Most people we know are very loyal when it comes to their market of choice, and one blogger is so dedicated that he has made it his mission to review every product at Trader Joe’s. Nathan Rodgers, of the review site “What’s Good at Trader Joe’s,” has reviewed 75 products in more than 60 blogs since August. He gave Editor Arthur Bovino of TheDailyMeal his top-five product picks in five categories. But we got to thinking that Trader Joe’s has so much more to offer… so we threw our SheKnows Trader Joe’s favorites too!
Here are Rodgers’ top Trader Joe’s products along with SheKnows’ own Trader Joe’s picks.
1. Trader Joe’s Strawberry Kiwi Juice
In the category of beverages, Rodgers selects Trader Joe’s Strawberry Kiwi Juice, saying it “lets the natural flavors of both the kiwi and the strawberry through. The taste is complex enough for an adult to enjoy, but it’s sweet enough for a Kool-Aid-craving kid.”
2. Trader Joe’s Organic Rice Drink
As for our SheKnows pick, we can’t get enough of the silky, creamy Trader Joe’s Organic Rice Drink. It’s unsweetened and unflavored, but the organic brown rice from which it’s made gives it a naturally sweet taste. Delish.
3. Trader Joe’s Peach and Blueberry Panna Cotta
Rodgers names Trader Joe’s Peach and Blueberry Panna Cotta his top pick in the dessert category, saying: “Trader Joe’s managed to mass-produce a frozen version of a classic Italian dessert that’s served in five-star restaurants, and very little is lost in their adapted version.”
4. Trader Joe’s Dairy Free Mochi
We at SheKnows happen to love the Trader Joe’s Dairy Free Mochi. This ice cream treat is not only dairy free, but soy free, too. Coconut milk makes this dairy free dessert as creamy and dreamy as the richest ice cream you can imagine.
5. Slurp it to the last sip
Rodgers has a hard time picking just one favorite in the sauces and soups category, saying: “Most of Trader Joe’s sauces and soups do a good job of meeting or exceeding the quality of comparable products from other brands…” But he says that Trader Joe’s Tomato Bisque’s “flavor and consistency… beats that of any tomato soup I’ve ever had, hands down.”
6. Trader Joe’s Chicken, Barley and Vegetable Soup
Good choice, Rodgers. We also find Trader Joe’s Chicken, Barley and Vegetable Soup to be as satisfying as Mom’s. It’s like a warm and healthy hug from home. Ahhh.
7. Trader Joe’s Peanut Brittle
In the snacks category, Rodgers chooses Trader Joe’s Peanut Brittle as his fave. He says of this sweet treat: “Again, Trader Joe’s not only met expectations by offering their own version of a product, but they gave us a natural peanut brittle at a reasonable price, with a texture and taste that’s actually an improvement over other brands.”
8. Trader Joe’s Vanilla Meringue Cookies
It’s hard to argue with Rodgers on this one, but we have to say… in addition to Trader Joe’s Peanut Brittle, we just love the melt-in-your mouth Trader Joe’s Vanilla Meringue Cookies. They are light as air, and we love that these treats are fat free, giving us a little guilt-free go-light to indulge.
9. Trader Ming’s Mandarin Orange Chicken
Finally Rodgers names Trader Ming’s Mandarin Orange Chicken his number 1 pick in the International Entrees category. Of this savory dish, he says: “Orange chicken is the quintessential Chinese dish. Trader Ming’s version not only beats other frozen varieties, but it rivals what they serve in many sit-down Asian restaurants.”
10. Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Carnitas
Speaking of International favorites, we love to take a little trip South of the Border with Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Carnitas. These slow-roasted carnitas could not be easier to prepare (hello microwave!) and simply scrumptious tucked inside Trader Joe’s Whole Grain Tortillas, which are packed with 23 grams of whole grain and 4 grams of fiber.
Check out the complete list of rankings here.
What’s your favorite Trader Joe’s product? Leave your picks in the comments section below!
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