese
If you want to understand why Trader Joe's is so wonderful, spend a little time in the cheese aisle. There's so much variety (everything from Green Goddess Gouda to wine-soaked creamy Toscano) and amazing quality at very reasonable prices (I'm looking at you, $4 triple cream Brie).
While I usually have about half a dozen Trader Joe's cheeses in my fridge at all times, my recent obsession is this Canestrato Pepato. It's a hard Italian sheep's milk cheese loaded with black peppercorns, and it's a deep and complex balance of rich, nutty, and a tiny bit spicy. It's literally so good and very difficult to stop eating.
13.SKIP: Organic Watermelon Jerky
I would like to have a word with the creator of this horrific product. The whole point of watermelon is just that: water. It's supposed to be plump and juicy and sweet. The idea of dried watermelon is just blasphemy.
14.BUY: Cacio e Pepe Ravioli
Trader Joe's refrigerated pastas are not to be overlooked...especially the cacio e pepe filled ravioli. My only complaint is that the box says it contains three servings, but it's really more like two (or a single serving, if you ask my husband).
Compared to dried, store-bought pasta, this stuff is another league entirely. And it's a whole step above your average cheese ravioli thanks to nutty Pecorino and plenty of cracked black pepper. Best of all, it's only $3.50, which is pretty serious bang for your buck. Because it's rich already, I usually just toss it in olive oil or butter with some more Pecorino or Parmesan for good measure.
15.BUY: Fully Cooked Carnitas
I don't eat pork often, but when I do, it's these carnitas. In fact, I introduced them to my family for an easy taco night, and everyone now raves about them. When you first open the package, I will admit it's a bit gross. It's basically a giant hunk of pork. But tear it apart and place it into a hot skillet and within minutes, you have crispy, tender carnitas just waiting to be placed in warm tortillas and topped with your favorite garnishes. It's sooo tasty and the easiest. Dinner. Ever.
16.SKIP: Many Things Snack Mix
As a Chex Mix and Gardettos addict, I was expecting more from Trader Joe's snack mix. My biggest complaint is that it needs some sort of a cheesy component. Without the cheese, it's a real stretch to call this snack mix. In addition, all of the flavors just fall flat, the Chex taste stale, and everything needs about 10 times more MSG seasoning.
17.BUY: Creamy Tomato Soup
Maybe I inherited it from my grandma, but I'm pretty much addicted to TJ's organic creamy tomato soup. I used to be a Campbell's girl until I was converted to this stuff, and I'm never turning back. Whereas Campbell's can taste overly salty and sort of weirdly condensed, the Trader Joe's take on tomato soup is luscious and creamy, but still with a hint of acidity and brightness.
It is my winter lunchtime staple, and I love keeping a carton or two on hand for lazy meals. There are so many ways to jazz it up into a meal that feels comforting and homemade. Just add anything from tortellini or gnocchi to veggies and a poached egg, for starters.
18.BUY: Truffle Marcona Almonds
In the nut kingdom, only one kind reigns supreme, and that is the marcona almond. These salty, sweet, and creamy Spanish nuts are incredibly delicious on their own, but add truffle seasoning into the mix and they become something truly out of this world. Sure, you can find truffle marcona almonds elsewhere, but not for $6, and that is why Trader Joe's is so great. Add these to your next charcuterie board and rejoice.
19.SKIP: Romesco Dip
I love Spanish romesco for its creamy, nutty, sun-dried tomato taste (almost like a red pesto), but the Trader Joe's version tasted unlike any other romesco I've ever tasted. The only flavor I get here is pepper. It's overpowering and pretty much cancels out the taste of tomatoes and almonds. I'll pass on this in the future.
20.BUY: Frozen Garlic Naan
Frozen garlic naan is a cult favorite Trader Joe's item for a reason. It's cheap as heck ($2), it's easy to make (two minutes in the oven is all it takes), and it tastes restaurant-quality.
Seriously, whenever I'm craving Indian food, I just heat up some frozen naan with TJ's palak paneer or chicken tikka masala and voilà, a perfectly delicious meal that rivals take out for a fraction of the price. But you can also think beyond Indian food. I use this naan as a base for easy homemade pizza, to sop up hummus and tzatziki, or in place of pita bread filled with falafel or gyro.
21.SKIP: Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Look, I am all for cauliflower pizza, but this ain't it. The crust is dry, flaky, and it falls apart. It is not the correct vessel for your pizza toppings, especially when tomato sauce is involved (it pretty much seeps right through). By stark contrast, TJ's also sells a frozen pre-made cheese pizza with a cauliflower crust that I really enjoy. Do yourself a favor and stick with that instead.
22.BUY: Gone Bananas
As you might infer from this list, I'm not a huge sweet person. Of course, I like dessert, but I'm the one who is ordering the cheese plate instead of the cheesecake to end a meal. That being said, I adore these dark chocolate–covered banana slices. These snackable bites are the ideal cure for a sudden craving for sweets, and they're the perfect nibble late at night when you're just craving something indulgent. They're simply genius, and I will never stop buying them.
23.BUY: Nova Salmon Pieces
It is 2021, and we now live in a world where a NYC bagel with lox costs about $16. I love smoked salmon and I eat it all the time on salads, sandwiches, and, of course, bagels, but it can be really pricey. Luckily, I discovered Trader Joe's nova smoked salmon pieces. This lox is just as delicious as the fancier brand names like Acme or Ducktrap, but it's only $9 for a really significant amount of smoked fish. Trader Joe's, you've won my heart with this one.
24.BUY: Bruschetta Sauce
I don't know what the heck is in this tomato-based Bruschetta sauce, but it's freaking unbelievable. I know that it was not intended to be eaten straight by the spoonful, but that is literally what I do. I could go through the whole tub.
When I'm using this product more responsibly, I grab a baguette and schmear on the garlic-y, cheesy, basil-y Bruschetta sauce, and voilà. It's a perfect snack or party app. Also, a spoonful of this stuff on simple grilled chicken or plain-old pasta makes an otherwise boring meal taste amazing.
25.BUY: Chicken Soup Dumplings
The first time I tried these frozen soup dumplings, I didn't have high expectations. But honestly, I was pretty blown away. Now, I'm not going to say these are better than the soup dumplings you would get at a Chinese restaurant, but they might actually be tastier than the takeout version (soup dumplings do not travel well). A box of six dumplings costs just $3, making it a very low-risk, high-reward situation.
Not to mention there are just 250 calories in the entire box, and they take two minutes to heat up in the microwave. The dumplings are a bit thicker and doughier than the better soup dumplings I've enjoyed, but they're still pretty light and delicate. The gingery and savory chicken soup filling is really tasty too, and they aren't stingy on it. Just remember to eat 'em with a spoon because they can get messy.
26.SKIP: Oat Milk
Trader Joe's has two kinds of oat milk, one perishable and one shelf-stable. The refrigerated version is better, but only slightly. Unfortunately, it doesn't have that silky, rich creaminess I love about other oat milks. I'm still waiting for TJ's to take another stab at this dairy-free milk, but until then, I'll be paying the premium for Oatly.
27.BUY: Elote Corn Chip Dippers
These elote seasoned corn dippers don't need much of an introduction. If you haven't tried them, I suggest running to your nearest TJ's and securing at least three bags. They're basically Fritos on steroids thanks to an addictive salty, spicy, cheesy elote seasoning. Eat them by the handful, dunk them in guacamole, or pair them with Everything but the Elote Greek-Style Yogurt dip for a full-blown street corn fiesta.
28.SKIP: Hearts of Palm Pasta
This low-carb pasta alternative made from hearts of palm gets a lot of hype. In fact, it's one of Trader Joe's top-selling pastas. But I have to be honest: I just don't get it. The smell is weird and off-putting, and while I know it neutralizes as the "noodles" cook, I still find it creepy. I don't care what people say, this stuff doesn't taste like pasta. If anything, it's more like spiralized zucchini. You can do you, but I'm going to stick with the good old-fashioned gluten-packed spaghetti..
