• I tried orange chicken from Trader Joe's, Panda Express, and P.F. Chang's to find the best one.
• P.F. Chang's dish was my least favorite and also the most expensive. 
• Although Panda Express' was great, Trader Joe's orange chicken won based on its price.

Orange chicken is a popular dish that's been around for decades, but there's still some debate about the best place to get it. 

Panda Express' former executive chef Andy Kao is said to have premiered the Chinese-American recipe in 1987, and in 2017, over 50% of the chain's customers ordered the dish as part of their meal.

What started out as a mere addition to the Panda Express menu went on to become a food phenomenon, as restaurants and grocery chains around the world now offer their own version of the dish, with some rivaling the popularity of the original.

I decided to sample three of the most popular orange-chicken takes on the market from Trader Joe's, Panda Express, and P.F. Chang's to see which was best.

Trader Joe's award-winning Mandarin-orange chicken was just as delicious as actual takeout

Trader Joe's Mandarin-orange chicken is one of the brand's most popular items — it's so beloved by shoppers that it's earned a spot in the chain's Product Hall of Fame. After trying it for the first time last year, I could understand the hype.

But the most obvious difference between Trader Joe's orange chicken and its taste-test competitors is it's the only one that requires any actual cooking.

It's a drawback in some ways but in others, it's a plus, as you can add as little or as much sauce to the chicken as you want and choose to fry or oven-bake the dish.

You can also doctor it up with some chili oil or flakes if you favor spice. 

Trader Joe's orange chicken also had the crispiest texture

Once the Trader Joe's orange chicken was prepared, I couldn't even tell I'd cooked it from frozen. 

From bite-sized crisps to chewy mouthfuls, the fried-chicken pieces came in varying sizes, so no two scoops were identical.

The breading on this chicken's exterior was much thicker than most restaurant versions, which I found gave every bite a satisfying crunch. The meat was also surprisingly soft even after being cooked under the dry heat of the oven.

Without being super heavy or oily, this meal reminded me of a typical fried-chicken entrée.

The sauce that comes with the dish is much thinner than some others, so much so that it's more like a glaze. I combined the ingredients in a shallow mixing bowl, which left each piece nicely coated.

Good orange chicken is mostly defined by its sauce, which is why Panda Express' balanced mix of sweet, tangy, and savory remains unmatched. And although it wasn't identical, Trader Joe's orange-chicken glaze came close to mimicking the iconic combo.

Flavor-wise, the grocery chain's sauce is much less spicy than Panda Express', but it still had a nice, even blend of tangy orange flavor and a sweetness that didn't taste syrupy or artificial.

It leaned slightly more to the acidic side, which nicely cut down the sugar and created a wonderfully balanced dish. 

Panda Express' orange chicken had the most memorable flavor

According to NPR, Panda Express is believed to have invented this popular dish in the 1980s when a chef at one of the chain's Hawaii locations experimented with creating a spin on General Tso's chicken.

I've eaten this restaurant's orange chicken for as long as I can remember. Affordable, tasty, and consistent, it's pretty difficult to beat as far as fast-food dishes go.

At a glance, the order looks pretty unassuming — it's essentially bite-sized morsels of fried dark-meat chicken coated in a sticky, tangy orange sauce with no vegetables anywhere in sight.

Served in the signature red takeout box, it's a simple, no-frills option that's pretty much designed for convenient eating.

But don't let presentation fool you — this orange chicken hit all the right notes of a perfect takeout meal.

The chain's signature sauce really made this chicken a standout hit

Thick enough to cling well to every piece but not so syrupy that you have to scoop it up with a fork, this sauce balanced honeyed sweetness and tang just right.

Plus the lip-smacking umami finish lingered on the inside of my cheeks and kept me reaching for more like a bag of salty potato chips would.

The orange flavor was clearly detectable, but it didn't overpower the entire dish, which I actually prefer so my dinner doesn't taste like a mimosa. And a kick of chili came through to give each bite an extra oomph.  

Plus every chicken morsel was fried to perfection and had a tender, juicy center.

Compared to the other two dishes I tried, this one's breading-to-chicken ratio was just right, as the coating on each piece was thick enough to provide an initial crunch without tasting like fried bread.

To put it plainly, the chain's meal was perfectly balanced, and I wouldn't expect any less from a company that's had several decades to perfect its recipe.

Currently, a small order costs under $5 and gets you enough food to eat as an entrée for one or a light snack for two. This seemed like a pretty solid deal until I realized that an entire multi-serving bag of orange chicken from Trader Joe's is only $4.99. 

P.F. Chang's orange chicken had a refreshing, homemade taste

A single order from my local P.F. Chang's cost me $14.95, making it the most expensive orange chicken I tried for this taste test. But to be fair, that price gets you a more sophisticated version of this takeout classic. 

Right off the bat, I was impressed by how this meal looked. 

Garnished with fresh orange slices delicately placed around the edges and finely minced scallions speckled throughout the center, this entée consisted of several thick pieces of meat doused in a vibrant sauce.

This order also came with a side of rice at no extra cost. Compared to the others, this option had the appearance of a complete meal rather than a snack or appetizer.

Although the chicken was juicy and well-marinated, the orange-peel sauce was slightly too sweet for my liking

According to its menu, P.F. Chang's current orange chicken features a recently updated recipe. Since I've never tasted the previous version, I can't accurately speak to what's different about this new one. 

The chain describes its orange-peel chicken as "lightly battered" with a "sweet citrus-chili sauce" and "fresh orange slices" — and based on what I tried, that seems accurate.

To start, the chicken was cooked perfectly — I'm talking melt-in-your-mouth quality. 

I don't know what's in the batter, but I'd have to guess it contains some cornstarch, as each piece of chicken had a thin outer layer of breading with a delicate crisp that gave way to a tender meat interior.

It could be that I'm so used to the fast-food version of this dish, but the sauce seemed off-balance and was a little too tangy and fruity for my liking. It reminded me of an orange marmalade with the slightest whisper of chili.

The sauce's jelly-like texture oddly paired with the fried meat, and there was also way too much — the chicken was practically swimming in it.

And although I appreciated the fresh oranges, they seemingly served no real purpose beyond garnish. 

I'll give P.F. Chang's props for elevating this classic takeout dish and putting an upscale spin on it, but I can't picture myself craving orange chicken and immediately reaching for this fancier version first, especially when others exist for half the cost.

If you love traditional sweet-and-sour sauce or the "orange" half of the equation the most, you'd probably enjoy this option. But if you're looking for something with that familiar orange-and-spice combo, I'd advise ordering from elsewhere.

Still, if I went to an office party or a dinner soiree where P.F. Chang's was being catered, I definitely wouldn't turn this dish away. 

Despite having to cook it myself, Trader Joe's orange chicken may be my new go-to

P.F. Chang's meal had a yummy, fresh taste to it, but its citrus-forward sauce lacked the distinct orange-chicken seasoning found in the other versions. And although the portion size was generous, it is still much pricier than the other two options.

But when choosing a go-to orange chicken, it really comes down to preference.

If you like yours on the sweeter side, you may find P.F. Chang's meal to be just right. If you favor more of a spicy or tangy taste, you'd probably enjoy the other two.

With a winning combination of sweet, tangy, and umami, Panda Express is clearly the expert when it comes to this iconic dish. That said, Trader Joe's orange chicken left me feeling equally as satisfied.

And the fact that I can buy a 22-ounce bag of it from the store for almost the same price as a small order from Panda Express made it quite clear to me who the winner of my orange-chicken battle had to be.

Sure, eating it requires a little bit more work than simply ordering takeout. But considering I can get at least two meals out of it for the price of one, Joe can go ahead and take my money.

• I tried 30 dips and spreads from Trader Joe's to see which would be the best for a Super Bowl party.
• Trader Joe's vegan caramelized-onion dip would complement any appetizer table. 
• The jalapeño pub cheese and almond-chipotle dips were incredibly tasty options.

When it comes to snacking, nothing beats a good chip-and-dip combo — and Trader Joe's seems all too aware of that fact.

From a comforting, cheesy pimento spread to spicy hummus, the chain currently offers a wide selection of dips for virtually every palate.

As a regular connoisseur of Trader Joe's salsas and spreads, I decided to try some of the chain's most popular dips.

Editor's Note: This story was originally published in January 2021 and most recently updated on February 3, 2025. Product availability may vary by location and time of year.

The eggplant hummus tasted like a wholesome version of the classic alternative

With a base of eggplant, chickpeas, lemon, garlic, tahini, and pomegranate juice, this hummus was one of the more wholesome dips I tried during my taste test, but that didn't make it any less delicious.

It had a pleasantly mild, subtly sweet flavor and was slightly less beany than regular hummus.

This alternative doesn't contain any additional oils and instead relies on a seamless mix of eggplant and tahini for its smooth, easily spreadable texture, a feature that made it easy to eat.

On a blind taste test, I'm not sure if I'd be able to identify the eggplant in it, but I'd still happily dip any veggie or cracker into it without hesitation.

VERDICT: The eggplant hummus was quite tasty, and I'd highly recommend the delicious product to anyone who is in the market for a vegan-friendly, light dip.

The 5-layer dip was scrumptious enough to eat as a meal

Five-layer dip might not seem like anything exciting or special, but after trying this one, I'm convinced Trader Joe's is eager to prove otherwise.

Instead of using a standard refried-bean spread as the base, Trader Joe's switched things up and opted for a smooth black-bean hummus, which deepened the flavor and provided an earthy contrast to the rich dairy components.

And every other element was perfectly measured and delicious, from the tasty guacamole layer to the sour cream and shredded cheese topping.

I thought it could've benefited from more onions or a peppery ingredient like jalapeño, but on the flip side, minimizing the dip's spiciness makes it accessible to a variety of palates.

That said, this dip had a much shorter shelf life than the other ones I purchased due to the inclusion of the vegetables, though I wouldn't necessarily say that's a bad thing.

Trader Joe's five-layer dip would probably get devoured within minutes if it was served at any party and could easily be transformed into a meal by throwing it inside a tortilla or on top of some rice.

VERDICT: The familiar, yummy combination of guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese with a unique black-bean hummus base made this dip a standout among the other Southwestern-style options available.

I think it's worth purchasing again, but not as often as some others on this list.

The pimento cheese dip was basically comfort food in a container

As a West Coaster, I'm not too familiar with pimentos as an ingredient. I know they're very popular in Southern cuisine, but I'm pretty sure I can count on one hand how many times I've eaten something that contains these tiny, red chile peppers.

Nevertheless, I was excited to give Trader Joe's take on this Southern delicacy a try, and I was wowed — it's worthy of all the love it gets.

The dip itself is made of a blend of extra-sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, onion powder, and other spices.

Overall, the texture was pleasantly soft with tasty bits of cheese shreds and roasted pimento chiles, which tasted like super-sweet bell peppers, mixed in for added chew and a pop of peppery flavor.

After one bite, I immediately understood why this dip is so popular, since it had an unmistakably real cheese flavor to it with just the right amount of tang to balance out the richness.

When paired with a tortilla chip, the distinct, sweet notes from the pimentos were further enhanced, creating the perfect blend of salt, pepper, tang, and cheese.

VERDICT: I may not be an expert on Southern dips, but Trader Joe's pimento cheese option tasted like a winner.

I loved that the cilantro-jalapeño hummus had a surprising kick to it

At first, I thought this option was going to taste like the bottom of the chain's three-layer dip — a cilantro-infused hummus — but it turned out to be so much better.

Spicy, zesty, herby, and creamy all at once, this dip was like nothing else I tried for my taste test.

Trader Joe's went the extra mile by fully infusing the standard hummus recipe with yummy cilantro-jalapeño pesto to give it an aromatic, spice-forward flavor.

And when it came to heat, this dip delivered, as it's topped with a dollop of that very pesto for a concentrated burst of hot flavor. 

Between the lemony tang from the hummus, zesty cilantro flavor, and moderate spice from the jalapeños, it tasted like something that was prepared fresh at a Mediterranean restaurant and was hard to put down once I cracked it open.

VERDICT: If I could only pick one Trader Joe's hummus to eat for the rest of my life, it would be this option.

The addition of cilantro elevated the dip without totally erasing the hummus flavor, and its bold, spicy profile gave it a unique and memorable edge.

The bruschetta sauce reminded me of a fancy appetizer, but it was difficult to enjoy as a stand-alone dip

One of my favorite appetizers to order at Italian-style restaurants is bruschetta, an ambrosial mix of fresh tomatoes, basil, salt, and olive oil on top of crispy, sliced bread.

As someone who hates chopping tomatoes, this premade option was like a dream come true. I will be forever thankful to Trader Joe's for giving me a version I can enjoy at home without having to do any preparation.

This bruschetta-style dip comes with perfectly even, bite-sized tomato pieces doused in olive oil, garlic, and basil. 

The sauce's fresh, tomato-heavy taste and robust olive oil and garlic overtones made it easy to fall in love with.

Although it was located in Trader Joe's refrigerated dip display case, this product is technically classified as a sauce. And despite its incredible flavor, this option was pretty limiting compared to some of the others I had.

It was too liquidy to really be scooped without the help of a spoon and too oily for most chips and crackers, let alone carrots.

VERDICT: Ultimately, the bruschetta sauce is worth trying at least once, but it's probably best suited for a setting with utensils. 

Despite being a decent alternative to the traditional dip, the chunky Greek-yogurt guacamole was a pretty underwhelming option

Greek yogurt makes up a noticeable portion of this stuff, so it felt weird to call this dip a guacamole. 

There was definitely a noticeable tang present at the end of every bite, so if you're someone who really hates yogurt, you may find that off-putting.

I didn't mind this too much and actually liked how the ingredients gave this dip a lighter mouthfeel and smooth texture that made it easy to scoop with chips and veggies.

In addition to salt, lime juice, and a vague hint of garlic, the "chunky" part of the guacamole's description comes from the bits of chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and tomatoes, which didn't add much flavor and seemed more like an afterthought.

Instead of being like actual guacamole, it tasted like a spicy lime crema that featured avocado as a bonus ingredient.

This wasn't necessarily a bad thing. It just made the dip seem more like something I'd eat in small quantities, like hot sauce or sour cream, rather than by the scoopful.

Overall, it wasn't the worst dip I tried, but it was far from the best.

VERDICT: Although I can totally picture myself placing a dollop of this stuff on top of a burrito or other spicy dish, I didn't find the flavor memorable enough to eat it on its own with chips. And after a few bites, I was over it.

The caramelized-onion dip packed delicate flavor into a luxuriously creamy spread

Onion dip is one of life's simplest pleasures, and I grew up recognizing it as an essential component of many summertime barbecues. So it was unsurprising that Trader Joe's upgraded version of this familiar favorite turned out to be one of the standout dips I tried.

Upon opening the container, I was hit with an aroma reminiscent of onions sizzling on a barbecue grill.

In terms of taste, it was more honeyed than I anticipated, but within seconds, that sweetness quickly resolved into a mouthwatering blend of pure onion and garlic.

The dip's standout feature, its silky smooth texture from the seamless blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream, made it unmistakably richer than standard alternatives only created with the latter.

And Trader Joe's went the extra mile by adding chopped bits of actual caramelized onions to the mix.

This choice isn't exactly the most calorie-friendly option as far as dips go, but I was in the market for flavor, not diet food. And when paired with a tortilla chip — or better yet, a potato chip — it created a harmonious union of salty, sweet, and savory.

All it took was one bite for me to be instantly hooked.

VERDICT: Anyone who loves the comforts of classic flavors should give this elevated take on onion dip a try. It may be too rich to keep on hand at all times, but I'd absolutely serve it at a party.

The organic Cashew Fiesta dip wasn't my personal favorite, but I still thought it was a decent vegan alternative to queso

I'm all for a good dairy-free option, so I'll give Trader Joe's credit for at least attempting to create a vegan spread that isn't hummus.

Instead of artificial ingredients or flavorings, this option uses a blend of cashews, vegetables, and tasty seasonings like garlic and jalapeños to mimic a cheesy flavor, which was wonderful to see in a vegan dip.

And to my surprise, it smelled a lot like nacho cheese.

When I attempted to sample it chilled, I couldn't even get a proper scoop of the stuff without my chip breaking, but once heated, it developed a creamier texture and still maintained a thick consistency that reminded me of pureed squash.

In terms of taste, I thought this option did an OK job of capturing that slightly spicy, creamy queso flavor without any actual cheese, as the presence of garlic powder and green chiles gave it an added kick.

However, there was an unusually distracting starchy and vinegary aftertaste in every bite.

A glance at the ingredients revealed it does contain potatoes and white distilled vinegar, the latter probably included to give the dip an added tang that I personally didn't care for it.

VERDICT: Although I wouldn't buy the Cashew Fiesta dip for myself again, I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to try a fun, plant-based option.

I couldn't get enough of the garlic dip's fluffy texture and bold flavor

To put it plainly, this garlic spread is a game changer.

Smooth, easy to spread, and packed with a hefty dose of intense garlic flavor, this dip made it pretty much impossible for me to put the container down once I cracked it open.

Its light, fluffy texture and smell reminded me of a cross between aioli and whipped garlic butter, except totally vegan.

And although it's quite pungent, it wasn't too overpowering to enjoy as a dip.

It's also quite versatile. In addition to tasting great as a dip, it would work well as a pizza topping or a flavor enhancer for other sauces. I could also picture it seriously upgrading a tray of roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

Best of all, a little bit goes a long way.

VERDICT: This garlic spread is both delicious and versatile enough to be dubbed a grocery staple.

The tzatziki sported a satisfying blend of refreshing and herbaceous flavors

I've tried many store-bought tzatzikis, and Trader Joe's take on the Greek staple was by far the most balanced.

Other premade versions rely on strong flavors like dill, but this product sported a more mellow, lemony-garlic taste with nuances of fresh herbs. Thinly sliced cucumber ribbons also added a cool, refreshing bite and delicious crunch.

The only issue I would note is that this option was much thinner than other yogurt spreads and wasn't as good for dipping with a vessel like a carrot. But in terms of flavor, this stuff knocked it way out of the park.

This product had just the right amount of tang, garlic, and herbiness to pair well with a wide variety of dishes and flavors — I tried it with chips, crackers, and veggies and thought it tasted exceptional. 

Everything tasted fresh and cool, like the air on a breezy summer day near the coast, which is maybe why Trader Joe's put a picture of a seaside bistro on the lid.

This dip seriously tasted like something I would order at a fancy Mediterranean restaurant. And best of all, because it's made with kefir, it never felt heavy, even after the sixth or seventh bite.

VERDICT: Trader Joe's tzatziki had a lovely, refreshing taste and a mellow garlic flavor that I found simply irresistible.

Its perfect balance of lemony tang, cool herbs, and subtle savoriness makes it an ideal pairing for many different dishes and is worthy of being considered a kitchen staple in my house. 

The tomato-and-basil hummus reminded me of a freshly baked pizza

I'm constantly amazed by Trader Joe's ability to prove that if you can dream it, you can make it into a hummus.

The stamp of Italian flavors gave this Mediterranean-style dip a zesty flair that was simply irresistible and made it taste like a Margherita pizza. 

I also loved how its super-smooth, creamy texture was thick enough to cling to carrots but lightweight enough that I probably could have easily eaten an entire container without feeling too full.

VERDICT: I've already purchased my second tub of this stuff.

The Salsa Especial had a unique flavor profile but was a bit too heavy on the tomato

Trader Joe's offers a wide variety of both jarred and refrigerated salsas that could easily merit an individual ranking, but for the purposes of this review, I opted to sample the medium homestyle salsa.

This option had a decent amount of heat to it, as any good fresh salsa should.

It wasn't spicy enough to make my eyes water, but it had a kick that led me to audibly say, "Oh, wow, OK!" after the first bite, a reaction aided by the hints of chili seasoning that gave this product a pleasantly smoky aroma. 

It also had the optimal salsa texture — chunky enough to remind me that it's made with vegetables but blended so I could easily scoop it with a chip or spread it on top of another dish.

Although this option contained all the right ingredients and a near-perfect level of heat, I thought it was lacking acid. As a result, the tomatoes were the dominant flavor, which made them much sweeter than anticipated despite their notably spicy finish.

That said, it would have made a better companion for cheesy breadsticks or oysters.

VERDICT: Having tried and loved other Trader Joe's salsas in the past, I was disappointed that this one didn't meet my expectations. I'll opt for the chain's spicy pico de gallo instead.

The Buffalo-chicken dip was a tasty, unique spin on one of my favorite snack foods

This dip was all the rich, savory, and hot sauce-flavored goodness of Buffalo wings wrapped into a pleasantly fluffy, easy-to-eat concoction — no wet napkins needed.

Although the label advertises that it can be served both cold and warm, I think this dip tasted best heated. When I sampled it straight out of the refrigerator, it was disappointingly flat, with the hot sauce flavor totally muted under the thick cream cheese base.

Heating allowed the cayenne, vinegar, and other seasonings to become more pronounced and melted it to a queso-like consistency that made it much easier for scooping.

In general, this Buffalo-chicken dip did an excellent job of capturing the iconic flavor, as it certainly had that familiar, spicy hot sauce kick with a vinegary finish that made me want more of it.

The sour cream and cream cheese base also did a nice job of adding a subtle sweetness and tang to the mix so that it didn't taste like I was dipping my chip into pure hot sauce.

Additionally, the chunks of cooked chicken throughout made it substantial enough to be eaten on its own or mixed into a salad, but pairing it with a tortilla chip added a dimension of salt that nicely played up the heat.

When compared to the other products on this list, the Buffalo-chicken dip was on the heavier, richer side, but it definitely earned high marks in my book for being one of the more unique, fun options I tried.

VERDICT:  Although nothing can totally replace the experience of eating Buffalo wings, I would absolutely be willing to serve this product on an appetizer table.

I wanted to like the herbed tahini sauce, but its parsley flavor was too overpowering for my palate

Mostly known for giving hummus its super-smooth texture and savory flair, tahini is a bit of an acquired taste, as it has a strong nutty flavor that's a lot to handle without the addition of other seasonings.

I first noticed this dip's striking green color and herbaceous aroma, which literally smelled like a delicious, fresh herb garden.

But after sampling Trader Joe's herbed tahini spread, I'm not so sure that looks and scent are as reliable of an indicator of taste as I thought because it was packed with parsley.

I thought the front-lining herb gave the dip a grass-like flavor that overpowered every other ingredient and left an unpleasant, bitter aftertaste that lingered for several minutes.

VERDICT: Although I personally wouldn't buy this herbed tahini dip again for myself, I think anyone who likes super-strong, earthy flavors might actually enjoy it.

The jalapeño pub cheese dip was one of the tastiest options I've ever tried

I'm a sucker for all things cheesy and spicy, which means this dip was pretty much my ideal kind of snack.

After devouring nearly half the container in a time I'm too embarrassed to admit, I can confidently say this product lived up to every expectation.

It's made with real cheese, so there was no missing that bold, sharp cheddar flavor, but the bits of jalapeño scattered throughout were what really sold me.

With just enough of a burn to be noticeable without being totally overpowering, this dip hit me with the ideal amount of spice that left a pleasantly moderate heat on the roof of my mouth.

It also had a delicious, mousse-like texture that clung easily to crackers, chips, and carrots.

Honestly, the only issue you may run into is having to buy two containers, because there's a good chance the first won't last long once you open it.

VERDICT: If you're looking for a great dip to literally spice up your next picnic or cheese board, look no further.

I would give the chunky artichoke-and-jalapeño dip an award for its mouthwatering combination of cheese and spice

Chunky is an apt descriptor, as this spread gave me more artichoke bits than I expected, and that was a good thing — this was by far one of the best dips I tasted.

The bold artichoke flavor highlighted a luscious and well-seasoned dip made of Monterey Jack and cream cheese, ingredients that added a touch of salt and a subtle sweetness to every bite.

But what really won me over was how spicy it was. There was no disputing the jalapeño presence in this dip because with every bite I got a delicious dose of fresh heat.

Heat-averse folks may consider this a warning, but to my fellow spice-loving friends: This product is an absolute must-buy.

Apparently, it can also be served warm, but this stuff was so delicious as is that my roommate and I polished off the entire container before we even got a chance to consider experimenting with different temperatures.

VERDICT: I'd say this dip was well worth the purchase, and I'll definitely be buying it again.

Although the Everything but the Bagel Greek-yogurt dip was undoubtedly delicious, it seemed too simple to justify spending money on

My love for Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend has been documented on Business Insider before, so it's needless to say that I was very excited to give this dip a try. 

Packed with salt, garlic, onion, and sesame goodness, this dip hit all the right notes for me, especially when paired against the cool Greek-yogurt base.

There was a slight, yet noticeable sour aftertaste, but I grew used to it after the second bite and actually appreciated how it gave the dip a creamy, lighter quality that would pair well with veggies. That said, I'm sure cream cheese would have worked just as well.

I didn't even mind the dip's lack of the signature everything-flavored crunch, as there were fewer opportunities for the bits to get stuck in my teeth.

VERDICT: This product did an excellent job of building on the chain's signature seasoning and harnessing that everything bagel flavor to save you the effort of having to hit up your local bakery or break out your toaster.

I'm hesitant about buying this again because I could easily make it at home since I regularly have both Greek yogurt and this seasoning blend on hand. But if I were in a pinch for time and needed a dip to add to a platter, I'd repurchase this in an instant.

Reliably tasty and well-seasoned, the Avocado's Number guacamole was impressive

First things first, Trader Joe's deserves praise for packaging guacamole in two separate pouches.

Anyone who's eaten fresh guac knows that once you expose the dip to air, you've essentially started a countdown to finish the entire bowl before it loses the green color and turns into an unappetizing mess.

This split serving allowed me to enjoy the product on two separate occasions without worrying about potentially wasting an entire tub.

Beyond its A+ packaging, this guacamole was well-seasoned and packed with yummy avocado chunks. Although the dip was on the saltier side, its creamy fruit was by far the most prominent flavor.

And best of all, it didn't have an artificial taste.

Of course, when compared to other dips on this list, it's definitely one of the least-inspired choices for a spread as far as snacking goes.

However, its simple base made it pretty versatile and easy to upgrade. I highly recommend sprinkling cheese or fresh cilantro on top to give it an extra layer of flavor.

VERDICT: As far as grocery-store guacamoles go, this was definitely one of the better ones I've tried. I could actually taste the avocado, which made it a worthy purchase.

The red pepper, cranberry, and walnut dip combined 3 unique ingredients for an unforgettable flavor

I would've never thought to pair cranberry and red pepper, but this was the kind of dip I'd expect to find on a charcuterie plate at an expensive wine bar.

The red peppers were the most prominent part, so the flavor was on the sweeter side, but the tart cranberries balanced that out.

The walnut taste came through at the end of each bite. At first, I thought the ingredient was unnecessary, but after a few tries, I realized the nutty undertones actually gave the dip a complex and nuanced flavor profile.

The dip also contained bits of actual cranberries, which gave it a unique, rustic feel. 

I don't know how often I'll eat this as a stand-alone dip — I didn't think it paired great with tortilla chips — but it'd work brilliantly as a sandwich spread or on top of goat cheese.

VERDICT: I'm not in a rush to buy this again, but I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to spice things up at their next dinner party.

The jalapeño-cauliflower dip had a nice, fluffy texture, but I thought it could've used more heat

Trader Joe's continues its cauliflower obsession with this dip, which contained pulverized florets, ricotta, Parmesan, cream cheese, and diced jalapeños. 

The texture was great. The ricotta gave the product a whipped, ultra-soft feel that was perfect for dipping.

Unfortunately, this dip didn't deliver the kick I had hoped it would. The combination of cheeses resulted in a heavier spread with a faint whisper of spice. I'd give the heat level a two out of 10.

VERDICT: This dip would be a safe bet for folks trying to sneak more cauliflower into their diet, though I was a little underwhelmed. 

Trader Joe's Everything and the Elote Greek-style yogurt dip was awesome with corn chips

Inspired by the flavors of classic Mexican street corn, this dip seemed like it was specifically designed with sunny afternoons in mind.

It was a little spicy, smoky, and every bit delicious. 

The Greek yogurt worked surprisingly well as a base, offering coolness and tang that balanced out all of the seasonings, kind of like sour cream. I also loved how it gave the dip a nice, creamy texture without feeling too heavy. 

I have no doubt it would taste amazing drizzled over tacos, chili, or scrambled eggs, but I could've done without the actual bits of corn.

VERDICT: I nearly blew through the entire container eating it with corn chips, so I'll need to get another. 

The Unexpected Cheddar dip was simply the chain's fan-favorite cheese as a tasty spread

Just when I thought Trader Joe's couldn't win my devotion anymore, I found this spreadable version of the iconic Unexpected Cheddar.

This dip had all of the salty, slightly buttery flavors of the fan-favorite staple with the texture of cold cream cheese. 

It was quite dense and wasn't exactly dippable, so I used a butter knife to spread it on the crackers. That extra effort was worth it.

The bold flavor has gone a long way. I've snacked on this for several weeks and still have half a container in my fridge.

VERDICT: I'll definitely pick this up when I want a cheese spread for snacking.

The sweet cannoli dip was a neat idea, but it didn't quite live up to the hype for me

I'm nowhere near being a cannoli expert but I think Trader Joe's missed the mark in mimicking the dessert. To me, Trader Joe's sweet cannoli dip smelled and tasted like vanilla yogurt. I have nothing against vanilla yogurt but it's not the kind of thing I'd use as a dip.

I get that mascarpone is pricy so I understand why sour cream was used to create a smooth, fluffy texture. However, I think the sour cream contributes a distracting tangy component that throws the otherwise delicately sweet flavor off.

That said, I have a hunch that the sweet cannoli dip would work as an ingredient in something else, like French toast topped with fruit. But as a dip, this was a letdown.

VERDICT: Though I really wanted to love Trader Joe's sweet cannoli dip, its unusually tangy profile just didn't work for me.

The plant-based vegan Buffalo dip gives the version with chicken a run for its money

This vegan Trader Joe's dip is made using everything from the crudités platter I'd already pair with Buffalo dip, including cauliflower, peppers, and carrots, instead of cheese and chicken. Luckily, the delicious dip doesn't taste anything like vegetables.

The cayenne pepper taste was front and center with each scoop, with a medium heat contrasted by a vinegary tang.

The dip also had cilantro and garlic, which gave it a nice, well-rounded flavor and depth.

Best of all, it was satisfyingly creamy and fluffy but still remained light on the palate in a way that made me almost prefer it to the original Buffalo dip.

VERDICT: As someone who has friends with specific dietary restrictions and allergies, Trader Joe's vegan Buffalo dip is worth having on hand for any social gathering.

The vegan caramelized-onion dip captured the yummy flavor of the original without any dairy

I wasn't new to Trader Joe's vegan caramelized-onion dip when I sampled it for this taste test. After trying it again, I was reminded why it's my go-to for parties. It's absolutely delightful.

Like the non-vegan dip, it has an irresistible combination of caramelized onions, garlic, and salt, albeit with a slightly sweeter profile thanks to the addition of agave sweetener. It's not an off-putting flavor, but it's a sweetness that reminds me of ketchup and makes me want more of it.

The dairy-free cream cheese base creates a texture comparable to whipped ricotta cheese. It's not as silky smooth as the sour cream version but still yummy and light.

VERDICT: As someone who can't get enough of a savory-sweet onion dip flavor but doesn't always want something overly decadent, I personally can't get enough of this stuff.

Trader Joe's smoked-salmon dip will give your bagels a serious upgrade

Made using a mishmash of bagel toppings including cream cheese, shredded smoked salmon, and capers, this Trader Joe's dip is for people who love fatty fish. It's heavily smoky and aggressively salty and, in my opinion, borders on tasting slightly fishy.

I have a feeling it would taste best paired with foods like cucumbers or tomatoes to tone down the saltiness.

The texture was creamy and dense from the bits of shredded salmon but wasn't as chunky as, say, a chicken salad. Still, this smoked-salmon dip was soft enough to spread on a wrap, cracker, or piece of bread.

VERDICT: I'd recommend this dip to anyone who really loves smoked salmon, but for the average person who only kind of likes the flavor, I found this just too briny to be enjoyable on its own.

Trader Joe's take on a classic spinach dip is one of the best ones on the market

I tend to avoid store-bought spinach dips because, in my experience, they usually have an odd aftertaste or seem mayonnaise-y.

Thankfully, Trader Joe's does this game-day classic justice. I thought the dip tasted like it was fresh, offering a nice balance of creaminess and acidity, along with a tasty spinach flavor.

The spinach bits were plentiful but not overpowering, and there was enough garlic and salt to give it a palatable, well-seasoned flavor. I ate this with a plain cracker and thought it was super tasty, but I'd easily blow through a tub of this with cut-up sourdough.

VERDICT: Although the sour-cream spinach dip isn't as unique or inventive as some other ones Trader Joe's sells, for me, it's a hit.

The vegan almond-chipotle dip delivered the perfect amount of heat

This palatable plant-based Southwestern spread had a good balance of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors.

A strong chipotle pepper flavor provided a subtle heat that tickled the back of my throat, and seasonings like garlic did a fantastic job masking the dip's almond base.

I did taste a faint nuttiness, but given all the other flavors, it was easy to overlook.

Plus, the texture was spot on. Unlike other vegan dips I've tried, which are sometimes on the gritty side, this option was well-blended and smooth.

It was also viscous enough to be pourable, so it could probably double as a drizzle. I'd snack on this with chips, carrots, or bell peppers, but it could also work as a taco or burger topping.

VERDICT: This superb option stands up to other vegan chipotle dips on the market.

Trader Joe's white queso dip is one of the best store-bought versions I've ever had

I'm usually turned off by store-bought queso because I don't care for fake cheese flavors, but Trader Joe's seemed to be doing something right here.

This dip was lusciously creamy and had a great cheese flavor without being too milky. Yes, it was still very mild — it tasted like melted white cheddar cheese — but it didn't have an artificial flavor, which was likely owed to the seasoning.

As I ate, I noticed visible bits of red and green peppers and tasted hints of onion, which added dimension beyond the dairy.

I was so impressed by how tasty this was straight out of the fridge that I missed the instructions that stated the dip is best enjoyed warm. Whoops. I guess that's an excuse to buy this again.

VERDICT: I may not be able to predict who wins the Super Bowl, but I can guarantee this cheesy concoction will be a hit at any party.

The olive-tapenade hummus was a bit too salty for my taste

This appetizer hybrid delivered a smoother experience than a traditional tapenade, which typically consists of finely chopped bits of olives and capers.

The hummus itself had a salty olive taste, so if you're not a fan of them, this dip may not be for you. I found it tasty for a few bites, but couldn't see myself eating more than a little bit in one sitting.

Still, I appreciated the chopped olives on top of the hummus. It added a visual flair that gave the entire dip a homemade feel. I'm sure a squeeze of lemon juice and feta on top would improve the dip as well.

VERDICT: Though this wasn't my favorite hummus, I'd still recommend it to anyone who loves classic Mediterranean flavors.

Click to keep reading other Trader Joe's taste tests in this series.

• Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil-rights activist who helped end segregation in the US.
• Martin wasn't his given name — he was born Michael King Jr., after his father.
• On top of receiving two bachelor's degrees, he received a doctor of philosophy at Boston University.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential figures in the US civil-rights movement.

Much of what people know about the activist is limited to his iconic role in the 1963 March on Washington. However, beyond his timeless, quotable speeches there are many fascinating aspects to learn about his life.

Here are some interesting facts about Dr. King that you probably didn't learn in school.

He is the only American, other than George Washington, whose birthday is a national holiday.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day became an officially observed holiday for schools, banks, and federal offices across the US in 1986 — making him the first non-president to have his birthday become a national holiday. 

However, it took a while for all 50 states to get on board with honoring the activist.

South Carolina was the final state to officially observe the national holiday in 2000. 

Stevie Wonder wrote a song to honor the late activist.

In the wake of Dr. King's death in 1968, several notable figures found ways to honor him and aid in the push for MLK Day.

By the late 1970s, President Jimmy Carter pledged his support of the holiday, but the King Holiday Bill didn't pass in Congress. 

To help garner support in the following years, Stevie Wonder wrote and recorded his song "Happy Birthday" in honor of Dr. King. He also joined the reverend's wife on a four-month tour to advocate for the holiday.

After the tour, they delivered a petition to the speaker of the house with 6 million names on it.

Dr. King was always a natural in front of a crowd.

Dr. King's public-speaking talents date back to his teenage years when he won an oratory contest in Georgia for speaking on a topic titled "The Negro and the Constitution" when he was a teen. 

According to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford, in the orientation, he highlighted the contradictory nature of the US Constitution in the context of discrimination.

His name wasn't originally Martin.

Dr. King's given name was actually Michael, after his father, the Rev. Michael King Sr.

In 1934, after King Sr. attended an international Baptist conference in Germany where he became inspired by the teachings of 16th-century religious thinker Martin Luther, he changed both his name and his son's. 

At the time, Dr. King was already 5 years old, so he remained "Mike" to his closest friends and family for the rest of his life.

He was passionate about fighting for racial justice from a young age.

In "The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.," Dr. King recounted his first personal experience with racism and segregation. 

As a child, his white friend suddenly refused to play with him anymore, and he credited this betrayal as the moment he first became interested in fighting against racism.

He was kicked out of the first grade, and he ended up skipping two more years of school later on.

Dr. King enrolled in first grade at age 5, which was too young per the school's entry requirements, so his teacher expelled him. 

Years later, he was able to skip both the ninth and 12th grades because of his academic achievements. 

Dr. King enrolled in college when he was 15.

Instead of finishing the 12th grade and going through a formal high-school graduation, Dr. King was accepted into and enrolled at Morehouse College at age 15, where he completed a Bachelor's degree in sociology.

One of his first jobs was working for a newspaper.

From an early age, Dr. King had an established paper route.

His work ethic allowed him to be promoted, and he became the youngest assistant manager for The Atlanta Journal delivery station at age 13.

The reverend wasn't always steadfast in his faith.

Although he would later become a religious leader, as a teenager, Dr. King had a very different view of his faith.

In his autobiography, he wrote that he wasn't afraid to openly question everything he had been taught, even when it got him into trouble.

"At the age of 13, I shocked my Sunday school class by denying the bodily resurrection of Jesus," he wrote. "Doubts began to spring forth unrelentingly."

Dr. King wasn't inspired to become a minister until college.

Dr. King didn't always plan on following in his father's footsteps and becoming a minister.

However, according to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford, after he took a bible course with Dr. George D. Kelsey, he was inspired to use ministry as a medium for social justice and racial reform.

He was valedictorian of his class at Crozer Theological Seminary.

Given his rich interest in academia, it makes sense that Dr. King graduated at the top of his class.

He was named valedictorian and honored with a fellowship that covered part of his graduate-study expenses.

He earned his Ph.D. in systematic theology at Boston University.

On top of receiving two Bachelor's degrees (one in sociology from Morehouse College and the other in divinity from The Crozer Theological Seminary), King went on to earn a Ph.D. from Boston University in 1955, making him a doctor of philosophy. 

He was also awarded at least 20 honorary degrees in later years.

As if earning three degrees as a student wasn't enough, Washington State University reported that Dr. King was awarded honorary doctorates from Howard University, Bard College, Yale, Wesleyan, and many other higher-education institutions across the US and the world. 

American essayist Henry David Thoreau had a profound impact on his civil-rights career.

Throughout most of his life, Dr. King was a voracious reader. He enjoyed delving into the works of great philosophers and thinkers like Socrates, Rousseau, and Aristotle.

But of all the great texts that influenced him, the essay "Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau was perhaps the most impactful. 

According to his autobiography, Dr. King said Thoreau's belief that an individual should not cooperate with an evil system greatly influenced his worldview. It also inspired his belief in his own ability to enact social change at the individual level.

He first met his future wife over the phone.

While studying at Boston University, Dr. King lamented to friends that he had yet to meet any woman he seriously liked. He then reached out to his friend, Mary Powell, who suggested he meet Coretta Scott.

The couple had their very first interaction over a brief phone call, during which they agreed to meet in person.

At the time, Scott was studying opera at The New England Conservatory for Music and hoped to be a concert singer.

Dr. King wrote in his autobiography, "She was a mezzo-soprano and I'm sure she would have gone on into this area if a Baptist preacher hadn't interrupted her life."

He called Boston his second home.

After spending several of his young-adult years in Boston, Dr. King reportedly referred to it as his second home.

He returned to the New England city several times throughout the rest of his life.

Dr. King and his wife had an unusual honeymoon.

Dr. King married Scott on June 18, 1953, in Alabama.

After enjoying a beautiful ceremony lead by King Sr., the couple looked for a place to stay for the night.

At the time, no hotels in their area welcomed black couples as guests, so the pair spent their first night together at a family friend's house — but he happened to be an undertaker who worked out of his home.

He didn't expect to become a civil-rights leader.

The King family moved from Atlanta to Montgomery, Alabama, when the famous 1956 bus boycott — a citywide protest against racialized segregation on public transit — began.

At the time, King was only 26 and pretty much unknown in activist spaces, though he had previously expressed interest in social justice.

He originally opposed the boycott because he worried that it was unethical to put people's jobs at risk.

But when he realized the ultimate goal behind the protest, he volunteered to use his church's basement as a meeting spot for boycott organizers. During their first meeting, the group elected Dr. King as their president because no one else stood up to take the role.

He then wrote his very first public, political speech in less than an hour. 

He wrote six books throughout his life.

His collected works include "Stride Toward Freedom," "Where Do We Go From Here," and "Why We Can't Wait," which all document the rise of civil-rights movements in the US. 

Additionally, he published a book of his most-requested sermons, a collection of his broadcasted addresses, and an autobiography.

He spoke at over 2,500 events and gave hundreds of addresses a year.

During his short, 12-year career in the public eye, Dr. King delivered an astounding number of public speeches.

It's estimated that between his weekly sermons at church and media appearances, he spoke about 450 times a year.

Although the famed "I Have a Dream" speech will always hold a special place in history, it certainly wasn't the only memorable address he delivered during his life.

Some people believe his last speech foreshadowed his death.

The day before Dr. King was assassinated, he gave a speech in Memphis, Tennessee, to offer support for sanitation workers who had received unfair treatment from their bosses.

The goal of this address was to push for union representation, safer working conditions, and living wages. 

He told the crowd, "And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land."

In the aftermath of his death, some people found the language he used to be an eerie indication that he knew his death was imminent.

He won a Grammy award.

One of Dr. King's most controversial addresses went on to receive a high honor.

The speech, referred to as "Why I Oppose the War in Vietnam" and "Why I Am Opposed to the War in Vietnam," was recorded on vinyl and earned him a postmortem Grammy for best spoken-word recording in 1970.

He almost died years before his assassination.

In 1958, a woman approached Dr. King at a book-signing event in New York City and stabbed him with a letter opener.

The attack resulted in a life-threatening injury close to his heart, but he received prompt emergency medical care and survived.

His imprisonment helped JFK get elected.

In October 1960, Dr. King was jailed for participating in a sit-in protest at a Georgia department store. At the time, Senator John F. Kennedy (JFK) was running against Richard Nixon for the US presidency.

Although Kennedy was a registered democrat, his views on civil rights and racial justice had been unclear.

However, upon learning of the reverend's unjust treatment by the police department, a key advisor told Kennedy that his response to the situation would determine his voter turnout in the election.

As a result, Kennedy called Scott King and personally offered her his support.

Many historians credit this action to the large Black voter turnout in the 1960 election and Kennedy's eventual win. 

Someone else at the motel died on the day of Dr. King's assassination.

One of the staff members who worked at the hotel where Dr. King was assassinated died shortly after the reverend did.

The motel owner's wife was so traumatized by the sight and sound of his death that it caused her to suffer from a fatal stress-induced heart attack.

His political position became more radical over time.

Throughout the 1960s, the scope of Dr. King's activism work went beyond civil rights and into economic justice.

He increasingly used his platform to advocate for causes like guaranteed annual income and healthcare.

However, he also vocalized his strong opposition to the Vietnam War, which caused him to lose a significant amount of American approval, according to Jenn M. Jackson's MLK feature for Teen Vogue.

The most memorable part of his "I Have a Dream" speech was unplanned.

During the 1963 March on Washington, Dr. King delivered a monumental speech that had been well-prepared by his speechwriter, Clarence Jones.

But the more he spoke in front of that 250,000-person crowd, the more impassioned he grew, which led him to go off course toward the end of the speech.

Those famous, poetic lines that nearly everyone in the US can quote — "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up … " — were improvised.

He spoke around the world in countries such as India, Ghana, and England.

Once Dr. King became president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, he began traveling all over the world to deliver speeches about the importance of fighting for racial equality.

Some of his notable trips include his visit to Ghana, where he celebrated the country's independence, his overnight stint in the UK, where he accepted an honorary degree from Newcastle University, and his pilgrimage to India, where he met the followers of Mahatma Gandhi.

He is still the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

In 1964, King received this global honor for his unwavering commitment to civil rights, nonviolence, and helping the US government move toward making discrimination unlawful.

He was 35 years old then, making him the youngest male recipient to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 

But five women — Malala Yousfazi (17), Mairead Corrigan (32), Tawakkol Karman (32) Betty Williams (33), Rigoberta Menchú Tum (33) — received the award at younger ages. 

He is honored in cities all over the world.

There are currently dozens of statues and monuments commemorating Dr. King across the US and the world — including one in England at Westminster Abbey and another in Cuba.

That doesn't include the countless schools and 1,000-plus streets named after him across the globe. 

He had a deep appreciation for gospel and jazz music.

Dr. King's religious upbringing greatly influenced his love for music. His mom was even an organist for the church he attended during his childhood.

From the time he was a young boy, he sang in a gospel choir and believed in the healing power of music, especially hymns. He later went on to call singers like Mahalia Jackson and Nina Simone his favorite artists.

He enjoyed jazz music, too.

He even traveled to Berlin and delivered the opening address for the 1964 Jazz Festival titled "On the Importance of Jazz."

Dr. King's final conversation involved a simple request.

According to biographer and historian Taylor Branch, Dr. King's final conversation was with a saxophonist named Ben Branch.

The reverend reportedly asked the musician to play his favorite song, the hymn "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," at an event they were both scheduled to attend later that evening.

However, Dr. King never got to hear Branch's rendition of the song. Moments after making this request, he was assassinated on the balcony outside his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. 

This story was originally published in January 2019 and most recently updated on January 17, 2025. 

Read More:

• 7 of Martin Luther King Jr.'s family members who have continued his legacy
• Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat 64 years ago — here are 15 surprising facts about her
• 15 iconic moments in the LGBTQ rights movement from the last decade
• 21 of the most important human rights milestones in the last 100 years

• I tried 20 breakfast foods from Trader Joe's, from Greek yogurt to pancakes.
• I loved cereals like the strawberry-yogurt O's and vanilla-almond clusters.
• Iconic staples like the protein muffins and frozen hash browns were slightly underwhelming.

Whether I'm in the mood for a protein-packed bar or a breakfast that feels a bit more filling, I look for foods that strike the right balance of convenience, affordability, and taste — and there's no better place to find that than Trader Joe's. 

I tried some of Trader Joe's most popular breakfast foods as part of an ongoing series to review the chain's best items.

Keep reading to see which Trader Joe's breakfasts I'll purchase again and which ones I'll skip.

Editor's Note: This story was originally published on August 15, 2021, and most recently updated on November 19, 2024. Product availability may vary by location. 

Both kids and adults would enjoy the strawberry-yogurt O's

To capture the spirit of a classic breakfast while putting a twist on circular cereal, Trader Joe's infused these bits with the flavor of strawberry yogurt.

The result is a fusion of slightly sweet, subtly fruity, and perfectly crunchy magic that didn't stick to the roof of my mouth.

The freeze-dried strawberries added a slightly chewy pop of natural fruit flavor that accentuated the cereal's subtle vanilla taste. If I have any complaints, it's that there weren't more of them in the box.

The ratio of cereal to strawberry was way off in the first few bowls I tried, with only a few pieces showing up in each serving, whereas the ones I ate later in the week were full of berry goodness. So make sure you shake the bag for a more even distribution.

VERDICT: I will absolutely buy this cereal again, no questions asked. 

The vanilla-almond clusters cereal was delicious enough to eat without milk

I believe you generally can tell a good cereal by whether it's yummy enough to be eaten dry, and Trader Joe's vanilla-almond clusters aced that test.

From the moment I ate that first handful, I was prepared to devour an entire bowl without a spoon or milk.

It had one of the most satisfying crunches of pretty much any cereal I've ever eaten and consisted of perfectly ratioed sweetened-corn flakes, almond slivers, and vanilla-flavored granola clusters that were just the right size for eating by the mouthful.

No one element overpowered the other, so I detected the vanilla and nutty flavors in every bite.

The tasty vanilla-granola chunks really won me over, and they have become such a fan favorite that Trader Joe's also sells a box of them called Just the Clusters.

I personally recommend pairing this cereal with vanilla-flavored almond or oat milk to really amp up the flavor, but it was just as tasty with yogurt.

However, this is a cereal that needs to be eaten quickly, so I'd advise against pouring a gigantic bowl of it unless you're OK with soggy corn flakes.

VERDICT: Despite some minor flaws, I gave this cereal a 10/10 for flavor.

Great with milk and yogurt or on its own, it's the kind of breakfast that's good to have on hand.  

This vanilla cultured coconut milk had a good, creamy texture

The refrigerated section at my local Trader Joe's was packed with a variety of yogurt alternatives. Determined to taste at least one of each kind, I tried the coconut-milk version first.

As I opened the container, I was met with a pristine, pearly white surface and a strong coconut aroma that I loved.

Some liquid formed along the edge of the cup, which is pretty standard when you open a can of coconut cream, so I wasn't alarmed since it just requires some additional stirring.

For the most part, I enjoyed the way this cultured coconut milk tasted. It wasn't completely smooth, but it still had a nice creaminess to it.

But if you're not a fan of coconut, this product probably isn't for you. It was like a coconut yogurt featuring a whisper of vanilla essence.

But if you're a fan of the tropical flavor like I am, you'll likely love this option. 

VERDICT: Between the creamy texture and yummy coconut flavor, this option earned high marks as a dairy-free breakfast in my book. I can totally see myself buying it again.

The apricot-mango Greek whole-milk yogurt had a yummy tang to it

Slightly tart and subtly sweet with a tropical flair, this apricot-mango yogurt was like summertime in breakfast form. 

By the time I got to the bottom of the container, I was scraping the sides with my spoon to get every last bit.

It was sweet and tangy enough to keep me reaching for more without tasting like fruity lotion.

A perfectly wholesome, refreshing, and quick breakfast, it also contained tiny chunks of fresh fruit — mostly apricot — scattered throughout the cup, which added pops of tangy flavor.

VERDICT: This yogurt was so good it didn't need any extra toppings, so you can safely bet I'll be coming back for more.

The black-raspberry Greek nonfat yogurt was quite tasty

I usually top plain Greek yogurt with some combination of fruit, so Trader Joe's just made things easier by flavoring this cup with berries.

The black raspberry's tart flavor profile kept the yogurt from tasting super fruity. It was also very creamy, so much so that I'd compare it more to pudding than Greek yogurt.

Despite these good qualities, I couldn't help wishing it had more of a bite. Had I not devoured my vanilla-almond clusters before getting to this product, I would have totally mixed the two into a parfait.

This is a perfectly fine yogurt on its own, but I'm not sure if it's memorable enough to keep me coming back for more.

VERDICT: Plain Greek yogurt can be found at almost any grocery store, but Trader Joe's isn't an ordinary food shop.

This black-raspberry option caught my attention simply because I've never seen this flavor of Greek yogurt anywhere else, so I'd buy this again.

The organic creamy cashew cultured-yogurt alternative was a fine dairy-free option but not the best I've tried

Right off the bat, I was thrown off by this yogurt alternative's slightly grayish hue and speckles from the vanilla bean. If you're looking for something that has that vibrant-white color, you won't get that here.

But as far as dairy-free alternatives go, I thought this option was pretty good. The vanilla flavor was clearly detectable, and I barely noticed the cashew milk.

Unlike some dairy-free yogurts, this one didn't taste like artificial sugar, and the coconut cream added a nice level of natural sweetness.

I was slightly put off by the texture. It was pleasantly smooth for the most part, but there were some bites that felt a bit lumpy and required some additional stirring.

It was also much slimier than regular yogurt — mine slid off my spoon every time I scooped it and made for a goopy mouthfeel that I got used to after the second bite.

VERDICT: Despite some noticeable issues with the texture, this dairy-free alternative did a pretty solid job of mimicking standard vanilla yogurt.

I didn't necessarily find myself reaching for more, but it was easily one of the better dairy-free alternatives I've tasted. The addition of some fruit or honey-free granola would nicely complement the flavor. 

The strawberry yogurt is simple yet satisfying

This strawberry yogurt was pretty basic as far as breakfasts go, but sometimes reliability is more important than flashiness. 

It had a lusciously creamy texture and tasted like a basket of fresh strawberries.

I also appreciated that it came pre-stirred since I can't stand it when the fruit collects into a clumpy mess at the bottom of a container after you've already eaten all the yogurt. 

If I had any critiques, it's that I would have preferred if the fruit chunks were larger, but this yogurt had such a refreshing strawberry flavor throughout that I truly couldn't complain.

VERDICT: It may be basic as far as breakfast foods go, but this strawberry yogurt is a great option for mornings when I want something quick to eat that's a little bit lighter than a pastry, so I'll definitely buy it again.

The pineapple cottage cheese was a bit too tart for my liking

As someone who genuinely enjoys cottage cheese, I wanted to like this option but couldn't get past the texture.

The pineapple had a slimy quality that didn't pair well with the lumps of cottage cheese and tasted unusually tart. 

VERDICT: If this were pineapple yogurt, the combo might have worked fine, but this option was sadly a miss for me.

The organic cherry-pomegranate frosted toaster pastries blew me away

Everything about these toaster pastries was a perfect 10 for me. The filling tasted like it was made with real mashed fruit, and the exterior was perfectly chewy.

I'm not even a big cherry fan, but I found myself completely in love with the sweetly tart jelly that reminded me of the kind of fancy jam I could spread on a freshly baked scone.

Plus, each treat had a thin layer of yummy icing and pink sprinkles on top that made it simply irresistible.

If I was left to fend for myself for a week, I'd happily live off these pastries alone.

Needless to say, I don't know how I can ever go back to the other brand of toaster pastries I'm used to. These were just that impressive.

VERDICT: If you were to open my pantry, you'd find these pastries there again. 

The dark-chocolate, nuts, and sea-salt bar was surprisingly filling but tasted mostly like peanuts

With few artificial ingredients or fillers, this chewy chocolate-and-nut bar is a solid, no-frills snack designed to keep you energized on days when you have little downtime.

Overall, I enjoyed this bar, but I wouldn't say I was nuts about it — pun intended.

The rich chocolate came through nicely on the front end of each bite and provided a smooth contrast to all of the buttery nuts, but the peanuts were a bit overpowering.

You could've told me this was just peanuts and chocolate, and I'd believe you — I couldn't detect any trace of the cashews and almonds.

I'm not complaining too much because all of those nuts packed the bar with protein. By the time lunch came around, I was certainly ready to eat again but wasn't ravenous.

VERDICT: This Trader Joe's granola bar is a must-buy for anyone who's looking for something tasty and energizing to add to their breakfast rotation. 

It's exactly the kind of on-the-go breakfast that I can see taking to the office.

These vanilla overnight oats were very filling but didn't blow me away

This breakfast option tasted like cold oatmeal, but once I got over that, it was quite pleasant.

The oats were super soft and soaked up the sweet almond-milk taste, but I detected notes of cinnamon and cocoa, which was strange for a vanilla-flavored breakfast.

It wasn't bad, but I'm not sure if I'm completely sold on it just yet.

I've never made overnight oats myself, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. But it kept me surprisingly full for several hours.

VERDICT: I'll pass on buying this again, but I can totally see people who enjoy the nutty flavor of almond milk loving it.

These jumbo cinnamon rolls were the epitome of pure bliss

I would like to sincerely thank whoever is in charge of Trader Joe's baked goods because these cinnamon rolls absolutely knocked it out of the park.

With every bite, my taste buds were treated to a glorious combination of buttery dough, cinnamon, and plenty of yummy icing. They smelled and tasted like something I'd buy from a bakery.

What set these apart from other store-bought options was the ample cinnamon presence. Some of the frozen cinnamon rolls I've tried rely on the sugary icing for flavor, but that was not the case with these.

Trader Joe's rolls sported a cinnamon coating on every layer, which wonderfully toned down some of the sweetness of the sugary icing.

Even though it was pretty heavy as far as breakfasts go, I didn't feel too full after eating it, which made it home run.

VERDICT: I don't eat cinnamon rolls often, but I'd happily buy these again next time I'm hosting friends or family.

The dark-chocolate protein muffin has the potential to be great

If you had told me a few years ago that people were making muffins in the microwave, I might have scoffed. Yet, here we are.

With 12 grams of protein per serving, these treats are essentially a wholesome take on the massively popular mug cake.

Despite the fact that they aren't vegan since they contain whey, these muffins have unsurprisingly been all the rage ever since Trader Joe's first dropped them. 

The instructions were straightforward: Simply add water to a cup, mix it well, and microwave it all for a minute.

It sounded easy enough, but as many who experiment in the kitchen know too well, baking is a science. Just because I was working with an instant muffin didn't mean I wasn't subject to the rules.

After free pouring water into the dry mix and microwaving it for a minute, the muffin wasn't even solid, but rather a cup of bubbling, scary-looking chocolate goop. 

Out of fear of possibly consuming something raw, I microwaved it for another minute, hoping the excess water would cook out. But instead, I ended up with semi-soft, semi-hard funk that smelled like a slightly burned brownie batter. 

The taste wasn't much better since it was bitter like unsweetened cocoa, and the texture was rubbery like old leftovers. I gave up on this meal after a few bites.

VERDICT: I still have mixed feelings about this protein muffin because I feel like it has the potential to be delicious when prepared correctly, so I'd give it another chance.

The maple protein muffin was just OK

To avoid repeating the same mistake I made with the dark-chocolate muffin, I measured out the water in a cup and stirred it exactly according to the package instructions.

That did the trick, and after less than two minutes in the microwave, the cup of beige batter solidified into the promised pastry.

Although I was super impressed by how quickly this muffin came together, it still left a lot to be desired since it had an unpleasant, microwaved texture.

And unlike most muffins — which are dense, moist, and scrumptious — this was spongy and dry. 

The flavor was weak compared to what was advertised by both its packaging and scent. Even though it smelled like maple syrup, it tasted like a slightly eggy pancake or thick crepe.

I didn't actually dislike it, but given how much hype these got on the internet, I was pretty disappointed.

VERDICT: Although I found it incredibly cool that I was able to cook a muffin in my microwave, I'll pass on buying this option again.

The gluten- and dairy-free frozen pancakes were an OK option, but I prefer the waffles

These pancakes were flops, literally.

Having tried and loved Trader Joe's gluten-free waffles, I expected these to be on the same level, but I can't quite put my finger on what went wrong.

I know human error is partially to blame since I opted to cook these in the microwave — which is usually the worst option on the box — but these pancakes were rubbery and bland.

Not even dousing these gluten-free pancakes in a sugary syrup could save them — instead, it turned them into a soggy, sad mess.

Determined to give this option the benefit of the doubt, I later gave it another chance by toasting the pancakes, which was a total game changer.

The edges crisped up nicely and the center became pillowy soft like a traditional pancake.

But the flavor still wasn't anything to write home about. It can't be easy to replicate the buttermilk taste without dairy, but a touch of vanilla or some other added sweetness could've helped. 

VERDICT: Trader Joe's has better gluten- and dairy-free products than these pancakes.

Although I ruined my first impression, they still paled in comparison to the chain's gluten-free waffles, so I'll skip buying these again.

The frozen hash browns tasted great with ketchup

Home fries and shredded potatoes are great, but nothing beats the convenience of handheld hash browns.

Trader Joe's sells these hash browns in a pack of 10, which is a pretty solid deal for the price. And even better, they don't contain too many bizarre ingredients.

Per the instructions, the hash browns can be cooked in the oven or pan-fried based on your preference, so I opted for the stovetop.

After just a few minutes in the frying pan, the hash browns developed a beautiful golden-orange sheen around the edges. Once removed from the heat, they retained some greasiness, but it was nothing that couldn't be fixed with a quick pat from a paper towel.

I liked that they had a nice, crispy exterior with no burned edges or cold pockets in sight, but the inside seemed slightly too soft, even bordering on wet.

After talking with some friends who swear by these hash browns, I've learned that air frying apparently eliminates that problem, but I also thought they were slightly too salty.

They weren't necessarily bad, and I liked the way they tasted with ketchup since it made for a yummy balance of salty, sweet, and acidic.

If you're looking for something that tastes like McDonald's renowned hash browns, these are unfortunately nothing like that, save for the shape.

VERDICT: Although these weren't the best hash browns I've ever eaten, they're good to keep around as a last-minute breakfast and simple enough that kids will love them. Just make sure you have ketchup.

I didn't care for Trader Joe's steel-cut oatmeal

Steel-cut oats, which are high in fiber, can be a pain to cook on the stove. Luckily, Trader Joe's frozen steel-cut oatmeal has a shorter cooking time.

Each package comes with two shrink-wrapped, cylindrical blocks of oatmeal that can be cooked in the microwave on high for two and a half minutes (and then a final minute after stirring). 

Though this oatmeal would likely be convenient for those wanting a high-fiber meal, as far as breakfast goes, I didn't find this particularly memorable.

It tasted like oatmeal I've had at hotel continental breakfasts — not inedible, but certainly not exciting. It had a slightly nutty flavor, but I couldn't detect the brown sugar or maple notes advertised on the package.

As someone who prefers smoother oatmeal, I also found the dish's coarse, chewy texture off-putting. It tasted as if it was undercooked, even though it wasn't.

VERDICT: Trader Joe's steel-cut oatmeal wasn't for me, but those looking for a filling, high-fiber breakfast may want to try this product.

The frozen brioche French toast tasted like a delicious brunch classic

Right off the bat, I loved this dish for two reasons: It wasn't a gimmicky French-toast stick, and it was thick enough to withstand a waterfall of maple syrup without becoming mushy.

I heated the French toast in the toaster oven for eight minutes without flipping them, as the instructions on the box didn't specify whether I needed to rotate the slices.

Each slice of brioche was about as thick as a standard ruler and had a sugary, sweet, slightly eggy flavor.

I thought it was tasty enough with just a pat of melted butter on top, but I'm sure it'd be even better with fruit, whipped cream, or a dollop of mascarpone. For me, maple syrup was the winning topping.

The only area where I'd dock points is the texture. Though the center of the French toast was pillowy soft, the corners of each slice were crunchy and stiff. It wasn't a complete dealbreaker, but it still makes me less inclined to purchase it regularly. 

VERDICT: Because of its convenience, Trader Joe's brioche French toast is worth trying at least once. 

I had trouble getting the eggwich breadless breakfast sandwich to cook evenly, but it was a satisfying meal

This breakfast dish, which consisted of a thin turkey-sausage patty and a layer of American cheese sandwiched between two disc-shaped scrambled-egg patties, seemed like a busy protein lover's dream.

I followed the instructions and heated the sandwich in my toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. The edges of the top egg layer started to brown during the final minute of cook time, prompting me to yank this sandwich out early.

Despite this snafu, a few sprinkles of hot sauce (and trimming the burned pieces) brought the sandwich back to tasty territory.

The combination of peppery turkey sausage, the thin layer of melty American cheese, and scrambled eggs was savory perfection. Plus, the sandwich filling had enough seasoning that the meal didn't feel overpowered by an egg taste. 

VERDICT: Though I prefer a more traditional sandwich with actual bread, I'd be willing to buy Trader Joe's eggwich again.

I didn't like Trader Joe's chicken-sausage breakfast bowl at all

Even after following the microwave instructions on the packaging, I thought this breakfast bowl tasted unpleasant and chewy, with no discernable flavor besides salt.

Between the rubbery, bland eggs, chunks of grayish-brown chicken, and bits of cheese sticking to the sides of the bowl, this was one of the biggest letdowns out of all the Trader Joe's frozen meals I've tried. 

I wondered if throwing the assortment into a tortilla with salsa or mixing it with potatoes would've improved its flavor. However, even after dousing the entire bowl with hot sauce, I still couldn't finish it.

VERDICT: It's a no for me.

Click to keep reading other Trader Joe's taste tests in this series.