Trader Joe’s is beloved for its unique and affordable products, but even this fan-favorite grocery store has its misses. Some items fail to meet customer expectations, either because of taste, texture, or overall quality.
Based on customer reviews, here are the 10 Trader Joe’s products that have been rated as the worst.
1. Chicken Shawarma Bowl $3.99/11.3 Oz
This frozen meal promises the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with marinated chicken, spiced rice, and veggies. While it sounds like a convenient lunch option, many customers complain about its bland taste and overly dry chicken.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 490
- Fats: 18g
- Carbs: 55g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 26g
Ingredients
Chicken breast, basmati rice, carrots, red bell peppers, onions, parsley, garlic, spices, and olive oil.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 3-4 minutes, or heat in an oven-safe dish at 375°F for 20 minutes.
2. Cacio e Pepe Pasta Sauce $3.79/14.5 Oz
Inspired by the classic Roman dish, this sauce combines pecorino cheese and black pepper. However, customers report it has a grainy texture and an overpowering, artificial taste.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 100
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Water, cream, pecorino romano cheese, sunflower oil, black pepper, garlic powder, and xanthan gum.
Preparation Instructions
Heat in a saucepan over medium heat and pour over your favorite pasta.
3. Shiitake Mushroom Chicken $6.99/22 Oz
This frozen stir-fry features chicken and shiitake mushrooms in a savory sauce. Despite its potential, customers often criticize the rubbery chicken and lack of flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 210
- Fats: 10g
- Carbs: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 18g
Ingredients
Chicken, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and cornstarch.
Preparation Instructions
Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Honey Walnut Shrimp $6.99/12.75 Oz
This dish combines battered shrimp with a sweet honey sauce and candied walnuts. Many customers find the sauce cloyingly sweet and the shrimp soggy after cooking.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 320
- Fats: 15g
- Carbs: 34g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 11g
Ingredients
Shrimp, honey sauce (honey, sugar, soy sauce), walnuts, egg, and cornstarch.
Preparation Instructions
Bake shrimp at 400°F for 15 minutes and toss with sauce and walnuts.
5. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese $3.79/12 Oz
This seasonal favorite combines butternut squash with macaroni and cheese. Despite its popularity, many say it has an odd sweetness that doesn’t balance well with the cheese.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 310
- Fats: 13g
- Carbs: 39g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients
Macaroni, butternut squash puree, cheddar cheese, cream, and spices.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 3-4 minutes or bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
6. Beef Shepherd’s Pie $4.99/16 oz
This frozen classic features ground beef, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. Customers frequently note its bland flavor and watery texture.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 250
- Fats: 11g
- Carbs: 25g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
Beef, potatoes, carrots, peas, onions, and beef gravy.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
7. Organic Sri Lankan Curry & Seasoned Rice with Cashews $3.99/13.23 Oz
This microwaveable meal offers a Sri Lankan-inspired curry with seasoned rice and cashews. Customers often complain about its lack of authentic flavor and overly dry texture.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 350
- Fats: 12g
- Carbs: 52g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Basmati rice, coconut milk, cashews, curry spices, and vegetables.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 4-5 minutes.
8. Vegetable Pad Thai $3.49/10.5 Oz
This vegetarian dish includes rice noodles, tofu, and veggies in a tamarind sauce. Customers often complain about the mushy noodles and bland flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 320
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 50g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Rice noodles, tofu, carrots, tamarind sauce, and spices.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 3-4 minutes or stir-fry in a skillet for 5 minutes.
9. Papas Rellenas $4.99/14 Oz
These frozen potato balls are stuffed with ground beef and vegetables. Customers find the exterior soggy and the filling lacking in flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 190
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
Potatoes, ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and spices.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
10. Chocolate Almond Protein Smoothie Beverage $3.49/16 Fl Oz
This ready-to-drink protein smoothie promises a chocolatey almond flavor. Customers frequently describe it as chalky and overly sweet.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 180
- Fats: 4.5g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
Almond milk, pea protein, cocoa powder, sugar, and natural flavors.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well before drinking. Serve chilled.
While Trader Joe’s has many amazing products, these 10 items often leave customers disappointed. Have you tried any of these? Share your thoughts below!
