Sriracha
Similar to Trader Joe's, "rooster sauce," commonly known as sriracha, has garnered a devoted following, and it's easy to see why. This vibrant red condiment, which hails from Thailand, is a zesty mix of chilis, vinegar, and various spices. Originally created in the 1930s, there isn't a single, definitive recipe for it. Nevertheless, the Huy Fong brand of sriracha stands out as the most popular choice in the United States. With its rooster logo and distinctive green squeeze cap, this spicy and tangy sauce has become a staple in many kitchens. Unfortunately, finding it has become increasingly challenging in recent years, as production has faced intermittent halts since 2020. Currently, Huy Fong's sriracha production is once again at a standstill, prompting many to seek out alternative sauces.
However, you might want to pass on the Trader Joe's version in your search for substitutes, especially if you're a true fan of the original rooster sauce. Trader Joe's offering tends to lack the spiciness of Huy Fong's version and is overly sweet, disrupting the expected flavor profile. Users on the r/traderjoes subreddit have expressed their dissatisfaction with this alternative, with one user, u/frontier91, stating it is "[b]y far the worst product I've ever tried from TJs." So, it might be best to skip this item on your next visit to Trader Joe's.
Frozen pie crust
The phrase "easy as pie" is really just a cliché. Anyone who has tried making a pie from scratch understands how challenging it can be, especially when it comes to the crust. It needs to be both flaky and tender, golden brown yet not tough, and achieving the ideal pie crust can frustrate even the most seasoned bakers. This might explain why many home bakers opt for frozen pie crusts. These convenient, pre-made doughs only require thawing, rolling out, and pressing into a pan before baking. Many home cooks find them to be a useful shortcut in their baking endeavors. However, if you're considering adding Trader Joe's frozen pie crusts to your cart for your next pie-making project, you may want to reconsider.
Trader Joe's frozen pie crusts have several flaws. A test by Bon Appetit revealed that these crusts produce an extremely crumbly and structurally weak result. Additionally, the dough often leads to a soggy bottom, which is never desirable in baked goods. Users on Reddit have also voiced their dissatisfaction, with comments from users like u/tj_ebooks highlighting the product's unstable texture and its failure to hold up during baking. This is one item you might be better off purchasing from a different store.
Organic mayonnaise
It's easy to miss the little details. You might grab the cheapest box of pasta or opt for the store brand can of beans because of its affordability. However, some items deserve more attention. Any true mayonnaise lover will tell you that the quality of your spread is crucial. Many dedicated fans of mayonnaise know that the brand you choose plays a significant role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor in this creamy egg and vinegar concoction. If you're aiming for the best mayonnaise, you might want to pass on Trader Joe's Organic Mayonnaise during your next shopping trip.
In a taste test by Bon Appetit, participants found their mayo to be overly sour. Additionally, some online reviews have noted issues with the emulsion separating, resulting in a lumpy texture. Fortunately, if you're in search of a consistently delicious mayonnaise, there are plenty of alternatives outside of Trader Joe's. From beloved options like Duke's Mayonnaise (which surprisingly enhances chocolate cake) and Kewpie Mayo (which you can even try making at home) to classic brands like Hellmann's and Kraft, this is one item best sourced from your local big box grocery store.
Chocolate hummus
You have to hand it to them—Trader Joe's isn't shy about getting inventive with their food and drink selections. From watermelon jerky to chocolate gnocchi, this grocery chain is always eager to blend different genres and experiment with flavor combinations. However, sometimes these bold experiments miss the mark, and unfortunately, that’s the case with their chocolate hummus. The product is just as peculiar as it sounds. It contains all the typical ingredients of standard hummus, like chickpeas and tahini, but adds cocoa for a unique chocolate twist.
So, does this risk pay off? Not quite. While Trader Joe's chocolate hummus isn't a total flop—many online reviewers have praised its smooth texture and authentic chocolate flavor—others feel it falls short in the sweetness department, which is essential for a dessert dip. Its combination of sweet and savory flavors also limits its pairing options, making fruit the best accompaniment if you want to enjoy it fully. Perhaps the biggest issue with this product lies in its concept; it doesn't fully embody the taste and texture of hummus, nor is it chocolatey enough to justify its existence. For some, this may be perfectly fine, but don’t expect it to be as irresistibly sweet as their ube ice cream or Jingle Jangle mix. No matter how you enjoy it, the chocolate hummus dip is far from the pinnacle of the grocer's inventive offerings.
Beef pho
Pho is more than just a soup; it embodies comfort. This traditional Vietnamese dish showcases a fragrant broth, rice noodles, a protein of your choice, and an array of toppings like green onions, sliced onions, basil, and lime. With its hearty and fresh flavors combined in a single bowl, it’s no surprise that pho has captured a place in the American culinary landscape. It has even made its way to the shelves of Trader Joe's. While the grocery chain has successfully introduced other Asian dishes, such as their frozen Kimbap and Gyoza dumplings, this particular offering may not be worth your time.
According to the food blog "What's Good at Trader Joe's?", the pho is characterized as "bland." It does carry a subtle hint of the fennel flavor that is typical of the dish, but the review echoed a common sentiment. Users on r/traderjoes largely concurred that the soup was flavorless and lacked the rich complexity that authentic pho possesses. Additionally, it misses the fresh toppings that elevate the dish. While you could enhance it with your own homemade toppings, that can only improve the flavor to a certain extent. Ultimately, you’re better off ordering from your favorite local pho restaurant.
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