The 2-½ pound box of Kirkland Signature panko shrimp, which cost $19, was the most expensive meal I purchased. According to its packaging, each box comes with 40 to 50 shrimp that can be prepared in the oven.

The slightly peppery seasoning on the shrimp was tasty, but I thought there was too much breading, making the shellfish feel like an afterthought.

Next time, I'll make my own version with frozen uncooked shrimp, which is also quick and easy to prepare.

The Sandwich Bros. chicken-melt sandwiches, which I'd wanted to try for a while, looked enormous and delicious on the box. But when I opened the package, they were smaller than I'd expected.

A pack of 15 individually wrapped sandwiches cost $12.70, which seemed reasonable to me.

The pita got a little rubbery in the microwave, but no other cooking methods were listed on the box. I tried heating the sandwiches in the oven and air-fryer, but both methods essentially baked the pita into a cracker.

Taste-wise, the chicken had a mildly peppery seasoning. The strongest flavor was the American cheese, which never came out as beautifully melted as it looked on the packaging. The sandwiches tasted best when I added a condiment like spicy mayo or hot sauce.

My 3-year-old loved these sandwiches, which seemed appropriate for someone whose favorite foods are bread, cheese, and chicken nuggets.

I picked up a four-pack of the Kirkland Signature thin-crust pepperoni pizza for $13.70, which came out to just over $3.40 per pie.

I thought the price was reasonable, but I'd prefer to spend a little more money on Target's single Red Baron pie, which doesn't require nearly as much freezer space. 

Each Kirkland Signature pizza was individually wrapped in plastic. However, during transport, most of the pepperoni shifted to one side of the pizza, so I manually redistributed the slices before baking it for about 12 minutes. 

The finished pizza looked exactly how I expected. The cheese melted, the edges of the crust browned, and the pepperoni glimmered with grease.

In my opinion, this pizza was sort of bland — the thin, cracker-like crust had a nice texture but little flavor, the sauce was slightly sweet but light on seasoning, and the pepperoni didn't have much spice. 

It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great, either. I would probably serve one as a convenient appetizer if I needed to cook a more elaborate meal for guests, especially if kids were around.

But since this pizza wasn't better or cheaper than other frozen pies I've had, I don't expect to buy it again.

The Ajinomoto frozen ramen featured big chunks of chicken, noodles, dehydrated carrots, corn, red peppers, and green onions.

This pack came with six individual bowls, which required a decent amount of freezer space.

I added water and microwaved the ramen for four minutes per the instructions. The noodles were tender, the chicken was a bit spongy and sweet, and the salty soy-based broth was tasty without being overpowering.

They were a great size for a small but satisfying lunch, though far less portable than other forms of ramen. And at $18 for six bowls, they didn't seem like a very good value.

I'm somewhat particular about meatballs, but the deal on this Kirkland Signature product was hard to pass up. A 6-pound bag filled with 140 walnut-sized meatballs was only $18.

When I brought them home, the meatballs heated quickly in my air fryer and got a nice crust on the outside.

Unfortunately, the meatballs were a bit too spongy for my taste. Without sauce, they had a fairly strong garlic taste with some mild black-pepper spice. Still, they were neutral enough to take on the flavor of any sauce I paired them with.

I served my kids a few plain meatballs alongside some mac and cheese, and they seemed unimpressed.

When I tried the meatballs on a roll with cheese, barbecue sauce, and pickles, I thought the finished product tasted a bit like a McRib.

However, I liked them best as an appetizer, tossed in a sweet-and-sour sauce I made with ketchup, jelly, Sriracha, and Worcestershire sauce.

Overall, they seemed like a good value, but the 6-pound bag took up so much freezer space that I can't imagine buying these again.

On the day I went shopping, Costco offered samples of these dumplings, so I knew what to expect before I brought them home.

They seemed plain, but I was impressed by the price. The 3-pound bag was on sale for $7.50, though it normally costs $10.

When I opened the bag, I noticed some of the wontons fused in the freezer and didn't easily come apart without ripping. Though it didn't affect the flavor, this might make me less likely to use them as an appetizer while hosting.

I tried pan-frying them, but they took on a lot of the oil flavor. They were better when I steamed them in the microwave, as this cooking method allowed the filling's subtle sweetness and cilantro flavor to shine through.

The Kirkland Signature lasagna requires 65 minutes in the oven, so it's a little less convenient than many other frozen meals from Costco. That is, unless you risk the 24-minute microwave option suggested on the packaging.

But other than the baking time, the lasagna requires very little work. Each two-pack of lasagna was $16.70.

The finished meal looked appealing, covered with brown, bubbly mozzarella cheese. The lasagna was surprisingly spicy, with a black-pepper taste.

The sauce was subtly sweet but more seasoned than I'd like. The noodles came out perfectly tender, and the meaty sausage had a nice fennel flavor.

Each lasagna was enough to feed my family, with plenty left for the next day's lunch.

Red's turkey-sausage egg'wich caught my attention as a quick, protein-forward, low-carb breakfast option at the perfect time — I'm trying to eat lighter meals ahead of three family weddings.

The preparation was fast and simple. I microwaved the egg'wich for 50 seconds on each side, and I had a piping-hot turkey-sausage sandwich with eggs patties for bread. 

This eight-pack of egg'wiches cost $15, which didn't seem especially cost-efficient as far as Costco frozen meals go. 

I was a bit surprised I enjoyed these, as I don't usually like precooked egg patties. However, these were moist without being too greasy (though they were a little greasier than most foods I'd eat with my hands). The flavorful turkey sausage, which had a hint of black pepper, was good, too.

However, the egg'wich, which was only 190 calories and had 17 grams of protein, didn't fill me up. I usually like to spice up my egg breakfasts with some hot sauce, but I was worried it would spill out the sides or off the top of the sandwich.

After some consideration, I took a hamburger bun and put the entire egg'wich between the bread to better protect my hands from grease and condiments. I found the egg'wiches tasted much better and were more satisfying this way, though they were no longer keto-friendly.

I'll probably buy these again — along with more buns.

This was similar to a frozen orange-chicken meal I frequently buy at Trader Joe's. Both the Crazy Cuizine and Trader Joe's versions contain frozen chicken nuggets and pouches of sweet, brown, tangy sauce.

Without the sauce, the meat pieces' crispy, salty, outer breading reminded me of chicken nuggets.

The meal seemed tailor-made for preparation in an air fryer and was ready in about 20 minutes. The chicken pieces came out super crispy and were even tastier than some Chinese takeout meals I've had.

I'd buy this $16.50 box again, especially since the chicken was enough for four meals for my family when I served it with white rice and vegetables.

A box of eight individually wrapped Kirkland Signature breakfast sandwiches, made with bacon, egg, cheese, and a croissant, cost $16 at my Costco.

The sandwiches were extremely easy to prepare — after just six minutes in the air fryer, I had a quick, hot-breakfast option.

We enjoyed these sandwiches. The croissant (though a bit flimsy) had a nice hint of sweetness, the bacon was flavorful with a bit of crunch, and the melted cheese kept the sandwich from becoming too dry.

The sandwich also had enough flavor and moisture that it didn't need ketchup or hot sauce.

They reminded my wife and me of similar options from chain coffee shops. However, at about $2 per sandwich, they cost less than many of the options at my local Starbucks.

I'll likely repurchase the Kirkland Signature sandwiches when I need a break from my typical breakfast routine.

I picked up this 30-count box of the Kirkland Signature tempura shrimp on a week when I needed an easy dinner to make.

I thought I knew what to expect from the $18 box, as I'd previously bought this item for a holiday party. But I didn't try many, and though I remember my kids eating them, I wasn't sure if they'd still like this meal — that was over a year ago, and children can be fickle. 

The box contained a resealable bag of frozen shrimp and pouches of a soy-based dipping sauce.

The shrimp were extremely easy to prepare — I simply heated them in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

The shrimp were light on flavor yet hearty, so each piece felt substantial. When I tried them with the soy dipping sauce, they soaked up the sweet-salty taste.

All four of us liked this meal — which is a rarity. My 7-year-old deemed them "shrimp sticks" and delighted in the way the tails acted like little handles.

I was eager to try this staple of the Costco frozen section. The package came with two six-serving pizzas and was on sale for $10, though it normally costs $13.

It may be a deep-dish pizza, but the crust was nice and airy. Each pie had plenty of molten mozzarella and both sliced and diced pepperoni.

The pepperoni got shaken up in the package, but that allowed me to rearrange the pieces to leave a meat-free section for my 6-year-old, who doesn't like it.

The instructions called for baking the pizza directly on the oven rack in the tray it comes in. I tried this method, but I thought the buttery crust had more texture when I set the tray on top of a preheated cast-iron pizza pan.

A box of Kirkland Signature garlic-butter shrimp cost $16, which seemed like a good price for seafood that wasn't breaded.

The box contained two 1-pound bags of shrimp, which I found convenient — a pound of shrimp is usually just enough for a family dinner.

The meal couldn't have been easier to prepare. I opened the bag and dropped the shrimp into a skillet over medium heat. As the meal cooked, the buttery crust on the pieces of shrimp melted into a sauce.

With frequent stirring, the shrimp was ready to eat in about 10 minutes. 

The shrimp was surprisingly tender, considering it was cooked straight from the freezer. The buttery, rich sauce also burst with garlic and Parmesan flavors.

I served the shrimp over white rice, which was a perfect medium for soaking up the excess sauce. I sometimes make a similar shrimp meal from scratch, but it never goes over as well as this one did.

My only issue with the meal was that my kids wanted more shrimp than their usual share. I'll buy this again, but I'll cook both bags for future dinners.

I experimented a lot with preparing Red's turkey-sausage breakfast burritos. The tortillas tended to burst open when I cooked the burritos in the air fryer, and the microwave made them too chewy.

Eventually, I settled on a combination — 30 seconds on each side in the microwave, then 10 minutes in the air fryer at a low temperature.

I don't normally enjoy precooked frozen eggs in dishes like these. However, these burritos and their egg fillings tasted freshly made. The cheese was gooey, the sausage was tasty, and the flavor was spicy enough to be interesting without turning off my kids.

Don't let the name fool you — these do not have to be reserved for breakfast. Since this taste test, the turkey-sausage burritos have become my go-to lunch.

At $15.70 for 10 small burritos, they're a similar price to some convenience-store burritos, but these taste like premium versions.

This story was originally published on June 6, 2024, and most recently updated on December 19, 2024.

Cost: $3.89 — excluding tax and tip — for an eight-piece pack at a Burger King in New York City.

Note: All prices listed here may vary in different markets.

Erin: I thought the nuggets' coating was well-seasoned, but the breading was slightly on the thicker side. While they were a good vehicle for one of the chain's dipping sauces — such as the Zesty sauce, which is a personal favorite — these nuggets work better as an accompaniment to one of the chain's burgers rather than an entrée themselves. Burger King is known for its burgers, after all.

If you're craving chicken the next time you visit a Burger King, I suggest opting for the chain's chicken sandwich or one of its chicken-tender wraps.

Priyanka: When I held the chicken nugget in my hand, I could feel its crisp texture and was excited to try it. However, upon taking my first bite, I found the bread coating, although crunchy, was too thick and overpowered the chicken, leaving a slightly salty aftertaste.

I agree with Erin that the chain's nuggets are a side order, best enjoyed when dipped in some sweet-and-sour sauce.

Business Insider reached out to Burger King for comment but did not receive a response before publication.

Cost: $3.36 — excluding tax and tip — for a four-piece pack at a Wendy's in New York City.

Erin: Like Burger King and McDonald's, Wendy's is primarily a burger chain. So, it should come as no surprise that its chicken nuggets are pretty unremarkable, in my opinion.

They were well-seasoned, and the breading had a lot of flavor, but they were also pretty small. Wendy's nuggets definitely act more as a side dish than a reason to go to the chain.

Priyanka: I'd heard great reviews about Wendy's chicken nuggets, especially its spicier offering, so when the time came to try them, I was looking forward to becoming a loyal fan, too.

Instead, I found myself yearning for old favorites, like Chick-fil-A.

While Wendy's does a great job with the nuggets' coating, which is both well-seasoned and crispy, it fails to show off the star ingredient: the chicken.

It took some effort on my part to pull apart the chicken, which felt slightly chewy instead of how I usually prefer it: juicy and easy to bite into.

Cost: $4.90 — excluding tax and tip — for a five-piece pack at a KFC in New York City.

Erin: They were a little bland in the flavor department, but I thought the chicken itself tasted higher quality than the nuggets from Wendy's, Burger King, and McDonald's. It was more shreddable and paired well with the chain's new Comeback sauce — launched in October with its new chicken tenders — but I would have liked more breading to give it that crunch.

Speaking of KFC's chicken tenders, I'd probably recommend those over the chain's nuggets.

Priyanka: For a chain that specializes in fried chicken — and one that I usually enjoy eating at — I also felt a bit let down by KFC's chicken nuggets, which were only introduced last year.

In terms of size and texture, KFC's chicken nuggets look pretty similar to Chick-fil-A's, and yet, when it comes to taste, the two are quite different.

While KFC delivers with its succulent chicken, it falls short when it comes to seasoning. I agree with Erin: skip the nuggets for its much nicer tenders instead.

In a comment to Business Insider, KFC said, "Feedback on our nuggets has been overwhelmingly positive, and we sold more than 100 million nuggets in the first eight weeks that they were available. Our fans can enjoy KFC Chicken Nuggets nationwide seven days a week, and we take pride in their quality."

Cost: $5.39 — excluding tax and tip — for a four-piece pack at a McDonald's in New York City.

Erin: McDonald's chicken nuggets are the stuff of legend. They've been around since the early '80s, and there's something about the tempura-style-fried chicken nuggets that keep me coming back for more.

They're always crispy, always salty, and always the same — I always know what I'm going to get with a McDonald's nugget.

Priyanka: I'm a big fan of the brand's spicy chicken nuggets, which were introduced for a limited time earlier this year but not so much of its regular recipe.

While they're consistently crunchy, I find them slightly underseasoned, and the salty after-taste a tad bit too overpowering for my liking.

Cost: $5.79 — excluding tax and tip — for a five-piece pack at a local Chick-fil-A in New York City.

Erin: While some of the other nuggets leaned on the drier side, these nuggets were moist and would likely pair well with practically any dipping sauce. Each nugget was on the smaller side but packed a lot of flavor into a small bite.

Priyanka: Until I tried Taco Bell's chicken nuggets, Chick-fil-A's bite-sized chunks were my go-to. I've had them on multiple occasions, and they've always tasted consistently good. When eaten fresh out of the box, they're satisfyingly crunchy, and the chicken is perfectly juicy.

While they're bite-sized and often thought of as a side dish, I recommend sizing up — I usually opt for the 12-piece pack with a side of waffle fries and Chick-fil-A sauce — and giving them a chance as a main meal.

Cost: $3.99 — excluding tax and tip — for a five-piece order and one dipping sauce.

However, we were invited to taste the new chicken nuggets at an early preview hosted by Taco Bell in New York City, so we received complimentary tastings of the nuggets.

Erin: These chicken nuggets, coated in a blend of breadcrumbs and crunchy tortilla chips, stood out from the competition with their well-balanced flavor. They were salty, with a subtle corn taste from the tortilla-chip breading. They reminded me more of a boneless wing than a chicken nugget.

Paired with the chain's new Hidden Valley fire ranch sauce, a standard creamy ranch sauce with a slight hint of heat, and the jalapeño honey mustard, an unusual combination of tangy mustard and strong yet balanced jalapeño flavor, these nuggets truly blew me away.

Priyanka: When it comes to nuggets, the three things that matter the most to me are a crisp exterior, well-seasoned coating, and juicy chicken. Taco Bell's latest offering checked off all three.

At first glance, the nuggets — all in different shapes and sizes — seemed as though they had a tough exterior, but as soon as I took my first bite, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily the chicken tore apart. I also enjoyed the "Taco Bell twist," as one representative called it at the preview, wherein breadcrumbs were combined with crispy tortillas in the coating.

Usually, I pair my chicken bites with regular ketchup or mayonnaise, but since I've tried Taco Bell's jalapeño honey mustard sauce, I've found myself swapping the regulars for this combination instead. The jalapeño adds a subtle yet nice kick, pairing beautifully with the new nuggets.

I liked that Trader Joe's option didn't have the ubiquitous pool of milky whey that sometimes settles on top of yogurt when I open it. The yogurt seemed to have a nice, medium-thick consistency. 

At $5.50, the 32-ounce tub of Greek yogurt was the least expensive of the four brands I tried. 

Sadly, I thought this yogurt had an intensely tangy, almost sour flavor. Because of its standout creaminess, I'd be more inclined to buy Trader Joe's flavored Greek yogurt with honey the next time I'm at the store.

At $6.70, this 32-ounce tub was the highest-priced yogurt I tried. When I opened the container, the yogurt looked creamy and smooth.

The 365 Greek yogurt tasted fresh and was well-balanced — mildly sweet and not too tangy or tart.

I'd likely use this yogurt in one of my smoothies, as I don't feel it would alter the taste but would add a nice boost of protein.

Costco sells many items in bulk, including the $6 Kirkland Signature organic nonfat Greek yogurt, which comes in a 48-ounce tub. 

At cost-per-ounce, it was the best-value item in this taste test. The entire tub was cheaper than the 365 organic yogurt from Whole Foods and contained 16 more ounces.

The Kirkland Signature yogurt was rich and full-bodied, with just enough tartness to give it some depth. 

I appreciated that this yogurt, though less dense than the others, didn't have a puddle of whey at the top. It seemed like an ideal base for fruit, granola, or other add-ins.

The 32-ounce tub of organic Greek yogurt from Wegmans cost $6 — a pleasant surprise, as I thought it would be more expensive.

Some whey floated at the top of the yogurt, but only creamy goodness remained once I dumped it out. 

This Greek yogurt was creamy and smooth with the slightest tang, making it a solid base for add-ins. I think its light consistency would also be ideal for recipes that call for Greek yogurt.

Notably, this yogurt had the most sugar (7 grams) of all four options. My daughter also liked it the most, so I plan on packing it in a container with some toppings for her lunch.

I liked this yogurt so much that I'm permanently keeping it in my refrigerator. The next time we need Greek yogurt, I'll reach for this one from Wegmans.

This story was originally published on June 9, 2024, and most recently updated on December 13, 2024.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 4%

Summary: In "Serving Sara," attorney Joe Tyler (Matthew Perry) works with Sara (Elizabeth Hurley) to get back at her husband (Bruce Campbell) and his new girlfriend Kate (Adams) during their unexpected divorce proceedings.

Although "Serving Sara" is a comedy, reviewers thought the laughs were few and far between. 

"Romantic comedy ought to have some romance and laughs, but this extraordinarily flat effort has neither," Hank Sartin wrote for the Chicago Reader.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 11%

Summary: After Kat's (Debra Messing) sister Amy (Adams) sets a date for her wedding and she realizes that her ex-boyfriend will be the groom's best man, she decides to hire a male escort (Dermot Mulroney) as a wedding date to make her ex jealous. 

Most critics wrote "The Wedding Date" off as a forgettable and boring affair. 

"This is a charmless, lifeless affair that had me leaving the theater in a mood more appropriate to a funeral than a wedding," James Berardinelli wrote for ReelViews.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 14%

Summary: After a lab accident, a beagle (voiced by Jason Lee) becomes a crime-fighting superhero overnight. With his newfound powers, Underdog defends his home of Capitol City and falls for Polly Purebred (voiced by Adams). 

The majority of film critics thought that "Underdog" was cute but too formulaic. 

"At just over 80 minutes it feels not so much like a proper film as a piece of extended filler for slow afternoons on Disney's TV channels," James Rocarols wrote for BBC.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 18%

Summary: In the prequel to "Cruel Intentions" (1999), Kathryn Merteuil (Adams), the daughter of a wealthy socialite, attends an upscale prep school and plays mind games with her new stepbrother Sebastian Valmont (Robin Dunne).   

The direct-to-video prequel was originally meant to be a TV series. When the show was canceled, the footage was reconfigured into a film, and critics agreed that the movie suffered because of the format change. 

"If he intended to produce a straightforward two-hour original prequel, the writer-director would have made certain that the script was less meandering," Ted Murphy wrote for Baseline Hollywood.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 18%

Summary: In "The Ex," Tom Reilly (Zach Braff) starts a new job to support his family but soon realizes that his boss (Jason Bateman) was his wife's (Amanda Peet) high-school sweetheart. 

Adams had a brief appearance as Abby March.

Although some critics admired the leading cast's acting ability, "The Ex" was largely panned for its over-the-top plot.

"Braff has a natural likability, but the screenplay gives him so many stupid, far-fetched and annoying things to do that 'The Ex' loses credibility quickly," Hap Erstein wrote for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 24%

Summary: When Anna (Adams) learns of an Irish tradition in which women propose to their partners on leap day, she flies to Ireland to surprise her boyfriend (Adam Scott). But along the way, Anna meets the cynical Irishman Declan (Matthew Goode), who makes her rethink her relationship. 

Most critics considered "Leap Year" to be a generic romantic comedy that wore thin toward the end, but Adams' performance was seen as a silver lining. 

"The bright spot in this boggy botched mess is Amy Adams, a fine and always interesting actress who sparkles and shines here despite the stilted storyline," Neil Pond wrote for American Profile.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 24%

Summary: Based on the memoir by JD Vance, "Hillbilly Elegy" centers on three generations of an Appalachian family — Mamaw (Glenn Close), Bev (Adams), and JD Vance (Gabriel Basso) — through the perspective of the youngest member as he's forced to return home from Yale Law School. 

Critics weren't impressed with the Netflix film, citing its unlikable characters and uneven performances as some of its downfalls. 

"'Hillbilly Elegy' isn't as terrible as the trailers make it look, but as an enterprise it's just all — around sad, a movie that courts sympathy for its characters yet ends up only as a requiem for itself," Stephanie Zacharek wrote for Time magazine.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 25%

Summary: Based on the novel by AJ Finn, "The Woman in the Window" follows agoraphobic child psychologist Anna Fox (Adams) as she accidentally witnesses a crime while keeping tabs on the family across the street through her window. 

Most critics found the thriller to be lacking in substance. 

"As it is, you get a good cast working with a good director and screenwriter on a story that just doesn't have enough to offer," Linda Holmes wrote for NPR. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 29%

Summary: Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, "Dear Evan Hansen," follows anxious high schooler Evan (Ben Platt) as he navigates fitting into his social-media-driven world. 

Adams appeared in the film as Cynthia Murphy. 

Most critics didn't think the successful musical adapted well to the big screen. 

"An adaptation that's alternately baffling and cringeworthy, with only the occasional emotional highpoint for balance," Caroline Siede wrote for AV Club. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 29%

Summary: In the aftermath of Clark Kent's (Henry Cavill) citywide battle in Metropolis, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) starts to view the superhero as a threat and plans a way to take out his new adversary. 

Adams appeared as Lois Lane in the DC superhero flick.

Critics felt like their senses were bombarded by the endless action in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." 

"If only the film actually had depth, along with a little levity to lighten the bulk in the script, the visual murk and the sonic overkill," Peter Howell wrote for The Toronto Star.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 29%

Summary: After his father (Richard Jenkins) announces his plans to take himself off life support, Jonathan (Garrett Hedlund) uses his precious time left with his dad to reconnect with his family and his lost love Emily (Adams). 

Critics blamed the poor reception of "Lullaby" on its low-level cinematography and cardboard-thin characters. 

"A film like 'Lullaby' should both enlighten and inspire debate," Christy Lemire wrote for Roger Ebert. "Instead, it feels simultaneously superficial and overbearing, albeit with a few moments that do indeed resonate."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 36%

Summary: In "Pumpkin," sorority girl Carolyn McDuffy (Christina Ricci) tries to score brownie points at school by helping athletes with disabilities. Although her mission is initially misguided, she soon falls for shot-put athlete Pumpkin Romanoff (Hank Harris). 

Adams had a small supporting role in the film.

Unapologetically profane, "Pumpkin" was largely panned for grossly mishandling its subject matter. 

Film critic Emanuel Levy wrote, "Rambling and diffuse, this debut film vacillates between the Farrelly brotthers' gross-out comedy and a softer, kinder message film, an incoherent blend that proves frustrating and not particularly enjoyable either."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 38%

Summary: "Disenchanted" picks up a few years after "Enchanted" as Giselle (Adams), Robert (Patrick Dempsey), and Morgan (Gabriella Baldacchino) start a new life in the suburb of Monroeville. But things quickly turn sinister after Giselle wishes their lives were more like her fairy-tale upbringing. 

Many critics felt like the sequel's story didn't fit with the original world, but others enjoyed seeing the actors back together on the screen. 

"Does 'Disenchanted' live up to the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of 'Enchanted?' No," Hoai-Tran Bui wrote for Inverse. "But does it lose the magic of the original? Not quite."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 39%

Summary: In "Justice League," Batman (Affleck) calls upon Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), the Flash (Ezra Miller), and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) to face off against the supervillain Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds)

Adams returned as Clark Kent/Superman's girlfriend, Lois Lane. 

Although most film critics liked "Justice League" more than its prior installment, "Batman v Superman," they still found it overlong and imperfect. 

"'Justice League' clears the spectacularly low bar set by 'Batman v Superman,'" Matthew Norman wrote for the London Evening Standard. "Whether bare adequacy is a compelling reason to extend the franchise is another matter."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 40%

Summary: In "Standing Still," old friends come together to celebrate the wedding of Elise (Adams) and Michael (Adam Garcia) during a weekend packed with wild bachelor parties and a whirlwind of secrets. 

The majority of critics said that "Standing Still" plodded along with a drawn-out narrative. 

"The aptly named 'Standing Still,' about postcollegiate 20-somethings, has the dramatic momentum of a daisy-picking toddler," Jeannette Catsoulis wrote for The New York Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 43%

Summary: In "Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian," Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) returns to help the living exhibits — including Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Amelia Earheart (Adams), and Ahkmenrah (Rami Malek) — at the Smithsonian when the source of their magic is threatened. 

The "Night at the Museum" sequel earned mixed reviews from critics, but many welcomed Adams' presence in the film. 

"Amy Adams is the lone saving grace to be found herein, which is a nice way of saying she's all that kept me from pondering 'to be or not to be,'" Rob Humanick wrote for The Projection Booth.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 46%

Summary: Based on the real-life experiences detailed in the novel by Jack Kerouac, "On the Road" follows writer Sal Paradise (Sam Riley), Dean Moriarty (Hedlund), and Marylou (Kristen Stewart) as they embark on a cross-country road trip. 

Adams played Jane, who is based on the real historical figure Joan Vollmer. 

Although most critics loved Kerouac's classic novel, many felt that it translated poorly to the screen. 

"Walter Salles's warm but strangely staid adaptation of a piece of literature that was never meant to be tamed as cinema," Ann Hornaday wrote for The Washington Post.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 47%

Summary: In the dark comedy "Drop Dead Gorgeous," beauty contestants in the small town of Mount Rose, Minnesota, vie for the crown in a cut-throat competition.

Adams appeared as contestant Leslie Miller, starring alongside Kirsten Dunst and Brittany Murphy.

Critics fell in love with the cast of "Drop Dead Gorgeous" but felt like some of the dark humor fell flat. 

"Energetically acted but too in love with its own outrageousness, 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' goes for the jugular of beauty pageant culture and ends up leaving only a hickey," Brian Farnham wrote for Citysearch.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 51%

Summary: In the sports drama "Trouble With the Curve," Mickey (Adams) joins her father, Gus Lobel (Clint Eastwood), on a scouting trip to North Carolina to recruit new baseball players. Along the way, they meet rival scout Johnny (Justin Timberlake).

Although the script and story left something to be desired, the star-studded cast elevated the film, in critics' opinions. 

"The narrative feels almost intentionally hokey and diagrammatic, a framework that gives the actors freedom to display their best-known qualities," Jake Wilson wrote for The Age.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 53%

Summary: In "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny," wannabe rock stars JB (Jack Black) and KG (Kyle Gass) set their sights on fame and stardom after JB is inspired by Black Sabbath front man Ronnie James Dio. 

Adams had a brief cameo in the film that was credited as "Gorgeous Woman."

Film critics had mixed feelings about "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny," which was called enthusiastic, lazy, and overtly silly. 

"'The Pick of Destiny' ain't going to win any awards, and the girls don't get much of a look-in, but it will strike a few power chords with a certain generation that is too old to disco and too young to die," Paul Arendt wrote for the BBC.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 54%

Summary: Set in 1962, the slasher comedy "Psycho Beach Party," follows Florence "Chicklet" Forrest (Lauren Ambrose) as she flirts and surfs in a small beach town. But when Florence starts blacking out while severed body parts start popping up on the beach, she wonders if she's responsible. 

Adams had a supporting role as Marvel Ann, the girlfriend of surfer dude Starcat (Nicholas Brendon). 

"Psycho Beach Party" split critics down the middle, with some loving the campy humor and others feeling like the satire was laid on a little too thick. 

"It's all enjoyable enough, but it's played so broadly that it loses whatever impact it might have had," David Nusair wrote for Reel Film Reviews.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 57%

Summary: In "Man of Steel," superhuman Clark Kent (Cavill) discovers more about his past as he takes on his role as Superman on Earth. At the same time, news reporter Lois Lane (Adams) tries to piece together the man behind the myth. 

Serviceable but hardly a crowd-pleaser, "Man of Steel" had a lot of critics longing for the earlier versions of Superman.

"Cavill broods handsomely as Superman, but this reboot skimps on fun and romance," Rafer Guzmán wrote for Newsday.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 60%

Summary: Based on the novel by Rachel Yoder, "Nightbitch" follows a new stay-at-home mom (Adams) who's looking to change up her life. However, things quickly become surreal when she starts to think she's a dog. 

Although not every critic praised the film's somewhat odd plot, the consensus was that Adams' acting talent shone. 

"Though oddly restrained at times, 'Nightbitch' is a bold, thoughtful, and often funny exploration of a side of parenthood that's rarely shown," Linda Marric wrote for HeyUGuys. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 64%

Summary: The partially biographical drama "Vice" details the political career of former Vice President Dick Cheney (Christian Bale), including the influence of his wife Lynne Cheney (Adams).  

Some critics were unimpressed with the winding direction of "Vice," but most praised the range of the lead performances. 

"What is perhaps most remarkable about Bale's and Adams's performances is that they supply depth and nuance to a film whose director appears to have had no appetite for either quality," Christopher Orr wrote for The Atlantic.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

Summary: In the comedy "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) has to crawl his way back to the top when his record-winning streak is broken by French rival Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen). 

Adams starred alongside Ferrell as Susan, Ricky Bobby's former assistant. 

Relentlessly silly and full of heart, "Talladega Nights" was best enjoyed by critics when they turned their brains off and just went with it. 

"Broad but not crude, dumb but not witless, clever but still snot-spittingly funny," wrote the staff of Time Out magazine. "Stupidly brilliant, in other words."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 71%

Summary: "Zack Snyder's Justice League" is director Zack Snyder's cut of the 2017 superhero movie and follows Batman (Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gadot), Aquaman (Momoa), Cyborg (Fisher), and the Flash (Miller) as they come together to save the world. 

Adams once again played Lois Lane in the superhero flick. 

Critics preferred this cut of the film over "Justice League," but it still didn't win over everyone.

"Four-plus hours is plenty of time for Snyder to have his say, yet he doesn't appear willing to let it go. But justice has been served, and it's time to move on," Adam Graham wrote for The Detroit News. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

Summary: Based on a true story, "Big Eyes" centers on painter Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz) and his meteoric rise to fame in the art world after he claimed ownership of the paintings created by his wife Margaret (Adams). 

Critics admired director Tim Burton's more subtle approach to directing and the nuanced performances he captured from his leads in "Big Eyes."

"It's not the kind of performance that screams for attention," Wendy Ide wrote for The Times. "But as the artist Margaret Keane, Amy Adams is quietly extraordinary."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%

Summary: In the romantic thriller "Nocturnal Animals," based on the book by Austin Wright, gallery owner Susan Morrow (Adams) tries to move on from a hidden past with her new husband. But after her ex, Edward Sheffield (Jake Gyllenhaal), releases a haunting novel, Susan finds old secrets rising to the surface. 

Some reviewers felt like the narrative of the film was messy, but the majority of critics marveled at the cinematography and visual spectacle of "Nocturnal Animals." 

"Just in case the theme isn't clear, midway through Adams becomes unnerved while standing in front of a painting with 'Revenge' sprawled on it," Mara Reinstein wrote for Us Weekly.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%

Summary: In the dramatic comedy "Sunshine Cleaning," Rose (Adams) and her sister Norah Lorkowski (Emily Blunt) make extra cash by cleaning up crime scenes. Although they couldn't be more different, the tough job helps them grow closer as siblings. 

Several critics felt like the film could have benefited from better plotting, but most lent particular praise to Adams' strong lead performance. 

"'Sunshine Cleaning' will be the sleeper of this year, a movie soon to be talked about in the same breath as 'Sideways,' 'Juno' and 'Little Miss Sunshine.'" Andrew O'Hagan wrote for the London Evening Standard. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

Summary: After receiving devastating family news and getting cut from his high-school football team, Roy Chutney (Ryan Gosling) gets a chance at redemption when a local semipro coach recruits him for a six-man team.  

Adams had a supporting role in "The Slaughter Rule" as Roy's classmate, Doreen. 

Critics were blown away by the debut effort of the directors and impressed with the young but talented cast at the helm of "The Slaughter Rule." 

"The writing and directing team of twin brothers Alex and Andrew Smith have made an astonishingly good first feature," Marjorie Baumgarten wrote for The Austin Chronicle.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

Summary: Based on the autobiographical novel by Julie Powell, "Julie and Julie" compares the interconnected lives of chef Julia Child (Meryl Streep) in 1950s Paris and writer Julie Powell (Adams) in 2002 New York as Julie tries to tackle every recipe in Child's famous cookbook within a year. 

With a pair of lovable leads and witty writing, "Julie and Julia" received high praise from critics. 

"I left feeling surprisingly buoyant, with a warm heart, and a smile," Kate Rodger wrote for Newshub.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

Summary: After governess Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) is unceremoniously let go from her job, she quickly picks up a secretary position working for American actor Delysia Lafosse (Adams). As Delysia builds up Miss Pettigrew's confidence, she helps the actor sort out her love life in return. 

Although the film was light and airy, sometimes to a fault, critics still adored McDormand and Adams in the romantic comedy. 

"It's lucky that Amy Adams and Frances McDormand lend their best charms to 'Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day,' otherwise this featherweight Art Deco fancy might drift away like a soap bubble, and go 'pop!'" Anthony Quinn wrote for the Independent.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

Summary: In "Doubt," elementary-school instructors Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Streep) and Sister James (Adams) receive backlash from the congregation after they accuse Father Brendan Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of sexual assault. 

Critics said the film's slow buildup rewarded patient viewers with an emotional conclusion. 

"It is an acting showcase with big questions and few answers, but for those willing to take the journey, it is an experience well worth having," wrote film critic Matthew Lucas.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 82%

Summary: Set in the early 1980s, "Charlie Wilson's War" details the real-life efforts of US Congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) and CIA operative Gust Avrakotos (Hoffman) to help Afghan freedom fighters during the Soviet-Afghan War. 

Adams had a supporting role in the film as Wilson's assistant, Bonnie Bach. 

With strong writing and a well-balanced script, "Charlie Wilson's War" was received as a winning picture. 

"Aaron Sorkin has written an acute, hilarious, and informative screenplay which is rich with character, and is perfect fodder for director Mike Nichols, who has a knack for meshing comedy and drama," wrote film critic Matthew Pejkovic.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

Summary: In the aftermath of World War II, veteran Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) thinks he's returning home to an empty future until charismatic cult leader Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman) and his wife Peggy (Adams) welcome Freddie into their community. 

Critics said that although "The Master" was a heavy drama, the story and performances made it worth watching. 

"In the end it may not have the emotional uplift the Academy or a popular mainstream audience craves, but make no mistake, this is an enthralling drama about a peculiarly American restlessness, and the striving for insight and grace," Tom Charity wrote for CNN.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

Summary: In "Junebug," art curator Madeleine (Embeth Davidtz) experiences culture shock when she visits her husband's large Southern family in North Carolina and befriends her new sister-in-law Ashley (Adams). 

Critics clamored to praise Adams' performance in "Junebug," a role that led to her first Academy Award nomination. 

Kathy Cano Murillo wrote for the Arizona Republic, "Thanks to Adams' performance and [a] strong story, it makes for a mildly entertaining Southern-fried experience."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Summary: In the sports drama "The Fighter," welterweight boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) hires his half-brother Dicky Eklund (Bale) as his boxing coach to train for the Intercontinental Lightweight title. 

Adams starred alongside Wahlberg as Micky's girlfriend, Charlene Fleming. 

With brutal action sequences and breakneck pacing, "The Fighter" was a hit with critics, mostly due to its talented cast. 

"The performances from Christian Bale, Melissa Leo, and Amy Adams in 'The Fighter' are the very definition of a masterclass in acting," Danielle Solzman wrote for Solzy at the Movies.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Summary: Inspired by a true story, "American Hustle" follows 1970s con artists Sydney Prosser (Adams) and Irving Rosenfeld (Bale) as they find themselves in hot water with the mafia and are forced to cooperate with FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper).

Critics called "American Hustle" an imperfect but electrifying crime film.  

"The story stumbles ever so slight but it is ultimately fun, brilliantly acted and incredibly stylish," wrote film critic Katie Smith-Wong.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

Summary: When she falls from the magical land of Andalasia into the chaotic world of Manhattan, bubbly Princess Giselle (Adams) struggles to adapt to life in the city as she befriends cynical lawyer Robert (Dempsey).

Led by the energetic and infectious charm of Adams, "Enchanted" was hard for critics to resist. 

"Like the Cinderella figure she plays in Disney's 'Enchanted,' Amy Adams spreads a contagion of delight," Joe Morgenstern wrote for The Wall Street Journal. "The movie is great fun, but she's enchanting."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

Summary: When an otherworldly spaceship makes contact with Earth, linguist Louise Banks (Adams) and her team of scientists attempt to communicate with the alien species and decipher their language in "Arrival."

Reviewers praised "Arrival" as an intelligent and affecting science-fiction film. 

"'Arrival' plays with your head as gently as any sci-fi thriller I can remember," Will Leitch wrote for The New Republic.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

Summary: In "Her," reserved writer Theodore Twombly (Phoenix) develops romantic feelings for his artificially intelligent computer system named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). 

Adams had a supporting role in "Her" as Theodore's neighbor and friend Amy. 

Thoughtful and warm, "Her" was praised for its clever send-up of romantic-comedy tropes. 

"It is a sweet-natured and melancholy film, beautifully directed, that manages to be satirical about love in a digital, distracted age without losing its heartfelt quality," Geoffrey Macnab wrote for the Independent.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

Summary: Muppet fans Gary (Jason Segel), Mary (Adams), and Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) travel to Los Angeles to get the Muppets back together for one last show after a conniving oilman threatened to tear down their beloved Muppet Theater. 

Colorful, cheerful, and simply fun, "The Muppets" was a winning film for all ages, according to critics. 

"A film bursting at the seams with sheer, unadulterated joy: watch it, and the world seems just that little bit brighter," Tom Huddleston wrote for Time Out.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%

Summary: Based on a true story, "Catch Me If You Can" details the unbelievable life of Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), a con artist who posed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer for years as he evaded the FBI.

Adams had a supporting role as Brenda, a young nurse who falls for Frank. 

With a winding narrative and charismatic leads, "Catch Me If You Can" was praised across the board. 

"Spielberg rediscovers his sense of fun with this funny, frivolous con caper," Nev Pierce wrote for the BBC.

Note: All scores were current on the date of publication and are subject to change. Films without critical scores were not included.

This story was originally published in August 2020 and most recently updated on December 6, 2024.

Read More:

• All of Meryl Streep's movies, ranked
• Every single Reese Witherspoon movie, ranked by critics
• All of Steve Carell's movies, ranked
• The 20 greatest movie actors and actresses of all time

The broth looked a bit thicker than I usually expect from a minestrone — it really was "hearty." There were also a lot of flecks of what appeared to be seasoning and some big hunks of stewed tomato.

I could tell right out of the package there was less orzo and more carrots than I'd like.

There was a strong, sweet flavor of tomato, but not much to balance it out. It could've used something tangy or spicy, fragrant seasonings, or some more flavorful vegetables.

As I suspected, it also could've used more orzo.

I've noticed several Trader Joe's soups go heavy on the carrots, but this is the only place where the carrots are the best part of the soup.

I could list some things that this soup looks like, but I don't want to gross anybody out. I'll just say it looked very unappetizing gurgling out of the container.

The label said it's high in fiber — and it looked it.

However, it smelled lightly of nutmeg and cloves, which was a pleasant autumnal aroma. 

Like the minestrone, it had an assertive, tomato-y sweetness. Luckily, it was a bit more palatable here with the warm spices.

Unfortunately, lentils tend to be mealy, and the lumpy-grainy texture wasn't very appealing to me. It paired pretty well with the crusty bread — mostly because the bread masked the texture a bit.

I'm not eager to eat the soup again.

I'm not a fan of mushrooms, so off the bat, I didn't expect to like the organic creamy mushroom soup with carrots and kale. 

The soup was also a greyish-brownish color that wasn't necessarily appetizing.

Trader Joe's mushroom soup was a pleasant surprise, in that I didn't mind it all. It didn't taste much like mushrooms, and it had a nice, thick consistency.

It tasted like the most generic, basic version of soup imaginable — sort of vaguely salty and vegetal. If any flavor stood out, it was probably the hunks of carrot.

I wouldn't buy it again, but I wouldn't push it away if it were served to me.

It looked like chicken soup.

Until I filled up a bowl, I actually didn't realize it wasn't chicken-noodle soup, which seems like a far preferable and more filling meal option. There were also a lot of carrots again.

Before I even tried this, I could tell I'd like it better with noodles. 

It was very mild, even by the standards of chicken soup.

There was a good portion of chicken, which I appreciated, and the meat itself was tender. However, in my opinion, the broth was bland and the vegetables were mushy. With bread, I thought it tasted almost indistinguishable from warm, salty water.

It's good enough that it'd certainly do the trick when you're under the weather, but I can't imagine choosing it for a meal when I'm healthy.

Just from transferring the pumpkin-butternut squash bisque to a bowl, I could tell it was thinner and less creamy looking than similar bisques I've enjoyed. 

Nevertheless, the orangish-brown color was appetizing and appropriate for the fall, and the soup smelled autumnal, like nutmeg.

As I expected, the soup wasn't as thick as I hoped.

It was rich with flavor — sweet, with a mild kick of black pepper and some vinegary tang — but I would've liked something a bit more substantive. It almost overwhelmed my taste buds without doing much to fill my stomach.

Luckily, the bisque was better with a spoonful of sour cream stirred in, but I couldn't imagine buying it again.

It was a bit thinner than I want a broccoli-cheddar soup to be — I'm ideally looking for some cheesy goopiness.

However, I appreciated the reasonably large florets of broccoli. Sometimes, elsewhere, the soup feels like it's just made of broccoli scraps. 

The soup was cheesy, but not overpoweringly so. It was smooth and not too rich, which can be an issue for this style of soup. There was also a good texture to the vegetables, especially the broccoli.

However, I felt like it needed an extra kick of some sort, especially when I tried it with bread. A little bit of black pepper served it well.

Out of the container, the chowder was easily the thickest of the soups I tried. Luckily, it thinned out a bit once I heated it up.

There was a subtle seafood scent to it, but it also looked and smelled a bit like white gravy — something you might serve over biscuits for breakfast. 

The chowder wasn't extremely spicy, just surprisingly so from the cracks of black pepper.

There was some ambient clammy flavor in the soup, and the clams themselves were pleasantly tender and tasty, but I wanted more of them. The cubes of potato provided much of the bulk of the soup. 

I liked the look of the lobster bisque.

I could tell it was thicker than most of the Trader Joe's soups I tried, and the bright pinkish-orange color seemed right for the flavor. The visible bits of thyme and black pepper also boded well.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the $5 price tag, there's not much lobster in the lobster bisque — it's mostly there in tiny little shreds that add some texture to the soup.

Regardless, the bisque is very tasty. It's rich and buttery, with the sweet, delicate acidity of sherry wine and savory hints of thyme.

Sometimes, I find lobster bisques a little too heavy, but this one was hearty without feeling overindulgent. 

It was a little toward the pinkish side of the tomato-soup color spectrum, but not nearly as pink as most cream-heavy versions.

The soup was sort of lumpy in consistency, not blender-smooth, and there were small, dark-green bits of basil floating around. 

The tomato flavor was bright and tangy, and there was just enough cream to smooth out the acidity.

The taste of the feta was subtle, but the cheese came across in moist bursts of crumbly texture mixed in with bits of finely diced onion.

The herbs, though visible, weren't especially pungent, but there was a freshness to the flavor that made it the best of the bunch. Plus, it married perfectly with the toasty, crusty bread.

None of the Trader Joe's soups felt especially indulgent or adventurous, and that's OK. People looking for extravagant lunches probably aren't buying soup at Trader Joe's.

Although the taste of the minestrone and the texture of the lentils turned me off, the other seven ranged from fine to very good. 

The New England clam chowder, lobster bisque, and tomato feta will all probably find a place in my lunch rotation.

This story was originally published in October 2023 and most recently updated on December 5, 2024. 

Unfortunately, there has to be a country that comes in last, and for me, it's Germany.

That said, I've been twice, and the second time was better than the first. When I travel, I really value interacting with locals and other people, and I found that more difficult for me to do here.

Even so, Germany has a lot of history, and seeing everything from the Berlin Wall to Neuschwanstein Castle was incredible.

I seem to rank countries that speak my native language, English, on the lower end of the list. I think I find them less adventurous — less of a challenge. That's primarily why the UK is second to last.

Plus, the skies are gloomy many days of the year, and I'm not a huge fan of the local cuisine.

Full disclosure: I've been four times, and each visit occurred during the dark, cold winter months. That definitely could've colored my opinion on the country.

Still, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Christmas markets, the cute city of Bath, and major attractions like Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

Canada is a beautiful country and an outdoors lover's paradise, with national parks like Banff and amazing winter sports in Whistler.

But outside Quebec and a handful of other provinces, English is the primary language. It was hard to decide where to rank it, but by that standard, it ended up lower on my list.

Canada has a great mixture of bustling cities and stunning nature. However, it's so close to the US and has a similar topography in many regions, so it feels like less of an adventure to me.

I primarily live in the United States, so I find it a little less exciting to travel around.

I do, however, love that you can spend months here and experience varying landscapes, people, and cuisines across the country.

I've been to 48 states, and California is my favorite. It has a healthy mix of cities, state parks, epic scenery, and beautiful beaches.

Bahrain, a tiny country in the Middle East, is a quarter of the size of Rhode Island, which is the smallest state in the US.

Unfortunately, that limits the number of things to do. But I love visiting the Manama Souq and the Bahrain National Museum.

The delicious variety of Gulf food is also a plus.

I couldn't find a ton to do in Senegal.

From what I experienced, though, I enjoyed taking a boat to the car-free Gorée Island to learn more about the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and visiting the gigantic African Renaissance Monument in Dakar.

I also absolutely loved my hotel, Hotel Casa Mara Dakar. It was somewhat of a hub for nomad travelers from all over the world.

I have to admit, the main reason I ranked Honduras in the bottom 10 is because of the endless potholes that plague the roads and highways in the country. Its notoriously rough roads made getting from one place to the other quite stressful.

Aside from that, the country is beautiful.

I recommend visiting the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve and the archeological ruins of Copán. Taking a zipline tour across Pulhapanzak waterfall and exploring Pico Bonito National Park were also highlights of my trip.

If you're looking for places to stay, Hotel Marina Copán, Finca Las Glorias, and Angeli Gardens are all great options.

It has been quite a long time since I was in Saudi Arabia, which is partially why it ended up where it did.

When I visited in 2008, I couldn't find much for tourists to do. Nowadays, I've heard the country is bustling with tourism, music festivals, unique desert and overwater stays, fashion boutiques, and adventure sports.

Plus, it's ranked No. 41 on the Travel and Tourism Index, so I know, economically, things have grown since 2019.

I'll have to go back to see if that changes my decision.

Although I love a challenge — and this goes against my above sentiments — I really struggled with the language and food in China.

I'm a pescatarian, and I wasn't able to find a lot of local cuisine to enjoy. Plus, outside Shanghai, hardly anyone I came across spoke English, which was not surprising. Still, because I wasn't familiar with the language, I found it difficult to get around from place to place.

It was an adventure, to say the least. Nevertheless, my favorite activities were taking a food tour, visiting the Great Wall of China, and seeing the mesmerizing Terracotta Army in Xi'an.

This is where it really started to get difficult to rank all the countries because I've loved traveling through all of them.

I road-tripped around El Salvador with my Dad, and it was quite a memorable vacation.

We met a lot of hospitable locals, but the food was what really left a lasting impression on me. I recommend trying nuegados de yuca (Salvadoran doughnuts), quesadilla Salvadoreña (sweet cheesecake), sopa de pescado (seafood stew), torta (sandwich), tamales pisques, tamarind juice, horchata, and the country's national dish, pupusa (thick flatbread).

Places I loved were El Rosario Church, the volcanic crater at El Boquerón National Park, and the colorful slide at Picnic Steak House.

I also enjoyed staying at the Cardedeu Hotel. The rooms were made of shipping containers and had stunning views of Lake Coatepeque.

I drove across the border from Georgia into Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.

Although I didn't spend many nights in the country, I remember it had beautiful landscapes and stunning cathedrals.

I definitely want to go back to explore more.

I also didn't spend a long time in Austria, but I remember Vienna embodying so much culture and beauty.

St. Stephen's Cathedral is a must-visit for any world traveler — I'm glad I checked it off my list.

My main reason for ranking Egypt on the lower half of the list is that it can be quite hectic — especially for first-time visitors. I experienced a lot of culture shock during my trip.

However, seeing such fascinating and historic landmarks firsthand was incredible.

While in Cairo, be sure to get to the Giza Pyramid Complex early for the opportunity to go inside the pyramids. I also recommend taking a Nile cruise, seeing a belly dancing performance at a local restaurant, and spending time shopping at Khan el-Khalili market.

There are also many places outside Giza worth exploring, including Aswan, Luxor, Alexandria, and El Gouna.

Like many islands in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is a fun place to vacation. It's a great destination for couples, families, or groups of friends.

While there, I enjoyed the beautiful beaches, took a catamaran tour, rented my own boat, and went on a four-wheel adventure through the jungle.

I spent three nights in Singapore, and I felt like that was enough time to see everything I wanted to.

Overall, I was fascinated by the country's cleanliness, organization, and (for lack of a better word) perfection.

Marina Bay Sands was a beautiful place to stay, and I enjoyed visiting Gardens by the Bay and the ArtScience Museum.

The cafés and shops on Haji Lane are worth strolling around, as is the Lau Pa Sat hawker center (which was featured in "Crazy Rich Asians").

Tunisia is a beautiful country.

One of the top things I remember is that it had a lot of cute coffee shops, which I love.

Some of the highlights of my trip were visiting Tunis, Hammamet, Kairouan, Sousse, and El Jem.

I had unique experiences staying in homes throughout Tajikistan.

A highlight was hiring a driver to do the scenic Pamir Highway.

A good chunk of the drive borders Afghanistan, and it was fascinating to see villager life across the river that separates the two countries.

I may be biased because I'm originally from Kuwait and travel back to visit my family every year, but I love the country. That's a testament to how difficult this ranking was because it didn't even break into my top 25.

My favorite part of every trip is spending time with family, but my second favorite thing to do is explore all the new restaurants, shops, museums, and pop-up events.

I realize that compared to some tourism hot-spots, Kuwait doesn't have that much for tourists to do. If you're thinking of visiting, I think it's best if a local can show you around.

The old souk, Mubarakiya, and Kuwait Towers are a must-visit. And be sure to try some delicious dishes, such as hareesa (creamy soup), margoog (lamb stew), and muhammar (sweet rice dish), as well.

Malaysia has a lot to offer, from beaches to jungles to cities.

Some of my favorite places to visit in the country were the night markets of Kuala Lumpur, the colonial city in Penang, the UNESCO sites of Malacca, the island of Langkawi, and the Batu Caves of Selangor.

I love the biking culture in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, locals seem to cycle everywhere, and it's fun to see rush hour happen on bicycles.

Amsterdam also has beautiful canals where you can stay on a houseboat.

The country has some of the best cheese in the world, and biking to the countryside to see the tulips and windmills was well worth the adventure.

The island country of Malta has so much history.

I enjoyed exploring the town of Valletta, staying in the palazzo of Domus Zamittello, jumping into St Peter's Pool in Marsaxlokk, watching the sunset from Sliema and Rabat, dining at Bahia, and lounging at Golden Beach and Gnejna Bay.

In 2018, Qatar didn't seem to have a lot to offer tourists, but hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022 changed the landscape of the country.

Now, it's ranked No. 52 on the Index, and there's so much for people to explore. I think it's such a beautiful place full of Arab hospitality.

When I visited, I found myself constantly returning to Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Pearl Island.

France is another country whose regions cater to a lot of varied interests.

Visit Courchevel in the French Alps for a lovely ski vacation, the glamorous French Riviera for some of the most relaxing beaches, the charming town of Annecy that's been dubbed the "Venice of the Alps," or the regions of the Loire Valley or Bordeaux for wine.

Even though some might think the capital city is overrated or overdone, you can't discount all the fantastic shopping, romantic walks, museums, monuments, and restaurants in Paris.

Switzerland has stunning natural beauty and is perfect for any outdoors lover.

The country offers breathtaking lake and mountain vistas, and cities like Geneva are remarkably clean.

Some of my favorite places in the country are Zermatt, Interlaken, Zurich, Lake Lucerne, St. Moritz, Lugano, and Bern.

I think the UAE is the perfect introduction to the Gulf Arab culture for tourists.

I regularly travel alone, and this is one of the places I felt the most safe. Plus, it has everything a cosmopolitan city should offer — including plenty of museums (the Museum of the Future is my favorite), restaurants, and activities.

Although Dubai has some of the best shopping and nightlife, Abu Dhabi has the best cultural attractions, such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Hatta is a wonderland for hikers, and Ras Al-Khaimah is perfect for travelers looking for a desert experience.

If you're interested in taking an African safari, I highly recommend going to Kenya.

My first safari experience was here, and it was unforgettable. We saw breathtaking landscapes and got up-close experiences with animals. It was unlike anything I've ever experienced.

I also recommend checking out the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

When I visited Uzbekistan, I started in Tashkent.

I saw the Chorsu Bazaar before visiting Samarkand's Registan Square and Bibi Khanum Mosque. I ended my sightseeing tour in Bukhara, which was a major stop on the Silk Road.

The country is definitely top-25 worthy, and I can't wait to go back. On my next visit, I'd like to see the archeological sites in Khiva.

Tanzania will always hold a special place in my heart because I hiked Mount Kilimanjaro. It was so gratifying to check that famous site off my list.

I also went on a safari in the Serengeti with my Dad. It was just as amazing as the one in Kenya.

Zanzibar was another highlight. I saw the giant tortoises on Prison Island and did some epic snorkeling.

I love that each region of Mexico is so different. Every time I return, everything from the cuisine to the landscapes makes it feel like an entirely new experience.

Some of my favorite regions are Mexico City for a bustling city, Baja California (specifically Todos Santos and La Paz) and Sayulita in Riviera Nayarit for laid-back beach vibes, and the cenotes and jungles in the Playa del Carmen.

I look forward to visiting Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende on my next trips.

Mumbai and Delhi are must-visit destinations in India, but don't discount the beauty of Jaipur.

The city is so rich with colors, bazaars, and ornate buildings. I loved driving down the street alongside elephants, horses, and mopeds loaded with an entire band of people.

Kerala is a tropical beach town with thriving wildlife, but Varanasi was my favorite place to visit.

It was unlike anywhere else I've been. It's a pilgrimage site for Hindus, and people make the journey there to die, heal, and mourn.

Costa Rica is the ultimate destination for adventurers and outdoors lovers.

I had wild experiences in nature, ranging from white-water rafting and night hikes through the jungle to camping and ziplining.

The flora and fauna are also unmatched — so much of the country is lush.

I constantly think about returning to Turkey to explore more of the country.

If you're new to traveling beyond the US and Western Europe, it can be a bit of a culture shock. However, it's a great country to visit if you want to get acquainted with aspects of Middle Eastern culture.

Istanbul is a vibrant city with delicious cuisine and stunning sights like the Hagia Sophia. The city is split — half located in Europe and the other half in Asia — which makes for a fascinating wander.

Next time, I'd love to visit Bodrum, the capital of the Turkish Riviera.

Nicaragua is another country with a special place in my heart because I spent weeks there producing a documentary for my master's thesis.

Highlights include capital-city Managua, the beaches of San Juan del Sur, colonial architecture in Granada, the cathedrals of Léon, and volcano-surfing in Cerro Negro.

I think Iceland has the most distinct topography of all the countries I've visited. Seeing glaciers, fjords, and volcanoes up close isn't something I can do every day.

Some of my favorite places in the country were Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Akureyri, Mývatn Nature Baths, Hallgrímskirkja church, and the attractions along the Golden Circle.

Oman is a major highlight of the Persian Gulf. It's one of the most hospitable Arab countries I've been to and has such beautiful nature.

In the capital of Muscat, the Royal Opera House, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and Oman National Museum are must-sees. Outside the capital, the mountainous regions of Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams are stunning hiking destinations.

Some of my favorite stops were Wadi Shab, a canyon with clear water to swim in, and Wahiba Sands, the desert region of the country. Nizwa is also a fascinating ancient city, and Salalah is known for its beaches.

Peru was the first South American country I visited, and it did not disappoint.

I could've spent months wandering around, but in my 10 days there, I made it to Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, and the Amazon.

The locals were incredibly warm to me, the food was delicious, and the vistas were breathtaking.

I'd like to return to visit Rainbow Mountain and spend a few more nights in the Amazon.

I love Thailand. The only reason it isn't higher on the list is that I'm not a huge fan of Bangkok, its capital.

Luckily, the country has something for nature lovers, city dwellers, water fanatics, adventurers, and partiers.

Chiang Mai is laid-back and has beautiful temples, great night markets, and endless outdoor activities, such as white-water rafting. Whereas, the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Koh Samui are great for diving and have lively party scenes.

I was pleasantly surprised by Georgia — probably because I hadn't heard that much about it before visiting.

The country has various regions to visit depending on what you'd like to do.

I went to Tbilisi to get a sense of city life, Mtskheta to see Jvari Monastery, Vardzia for the cave monastery, Svaneti to see the Caucasus Mountains, Kazbegi to see the Gergeti Trinity Church, and Sighnaghi for the historic wineries.

I love Finland — especially in the winter.

I spent a few November days exploring Helsinki, partaking in a food tour, stopping in Hietalahden kauppahalli food hall, and experiencing a Finnish sauna at Löyly Helsinki.

Then, I took a short flight to Lapland, where I went dog sledding, sat around a campfire, and experienced a winter hammock nap at HaliPuu.

Above all, there was nothing quite like soaking in the beauty of the northern lights at Levin Iglut.

I only explored Cape Town on my trip to South Africa, but I absolutely fell in love with the city. I'm excited to return to see even more of the country.

From shark-cage diving to hiking Lion's Head at sunset, I found some thrilling things to do.

Foodies should do wine tastings in Stellenbosch, and animal lovers should know about the penguins at Boulders Beach. Riding the cable car to Table Mountain was also the perfect place to snap beautiful photos.

Other highlights include historic Robben Island and the beaches of Camps Bay.

Colombia sometimes gets a reputation as being unsafe, but I've been twice and had zero issues. In fact, it's one of my 10 favorite countries to visit.

My favorite places in the country are the bustling city of Medellin, and Cartagena, a smaller town with so much personality.

If you go to Guatapé, there's a gigantic granite rock that can be climbed. It's quite famous and fun to see.

Ecuador has a beautiful mix of city and nature.

Many travel to the country to summit Cotopaxi, but I've been twice because I am fascinated by the Galápagos Islands.

The second time I visited, I took Ecoventura's weeklong cruise that combined educational information with island exploration. It was mesmerizing to observe the island grouping's endemic species and flora thriving in the wild.

Indonesia was easily one of the most memorable trips of my life.

I went to Bali, Nusa Penida, and the Gili Islands, and all the locals I met were incredibly kind and helpful. The cuisine was delicious, I felt safe, and there were endless activities.

Bali, in particular, has a great balance of culture, nature, and modern amenities.

Morocco triumphs in my book of Arab countries. Traveling by train from Fez to Marrakech was one of my greatest adventures.

Chefchaouen (the blue city), Essaouira, and the Sahara were all highlights of my trip to the African country.

Portugal had such a rich mix of landscapes, cultures, and vibes. I spent a few days soaking up the tourist attractions in Lisbon before I made my way to Sintra, which was once a summer getaway for royalty.

I continued up the coast to Nazare, a coastal town known for its epic waves, and Aveiro, known for its canals. Then, I spent a few days in Porto before ending my trip with a wine tasting in the Douro Valley.

If I return, I'd love to explore the country's southern regions and islands.

Vietnam is one of my favorite Southeast Asian countries because there are seemingly endless places to visit and things to do.

My favorite itinerary begins in the city of Ho Chi Minh before going to Hoi An to visit the famous Night Market and experience a basket-boat tour.

Next, I recommend making your way to Hanoi. I explored the city before sleeping a few nights on a houseboat in Halong Bay.

I'd love to return to Vietnam to see the rice terraces in Sapa.

I spent months island-hopping between the Cycladic Islands and Athens and loved every minute of it.

I was welcomed into locals' homes, ate the freshest seafood on the islands, and sunbathed on remarkable beaches.

Some of my favorite Greek Islands were Milos (for local life and beauty), Mykonos (for nightlife and shopping), and Santorini (for sunsets and views). But Crete was the cream of the crop — the large island offered so many opportunities for exploration.

I could spend years exploring the beauty of Italy.

Rome, Milan, and Venice are full of history, stylish people, and fantastic shopping. However, my favorite trips have been to the country's southern parts, from Naples through the Amalfi Coast.

Sicily is definitely one of my top spots in the country. I loved roaming Taormina's charming streets, taking a ferry to the Aeolian Island of Salina, and staying a few nights at Principe di Saline.

I spent many wonderful summers in Cyprus as a child, and the island nation is still one of my favorite travel destinations.

I love taking road trips around the island. I begin in Limassol, where I explore the quaint streets and walk along the seafront. Then, I'll move on to Paphos to visit archeological sights before driving through the Troodos Mountains and stopping in beautiful vineyards along the way.

I usually spend at least a day in Nicosia — a capital city that's divided between Cypriot and Turkish governing bodies. Then, I like to end my stay in Ayia Napa for its beaches and nightlife.

Surprisingly, it wasn't difficult for me to select my No. 1 country — Spain has always been near and dear to my heart.

Again, I may be biased. It's where I lived as a child and studied abroad, but every return trip has been memorable.

You really can't go wrong anywhere you travel in the country. Sevilla and Granada are great places for history buffs, San Sebastián is a foodie's paradise, and Madrid and Barcelona have amazing shopping and nightlife.

Mallorca is my favorite Spanish island because it's home to stunning beaches, cultural festivals, and stunning scenery. Even though it's very popular, it somehow still has a relaxing aura.

First Impression: Trader Joe's artichoke timbales were one of the biggest wildcards. I was afraid it would have too much cheese and not enough flavor but I also could see it tasting like spanakopita.

I also anticipated a longer time in the air fryer. The artichoke timbales took 18 minutes to cook at about 370 degrees. 

Review: If I were eating Trader Joe's artichoke timbales at a gathering, I'd likely only have one or half because I think they're pretty big for an appetizer.

I love spinach and artichoke, but this didn't do it for me. I didn't think there was enough cheese to call it cheesy, and I felt like the artichoke tasted bland and salty — there didn't seem to be any additional spice.

I think the timbales would've been much better with lemon and butter. I also didn't like how crispy the top got by the time it was finished cooking.

First Impression: Out of the box, I already thought Trader Joe's coconut shrimp could benefit from a sweet-and-sour sauce. I thought they looked easy to overcook, which I could see impacting my decision to repurchase.

I also wondered how well this snack would hold its flavor on its own.

Review: If I was at a party, I'd have two of these. The coconut flavor wasn't very prominent, but I enjoyed the shrimp. After five minutes at 370 degrees, the coconut shrimp was still quite juicy.

I could enjoy the shrimp with the proper sauce but I think it really needs it. By themselves, the breading was way too overpowering and didn't taste like coconut to me.

First Impression: I thought Trader Joe's Parmesan pastry pups looked exciting. I hoped the dough would rise in the air fryer and have a buttery flavor.

I wasn't totally sold on the cheese — I just don't put that on my hot dogs.

Review: I'd only eat about three of the Parmesan pastry pups. The bun tasted close to a Costco chicken bake with its delicious doughy breading and slightly cheesy flavor but it didn't hit the mark. I thought it was a little too bland to carry the entire dish.

The hot dog was basically all end, which, to me, is the worst part of the food. But if the pastry puffs came with a honey-mustard sauce, I might've been down for more.

First Impression: I like spring rolls a lot so I was excited to try the kind from Trader Joe's, which has shredded tofu, kale, mushrooms, and edamame.

I was confused about why Trader Joe's version needed kale — I feel like there are better vegetables for spring rolls. Nevertheless, I love mushrooms and I thought the edamame could be interesting.

Review: I could see myself eating about two of Trader Joe's vegetable spring rolls at a party. In my opinion, the flavors just didn't go well together.

To me, there were too many alpha dogs in the room between the edamame, kale, and tofu so they didn't mesh as a unit. I think the spring rolls needed a sweet-and-sour sauce, just like the coconut shrimp.

First Impression: Primarily, I predicted the ratatouille bites would be too bread-heavy. I was also a little concerned by the lack of cheese since I'm used to having this ingredient in fried dishes. Still, as a ratatouille fan, I had high hopes for the quality.

Review: I could eat about four or five of Trader Joe's ratatouille bites at a party but I didn't feel the breading was necessary. At the same time, the vegetables weren't enough to carry this dish. I'd rather have a bowl of ratatouille.

However, the bites were easy to eat and unoffensive to the mouth.

First Impression: The gnocchi alla Romana looked pretty delicious, but I've been fooled by clever appetizer packaging before.

These were larger than I expected, so I air-fried them at 430 degrees for 13 minutes. The fully cooked gnocchi smelled cheesy, but I was worried they'd taste bland. 

Review: I liked these, but not as much as the other appetizers on this list. The gnocchi texture with the semolina was a little mealy, and I felt like I needed to drink water after I took a bite.

The cheese sauce added a lot of flavor, and the gnocchi itself was well-seasoned with the perfect amount of pepper. But ultimately, it needed another texture or flavor to reach its full potential. 

First Impression: I like samosas but I'd never tried a frozen prepackaged version. I was a little nervous to see what they'd taste like but they looked like they'd be good.

I regretted not having a sweet-and-sour sauce.

Review: I could eat three or four samosas. Trader Joe's vegetable samosas were certainly spicier than I expected but ultimately lacked a deep flavor.

I thought the potato and crust were good, but nothing more. I'd like to see what the samosas would taste like with a sauce.

First Impression: I thought Trader Joe's mini tacos seemed bare, just beef in a shell, but according to the label, there were salsa ingredients somewhere in there. Looking at the taco, I wasn't sure how it would cook in the air fryer.

Review: I'd eat three or four of the mini beef tacos. The shell held up well while not being overly crunchy and the beef was OK. But my first impression was spot on. I got only a little of the salsa flavor (it was mixed in with the meat), including the tiniest hint of lime.

If I could dip Trader Joe's mini beef tacos in salsa and add other fixings, they'd be pretty good, it just requires more preparation. Later on, I had them with sriracha and enjoyed the dish.

First Impression: When I took the quesadillas out of the box, they looked really good. I was hoping for a little more cheese but I liked how large each quesadilla was.

I thought the beans and corn would go well together and make the quesadillas heartier than the average appetizer.

Review: These were good. There was a decent amount of chicken, but they could have used more cheese. Here, I tasted more corn than cheese and believe those ratios should have been flipped.

First Impression: I'd tried Trader Joe's dill-pickle items before, so I was excited to try the pickled pups. I didn't have any mustard in my fridge, so I used ketchup for dipping. 

Review: The pickled pups were fantastic. I can't believe I didn't have the foresight to realize that a dipping sauce wasn't even necessary. The dill already gave the pups so much flavor.

The breading was perfect and the hot dog inside was nice and soft. The bread got a little dry by the end, but I didn't mind too much. 

First Impression: I feel like poppers are usually molded into spheres, but I thought an appetizer of any other shape would taste as good. Though the label said the Trader Joe's Buffalo-style chicken poppers were fried, they didn't look particularly crispy to me.

Still, I love Buffalo chicken so I was excited to try them. But even before I tasted them, I felt they'd need sour cream.

Review: I'd eat five or six of Trader Joe's Buffalo-style chicken poppers. For me, there was too much wrapper around the corners of the poppers but the filling was fantastic. I thought it was spicy, with a Frank's RedHot-flavor profile.

I can see them being excellent with a little sour cream just as I predicted. I also thought they could've used more cheese because the amount there was in the filling didn't feel very satisfying.

First Impression: I heard Trader Joe's mac-and-cheese bites had a moment a couple of years ago, though I don't remember trying them. Mac-and-cheese balls seem hard to mess up so I had high hopes.

Review: Trader Joe's mac-and-cheese bites were gooey but the number I'd eat depends on what kind of sauce I'd have with them. The picture on the box depicted what seemed like a marinara, which would have paired well.

With the proper accompaniment, I could have about 10 of these. Without it, I'd probably eat six. Appetizers with cheese are easy for me to eat, though I'd use a tiny pinch of salt and even more pepper if I prepared the mac-and-cheese bites again.

First Impression: Trader Joe's crispy vegetable pouches, a holiday item, had what I considered the most exciting vegetables, with jicama, taro, cabbage, carrot, onion, shiitake mushrooms, and garlic.

I was also interested because soy sauce was included in the box. I saw myself having quite a few of these bad boys.

Review: I'd have 10 to 12 of Trader Joe's crispy vegetable pouches at a party. There was a ginger flavor at the end and the jicama and delicious flaky pastry gave them a great crunch.

With some soy sauce, the pouches reached another level. I didn't get that many mushrooms, but overall, this was a tremendous team effort from all of the vegetables. The top of the pouches had too much pastry for me but I ate from the bottom and felt satisfied.

First Impression: I hoped there'd be some sauce in Trader Joe's breaded fried ravioli. Judging by the packaging, it looked like just bread and cheese. I feared the ravioli would leave me wanting more.

Review: I could probably eat 15. The ravioli tasted almost exactly like Trader Joe's mozzarella sticks but not as good. I prefer the stick's single cheese to the ravioli's complex taste of ricotta, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Asiago, and Parmesan.

Secondly, the ravioli had a little too much breading that wasn't as flavorful as I hoped. It also didn't have any kind of marinara-sauce filling.

First Impression: I thought Trader Joe's pastry bites with feta and caramelized onions would be the hardest to cook. I put them in my air fryer for a bit, and they burned a little, but I still wasn't sure if they cooked through. Still, done well, I thought they'd be excellent.

Review: I'd eat 15 of these, if not the entire tray. They were much easier to cook than I thought — seven or eight minutes in my air fryer at 375 degrees — and the caramelized onion added an irresistible sweetness.

The onions went perfectly with the melted feta cheese. I thought the pastry itself was the tiniest bit bland but it didn't matter because it was surrounded by premiere flavors.

First Impression: Full disclosure, I already knew I loved spanakopita. I made them all the time as a child and had my own method of eating them slowly and savoring the leftover phyllo dough.

Review:  I could see myself having about 18 pieces of spanakopita. I loved the blend of feta and ricotta, and the spinach balanced it nicely.

Somehow, the dough remained soft and chewy on the inside while staying flaky on the outside. Even the extra-crispy parts were delicious. Trader Joe's spanakopita is a must-have for every plate.

First Impression: Right off the bat, I was a big fan of how the corn-and-cheese arepas looked. The cheese seemed fluffy and rich, and the corn appeared flaky.

I knew the final verdict would come down to the ingredients and flavor, but it looked like the pieces were all there. 

Review: Truthfully, Trader Joe's nailed it. The rich, savory cheese paired perfectly with the sweet corn.

A frozen meal can only be so good, but this was a fantastic imitation of street arepas. My only critique is that it could've used more cheese.  

First Impression: It killed me to not eat Trader Joe's breaded mozzarella-cheese sticks with tomato sauce, but in the name of consistency, I didn't.

I thought the picture on the bag made them look more seasoned than I remembered from times previous times I'd had them. I was expecting delicious melty cheese.

Review: I could easily eat 20 Trader Joe's mozzarella-cheese sticks. The cheese was delicious and worked alongside a tasty, flavorful breading.

Just get a hearty marinara sauce, and you're well on your way to a satisfying appetizer. I also love that the cheese is a little stringy and firm, even after I've cooked it.

First Impression: I was excited to try Trader Joe's mini cheeseburgers, especially since they came with their own sauce.

The bun got a little hard when I air-fried it at 350 degrees for seven minutes, but I'm not holding it against the cheeseburgers. If I'd prepared them in a microwave, I'm sure the bun would've been light and fluffy. 

Review: This is another item I'll buy more of. The bread was good, the meat was perfectly seasoned, and the cheese tied everything together.

Honestly, I'd choose these over a McDonald's patty any day. Even the sweet-and-tangy burger sauce was delicious. I only hope Trader Joe's will consider including more cheeseburgers in the box one day. 

Overall, there are a variety of respectable contenders for the perfect appetizer. All of the Trader Joe's foods I tried wouldn't require much oversight, so they'd give any host more time to chat with guests.

But in the end, Trader Joe's mozzarella-cheese sticks came out on top. Not only are the cheese sticks a classic choice for any party but they're also easy to eat, simple to cook, and pack a wallop. The sticks I had sorely missed a red sauce, but they were still delicious even without it.

I think the spanakopita and the pastry bites with feta and onion would also satisfy even the hungriest of guests. Both dishes had great flavors and included plenty of cheese.

The next time I'm choosing what to eat during a party, I know which appetizers I'm picking.

This story was originally published on February 9, 2023, and most recently updated on November 27, 2024.