Trader Joe’s has a unique selection of seafood products, but not all of them are worth adding to your cart. Some deliver great taste and value, while others fall short in quality. Here’s a breakdown of eight seafood items—some that are worth buying and others you should skip.
Buy: Argentinian Red Shrimp with Ginger Garlic Butter $9.99/9 oz
These uncooked shrimp come pre-seasoned with a flavorful ginger-garlic butter and a touch of togarashi pepper for spice. They’re easy to prepare and taste surprisingly high quality.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 120
- Fats: 6g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients
Shrimp, butter, garlic, ginger, togarashi pepper, salt, lemon juice, black pepper.
Preparation Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until opaque.
- Serve with rice or pasta.
Don’t Buy: Refrigerated Salmon Fillets $10.99/12 oz
Trader Joe’s refrigerated salmon fillets lack the richness and quality expected from fresh salmon. The texture can be dry, and the flavor is often bland.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 200
- Fats: 12g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
Salmon fillets.
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until flaky.
Buy: Everything But The Bagel Seasoned Smoked Salmon $5.99/4 Oz
This smoked salmon is seasoned with Trader Joe’s signature Everything But The Bagel seasoning, adding a subtle garlic, onion, and sesame flavor without overpowering the fish.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 80
- Fats: 5g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 11g
Ingredients
Smoked salmon, salt, sugar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, black pepper.
Preparation Instructions
- Serve chilled over bagels, salads, or crackers.
- Pair with cream cheese for added creaminess.
Don’t Buy: Cod Fillets $10.99/1 Lb
While wild-caught, Trader Joe’s refrigerated cod fillets are bland and lose their flavor after cooking. They lack the firmness and mild sweetness expected from quality cod.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 90
- Fats: 1g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Cod fillets.
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Season with olive oil, salt, and herbs.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Buy: Branzino Fillets $10.99/1 Lb
These frozen branzino fillets are a hidden gem. They are tender, mild, and have a slight fattiness that enhances their texture and flavor.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 110
- Fats: 2.5g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 21g
Ingredients
Branzino fillets.
Preparation Instructions
- Defrost overnight.
- Pan-sear with olive oil and seasonings.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy.
Don’t Buy: Smoked Ahi Tuna $6.99/4 Oz
Despite being flavored with sesame seeds and sesame oil, this smoked tuna lacks depth. The texture is decent, but the taste is disappointingly bland.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 130
- Fats: 3g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 25g
Ingredients
Ahi tuna, salt, sesame oil, sesame seeds.
Preparation Instructions
- Serve chilled in salads or rice bowls.
- Avoid over-seasoning as it is already salted.
Buy: Canned Sardines in Olive Oil with Smoke Flavor $1.99/4.25 Oz
These sardines have a rich, smoky flavor without overpowering the natural umami of the fish. They are an excellent pantry staple.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 180
- Fats: 10g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Sardines, olive oil, salt, smoke flavor.
Preparation Instructions
- Serve on toast or crackers.
- Mix with pasta or salads.
Buy: Crispy Battered Calamari $5.49/16 Oz
This crispy calamari is well-seasoned with garlic, onion, and black pepper, making it a budget-friendly and flavorful frozen seafood option.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 240
- Fats: 16g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Dietary Fiber: less than 1 g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
Squid, sunflower oil, wheat flour, rice, semolina, salt, leavening, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili pepper.
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.
Final Say
Trader Joe’s seafood aisle is a mix of hits and misses. While some products, like the Argentinian Red Shrimp and Everything But The Bagel Smoked Salmon, are well worth the price, others, like the refrigerated salmon and cod fillets, fail to impress. Choose wisely to get the best value for your money!
