Trader Joe’s is renowned for its eclectic and convenient frozen food selection, but not every item is a winner. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into 13 products that superfans and regular shoppers alike suggest you skip.
From bland flavors to poor texture, let’s explore why these items might not deserve a spot in your shopping cart.
1. Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos $4.29/16 Oz
Despite their promising appearance, these taquitos are often criticized for their dry texture and lackluster filling.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 190 per serving
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: less than 1g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Black beans, cheddar cheese, wheat flour, spices, vegetable oil.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 2 minutes or bake in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes until crispy.
2. Vegetable Pad Thai $3.49/10.5 Oz
Often described as overly sweet and mushy, this dish lacks the authentic tang and texture of traditional Pad Thai.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 360 per serving
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 27g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
Rice noodles, tofu, tamarind, peanuts, and vegetables.
Preparation Instructions
Stir-fry or microwave for 3-5 minutes.
3. Chicken Cheese & Green Chile Pupusas $4.79/12 Oz
This item is often soggy after cooking, and the filling is said to be sparse and unbalanced.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: less than 1g
- Protein: 13g
Ingredients
Corn flour, chicken, cheese, green chiles.
Preparation Instructions
Bake in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Potato Pancakes $3.29/10.6 Oz
Many find them to be too greasy and lacking in flavor, missing the crisp outside and fluffy inside expected of a good potato pancake.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150 per serving
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Potatoes, onions, canola oil, salt, black pepper.
Preparation Instructions
Bake in an oven preheated to 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Cheese Filled Fiocchetti with Pink Sauce $4.49/16 Oz
The cheese filling is often described as bland and the pink sauce as unexpectedly sweet, leading to an overall disappointing dining experience.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 290 per serving
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Pasta (wheat), ricotta cheese, cream, tomatoes, parmesan cheese.
Preparation Instructions
Simmer on the stovetop for 4-5 minutes or until heated through.
6. Japchae Korean Glass Noodles & Vegetable Stir Fry $3.49/10.05 Oz
The noodles can turn out overly soft, and the flavor profile is too mild, lacking the depth typically found in traditional Japchae.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 190 per serving
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Sweet potato starch noodles, spinach, carrots, onions, soy sauce, sesame oil.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
7. Breaded Cheddar Cheese Curds $4.99/16 Oz
They often bake up more oily than crispy, and the cheese inside can be unpleasantly rubbery rather than melty.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 230 per serving
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients
Cheddar cheese, wheat flour, beer batter, salt, and spices.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 450°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
8. Mashed Potatoes $4.29/28 Oz
These mashed potatoes are often criticized for a gluey texture and a lack of buttery richness typical of homemade mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150 per serving
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Potatoes, milk, butter, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 4-5 minutes, stir, and serve.
9. Panzerotti Pizza Bites $3.99/11.29 Oz
These mini pizza bites lack the expected burst of flavor, often turning out bland with a doughy texture.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 240 per serving
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Wheat flour, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 12-14 minutes.
10. Italian Style Meatballs $4.99/16 Oz
These meatballs can be overly dense and dry, missing the juicy, flavorful experience expected from Italian meatballs.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 240 per serving
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 11g
Ingredients
Beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, herbs, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
11. Chicken Karaage $6.49/18.97 Oz
Although promising a crispy exterior, these often turn out soggy and lacking the authentic flavor profile of true karaage.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 340 per serving
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients
Chicken thigh meat, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and potato starch.
Preparation Instructions
Fry in oil at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until golden.
12. Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings $3.49/6 Oz
The dumplings are often criticized for having too little broth and a dough that can be thick and chewy rather than tender.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 270 per serving
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 14g
Ingredients
Pork, wheat flour, ginger, scallions, sesame oil.
Preparation Instructions
Steam for 10 minutes or until fully heated.
13. Spicy Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower $3.79/16 Oz
This product lacks the punch of authentic Mexican spices and often ends up being too mushy, resembling porridge more than rice.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 50 per serving
- Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Cauliflower, tomato paste, jalapeños, onions, garlic, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave in a covered dish for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Conclusion
Navigating the frozen aisle at Trader Joe’s can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. While there are plenty of gems, the 13 products listed above might not be worth your while. Remember, food preferences can be highly subjective, so take these reviews with a grain of salt and experiment to find your favorites!
