trader joe’s: yay/nay/meh 2022

[ernie_in_berkeley]

I had a couple with an omelet last Sunday. They were pretty good.

[Midlife]

We did a latke face off with TJ’s vs Golden brand. Well…. It was supposed to be a face off but someone beat me to the oven and mixed them all up. Result: we couldn’t tell the difference at all. I’m guessing that Golden likely makes them for TJs. Size, texture, cook were indistinguishable. Except…… the Goldens were $2 more per box.

[Aubergine]

Can you explain the thingie to me please?

[ChristinaM (Hungry in Asheville, NC (still plenty to offer tourists post Hurricane))]

The latkes were very tasty with sour cream and roe!

[sallyt]

Yum! We had other Trader Joe’s stuff but I intended to make latkes and creme fraiche and smoked salmon.

[ChristinaM (Hungry in Asheville, NC (still plenty to offer tourists post Hurricane))]

I forgot the chives!

[vinouspleasure]

yay for the cheese and green chile tamales! we steamed them for ten minutes, added a little sour cream and sriracha, really good, my wife is pretty sure we’ve been served them in a restaurant

[ipsedixit]

Peppermint Hot Chocolate was surprisingly good.

And this coming from someone who does not enjoy peppermint.

I think what makes it nice is that the chocolate is more bittersweet than milk chocolate-y sweet, which really helps play off the “coolness” of the peppermint.

[sallyt]

Were they spicy?

[vinouspleasure]

no, not at all

[ChristinaM (Hungry in Asheville, NC (still plenty to offer tourists post Hurricane))]

I was so tempted today after reading your feedback, but it’s a bit $$! $7.99?

[FindingFoodFluency (YouTube:@findingfoodfluency)]

Has anyone tried the “cannoli cream?” I’m considering making a dessert with that + almond butter, but already have another brand of the former in mind.

Thanks!

[NuMystic]

Agreed. It is pricey but I’ll be rationalizing it by pricing it at $1 per mug.

[greygarious (erica)]

Trader Joe's YEA/NAY/MEH, 2023 Edition

Just booting up for the new year!

Updated for 2023.

[Midlife]

Elote seasoned corn dippers. I don’t know if these are a returning item or if they’ve been around all along, but they surprised me. I searched and found a 2022 reference here, so they’re not new, but I bought a bag thinking they were the plain corn dippers……… until I opened the bag, started using them, and wondered why the TJs Spinach Dip was so spicy. Not sure if I’d buy them again, as I’m not a spicy fan. I just have to be more careful as the bags are so similar. I guess this is a neutral review. If you like spicy I’d think you’d like them.