We wanted to find all the differences between the Whole Foods hot bar in the US and the UK, from exclusive items to portion sizes. This is "Food Wars."

• I tried the seasonal foods at Trader Joe's for the spring and reviewed them.
• The coffee creme Joe-Joe's and Meyer lemon cookies were both delicious and adorable. 
• The chain's cheese-filled fiocchetti and taco salad kit are both good entrée options.

Trader Joe's stocks its shelves with a variety of seasonal products every spring.

So, I've been trying the spring offerings from my local store as part of an ongoing series where I review the grocery chain's seasonal foods. 

Keep reading to see which items I'll be stocking up on and which I'll skip. 

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in April 2021. Although many seasonal spring foods return, item availability is subject to change.

The cheese blintzes would make a perfect addition to any brunch table

A blintz is a popular breakfast treat that's essentially a lightly sweetened pancake wrapped around a cheese or fruit filling.

They're often associated with Shavuot, a springtime holiday celebrated in the Jewish faith, but are also popular throughout parts of Eastern Europe.

I picked up a package of four pastries in the frozen section at Trader Joe's. Although the product doesn't come with toppings, its box features a picture with whipped cream and fruit, so I followed suit to get the full experience. 

This was my first time trying blintzes, and I mostly enjoyed them. They tasted like a traditional crepe, and I appreciated that their light sweetness became more noticeable with the berries. 

However, I don't love the texture of cottage cheese, so I was a little turned off by the filling.

VERDICT: Overall, the blintzes were decent, but they weren't my favorite. The fruit and whipped cream certainly elevated them, but I had trouble getting over the texture. 

But if you're a cottage cheese fan or like a versatile breakfast, these will probably be right up your alley. 

The gluten-free coffee cake muffins were incredible

The most noticeable thing about these muffins was their size — compared to a standard version, these were gigantic.

Each treat sported that signature coffee cake look with a ribbon-like swirl of cinnamon on the bottom, which was dense and sturdy, yet also slightly crumbly. The tops were adorned with a dusting of sprinkles.

I'm usually wary of gluten-free pastries because of their tendency to be either super dry or way too dense and crumbly, but these muffins were surprisingly moist and delicate, with a lightly sweet flavor that made them suitable for an early morning bite. 

When paired with a cup of coffee, the cinnamon flavor really popped.

VERDICT: Although I can't see myself buying these muffins all the time, I will absolutely be hitting up Trader Joe's for these when I'm craving a sweet breakfast or having guests over. 

The oven-baked cheese bites would be great in soup or on their own

If you ever wanted to know what spaghetti would taste like in snack form, this is your answer. And as strange as that might sound, this item is absolutely worth buying.

Basically, these gluten-free bites are dehydrated, aged cheese with a few added seasonings. 

Like any good snack, these morsels delivered in crunch, and I gave them bonus points for their airiness that gifted each bite with a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

What made these a real standout, however, was the zesty chili and tomato flavor that came through with each bite. 

VERDICT: 10/10. I'm obsessed. 

The vegan taco salad was delicious

Each vegan taco salad kit contains iceberg lettuce, blue tortilla strips, corn salsa, and chipotle-seasoned seitan.

The Chipotle seitan made this mix a filling meal on its own and gave it a necessary layer of savory flavor, which is crucial in salads with a limited amount of dressing. 

This seitan wasn't dry or soggy, and though I couldn't really detect the chipotle flavor, it was still seasoned enough to have that taco meat taste. It was like a toned-down version of the chain's soy chorizo.

Trader Joe's also nailed the salad dressing. It didn't have a weird artificial taste, and the only downside was that there wasn't more of it.

VERDICT: With the mix of textures, super filling seitan, and tasty dressing, this salad is a must-buy for anyone looking to spice up their lunches.

The lemon bars tasted homemade

Chocolate is great and all, but nothing screams springtime like a yummy lemon bar.

There was no mistaking the presence of real lemon in these — as soon as I opened the box, I noticed a sweet citrus aroma.

I let these lemon bars defrost on my counter for an hour before tasting them, and I'm not sure I'll ever attempt baking this dessert on my own again — they were out of this world.

Had I not purchased this dessert myself, I never would have guessed it came from the freezer section. Each bar had a scrumptious, fresh taste, so it could easily pass as homemade.

The combination of vanilla shortbread with the bright, citrusy lemon curd and a dusting of powdered sugar was absolutely divine. But these stood out for their texture — they had a perfect level of chewiness with an impressively buttery crust despite being frozen.

VERDICT: I apologize in advance to anyone who lives near me and wants to try these lemon bars because I might be buying them all the next time I hit up Trader Joe's.

These peanut-shaped chocolates were fun and creative

In my opinion, all chocolate tastes better when it comes in a cute shape, and these peanut-like candies were proof of that.

Plus, they had just the right ratio of high-quality chocolate exterior to creamy peanut butter filling. Each bite was so melt-in-your-mouth delicious that the treats could have passed for something I'd buy at a specialty candy shop. 

The texture really won me over, as each piece had an added layer of rice cereal under the coating for extra crunch.

VERDICT: To say I loved this candy would be an understatement.

The dark chocolate plantain chips are a great springtime treat

Crunchy, salty, and slightly sweet, these plantain chips were everything I'd been craving.

I appreciated how Trader Joe's didn't go overboard with the chocolate coating and opted for a light drizzle. Plantains already have a natural fruity sweetness, so they only need a touch of cocoa flavor to highlight their sugary notes.

Although I thought these plantain chips were tasty, I'm not sure I would rate them above the jerk-style variety, as I was over these after a few bites. 

VERDICT: Overall, I'd say these chips are a must-buy for anyone who loves the combination of dark chocolate with salty flavors. I can also see them making a superb sweet addition to any snack platter.

I fell in love with the tasty filling in the lemon and ricotta ravioli

My longtime favorite Trader Joe's ravioli is the Caprese one, but after trying this lemon version, I'm not so sure. 

The ravioli cooked in less than 10 minutes, making it an excellent quick dinner option.

In the interest of tasting the ravioli in its purest form, I coated the dish in just olive oil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan.

When I took a bite, I noticed the filling was super smooth and had a pleasantly fresh flavor to it. The delicate hints of lemon provided a needed contrast to the ricotta's sweetness to make it less rich than the standard cheese-stuffed ravioli.

I also loved that I didn't feel heavy after eating this meal, which almost never happens with cheesy pasta.

VERDICT: It's safe to say this ravioli will be my new go-to weeknight dinner this spring.

The almond-butter almonds make a perfect snack

With a super smooth coating and lightly salted nutty interior, these almond-butter almonds tasted like candy.

Super creamy and sweet, with subtle notes of cocoa and vanilla, the almond-butter coating was so yummy I could have eaten it by the spoonful.

VERDICT: Almond on top of almond might sound like a bit much, but it proved to be an excellent choice. These bites were delicious. I hope Trader Joe's keeps them around, but I'll stock up just in case.

These crispy mushrooms were a bit of an acquired taste

I love mushrooms, but when I saw these snacks at Trader Joe's, I raised an eyebrow.

I wasn't sure what to expect from these, but at a glance, they didn't look super appetizing — more like overcooked mushrooms than anything else.

Appearance aside, these were a decent savory snack. They tasted like nothing I'd ever eaten, so I gave Trader Joe's credit for creativity. 

According to the package description, the mushrooms are lightly salted, dried, and tossed in sunflower oil, so their natural umami taste stood out because it wasn't competing with too many seasonings.

Their texture made them a memorable snack, as they had a light, crispy exterior like a chip and a slightly chewy inside like a cooked mushroom.

VERDICT: The crispy mushrooms are worth trying at least once, but I don't think I'd buy them again.

The cheese-filled fiocchetti with pink sauce was good, but not mind-blowing

Just as the package suggested, the fiocchetti cooked to an optimal tenderness in less than 10 minutes, but the sauce didn't really look quite right.

Even though I measured the water and oil according to the instructions, the mix looked much thinner and less pink than advertised. Despite its light-orange hue, I still gave it a chance.

I generally enjoyed the pasta component of the dish, but the sauce left much to be desired. I thought it desperately needed more tomato and garlic flavors.

It's possible I watered it down during the cooking process, but even so, the flavor wasn't as bold as I anticipated, and it came out so thin that it seemed more like a lightly seasoned broth than a sauce.

I set aside some leftovers in the fridge and noticed the next day that the sauce had thickened slightly.

VERDICT: Overall, I'd say this pasta is a great vegetarian entrée to add to your weeknight repertoire.

Although the dish's flavors were quite mellow, the meal could easily be upgraded with a few extra ingredients, like red pepper flakes and more cheese, so I'm willing to buy this one again. 

The pink and white shortbread cookies would make a great addition to any picnic

With their cute floral shape, colorful yogurt coating, and adorable rainbow sprinkles, these cookies were pretty much impossible for me to dislike.

They tasted just like the frosted circus animal cookies I was obsessed with growing up. My fellow '90s babies will know what I'm talking about, as one bite of these Trader Joe's cookies instantly transported me to my childhood. 

In terms of texture, they were of comparable thickness to graham crackers with a familiar, crumby feel.

Most of all, I enjoyed that these cookies were sweet but not overwhelmingly sugary. The yogurt coating was super smooth and contained subtle notes of vanilla that didn't taste artificial.

VERDICT: I can picture serving these cookies as a treat at brunch or an outdoor picnic with friends. They'd also make a great decorative addition to an ice cream sundae. Perfect for kids and adults who want a hit of nostalgia, these cookies are worth buying again. 

The Meyer lemon cookies would make a scrumptious springtime treat

The first thing that came to mind when I opened this box of cookies was afternoon tea. With their pale yellow color and paper-thin texture, they were practically designed to be consumed off a pretty pastel colored plate atop some doilies.

These cookies had a delightfully airy quality and nice crisp that crumbled in my mouth with every bite.

As a fan of all things citrus, I appreciated that the tangy flavor was detectable but not artificial tasting. They also had a slightly floral quality, which probably came from the use of Meyer lemons.

Either way, they were absolutely delicious.

VERDICT: If you're searching for a super light sweet treat to munch on, look no further than these Meyer lemon cookies.

I couldn't get enough of the candy-coated almonds

With their slightly crunchy, colorful shell, these candy-coated almonds look a lot like Cadbury's mini eggs. They were also delicious.

The coating offered a yummy crunch that regular chocolate-covered almonds can't compete with. Plus, I loved the pastel colors.

The chocolate layer was pleasantly smooth, and the almond center gave these treats dimension and a yummy, nutty flavor.

VERDICT: As someone who frequently craves chocolate, these springtime almonds are a must-have.

This blood orange cake mix made a delicious loaf, but I wasn't impressed by the icing

I've never thought to use blood oranges for anything beyond cocktails, so I was excited to try this mix. 

The moment I started mixing the ingredients, I caught a strong whiff of the bold, citrus aroma, and the batter was bright orange.

Like most boxed cake mixes, this came together with just a few ingredients and under an hour of bake time. It also included a packet of icing, which saved me even more time.

On its own, this cake was awesome. The blood orange flavor was pronounced, offering a unique profile that was noticeably more tart than sweet. Its texture was dense yet tender and moist, like a pound cake. 

However, I found the icing tasted too much like candy. It was sweet with a seemingly artificial flavor. Next time, I'll try topping it with my own cream cheese frosting and blood orange zest. 

VERDICT: Buy the cake mix, but ditch the icing — it doesn't need it.

These lemon madeleines were sweet and delicious

These fluffy tea cakes were sweet, buttery, and delicious. The lemon zest flavor was very subtle yet detectable.

They're dainty, which made them suitable for early mornings when I wasn't quite ready for a full meal. 

The flavor was comparable to a classic vanilla pound cake, with just the slightest kiss of lemon. The firm yet spongy texture would be ideal for dipping in hot coffee or tea. 

VERDICT: As someone who often craves light sweets in the morning, these lemon zest madeleines hit the spot. I'll gladly be buying a couple more packages before the season ends.

Fans of spinach would really enjoy this frozen Florentine lasagna

Based on the box, I assumed this lasagna would be loaded with Italian flavors, but I later learned that Florentine is actually a French cooking term that refers to a dish with cooked spinach and a cheesy, creamy sauce.

I was excited about this dish since it's vegetarian, serves more than one person, and doesn't require any actual prep work — just patience.

Per the instructions, you can heat this in the microwave in two six-minute intervals, but I opted to bake mine in the oven for just under an hour.

The aroma of garlic, herbs, and cheese filled my entire apartment while this cooked, which was reason enough to give this a solid rating.

However, spinach has a high water content, which was evident the moment I cut into this lasagna. It looked more like a cheesy soup with pasta. So, getting any kind of square slice was impossible. I used a spoon to scoop it onto my plate.

If you really dig cooked spinach, you'll probably enjoy this. The bitter, metallic green tasted great with the creamy, sweet ricotta. 

I also appreciated that Trader Joe's included Parmesan in the cheese blend — which added a nice balance of salt — and a ton of flavorful dried herbs and garlic.

VERDICT: Although the Florentine lasagna offered a lot of fragrant, cheesy flavor, its lengthy cook time and sloppy texture kept it from being as good as possible. 

Trader Joe's Springle Jangle was just OK

Like the winter equivalent, the Trader Joe's Springle Jangle consists of various bite-sized snacks, like butter toffee peanuts, yogurt-dipped pretzels, dark chocolate Joe-Joe bark, dark and milk chocolate mini peanut butter cups, sprinkle covered chocolate discs, and candy gems (which are similar to M&Ms). 

It's more of a candy mix than a snack one, as it was very sweet and barely salty, save for the yogurt-dipped pretzels. Those were my favorite parts, even though some pieces tasted a bit stale.

The chocolate could've been better, as it was slightly chalky and didn't quite have that melt-in-your-mouth quality I expect from most dipped treats.

Overall, this would make a decent snack if you want something sweet but can't decide on what to buy. However, I think it could've used one more salty component, like a handful of almonds.

VERDICT: Although the Springle Jangle is a yummy snack that people with a sweet tooth will likely enjoy, it's far from my favorite springtime Trader Joe's product. 

Trader Joe's spring cupcake mix required way more work than I anticipated

These spring cupcakes looked so cute on the box — but the assembly wasn't what I expected. 

The box didn't come with finished frosting, but rather a powder, which required milk and butter to prepare (more ingredients I had to buy). It also needed to be beaten with a hand or stand mixer.

The kit didn't include a piping tip, which made working with the frosting disastrous. My cupcake grass looked more like Medusa's hair than anything you'd find in an Easter basket.

On a positive note, the cupcakes themselves turned out great. They had a nice buttery flavor and were super fluffy.

The caramel candy eggs that came in the box were by far the best part and made the price tag worth it. Honestly, I wish there were more of them.

VERDICT: These spring cupcakes had so much potential, but between all the additional ingredients you have to buy and the extensive prep, it wasn't really convenient, especially if you plan to make them with kids. 

I'd rather buy one of the better cake mixes that Trader Joe's sells.

There's no need to buy Easter candy if you have these chocolate mousse eggs on hand

These creamy treats are probably one of my favorite finds in Trader Joe's bakery section. 

The chocolate cake was soft, moist, and rich, while the mousse layer was sweet and fluffy. The double chocolate flavor worked well since the mousse had more of a milk chocolate profile that built on the cake's richness. 

All of this came wrapped in a thin, chocolate candy coating, complete with colorful icing designs on top.

Each egg-shaped cake is just the right size for a mid-afternoon or after-dinner sweet. Eating just one or two satisfied my chocolate craving.

VERDICT: I wish they were individually wrapped, but as long as these are available at Trader Joe's, I'll keep buying them.

These blueberry and lemon hand pies are the perfect pastry for spring

These crescent-shaped mini pies tasted like they were from a local farmers market. The crust was thick and semi-flaky, with bits of yummy raw sugar on top and imprints that gave them a rustic feel.

Each pie was loaded with a bright, semi-sweet filling made primarily with puréed blueberries. However, a few chunks made it feel more like a homemade pie than a mass-produced one.

The use of lemon flavoring on the pastry made them significantly more tart than I expected, but I wouldn't call them sour. It's almost as if they're made to be consumed with sweet tea or vanilla ice cream. 

For the price, these are a solid way to enjoy a fruity dessert without having to bake an entire pie. The fact that they're handheld is even better. 

VERDICT: If you're a huge fan of blueberries, these are a must-buy. If you're pretty indifferent about them, this may not be for you. I found these hand pies to be quite tasty, but I'm not in a rush to buy them again because blueberries aren't my favorite. However, if Trader Joe's made these with other fruit fillings, I'd buy them.

These Sprinkles Walk into a Sandwich cookies are a fun treat for kids, but they were too sweet for me

These crumbly, buttery, cookie sandwiches took a while to grow on me, and I'm still not totally sold. 

The thin layer of buttercream frosting had a super sugary sweetness with a slightly fluffier quality than I expected. This made the buttery flavor in the shortbread pop. The sprinkles, meanwhile, were a nice touch and provided a bit of fun texture.

Overall, each bite kind of tasted like a cross between vanilla Funfetti cake and a Walker's shortbread cookie.

I also thought the cookie part was a little bit too dry and could have been thinner. That said, I can see these being a hit with others looking for a sweet springtime dessert that's easier to transport than a cupcake. Kids will definitely get a kick out of them.

VERDICT:  These cookies were a bit too sweet for me. Although they were decently tasty, I'm not in a rush to buy them again.

Trader Joe's Portuguese custard tarts totally lived up to the hype

I've been to Portugal twice, and the custard tarts — called pasteis de nata — are always a highlight. When the tarts are enjoyed fresh, they have a signature crunch that I love, so I was nervous to try these out of a box. 

Fortunately, Trader Joe's knocked it out of the park. I popped all four tarts into my oven with the intent of sampling just one, and ended up devoured three in a sitting. The crust was buttery and flaky, and the custard center was light and creamy. 

Best of all, they weren't overly sweet, which can sometimes happen with American custard tarts. 

Nothing is ever going to be the same as getting pasteis de nata in person, but for coming out of a box and requiring pretty much zero effort (or travel plans) these were absolutely spectacular.

Verdict: I waited an entire year to finally get my hands on a box of these and have already stocked my freezer with several more for the season.

The goat's milk cheese rubbed with vanilla sugar has a unique flavor, but its sweet profile may not be for everyone

Made using goat's milk cheese that's aged for several weeks, this semi-solid cheese smelled and tasted faintly like a vanilla cupcake.

I found the cheese itself was overall very mild in flavor, but undeniably sweet. The vanilla notes were clearly detectable at the end of each bite. I can see this being a hit with people who like the idea of a sweeter cheese they can use on crepes or fruit. 

That said, I was thrown off by the lack of tang I'm used to getting with goat cheese, and I'm not sold on the flavor yet.

VERDICT: I appreciate the creativity of this goat cheese, but don't know if I'd go out of my way to buy it again.

I was blown away by how delicious these Joe-Joe's with coffee creme were

These chocolate-dipped Joe-Joe's taste less like something from a grocery store's prepackaged cookie section and more like a dessert I'd expect to see behind a glass case. The cookie component was semi-soft, and the dark chocolate coating was smooth, thick, and delicious. 

These tasted like the cookie version of a dark-chocolate-covered espresso bean. The layer of mocha filling in the center was fluffy and smooth, with a bold coffee flavor that was impossible to miss. 

Overall, the flavor was bold and quite intense, with each bite offering a good balance of bitter and sweet tones. I also appreciated how large each cookie was. 

VERDICT: The Joe-Joe's with coffee creme are now my favorite of the entire Joe-Joe's lineup.

The triple-ginger pretzels are a great spring snack for those who reach for pumpkin spice pretzels in the fall

As someone who usually reaches for pumpkin spice items in the fall, the ginger version of these pretzels is just right for spring. These pretzels are satisfyingly crunchy, delicately sweet, and delicious.

Despite the name, these pretzels weren't as front-loaded with intense ginger as I expected them to be. Instead, the spicy flavor came through on the finish of each bite, building a nice, warm sensation that tickled the sides of my mouth more and more with each successive bite.

Overall, I'd describe these as quite similar to pumpkin spice pretzels, with a slightly more peppery taste.

VERDICT: I'm already longtime fan of Trader Joe's various coated pretzels, and these are now giving the chocolate and peppermint ones some serious competition.

Trader Joe's all-butter shortbread sandwich cookies with raspberry filling were delicious

I honestly wasn't expecting these cookies to be as good as they were. I loved everything about them.

With their sleek, rectangular shape and striking layer of visible, bright red filling, these cookies were clearly made to be served on pretty plates with doilies on an outdoor patio. 

The texture was crumbly, yet not as dry as I anticipated. In my opinion, the ratio of shortbread to raspberry on these cookies was just right, offering a yummy, slightly sweet, faintly tart, fruity flavor that resolved nicely into the delicious melt-in-your-mouth buttery shortbread.

VERDICT: For a boxed cookie, these were absolutely incredible. 

Trader Joe's mini lemon sheet cake is the showstopper every spring brunch needs

I saw so much hype about this lemon cake online, and based on my experience, it's well-deserved.

The cake was exquisitely moist and its lemon flavor was fragrant and inviting without tasting overly sweet or artificial.

The lemon cream cheese was sublime. It tasted like a recipe from an Ina Garten cookbook that uses real lemons.

The dusting of lemon zest on top was a perfect garnish for a dessert this classy. If someone told me Trader Joe's lemon sheet cake came from a fancy bakery, I wouldn't question it for a second.

VERDICT:  This cake is a high-quality gem. I'll keep buying it as long as it's in stores.

The spring gummies felt like a grown-up version of fruit snacks

These are the softest gummies I've ever purchased.

They resembled fruit snacks rather than traditional peach rings or gummy worms.

They had a pleasant, fruity flavor without tasting too sugary or hurting my teeth. However, the spring-themed shapes were a bit indiscernible (I think they were supposed to be birds), as were the flavors.

One gummy kind of tasted like raspberry, and another had a slightly sour, citrusy vibe. Still, the snack was as bright and vibrant as spring itself.

VERDICT: I probably wouldn't buy multiple bags per season, but I'd get one for snacking.

The dulce de leche ice cream was decadent, but also very one-note

This ultra-smooth, creamy dessert felt like pure decadence when it hit my palate.

The flavor reminded me of a light caramel candy. It was buttery, sweet, and milky.

Though this ice cream had a lot going for it, I thought it was a one-note dessert. The combination of dulce de leche and caramel tasted like one super sweet flavor stacked on another.

Even the caramel swirls, which required a bit of an excavation to find, were underwhelming. The near-uniform ice cream texture lost its luster after a few bites. 

In the future, I'd pair this ice cream with something to cut through the sweetness, like salty pretzels or a dark chocolate brownie. 

VERDICT: I wouldn't buy this as a stand-alone dessert, but I'd get it if I wanted an accompaniment that wasn't basic vanilla.

I wasn't impressed by the passion fruit meringue tartelettes

Trader Joe's passion fruit meringue tartelettes perfectly capture the vibes of an island getaway. After thawing for two hours in the fridge per the instructions, the vibrant yellow tarts looked like a cups of pure sunshine.

However, I took a tiny bite of this and felt my lips automatically pucker because of how intense the fruit flavor was.

If you don't love tart notes in a dessert, you will, like me, probably feel overwhelmed by this.

That said, even though it wasn't really my thing, I can still acknowledge that it's a good dessert. The texture of the main fruit component was perfect and I enjoyed the buttery shortbread crust.

The meringue also did a superb job balancing out the intensity of the tropical sweetness.

VERDICT: Although this wasn't for me, I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a tropical-themed fruity dessert.

I had high hopes for the lemon poppy seed buns, but I thought they tasted dry

The box promised a lemon filling, but I didn't find anything inside these buns. Instead, it tasted more like they were baked with some sort of lemony extract or soaked in lemon glaze.

They were sweet like a slice of lemon cake, and the inside of each pastry had pockets of poppy seeds and sugar crystals. I also thought the pastry component tasted a bit stale.

VERDICT: As a diehard fan of lemon poppy seed muffins, these should have been up my alley. However, I thought they left a lot to be desired.

The chocolate truffle eggs are perfect for adults who miss getting an Easter basket

These felt like Trader Joe's take on a miniature Cadbury egg. Each chocolate truffle has a unique filling and is individually wrapped in colorful foil.

I was impressed by the selection of unique flavors including pistachio and cookies and cream.

The dark chocolate praline (my favorite of the bunch) was reminiscent of a Ferrero Rocher. The others tasted close to something you'd get from a pricy confectionery.

VERDICT: I'm a sucker for miniature chocolates, so I'd say this is worth the buy.

The chocolate break-apart bunny is (literally) filled with festive fun

If you grew up in the '90s, you probably recall a gimmicky confection called a Wonderball — a chocolate orb that featured character-shaped bits of candy inside.

This bunny kind of reminded me of one, but with a little more festivity and creativity. Along with being fun to break, the chocolate itself was yummy. It offered a smooth, milky flavor that's noticeably better than many other chocolate bunnies I've tried.

Inside, I found a treasure trove of sugar-dusted gummy carrots, making me feel like I was getting two treats in one.

VERDICT: Though this isn't something I'd go out of the way to buy for myself, I think it's an adorable idea for an Easter basket treat.

The Seville orange marmalade will make you forget other jams exist

Unlike jelly, this marmalade was much firmer and easier to spread, with actual pieces of orange peel dispersed throughout.

Its fruity, orange flavor was well pronounced and bright, with a combination of sweet and tangy notes. For me, what really made it stand out was that it had a unique bitter note. In some ways, it reminded me of Aperol.

VERDICT: I would buy another jar of this.

This story was originally published in April 2021 and most recently updated on April 17, 2025.

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

• I've been a dietitian for over 20 years and follow the Mediterranean diet, but I don't love cooking.
• Precooked hard-boiled eggs, vegan pesto, and frozen pizza from Trader Joe's make my life easier.
• I also pick up Envy apples, salmon, and vegan creamy dill dressing to use in a number of meals.

When I tell people I've been a registered dietitian for more than 20 years, the assumption is that I love to eat nutritious foods and cook them myself.

I try to mostly eat balanced and nutrient-dense meals that follow the Mediterranean diet, but I don't enjoy spending time planning, cooking, and cleaning.

Thankfully, Trader Joe's has some gems that help me feed my entire family (including a picky child).

Here are 15 of my must-buys to help create healthy and easy meals without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Editor's Note: Product price and availability may vary.

Envy apples seem to stay fresh longer.

Envy apples can be added to salads, "girl dinners," or lunchboxes for an extra crunch, a boost of fiber, and balanced sweetness.

They're appealing because their insides tend to stay whiter longer, allowing for slicing or chopping without worrying too much about being stuck with discolored fruit.

I buy Norwegian farm-raised salmon for a kick of healthy fats and protein.

Salmon from Norway is known for its pure taste, beautiful color, and firm flesh. Much of that is due to its balanced fat content and firm texture.

It's also nutrient-dense, providing essentials such as omega 3; vitamins D, B12, and A; and selenium. Plus, it's incredibly easy to cook, especially if I remember to marinate it the night before.

Clif Bars are my go-to for a boost of energy.

Not loving to cook also means not loving to prep snacks. But because I live an active lifestyle, I know I need to fuel myself with nutrients such as sustainable carbs before I start a workout.

Clif Bars are crafted with a blend of plant-based protein, fat, and carbohydrates. They're my go-to pre-workout snack that requires zero effort in the kitchen.

The vegan kale, cashew, and basil pesto tastes good on almost everything.

I don't follow a vegan diet, but that doesn't stop me from purchasing Trader Joe's pesto to use on pasta dishes, sandwiches, or as a dip.

This pesto is also my secret ingredient in grilled-cheese sandwiches.

Trader Joe's fruits-and-greens smoothie blend makes morning smoothies a breeze.

The blend of frozen produce makes my smoothie-making so easy.

There's no chopping or prepping required when I'm in the mood for a breakfast smoothie — I simply toss some into a blender, add milk, and turn it on. 

Vegan creamy dill dressing elevates a slew of dishes.

If it were socially acceptable to drink Trader Joe's vegan creamy dill dressing with a straw, I'd do it. I love that it's free from fillers or emulsifiers, and the flavor is incredibly satisfying. 

The obvious way to enjoy this dressing is on top of salad. However, I also use it as a saucy addition to chicken or fish meals, an ingredient in grain-based dishes, and a condiment on sandwiches.

The organic Mediterranean-style salad kit helps us eat more veggies.

Making a salad isn't extremely labor-intensive.

However, opening a salad kit and dumping all of the contents into a bowl is so much easier than procuring and chopping ingredients and coming up with the perfect flavor combo. 

Trader Joe's Mediterranean salad kit is packed with veggies and a corresponding dressing packet. I love pairing it with protein and starch for a balanced and healthy meal.

Trader Joe's prepackaged veggie mixes come in handy.

Veggies are a must at dinnertime in my house. Having prewashed and cut veggie and produce kits, such as the Trader Joe's asparagus sauté, makes cooking dinner a breeze.

Simply open the package and sauté everything in some extra-virgin olive oil. 

The bulgur pilaf with butternut squash and feta cheese is an easy side dish.

Whole grains can be both nutritious and filling. For those who don't like spending too much time in the kitchen, cooking them can be a tedious task.

Precooked frozen grains, such as Trader Joe's bulgur pilaf, help save a ton of time because they just need to be heated through.

Plus, this one is made with butternut squash, and I like the boost of veggies in every bite.

Riced cauliflower stir-fry is a great base for a low-carb meal.

Trader Joe's precooked cauliflower rice is a perfect base for a low-carb meal. I just add a protein for a complete dish. 

For people who don't love cauliflower rice — but tolerate it because they want to include more veggies in their diet (such as my husband) — mixing this dish with some regular rice can offer the best of both worlds.

Hard-boiled eggs are a secret shortcut in my kitchen.

Precooked and shelled hard-boiled eggs make for an easy breakfast protein, salad topping, or sandwich addition.

Trader Joe's Tarte au Brie et aux Tomates is my solution for pizza night.

Yes, even dietitians want to have pizza night once in a while.

Trader Joe's frozen Tarte au Brie et aux Tomates satisfies the fiercest pizza craving. Plus, heating it up takes less time than we'd spend waiting for a pie to be delivered from the local pizzeria.

I enjoy one serving along with a side salad for a full meal. 

Click to keep reading Trader Joe's diaries like this one.

This story was originally published on September 25, 2023, and most recently updated on April 16, 2025.

• I tried seven varieties of mayonnaise from the grocery store to see which one I liked best.
• Hellmann's is usually my go-to mayo, but it ended up in the middle of the ranking for me.
• I liked Giant's store-brand mayo, Kraft Real Mayo, and the controversial Miracle Whip most of all.

Mayonnaise is a popular condiment that can add flavor to a range of bites, from a deli sandwich to a potato salad.

Some mayo lovers have their favorite brand and rarely deviate from their product of choice, while others like to experiment with a range of varieties of the condiment. My preference falls in the former category.

I'm a creature of habit when it comes to buying mayonnaise and condiments in general. Hellmann's mayo is a staple in my refrigerator, and I put it on everything from BLTs to chicken-salad sandwiches.

However, I was curious if there may be a new favorite mayonnaise for me out there just waiting to be found. So, I grabbed seven different varieties of mayo and tried each on its own and in homemade chicken salad.

Here's how I'd rank them, from my least favorite to my top pick.

7. Kewpie was unique, but not a favorite for me.

I know Kewpie mayonnaise is a popular product from Japan, but I hadn't tried it prior to this taste test.

The 12-ounce bottle I purchased cost $4.59, or 38 cents an ounce, making it the most expensive mayo on the list.

It's made with egg yolks, whereas many American mayonnaises are made with whole eggs. Many describe it as having a tangy, sweet, and umami-rich flavor.

When I tasted this mayonnaise on its own, the strong vinegar and savory taste surprised me. Overall, the condiment had a stronger flavor than I expected.

It was still too zesty for me in the chicken salad.

I hoped maybe adding this mayo to the chicken-salad mixture would temper the taste a bit.

I think it did — the chicken slightly calmed the vinegar punch. However, Kewpie was still a bit zesty for my personal preference.

That said, I could see this being ideal for easily punching up a potato salad or egg salad.

Mike's Amazing mayonnaise tasted a little bitter to me.

The name of Mike's Amazing mayonnaise seemed promising. The 15-ounce jar I got cost $3.29, or 22 cents an ounce.

The mayo had a really smooth consistency but a flavor that was a bit too bitter for my personal taste when I tried it on its own.

It didn't quite have the right flavor profile for chicken salad, either.

When mixed with the chicken salad, Mike's Amazing mayonnaise's vinegar taste weakened, and it seemed sweeter.

The creamy texture was nice, but I still thought that this mayo overpowered the chicken salad.

I could see this being good for making nice and creamy deviled eggs, though.

5. Duke's mayonnaise wasn't as sweet as I'd prefer.

I've had Duke's mayo in a restaurant sandwich before, but this was my first time trying it at home and on its own. The 16-ounce jar cost me $4.99, or 32 cents an ounce.

On its own, Duke's mayonnaise tasted a little bitter to me. I think it could've benefited from more sweetness.

This definitely tasted like an eggier mayo.

When combined with the chicken-salad ingredients, the mayo didn't taste as bitter but had a strong egg-yolk taste that wasn't quite for me.

Still, it was pleasantly creamy, and I appreciated that it had a distinct flavor.

4. Hellmann's didn't impress me as much as I thought it would.

I usually use Hellmann's mayonnaise at home and buy it on repeat without a second thought, so I wanted to see how it ranked in the taste test.

The 15-ounce jar cost me $5.49, or 37 cents an ounce.

On its own, the mayo tasted sweet and smooth, with a stronger egg flavor than most of the other mayonnaises on this list.

I'm surprised Hellmann's ended up in the middle of my ranking.

The chicken salad made with Hellman's tasted nicely familiar and nostalgic, as I use this brand often. It wasn't too sweet or overly tangy.

However, this chicken salad didn't stand out or blow me away once I compared it to the ones made with three mayo varieties I ranked above it.

I'd still purchase this classic, but I found some new favorites in this taste test.

3. Giant blew me away with its generic-brand mayo.

I grabbed a 15-ounce jar of grocery store Giant's store-brand mayonnaise for $2.99, or 20 cents an ounce. This was the cheapest mayo I tried.

I was really pleasantly surprised by this mayo, especially since it is the most affordable one I tried. It had a nice, balanced flavor that was eggy but not too sweet, similar to Hellmann's.

I really liked this mayo in my chicken salad.

This mayonnaise was even more balanced when mixed with the chicken salad — it felt both sweet and a little savory.

I'm surprised such an affordable option landed higher on the list than my go-to mayo.

2. Kraft Real Mayo had a nice sweetness level.

I've had Kraft Real Mayo in the past, but it's been a while, so I wanted to try it once more. The 15-ounce jar cost me $5.19, or 35 cents an ounce.

On its own, the mayonnaise had a really good taste with a smooth texture and a perfectly moderate sweetness level.

This mayo made one of the best chicken salads.

This mayonnaise made my chicken salad really flavorful.

The subtle sweetness and creaminess of the mayo brought all of the ingredients together perfectly without overpowering them.

Although this mayo wasn't my top pick on its own, it definitely created the best chicken salad I tried.

1. Kraft Miracle Whip blew me away with its flavor.

I was hesitant to try the Kraft Miracle Whip, especially since some mayonnaise lovers really dislike it. It's technically considered a mayonnaise-like dressing and not a mayonnaise by FDA standards, which states mayo should be at least 65% vegetable oil by weight.

Still, it was on the shelf with the other mayos — and it's similar enough that I chose to include it on this list. I was curious if it could beat traditional mayonnaises.

Miracle Whip typically has less fat and calories than mayonnaise but also contains a mix of seasonings that can make it extra tangy and flavorful. The 15-ounce jar cost me $5.19, or 35 cents an ounce.

Overall, I can't believe I waited so long to try it. It was delicious.

In terms of taste, the Miracle Whip had a perfect amount of sweetness and even had a slight vinegary garlic punch that reminded me of pickles.

Overall, the Miracle Whip was my favorite.

I was also blown away by the chicken salad I made with Miracle Whip.

The tangy sauce added so much punch to my classic recipe, which resulted in an incredible blend of sweet and savory flavors.

I could see the Miracle Whip working well on most sandwiches, in deviled eggs, and in just about any recipe that benefits from an extra dose of flavor.

• I tried six brands of cottage cheese from my local grocery store.
• Daisy had the sweetest cottage cheese, and Good Culture's tasted a little bitter.  
• There were pros and cons to each, but Trader Joe's low-fat cottage cheese was my favorite.

Protein-rich cottage cheese can be savored with fruit, in recipes, as a dip, or by itself, and it's been a staple in my house my entire life.

I decided to taste-test six well-known brands to find the best one.

Although I'm not lactose intolerant, I have a sensitivity to milk, so I picked small-curd, low-fat options because I know they don't affect me as much.

Here's how the brands ranked, from worst to best.

6. Organic Valley

Organic Valley had my least favorite cottage cheese.

First of all, it was the most expensive purchase. I found a 16-ounce tub of 2% cottage cheese for $7 that was on sale for $6.29. But even with the discount, that's $0.40 an ounce.

Each ½ cup serving contains 15 grams of protein and 3 grams of sugar. The ingredients list had a few things I didn't quite recognize.

Unfortunately, the curd size was all over the place, and I found it unappetizingly firm. To me, it was also the most bitter-tasting of the bunch.

Because it was moisture-heavy, I found it difficult to spoon out. My serving kind of sat in a pool of its own liquid.

5. Daisy

Although I didn't know it until now, sweet cottage cheese is not my favorite. Unfortunately, Daisy's 2%, extra creamy, small-curd cottage cheese was the sweetest.

It still had its fair share of protein at 13 grams a serving, and it only cost me $4 for 24 ounces, or $0.17 an ounce. It's also made from three identifiable ingredients, which I like.

However, it contains 4 grams of sugar, and I thought it tasted slightly more dessert-worthy than the others.

4. 365

A 16-ounce container of the low-fat, small-curd cottage cheese from Whole Foods' store brand, 365, cost me $4, or $0.25 an ounce.

It's made with 1.5% milk fat and has 13 grams of protein and 4 grams of sugar.

As far as texture goes, the curds seemed more spaced out and slippery because of the moisture content.

The cottage cheese didn't taste overly sweet, and it also didn't have a bitter aftertaste. I paired it with a pear, and I found it to have the perfect balanced flavor.

3. Good Culture

Good Culture's organic, low-fat, 2% cottage cheese was thick and creamy, as the label promised.

I found a 16-ounce container for $6, so at $0.38 an ounce — and it was one of the more expensive options I tried.

It's made of five identifiable ingredients, contains 3 grams of sugar, and packs 14 grams of protein per serving.

The cottage cheese tasted a little tangy to me, almost like the Greek yogurt equivalent of cottage cheese. I thought it would be particularly good for dipping chips or fruit for a high-protein snack.

The thick texture allows it to sit firmly. Next time, I'd try this on a bagel or even in crab rangoon as a slightly healthier alternative to cream cheese.

2. Friendly Farms

Aldi's Friendly Farms cottage cheese is my go-to, simply for my budget's sake. It's made with 1% milk fat (great for a sensitive stomach), has 12 grams of protein, and is only $2.40 for 24 ounces, or $0.10 an ounce.

It came out of the container a little more rigid than the other options, but it wasn't unappealing. For me, the drawbacks are that it's made with over 12 ingredients (I think the simpler, the better) and that it has 5 grams of sugar.

I thought it tasted a little less sweet than Daisy, making it great for breakfast bowls or smoothies. I could see this choice being especially good for families trying to please a wide range of palates.

1. Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe's only carries its store-brand cottage cheese in a few different curd sizes and milk-fat percentages, so it gets a star for making the decision-making process a little simpler.

It gets another star for its price. I bought a 16-ounce tub of small-curd, 1.5% cottage cheese for $3, or $0.19 an ounce. There was also a 24-ounce option for $4.

The product has 4 grams of sugar and 13 grams of protein, and much like Good Culture's, it had a thicker consistency without being whipped. I've always been a fan of the texture of cottage cheese, and this one delivered.

I thought the flavor was more cheese-like than the others, but I think you can dress it up or down for different recipes.

Overall, it was my favorite of the six cottage cheeses I tried.

This story was originally published on January 11, 2024, and most recently updated on March 28, 2025.

• BI spoke with four people who use social media to share different perspectives on their jobs.
• Through dances and skits, these individuals showcase community, passion, and purpose.
• Grocery store associates make videos to fight boredom while a teacher highlights diversity in STEM.

Every day, Linisha Smith clocks in at 5 a.m. to restock the aisles at a Safeway in Seattle. After three decades of shelving, it was starting to get boring.

That's when Smith and her two coworkers, Brian Bosch and Melissa Turner, started filming 40-second TikTok videos during their 10-minute breaks. The three of them that make the core cast of #breakroomchronicles.

Business Insider spoke to four people who use social media to share different perspectives on their jobs through skits and dance videos, while also showcasing community, passion, and purpose.

Grocery store workers dance through boredom at work

Three years, more than 400,000 followers, and 11.8 million likes later, the #breakroomchronicles trio has amassed a robust audience by wearing props like neon green boa scarves and frumpy wigs as they dance and lip-sync to songs.

"When I'm with these guys my day goes by quickly," said Turner, 47. "It makes the environment happy.

Sometimes the three of them get recognized at work or are called to the checkout area to take pictures with fans. Bosch, 67, said one customer told him the videos were popular in Uganda.

"We get a lot of comments saying, 'You guys hiring? I should apply,' " Smith said.

A nurse shows healthcare workers aren't just burned out

Mary Kat Wardlow began training to be a nurse two years ago and noticed a lot of healthcare workers shared content about hating their jobs. More than a quarter of nurses planned to leave the field by 2027, per a 2022 survey of nearly 335,000 nurses published in 2023 by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

When she started posting "day in the life" videos about working as an orthopedic nurse with older patients at a hospital in Chicago, she said other healthcare professionals online gravitated toward her positive attitude.

"You get to take care of people when it's possibly some of the worst days of their lives," Wardlow said of her work as a nurse. Despite the hard days where she can be on her feet for an entire 12-hour shift, she is deeply grateful for her work. "I feel like I'm really making a difference in people's lives."

Wardlow shares videos about her work-life balance or dance routines with her coworkers to over 12,700 followers. She enjoys seeing the response from the larger nursing community, especially peers her own age.

"I love seeing the newer nurses being like, 'Oh, this is so inspiring. This is what we want to see as we're entering our nursing careers,' " the 23-year-old said.

A science teacher highlights diversity and playfulness in STEM

It was the beginning of the pandemic lockdown and associate professor of chemistry and neuroscience André Isaacs was transferring his courses online. Several people recommended he check out TikTok to better understand his Gen Z students.

At first, he used it to cope, he said. Then it became a way to excite his followers about science. He wants to change the narrative around stuffy scientists sitting alone surrounded by research. Many of his videos show Isaacs and his students at the College of the Holy Cross wearing lab coats amid beakers and flasks.

Isaacs now has over half a million followers on TikTok and one of his most popular videos, which parodies Kendrick Lamar's recent Super Bowl performance, has over 400,000 likes on Instagram.

"Diversity is our greatest asset, even if the government disagrees… They not like us! POC in STEM are here to stay," the caption for the Super Bowl-inspired video reads, pulling lyrics from Lamar's song "Not Like Us."

That's the other side of Isaacs' goofy dances: his passion for highlighting diversity in STEM and championing science communication.

"As a Black queer immigrant, I remember growing up, I didn't see a whole lot of role models or people who look like me in STEM," Isaacs said.

A teacher uses skits to inspire his high school students

Two years ago, high school marketing teacher Berhanu Dallas did not even have Instagram. Today, his account — which was started by his students — has over 1.4 million followers.

The 36-year-old Forest Park High School teacher became a social media hit once his students started pitching him skit ideas to showcase life inside the classroom. Many of the videos feature comical skits where he eats an apple his students picked from the trash can or is mocked for having dry skin.

Parents and school administrators know it's all in good fun and have given him good feedback, Dallas said. He thinks that's because the videos show a side of school life where students are engaged and excited about school.

"There's this perception that students are rude and disrespectful," Dallas said. "I really wanted to start a channel to show people a different side of teaching. A teacher that loves being in the classroom and students that love being in the classroom as well."

Dallas films with his students on Fridays after school and on the weekends. But the extra work is worth it for Dallas who uses student participation in the videos as an opportunity to engage them toward academic success.

How do you find meaning and purpose in your work? Reach out to this reporter at [email protected].

• I tried cornbread mixes from Bob's Red Mill, Marie Callender's, Jiffy, and Simple Truth Organic.
• The Bob's Red Mill mix was the most expensive one I bought, but it didn't have a great texture. 
• I loved Jiffy's vegetarian cornbread, which was sweet, spongy, and very cheap. 

In the rare cases I make cornbread at home, I usually follow a simple recipe, but there are plenty of prepackaged options.

From organic to restaurant-style to stone-ground, it's hard to know which mix is the best.

So I tried cornbread mixes from Bob's Red Mill, Marie Callender's, Jiffy, and Simple Truth Organic to find out.

The Bob's Red Mill mix is made with stone-ground ingredients.

The Bob's Red Mill cornbread mix was the most expensive, but it looked promising. I paid $5.99 for a 24-ounce bag.

The label says it's made with stone-ground ingredients, like whole-grain cornmeal and whole-wheat flour. 

The recipe doesn't call for the entire bag.

I simply combined some of the mix with water, oil, and an egg.

This was the only mix I tried that didn't call for the entire package, however, it didn't contain enough for me to make two full batches, either. 

I put the tray in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for exactly 30 minutes.

It had an earthy flavor and needed butter.

Instead of coming out yellow or golden, this cornbread had a pale, brownish color. Still, the batter rose well in the oven, and the final result looked fluffy. 

Unfortunately, the texture was a little too dry for me. A thick smear of butter could probably make it softer and moister.

The flavor was OK — it was earthy and not very sweet. 

Marie Callender's cornbread mix just calls for water.

Marie Callender's "just add water" mix seemed wonderfully convenient.

The 16-ounce bag cost me $3.79.

It was the easiest of the four to make.

I opened the package, dumped it in a bowl, and added cool water before combining the ingredients with a whisk. I then popped the mix into the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

The package said it would take 30 to 35 minutes to bake, but after half an hour, the center was still very wobbly. It took about 40 minutes for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out clean.

Marie Callender's cornbread had a good flavor and decent texture.

I had pretty low expectations for a "just add water" mix but was pleasantly surprised.

It had a deep, golden color on the top and sides. When I cut a slice, it seemed denser and more crumbly than the option from Bob's Red Mill. 

Although the texture was dense, it had a nice amount of moisture.

It was slightly sweet but mostly sported a strong corn flavor. 

Jiffy is a well-known brand I ate as a kid.

At my store, there were both classic and vegetarian Jiffy mixes.

As a vegetarian at the time of writing, I was slightly confused since none of the other options I tried had ingredients that would be an issue for me. 

Turns out, the classic mix contains lard while the vegetarian one uses vegetable shortening. 

I opted for the vegetarian mix, and both 8-½-ounce boxes only cost $0.65. 

This mix only calls for two extra ingredients.

I only needed to add an egg and a little bit of milk. This box also lists plant-based alternatives for both ingredients. 

This prepackaged mix didn't yield as much batter as the others but still called for an 8-by-8-inch pan.

The batter barely covered the bottom of the pan, but I still put it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 17 minutes.

It had a great flavor and texture.

The cooked cornbread was light yellow with darker, golden-brown edges.

Although the batter didn't fill the pan very well, it rose a decent amount in the oven. The Jiffy cornbread pieces were still on the smaller side, but their flavor and texture made up for the size. 

This option had a sweet corn flavor, but it wasn't too sugary. Plus, it was moist and held together well with a light, spongy texture.

It didn't need any extra butter or toppings to make it better — it was delicious all on its own.

Simple Truth Organic's gluten-free cornbread mix is relatively pricey.

Made with organic ingredients, this 16-ounce box was the second-most expensive cornbread mix for me at $4.79.

It's also gluten-free, so it's a good option when serving guests with certain dietary restrictions. 

The mix baked in a strange way.

This cornbread required an egg, oil, and milk. I had to bake the mixture at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 27 minutes for it to seem done, even though the package suggested 22 to 24 minutes. 

The top center got dark brown in the oven, even more so than the edges or bottom of the cornbread.

Additionally, the batter rose a lot while baking.

This cornbread was the sweetest one.

Simple Truth Organic's cornbread had a super-crispy outside and a dense yet moist interior. I really liked this contrast in textures.

The flavor was very sweet, almost too much so for my liking. It'd probably be best with some butter and flaky sea salt to balance out the sugar. 

The cheapest cornbread mix was my favorite.

I liked most of these cornbreads, but I'll mostly stick to Jiffy's vegetarian mix going forward.

It's incredibly affordable, plus I thought it had the best texture and a good balance of corn flavor and sweetness.

I'd make Simple Truth Organic or Marie Callender's mixes again, but probably skip the Bob's Red Mill cornbread. Although the flavor was fine, I didn't love the texture, and it was the most expensive package.

This story was originally published on October 25, 2022, and most recently updated on March 11, 2025.

• The first Trader Joe's opened in Pasadena, California, in 1967.
• Many of its most recognizable traits, like the nautical theme, date back to its early days.
• Here's how the chain expanded to 42 states and gained cult status over the last 58 years.

When you walk into a Trader Joe's, it feels different from a typical grocery store.

While you can grab everything from bananas to paper towels to beer, the retailer tries to distinguish itself with its small size, low prices, unique products, and friendly staff.

The grocery store has been around for nearly 60 years. Some aspects — like the nautical decor and commitment to offbeat items — haven't changed.

Yet other events, like losing its founder and expanding nationwide, have left their marks on Trader Joe's.

Here are some significant milestones in the brand's history.

There's a real Joe behind the store name.

Born in 1930, Joe Coulombe fell into the retail business after attending Stanford University as an undergrad and then to get his MBA. He met his wife, Alice, there, and they would have three children together.

To make extra money as a graduate student, Coulombe sold vacuums door-to-door, according to his memoir, "Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys."

In the early 1960s, the San Diego native was running several Pronto Markets, what he called a "copy of 7-Eleven," which didn't yet exist in California. Yet he knew he wouldn't be able to compete with the convenience store chain when they did arrive.

The first Trader Joe's opened in 1967 in Pasadena, California.

With the specter of "the 800-pound gorilla" that was 7-Eleven looming, Coulombe had to try something different, he told The Los Angeles Times in 2011.

An avid reader of Scientific American, Coulombe learned in 1965 that more Americans were going to college.

"The demographics were changing in the United States because of the GI Bill of Rights, which was the largest experiment in mass higher education in the history of the human race," he said in a 2018 episode of the "Insider Trader Joe's" podcast. "And I thought that these people would want something different."

Analysts predicted that the upcoming Boeing 747 jumbo jets would dramatically drop the price of international travel, according to The Los Angeles Times. From his days at Pronto, Coulombe knew that people who liked to travel also liked trying new products.

Coulombe decided to cater to this group — the "overeducated and underpaid," as he described them — by offering something more niche than the same basics available in every grocery store or mini-mart.

In 1967, the experiment began with the first Trader Joe's in Pasadena, California. It sold everything from discounted paperbacks and records to pantyhose.

The store's aesthetic was purposefully nautical.

Coulombe wrote in his memoir that he was one of the many 30-somethings drinking mai tais at the tiki bar Trader Vic's in the 1960s. He wanted to capture a similar "fun-leisure-party-prosperity" atmosphere at his store. A trip on Disneyland's Jungle Cruise also influenced him.

At salvage companies near LA's harbor, he found oars, netting, and other marine paraphernalia to deck out the store.

Employees were called crew members and captains instead of cashiers and managers. They wore floral Hawaiian-style shirts. A limited selection of Hawaiian music poured out of the speakers until the workers complained about the lack of variety, according to Coulombe's memoir.

The tiki-inspired theme continues in stores today.

In its early days, Trader Joe's focused on alcohol.

At first, Coulombe planned for Trader Joe's to be tiny, just 4,500 square feet. Yet the building that housed it was almost twice that size. So, he expanded the wine section, bringing in 17 brands of California wines, whereas a gourmet competitor only had seven.

California's Fair Trade laws meant that Trader Joe's couldn't offer discounts on prices, so it hoped to lure customers with sheer variety. The store stocked dozens of brands of Scotch, bourbon, rum, and other liquor.

Coulombe also brought in French wines and managed to import them for cheaper than his competitors.

"I wanted to make sure that every family could afford a bottle of decent wine on the table every night," he wrote in his memoir.

In 1969, Trader Joe's started publishing a precursor to its Fearless Flyer newsletter. Then called the Insider's Wine Report, it helped the underage employees explain the bottles to customers, since they couldn't taste them themselves. A version for the store's food products soon followed.

Today, the Fearless Flyer gives shoppers detailed descriptions of new or seasonal products such as butternut squash mac & cheese or heart-shaped jelly beans.

Granola, bran, and almond butter were some early staples.

In 1970, Scientific American once again swayed the course of Trader Joe's history. An issue dedicated to threats to the environment stunned Coulombe.

Around the same time, the manager of the new Trader Joe's in Santa Ana was evangelizing for health foods. Coulombe was intrigued by the idea that a healthier diet might positively impact the environment, too.

In 1971, the company started introducing health foods alongside its many wines and other alcohol. Customers could get fresh orange juice from the stores' squeezing stations. They could also pick up wheat bran and almond butter, a rarity at the time.

The next year, Trader Joe's created its first private-label product, granola. Over the next few years, it added its branding to dried fruits, nuts, vitamins, and cheese.

In the late-1970s, Trader Joe's started focusing on products you wouldn't find anywhere else.

In 1976, Trader Joe's was still relying on recognizable brands for most of its products, like coffee, bread, and other basics. The small size of its stores meant space was at a premium, and this was when the company shifted its focus.

It got rid of items like soap and light bulbs. It stopped carrying many national brands, like Folgers coffee. Instead, the stores stocked rare items, like unfermented zinfandel grape juice, and gourmet goodies, like handmade berry pie.

Many of the products were unbranded or came under the Trader Joe's label.

Coulombe aimed to give the products names that would amuse his educated, well-traveled customers. These included nods to historical, artistic, and scientific figures, including The Bagel Spinoza, The Peanut Pascal, and Heisenberg's Uncertain Blend of coffee beans.

Small stores and niche products meant that some items weren't always available. They might be seasonal, like its vintage dated canned corn. Coulombe called it "vinous thinking," treating food products like they were rare bottles of wine.

Customers still treat it like a treasure hunt, always on the lookout for an unfamiliar taste or the bargain version of a pricey cheese.

Today, about 85% of Trader Joe's products are private label, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're locally sourced. Some are supplied by brands like Coca-Cola, Taylor Farms, and Campbell's, Fast Company reported in January.

In 1979, Coulombe sold Trader Joe's to the family behind Aldi.

In 1979, Trader Joe's was bought by Theo Albrecht's family trust.

Theo Albrecht was brother to Karl Albrecht. The two expanded dozens of stores across Germany and then split the family business in 1961. Karl's business, Aldi Süd, would eventually lead to the Aldi stores in North America, while Theo's, Aldi Nord, became involved with Trader Joe's.

Coulombe remained with the company until 1989, The LA Times reported, and Aldi Nord allowed the day-to-day running of Trader Joe's to remain the same.

After stepping back from the company, Coulombe went on to serve as president and chief executive for several other retailers. He died in 2020 at the age of 89.

The first Trader Joe's outside California was opened in Phoenix in 1993.

Trader Joe's continued to expand throughout the 1970s and '80s. Coulombe had targeted his ideal "unemployed PhD" customer by opening nearly 30 stores in Southern California, The New York Times reported in 2014.

The chain didn't move outside the state until 1993. By then, John Shields, Coulombe's Stanford fraternity brother, had become chief executive. Three years later, Trader Joe's headed to the East Coast, opening two stores in the Boston area.

When Shields retired in 2001, the company had 158 stores and its annual sales had exploded from $132 million to $2 billion.

Now, the store has over 500 locations in 42 states and Washington DC.

The store's Two-Buck Chuck phenomenon dates back to 2002.

As Trader Joe's started focusing on its private label products, it did away with its vast selection of liquor. However, alcohol, and wine in particular, remained a core part of its identity.

In 2002, the stores began stocking a $1.99 bottle of wine. The secret of how they could sell a wine for so cheap involves its own saga.

Chuck Shaw started his Charles Shaw winery in 1974, making a respected gamay, Thrillist reported in 2017. After several mishaps, the winery went bankrupt in the 1990s, and Fred Franzia, owner of Bronco Wine Company, bought the trade name.

Bronco would take grapes grown in California's Central Valley and bottle the wine at a facility in Napa, where grapes are more expensive, Marketplace reported in 2017. That allowed the company to use the prestige associated with Napa at a fraction of the cost.

Though its price has risen over the years, the wine retains the nickname Two-Buck Chuck. Over a billion bottles have been sold, per The New York Times.

Though Shaw hasn't seen any of that money himself, he told Business Insider in 2018 that he's come to terms with that and is now thrilled to be associated with the wine.

Trader Joe's has reached cult status.

Trader Joe's doesn't just have customers. It has fans who join Facebook pages and Reddit groups to enthuse about their favorite products.

Coulombe purposefully cultivated that response. "[W]e deliberately tried to make it a cult once we got a handle on what we were actually doing," he wrote in his memoir.

The excitement of discovering new products, the chance that your favorite item will be out of stock, and the excessively friendly staff all contribute to that feeling, the hosts of the "Sounds Like a Cult" podcast said in a 2022 episode.

Celebrities from Hillary Duff to Travis Kelce have raved about the chain or been spotted lugging shopping bags full of groceries.

For many people, its comparatively low prices are the biggest draw. Others love the ease of its wide selection of frozen meals.

Last year, Trader Joe's set off a frenzy when customers tried to snap up its $2.99 reusable mini canvas tote, an item that became as coveted as some Stanley cups.

Despite its early adoption of reusable totes and environmentally friendly reputation, groups like the Humane Society, the Climate-Friendly Supermarkets program, Green America, Friends of the Earth, and Toxic-Free Future have given the company low marks for some of its environmental practices or a lack of transparency around its animal welfare policies, for example, Fast Company reported in January.

In 2012, Pirate Joe's brought the store's products to Canada.

Mike Hallatt, the founder of Pirate Joe's, once owned a small Vancouver shop with shelves lined with marina sauce, sweet potato chips, and almonds, all bought from Trader Joe's. The chain had no stores in Canada, so Hallatt would cross the border to Washington State to buy the snacks, sauces, and toiletry items.

Trader Joe's sued Hallatt and barred him from its stores. In 2017, he closed Pirate Joe's for good.

"Many times I've thought I've got to just give this up, this is ridiculous," he told The Guardian in 2017. "Then people would come up to me and thank me for doing it. That was the curse: We had so many people who love what we were up to, and yet it was just so devilishly hard to do."

Tourists from other Trader Joe's-less countries still bring back suitcases full of snacks home.

In 2024, a traveler who returned from the US with 20 bottles of Everything but the Bagel seasoning had to surrender them at the airport in South Korea, CNN reported. The mix contains poppy seeds, which the country doesn't allow anyone to bring in.

Trader Joe's is known for its friendly employees, but some have complained about working conditions.

Crew members often talk with customers while they ring up their purchases. It's not flirting, just friendliness, a national director of public relations for Trader Joe's told Glamour in 2021.

In 2016, The New York Times reported that one employee said he was reprimanded for not smiling genuinely enough. "We do not fire crew members for trivial reasons," Trader Joe's said in a statement at the time. "We pride ourselves on operating our business with integrity and adhering to the law at all times."

In his memoir, Coulombe wrote that the average full-time employee at Trader Joe's made the median family income in California. This wasn't fully altruistic, he wrote, the "policy was grounded partly by the desire to stay un-organized by the Retail Clerks Union."

Concerns about workers' physical safety and the company's response to sexual harassment complaints led Hadley, Massachusetts employees to form the first Trader Joe's union in 2020, Fast Company reported in January.

In the years since, the National Labor Relations Board has filed dozens of unfair labor practice complaints against the company, saying it fired workers or closed stores in retaliation for organizing. In 2024, Trader Joe's joined SpaceX, Starbucks, and Amazon in arguing that the NLRB is unconstitutional.

Customers pushed the company to rename the Trader José line and other products.

Coulombe consciously cultivated Trader Joe's reputation for unique, worldwide products from early on. That included importing Brie from France and maple syrup from Quebec.

As the store started bringing in more international foods under the Trader Joe's branding, "we fell back on some useful naming devices," Coulombe wrote in his memoir. "All Mexican products were Trader Josés. All Japanese products, Trader Joe-San."

In 2020, customers circulated an online petition asking the company to remove the names.

Trader Joe's said it had "made the decision several years ago to use only the Trader Joe's name on our products moving forward," USA Today reported in 2020.

"We want to be clear: we disagree that any of these labels are racist. We do not make decisions based on petitions," Trader Joe's said in a statement at the time.

In 2024, Taste magazine spoke with several creators of small- and medium-sized food brands who said Trader Joe's solicited products from them and expressed interest in partnering up, only to come out with similar items soon after.

One founder said the company had created knockoffs of unique products from culturally diverse brands. "Ethnic foods are specialized items," the founder said. "There's so much history and culture and tradition that you can't do simple knockoffs like you do with everyday items like ketchup or mayo. You need brands like ours to educate you."

"Our common practice is to deal directly with producers or growers rather than purchasing through brokers, distributors, sales agents, or other middlemen," Trader Joe's told Business Insider at the time.

In 2023 and 2024, Trader Joe's recalled products that contained rocks, insects, glass, and plastic.

Over the course of a week in July 2023, Trader Joe's recalled cookies contaminated with rocks and broccoli cheddar soup containing insects, NBC News reported at the time. Just a few months earlier, the company removed its instant cold brew from the shelves over fears that the containers also held shards of glass, per The Takeout.

Several items in Trader Joe's lineup have been pulled for containing plastic, including its steamed chicken soup dumplings in 2024 and its organic acai bowls in February.

In general, food recalls increased by 15% between 2020 and 2024, according to TraceOne. These include outbreaks of listeria, salmonella, and hepatitis A, all of which have affected Trader Joe's.

Food-safety lawyer Bill Marler told Fast Company that Trader Joe's recalls may be linked to the way it sources its own private label. "If you buy from suppliers at low prices, but you don't ask how they could get the price so low and something goes sideways, that's on you," he said.

Trader Joe's did not respond to a request for comment by Business Insider.

• I tried eight brands of whipped cream from the grocery store to see which one is best.
• The lone nondairy option held its own, but it didn't make it to the top of my list. 
• My favorite brand, Cabot, was a classic, and it had the coolest-looking can.

Whipped cream is rarely the star of the show. It's like an extra in a movie — you barely notice it, but things don't feel right when it's missing.

I decided to try eight store-bought brands of dairy and nondairy whipped cream and rank them from worst to best. I tasted each product on its own and with strawberries for a fair comparison. 

Here's how they stacked up.

8. Foodtown sweetened light whipped cream

Everything about this feels generic, but I still want to try it.

The packaging has a classic but uninspired feel — like someone recreated it from their hazy childhood memory of a whipped-cream can.

I didn't like this at all.

I didn't like the flavor of the whipped cream's artificial sweetener. There was also a bit of a funky aftertaste that didn't make things much better. 

Unfortunately, trying it on a strawberry didn't mask anything, either.

7. Whole Foods whipped topping

I don't love the look of this can at all. It's bland, and the 365 logo seems out of place.

I understand that whipped cream is white, but it's not exactly an exciting color to look at.

It was pretty good but much lighter than I prefer.

I thought the whipped cream melted in my mouth a little too quickly.

The use of cane sugar was a nice touch. I certainly tasted the difference from the Foodtown brand, but it wasn't immense.

I put a bunch of this on a strawberry and the consistency left a little to be desired. I think good whipped cream enhances the flavor of fruit, but this struggled not to get lost.

6. Dairy Star original dairy whipped topping

I don't expect to like this one too much. The can looks a little too sterile for my taste.

However, all the other red, cow-themed cans were good, so I'm keeping an open mind.

This is delicious.

All I could think about was how this one would be especially good with coffee. It tasted like there was a little hint of cinnamon, which I knew was just in my mind. 

It wasn't my favorite can overall because I lost a little of the unique flavor when I used it as a topping — the berry was slightly overpowering.

5. Coconut whipped topping

The can is unassuming, but I've actually had this before and remember loving it.

To further the hype, the Trader Joe's cashier couldn't stop raving about this product when I bought it. 

I'm not sure I'd want to eat this on its own, but it was delicious.

I tasted a very fresh coconut flavor, and I love how fluffy it is. It's a great alternative and holds its own against dairy whipped cream. 

Coconut and strawberry isn't my go-to flavor combination, but they paired nicely without canceling each other out.

I think the lightness of the coconut cream gives it great versatility and allows it to work with many flavors.

4. Original Reddi-Wip

The can here is lovely — sleek and beautiful. It stands out among all the others on the shelf.

I looked it up, and it actually was the first aerosol whipped cream.

It's so good.

The cream is light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. I could eat this out of a bowl with a spoon. 

I wasn't sure I even wanted to try it with the strawberry. It just melts away so quickly and leaves you with a milky-sweet taste. 

However, the sweetness of the fruit went well with the cream. If the cream was a little thicker, I would've been even happier.

3. Krasdale original dairy whipped topping

I don't have a great feel for this one.

The can looks like a nicer version of the other generic products I tried. However, the cream looked great coming out of it. 

This was the closest thing to the whipped cream I remember eating as a kid.

The cream was light and airy, with a sweet but not overpowering taste.

It got a boost in my ranking for the nostalgia factor.

The whipped cream also went perfectly with the strawberries. There was enough sweetness to prevent the flavor from getting lost, but I didn't feel like it was overpowering the fruit. 

2. Farmland real whipped light cream

The can looks great. I like the cow logo and the spots.

It reminded me a lot of the Cabot can. 

This was very milky and had a richer flavor than most.

It actually did remind me a little of Cabot, though less textured and vanilla-y. It kind of tasted like Cool Whip without the tang.

This whipped cream brought a bolder flavor than most to the strawberry, but it worked.

The topping felt fresh instead of just like an accent, like some of the others.

1. Cabot premium natural sweetened light whipped cream

Now, this is a can of whipped cream. I love the pink — it really stands out — and you can't get any more classic than cow spots.

I can't wait to try it. 

This was the closest I'll ever come to drinking milk straight from a cow on a farm.

I know the can says light, but this had a thickness to it that I appreciated.

It was also far milkier than the others, and though it could've been a little sweeter, I was eager to eat more.

The cream and strawberries genuinely went together. The richness of the fruit didn't outmatch the creaminess of the topping.

I liked Reddi-Wip more on first taste, but I kept going back for more of Cabot's whipped cream.

Foodtown is the only brand I definitely wouldn't buy again, mostly because I didn't love the flavor. I probably wouldn't get the Whole Foods brand again, either, unless I was in a pinch.

I preferred the thicker whipped creams like Reddi-Wip, Krasdale, and Farmland. 

That said, Cabot was easily my favorite one of the bunch. It was so simple and rich, making the strawberries an experience to eat.

I felt like I was enjoying a full-fledged dessert rather than just some berries and cream.

This story was originally published in July 2023 and most recently updated on February 20, 2024.

• 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.

• I try to follow the Mediterranean diet and shop at Aldi for tasty, affordable groceries.
• I pick up my staples like lemons, balsamic vinegar, marinated artichokes, and raw honey.
• Aldi has quick meals like frozen seafood paella and gyros that also suit my nutrition goals. 

I'm a home cook and I enjoy making Mediterranean-diet-inspired dishes with a twist.

The Mediterranean diet is a flexible eating style that focuses on fresh produce, healthy fats, legumes, and whole grains — it also limits the intake of processed foods, red meat, and refined sugars. Doctors and dietitians have now voted it the healthiest diet for eight years in a row. 

Fortunately, the budget grocer Aldi has a lot of ingredients and freezer staples that make it easier to eat this way. Here are my favorite things to buy at Aldi when I'm trying to follow the Mediterranean diet.

Lemons are prominent in Mediterranean cuisines, and I use every part of the fruit.

Lemons are a grocery staple for me, as they're often the star ingredient in Mediterranean-inspired meals and drinks.

In addition to using it in recipes, I squeeze lemon juice in my water or tea every morning and put the zest in my nondairy yogurt as a midday snack.

Grapes are naturally sweet and make an excellent addition to charcuterie boards.

I love that grapes satisfy my sweet tooth without also giving me a sugar high.

Sometimes, I'll put Specially Selected grapes on charcuterie boards alongside manchego cheese, goat cheese, roasted almonds, toasted baguette slices, pine nuts, cucumber slices, bell peppers, and roasted-garlic hummus. 

I also like to slice grapes in half, freeze them, and drop them in my drinks like ice cubes to sweeten them without using sugar. 

Tomatoes are almost always on my grocery list.

Tomatoes are a hit in marinara sauces and Greek salads, but I think the fruits' true magic is their ability to maintain their flavor and texture in pretty much any dish. 

Roma tomatoes are always on my grocery list, whether I use them for minestrone soup or bake them into a puff pastry topped with feta cheese.

They also give me a dose of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a plant nutrient in tomatoes that researchers have linked to several health benefits.

South Mill Champs' stuffed mushrooms stuffed are delicious and light.

I didn't always enjoy eating mushrooms, but incorporating more Mediterranean-inspired ingredients into my diet has inspired me to try more foods I thought I'd never like.

Now, I love making mushrooms at home. One of my favorite buys is the South Mill Champs mushrooms stuffed with spinach-and-artichoke filling. Since they're premade, I don't have to worry about following a recipe.

The mushrooms are small enough to serve as a side dish or to eat as a light snack.

A little bit of goat cheese goes a long way.

Even if I only add a small dollop of goat cheese to my salads and charcuterie boards, I still get a punch of tangy flavor. 

Aldi carries a range of goat cheeses, though I particularly love the Emporium Selection garlic-and-herb variety. It's great to spread on toasted crostini, and I recommend topping it with chopped tomatoes and avocado.

Park Street Deli's chickpea salad is packed with fiber and flavor.

There are so many things you can do with chickpeas, from putting them in salads and stews to making them into hummus and falafel. 

One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is in the Park Street Deli chickpea salad, which has edamame, cranberries, carrots, and bell peppers. The cranberries' sweetness cuts through the vinegar dressing's acidity, and the crisp bell peppers complement the edamame.

The Specially Selected oven-baked flatbread takes very little time to prepare and tastes excellent.

I like picking up Specially Selected flatbreads at Aldi, which tend to be large and full of flavor. They're also easy to customize. 

I love topping them with different Mediterranean flavors, like grilled chicken with feta, artichoke, spinach, roasted chickpeas, mushrooms, shallots, and goat cheese with pesto. I usually drizzle balsamic vinegar on top to finish it off.

 

Pestos pair well with flatbreads, pasta, hummus, and so much more.

Pesto makes a great base in so many recipes, and Priano often has different varieties of the sauce.

Its alla Genovese pesto is green, nutty, and garlicky. Its red rosso pesto is more tomato-forward and equally delicious.

I toss warm linguine in the green, basil-based pesto and spread the red, tomato-based pesto on flatbread. Sometimes I mix either into hummus to add some flavor or use them to season chicken, beef, veal, and seafood.

I keep Tuscan Garden marinated artichoke hearts in my pantry to dress up salads and pizzas.

Artichoke hearts and leaves have so many vitamins and minerals. 

Some people eat the Tuscan Garden marinated artichoke hearts straight out of the jar, but I like to experiment with them, whether I'm adding zest to simple salads or using them as a pizza topping. 

Savoritz Parmesan crisps are a high-protein, low-carb alternative to potato chips.

I don't focus on limiting or cutting out carbs, but I care about finding delicious alternatives that are better for my health.

Savoritz Parmesan crisps have 13 grams of protein and 1 gram of carbs per serving, which aligns with my nutrition goals. I like to crunch Savoritz Parmesan crisps over a Caesar salad or use them as crackers on a charcuterie board.

Priano balsamic vinegar adds a nice acidity to salad, pizza, and meat.

I use Priano's balsamic vinegar to make a Mediterranean-inspired salad dressing, combining high-quality olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs and spices.

I pour this mixture over romaine lettuce, tomato wedges, thinly sliced red onions, cucumber slices, and a chunk of Greek feta. Sometimes, I add a roasted marinated lamb leg or chicken breast to the salad for extra flavor and protein. 

When I can't decide which hummus I want, I choose Park Street Deli's pack of four.

Hummus is such a large part of Mediterranean cuisine that it needs no introduction. However, it can be hard to choose which flavor I want to have in my refrigerator until my next grocery run.

Park Street Deli's hummus quartet solves that problem by offering four flavors in one container: classic, roasted red pepper, roasted garlic, and cilantro jalapeño. I try to buy this variety pack whenever I can find it. 

Although I'm not a huge fan of jalapeño, I've spread this hummus on turkey wraps and avocado toast, and it isn't the worst combination I've ever tried.

 

Aldi's Mediterranean-herb salmon is an easy-to-prepare, delicious entrée.

Aldi's delicious Atlantic salmon tends to be affordable and it's the star of many of my meals. I especially like the one seasoned with Mediterranean herbs — they give the fish so much flavor.

I like to pair it with a vegetable medley that includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and green beans.

The Mediterranean-herb salmon also goes well with Greek lemon potatoes or pasta in a light sauce with lemon and garlic butter.

The Bremer gyro-sandwich kit is a top-notch lunch option.

As a freelancer running my own business, it can be hard to pull myself away from work. 

Luckily, Bremer's gyro kit has everything I need for a quick lunch, including 16 ounces of fully cooked gyro meat, 8 ounces of tzatziki sauce, and five pieces of pita bread. 

The gyro meat can be warmed in the microwave or on a skillet for a quick, delicious lunch or dinner. 

 

When I can't make paella from scratch, I look for this Specially Selected frozen meal.

Spanish paella is typically made using a saffron-and-seafood broth, which gets absorbed into the rice during the cooking process. Then, seafood — like fish, shrimp, clams, squids, and mussels — adds the flavors of the Mediterranean Sea.

Whenever I can find it, I like to pick up Specially Selected's frozen Spanish seafood paella. It's a great meal for busy nights with pollock, shrimp, and calamari. 

I use raw honey in many Mediterranean-inspired recipes.

When I visited Spain and Greece in 2022, I liked seeing locals use honey to sweeten their meals and desserts. It's a smart, obvious, and natural way to enhance the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.

I like to drizzle Specially Selected raw honey over rich Italian pizza to create a contrast between sweet and savory flavors or dip Greek doughnuts in a honey-and-cinnamon mixture. 

No matter how I use it, raw honey is a delicious way to add sweetness to a dish.

Click to keep reading Aldi diaries like this one.

This story was originally published on March 6, 2023, and most recently updated on January 3, 2025.

• Emily Schildt, 37, is a veteran brand marketer and CEO of Pop Up Grocer, a boutique grocery store.
• Pop Up Grocer, which has been called NYC's answer to Erewhon, has plans to expand across the US.
• Its success thanks to Gen Z viewing a pantry stocked with pricey snacks as a status symbol.

Emily Schildt is a millennial, but if you peeked into her pantry, you could easily mistake her for Gen Z.

Bank of America reported Gen Z customers spent more at premium grocery stores than any other generation in 2024. Younger consumers are more likely to buy luxury grocery items as they become priced out of more expensive purchases, like a house or designer handbag.

Schildt, 37, gets the hype. The self-proclaimed "peanut butter connoisseur" currently has two spreads on rotation in her Brooklyn home: One Trick Pony Nuts, a peanut butter made of Argentine peanuts and Patagonian sea salt, and Pistakio's pistachio spread. Together the two jars retail at over $25.

Schildt, the CEO of Pop Up Grocer, is accustomed to the price of luxury condiments. She launched the boutique grocery store in 2019 to spotlight the newest modern food and beverage brands.

The brand's first brick-and-store opened last year in the West Village. TikTokers dubbed Pop Up Grocer as New York City's answer to Erewhon — an upscale market chain in Los Angeles known as a celebrity hotspot and for pricing essentials like milk for $20.

Schildt was working as marketer for small food companies and saw firsthand how difficult it was for her clients to succeed at large retailers.

"You can obviously have a great product and a wonderful story to tell, but ultimately, it was really difficult, if not impossible, to find a shelf on which to sell your product," Schildt said.

That realization led her to launch Pop Up Grocer in 2019. Schildt told Business Insider, "I started as a single pop-up store here in New York and it was just 10 days long and it was really successful. So we went on to do nine more of those." Pop up Grocer raised a $3 million seed round in 2021.

Now, the company has evolved into a permanent store. Schildt said the store, which opened in 2023, has been successful "in terms of year-over-year growth."

"We have been fortunate to operate every unit since our start profitably," she said, adding "I'm very proud and excited about that."

"Now we are putting plans in place and making inroads to open a second store," she said.

Gen Z is redefining groceries as a luxury

The last four years haven't been without challenges.

First, there was the not-so-small hurdle of launching Pop Up Grocer during a worldwide pandemic. "It was wild," Schildt said, adding that she felt it has had a lasting impact on consumers.

People might be more "flush with cash" nowadays, she said, but "they're being very reserved about how they're spending it."

However, one demographic isn't afraid of splurging on pantry products: Gen Z. BI previously reported that Gen Zers are spending more on expensive snacks, food, and beverages than ever.

Schildt echoed this, telling BI the generation has redefined groceries as "a more accessible luxury product."

"A $20 Hailey Bieber smoothie from Erewhon might give you some clout among your peers and social audience," she said. Similarly, at Pop Up Grocer, some of the most expensive snacks have the highest sales in revenue.

A $20 Coconut Cult yogurt is small potatoes compared to a luxury handbag, but it still gives you a feeling of indulgence, Schildt said.

The Sephora of Food Retail

Like many CEOs, Schildt does some of her best problem-solving and ideating on the shop floor.

"I learned that I didn't really know my customers at all until, you know, I sat in our café for a week and watched how people use the store, what they're buying, and how they interact with our team."

It's a strategy that Schildt used long before she opened the first Pop Up Grocer store.

When asked about the Erewhon comparisons, Schildt said, "Erewhon is my Mecca," adding, "I went many times as a point of inspiration for starting my business. To go in there and to find camel milk as a concept was really sort of inspiring."

In the aisles of Erewhon, Schildt asked herself: "If I'm using the store in this way for discovery and inspiration, why isn't there a store that is created specifically for that purpose?"

Enter Pop Up Grocer.

"Ultimately, our goal is to be the Sephora, if you will, of food and beverage, of grocery," she said, "a place for discovering new brands and new products, for prioritizing, as a company, new brands and underrepresented and under-resourced founders across the US."

Aspirational grocery shopping is a promising market for Schildt to bet her success on. Erewhon made an estimated profit of $171 million last year and told Bloomberg it averages four times the annual revenue per square foot of other groceries. Bayley & Sage, a luxury independent grocery store in London, saw a 29% increase in revenue last year, according to the Financial Times.

Schildt wouldn't say where she plans to open the next Pop Up Grocer, though Los Angeles, a hub for the rich and famous of America, does seem like a logical next step.

If Pop up Grocer does head west, Erewhon should brace for some friendly competition, which Schildt said is necessary to grow the category.

"The more the merrier," she added.

• Grocery-store wines vary in quality, and as a sommelier, I'm here to help.
• Cabernet sauvignon is one of the most popular red wines and is easy to find at most stores.
• I found seven different bottles, all $35 and under, that I think are best.

Selecting a bottle of wine can be daunting. The labels often have confusing jargon, and it's hard to know if you're getting a good deal.

As a sommelier, I'm here to help. The good news is you don't have to spend a fortune. There are probably several solid bottles of good-quality wine right at your local grocery store.

Let's start with cabernet sauvignon, one of the world's most widely planted wine grapes that's especially prominent in places like Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and Chile.

Here are seven cabernets I like to pick up at the grocery store, all $35 and under, listed from cheapest to most expensive.

Ironstone Vineyards cabernet sauvignon is easy to drink — and easy to love.

If you're looking for a wine that's super easy to drink and that's enjoyable both on its own or with a weeknight meal, the cabernet sauvignon from Ironstone Vineyards is the one.

At $14, it's also the most affordable option I reach for.

The pleasant, light-red blend offers notes of juicy, ripe fruits on the nose and palate. It has just a touch of residual sugar for those who prefer sweeter fruity notes.

For an organic option, pick up Domaine Bousquet Reserve's cabernet sauvignon.

Domaine Bousquet is a family-owned estate in the Mendoza region of Argentina. Its reserve wines are made with hand-picked, certified organic fruit.

I love the brand's cabernet sauvignon because it tastes exactly like a cab should (full-bodied and dark) for only $18 a bottle.

The wine has a nice tannin structure, so it's on the drier side. Additionally, the notes on both the nose and palate are dark and complex.

In the winter, I reach for Juggernaut Hillside cabernet.

Juggernaut's cabernet — made from grapes on hillside vineyards — majorly over-delivers for its $20 price point.

Upon first taste, the wine is dark-fruited and herbaceous in nature. Then, a smooth and velvety side comes through with some chocolate notes, giving it a rich and warming impression.

It's the perfect winter cabernet to enjoy with a pot roast in front of a crackling fireplace.

Bonterra Estate Collection's cabernet sauvignon is everywhere.

Bonterra, a leader in sustainable winemaking, offers an easier-drinking cabernet sauvignon with little tannin impression, making it less dry and bitter on the palate.

I think it delivers precisely what a cabernet should for $22: A quaffable glass of red everyone can enjoy.

Bonterra is also one of the easiest-to-find brands on the list. It has wide distribution in major retailers such as Whole Foods, Albertsons, and Trader Joe's.

If you're hosting dinner, check out Ancient Peaks' cabernet sauvignon.

From the sprawling Santa Margarita Ranch on the south side of Paso Robles, California, comes a spicy little number from Ancient Peaks Winery.

The brand's $25 cabernet has a more dramatic nose and palate, with notes of cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla.

Although some cabernets can be sipped on their own, this bottle is best enjoyed with food. I think it would shine with a hickory-grilled burger, grilled portabellas, or a spiced pork tenderloin.

Alta Nova's cabernet sauvignon is great if you have a little more room in your budget

Founded and owned by master sommelier Des Echavarrie, Alta Nova highlights wines made from grapes grown at high elevations in Paso Robles, which is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Its $33 cabernet is deep, dark, and brooding in nature, with a good tannin structure. However, it's still a ripe, fruity crowd-pleaser.

Rounding out the top of the list is Rodney Strong's cabernet sauvignon.

Rodney Strong Winery is a legacy Sonoma producer that showcases beautiful grapes from the Alexander Valley.

Its cabernet is dark-fruited, with a lovely note of sweet spice from the oak influence.

Although it's the most expensive on the list at $35, it's the perfect bottle to enjoy with grilled steak or braised short ribs.

• I ordered a dozen custom cupcakes from Walmart, Publix, and Wegmans.
• The Wegmans cupcakes were the adult favorite, but more than double the price of the other options.
• Walmart's cupcakes were the kids' favorite and the cheapest option — but Publix also impressed me.

With my daughter's 4th birthday coming up, I started to scope out different cupcake options for her party.

Parents will be attending with their kids, which means buying enough cupcakes for the group could get expensive.

As I researched, I was surprised by the price differences for custom cupcakes from some of my nearby chains, including Walmart, Wegmans, and Publix.

So, I ordered a dozen from each to see which cupcakes would have the best value, look, and flavor. Here's how they stacked up.

I ordered cupcakes with white buttercream frosting and rainbow sprinkles from each store.

Each of these stores has premade cupcakes available in their bakery sections, but I wanted to see how the chains would handle my custom order.

I used the online ordering option for each store and chose cupcakes topped with white buttercream frosting and rainbow sprinkles.

All three chains had an easy-to-use system that let me quickly choose the options I wanted. Each of my orders was ready on time and accurate.

Kids and adults judged the cupcakes on appearance and taste.

My priority was finding a good-value cupcake that my daughter loved, though I also wanted to see what the adults at the party thought.

I had seven kids, ages 4 to 12, and eight adults try each cupcake in a blind taste test.

Each participant rated which cupcake was the most aesthetically pleasing and which tasted best without knowing what store it came from.

The Walmart cupcakes were the smallest but also the cheapest.

I paid $8.13, including tax, for a dozen cupcakes at Walmart. They were the cheapest option by far.

These cupcakes were noticeably smaller than the rest, but if they'd been the only option, I don't think I would've thought they were small.

Even so, the kids unanimously agreed these were the most visually appealing and that they'd choose to eat them first.

It seemed fair considering these cupcakes had the most sprinkles in the most vibrant colors compared to the ones from Wegmans and Publix.

The kids loved the Walmart cupcake. The adults did not.

In my opinion, the frosting on the Walmart cupcakes was overwhelmingly sweet and the cake was dry with little flavor.

The other adults agreed and, as a result, we ranked these as our least favorite.

However, all of the kids rated the Walmart cupcakes as their top pick, likely due to the super-sweet frosting and pretty aesthetic.

Wegmans' cupcakes looked the most gourmet but came with a high price tag.

The cupcakes from Wegmans were the most expensive at $24.90 for a dozen — more than triple the cost of the Walmart cupcakes.

The cupcakes were almost identical in size to the Publix ones and bigger than the Walmart ones. The frosting on these was swirled the highest.

Wegmans' cupcakes had the best flavor and frosting.

The adults unanimously picked the cupcakes from Wegmans as their favorite. The buttercream frosting was light, airy, and perfectly sweet.

We also agreed the cake was also the most moist and flavorful of the ones we tried.

The icing didn't extend all the way to the edge of the cupcake, which made it look like it came from a more high-end bakery. This might have been a more important factor had these been for an adult gathering, not a kid's birthday party.

The Publix cupcakes were a good compromise between flavor and price.

A dozen cupcakes from Publix set me back $10.81.

I personally found these cupcakes to be the most visually appealing, with large amounts of icing and an array of sprinkles on top. Their flavor was good, too.

The Publix cupcakes seemed pretty balanced.

Publix's frosting wasn't as light as Wegmans' frosting, but it wasn't as overly sweet as Walmart's.

The cake was also fairly moist and had more notes of vanilla than Walmart's, but wasn't as flavorful as Wegmans' version.

For the occasion and the price, Walmart was the winner —otherwise, I'd choose Publix.

Even though we adults thought Wegmans' cupcakes were the best, I didn't think they were worth the high price tag.

For a child's birthday, I'll probably stick to the Walmart cupcakes since they were the least expensive and the clear kids' favorite.

For adult birthdays or celebrations, I still wouldn't pick Wegmans. The price is just too high for me to justify buying them.

Instead, I'd go for Publix cupcakes, which are almost as good and less than half the price.

• I'm a private chef, and I compared croissants at Key Food, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods.
• Key Food sold the biggest croissant, but the inside looked more like bread than pastry.
• I like Trader Joe's offering, but Whole Foods' pastry was the closest to a fresh croissant.

I like having croissants at home for a quick breakfast for me and my daughter before work or school. They're one of those staples I know will be enjoyed before they get moldy.

As a private chef, I know croissants are a highly technical pastry that requires a lot of time and effort. As a working mom, I don't have either of those.

Fresh croissants from our local bakery can be expensive, about $5 to $6 each, so it's more economical to grab a pack of four to six at the grocery store.

Here's how the bakery-section croissants at Key Food, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's stack up.

Key Food is a staple grocery store throughout the boroughs of New York.

The first croissants I tried were from Key Food, an NYC-based chain with locations across the East Coast. A pack of four was $4.99, or about $1.25 each, which is a great deal.

The croissants were huge — easily the biggest I bought or saw at any store.

They were also slightly flat, with a pale golden-brown color.

When I cut them open, I was unimpressed with the lamination.

The Key Food croissant hardly had any lamination — thin layers created by folding butter into the dough.

There weren't many distinct layers, and it didn't have the crispy, airy texture I expect from a croissant.

I've tried Trader Joe's croissants before.

Trader Joe's croissants are regulars in my shopping rotation because I frequent the chain a lot.

The store sells a three-pack for $3.99, or about $1.33 each. I think that's a great price for the quality.

The croissants were medium-sized and had a nice golden-brown color.

The croissant was fine, but it was missing a textural element.

Trader Joe's pastries have a lovely buttery texture and slightly more lift and airiness than the Key Food ones.

However, they still lack the crackly, messy quality that is so identifiable when it comes to croissants.

I enjoy these from time to time with just some jam, but they're not the crème de la crème.

Whole Foods' croissant looked the most authentic.

The last croissants I tried were from Whole Foods, where a pack of four cost $7.49, or $1.87 apiece.

Despite being the most expensive of the bunch, they were absolutely worth it.

The croissants were the perfect size — exactly as big as my hand — and had nice domed tops that gave me a peek at the layers underneath. The deep-brown exterior was also tantalizing.

Whole Foods had the closest thing to a bakery croissant.

When I bit into the beautifully layered croissant from Whole Foods, I truly felt like I was eating a pastry, not just a piece of bread.

The flavor had a nice butteriness, but there was still that nice, slightly sour taste from the yeast.

For me, the winner was clear.

Whole Foods was my clear and obvious winner. I'd rather have a nice pastry that's so good I'm guaranteed to eat the whole thing than opt for a cheaper version that's unsatisfying.

Without a doubt, I'll be returning to Whole Foods' bakery section for the four-pack. On weeks when I'm on a tighter budget, though, Trader Joe's pack of three is my runner-up.

With other, better options available, I don't think I'd buy the Key Food croissants again.

• I'm a professional baker comparing pumpkin pies from Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, and Costco.
• I didn't love the pumpkin pie from Kroger, but Costco's was really tasty and my second choice.
• Safeway's was the best store-bought pumpkin pie because of its balanced taste and good structure.

I compared pumpkin pies from Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, and Costco.

As a professional baker, I know how to make a solid pumpkin pie at home — but sometimes grabbing one from a local grocery store is the best option. 

To find the best store-bought pumpkin pie, I put four desserts — from Costco, Safeway, Kroger, and Walmart — to the test.

There are plenty of pies on display at most grocery stores in the fall, so I didn't call ahead at any of the places I went to and just walked in and grabbed the seasonal treat.

Because pumpkin pies are typically made with a custard filling, which contains milk and eggs, the USDA recommends keeping them refrigerated. At the Costco and Safeway, I went to, the pumpkin pies were kept in a refrigerated area.

At Walmart and Kroger, they were on display at room temperature, which means they likely contain preservatives or artificial ingredients to make them shelf-stable.

With all of these factors in mind, I judged each one for flavor and texture.

I bought a 10-inch pumpkin pie from Walmart.

Walmart had a huge display of pumpkin pies sitting out at room temperature so I grabbed a 10-inch one.

The pie came in an aluminum pie pan for easy serving and was packaged in a cardboard box.

Walmart's pumpkin pie had a great texture and well-balanced flavor.

Walmart's pumpkin pie was easy to cut at room temperature so it was simple to get a clean slice that didn't fall apart. The crust was nice and light with a tasty flavor and the filling had good structure while still being smooth.

The balance of flavors was ideal, as the pie itself wasn't too sweet and the pumpkin-spice flavor wasn't overwhelming.

I found this pie on display at room temperature, which meant that Walmart's pumpkin treat likely had some added ingredients to make it shelf-stable.

I bought an 8-inch pumpkin pie from Kroger.

Kroger sells pumpkin pies under the store's Bakery Fresh Goodness brand. According to the employees working at Kroger's bakery, the pies are baked and frozen prior to arriving at the store.

I bought an 8-inch pumpkin pie, which was packaged in an aluminum pan and a plastic container.

I thought Kroger's pumpkin pie had a strange but strong flavor.

Kroger's pumpkin pie was the smallest of the four I tried, but it sliced beautifully at room temperature and looked appealing. However, I couldn't enjoy more than one bite.

In my opinion, the crust was lackluster without much flavor, and the taste of the filling was overpowering, with an odd combination of spices. I thought it had a slightly artificial taste to it as well.

Because this pie was shelf-stable, I'd guess that some of the preservative ingredients added to the mixture changed the classic pumpkin-pie taste I was looking for.

I bought an 11-inch pumpkin pie from Safeway.

I used to work at Safeway's bakery, so I already knew the chain sells pumpkin pies that come prepared and frozen and are then baked in the store.

I had the option to grab pies with or without whipped cream, both of which were kept in a refrigerated case in the bakery section. According to the label on the pie, the whipped cream is made fresh on-site from real heavy whipping cream.

I bought an 11-inch pumpkin pie, which was packaged in an aluminum pan and placed in a plastic container.

I thought Safeway's pumpkin pie was deliciously flavored.

By the appearance of Safeway's pumpkin pie, I definitely could tell it was baked fresh in the store. It had a great structure and was easy to slice at room temperature.

The crust was light and flavorful, with a hint of salt that paired well with the filling, which was absolutely delicious. The balance of the pumpkin filling with the cinnamon and other spices was spot on.

I bought a 12-inch pumpkin pie from Costco.

You'll need a Costco membership to grab one of the jumbo pumpkin pies, which can be found in a refrigerated case in the bakery section.

When I asked the employees at the bakery, they told me Costco's pumpkin pies are baked at the warehouse.

I bought the 12-inch pumpkin pie, packaged in an aluminum pan and plastic container.

Costco's pumpkin pie was soft and fluffy, with a sweeter flavor.

The pumpkin pie I got at Costco was over 3 pounds, so I knew it would certainly dish out plenty of servings. Notably, I found it difficult to get a clean slice out of the Costco pumpkin pie at room temperature, but I had an easier time when it was chilled.

The crust was thin, without much flavor or texture, and the filling was incredibly fluffy, as opposed to other richer, denser pies.

It had a sweeter taste, with notes of vanilla, but it didn't have as much pumpkin-spice flavor as the other pies did. Though it tasted good, I also wanted a bit more cinnamon.

Safeway's pumpkin pie was my favorite, but Costco's was a close second.

As a baker, a homemade pie will always be at the top of my list. Still, I think some of the store-bought versions I tried were pretty tasty.

The textures of both Costco's and Safeway's pumpkin pies were very good. However, I thought Safeway's was the best store-bought pumpkin pie. Its flavor gave it an edge over Costco's famed dessert.

Though Costco's pie was really good and a great deal, in comparison to Safeway's, it was just a bit dull.

Next time I'm in a rush and want to grab a pumpkin pie, I'll head to Safeway's bakery section.

This story was originally published on November 18, 2022, and most recently updated on November 25, 2024.

• 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.