Am I the only one that does a happy dance whenever I see something new at Trader Joe’s? If I am, so be it. I get really excited about new things at my local Trader Joe’s, except when the new thing is switching up aisles and where things are. I mean who needs that type of negativity? Anyway, I’m so happy that the shelves are not only looking less bare (mostly) but they’re also filling up with some exciting new things to try. Here are 5 new things I’ve tried and what I thought of them. Keep in mind they might just be new to me or not yet available at your local Trader Joe’s.
We’re REALLY big on Alfredo sauce in this house. When I saw this on the shelf, I immediately wanted to try. I shared my journey with Hello Fresh, and how it has expanded by taste buds and cooking skills and adding lemon to pasta has been a game changer. However, when I saw this, I hesitated. Would it be too lemony? I know my 6-year-old LOVES Alfredo sauce but I wasn’t sure if she’d like this new take. I followed the directions and added it to some pasta. I’m happy to report that it has a subtle lemon taste that pairs perfectly with the traditional alfredo we all know and love. It was a hit!
In my house, we all love tomato soup. And recently we’ve really gotten into dumplings. So, when I saw this while shopping, I knew I had to try it. Prep was super easy–just heat and serve. I was really excited about this one because I’ve rarely had a tomato soup I didn’t like. However, this wasn’t at all how I thought it would be. It was creamy but more on the savory side. I must admit, I tend to enjoy a sweeter tomato soup. This soup had a lot of spices and they didn’t seem to pair very well. The dumplings were also nothing to write home about. Sorry, but this one wasn’t a winner.
Tres Leches has been a favorite dessert of mine for many, many years. I have made it occasionally but usually purchase it at my local bakery. When I saw this in the freezer section at Trader Joe’s, I wasn’t quite sure what to think. The directions were to allow the cake to defrost at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. But I was skeptical that frozen Tres Leches could be any good. I let the cake defrost overnight in the fridge. It already had whipped cream and so I only topped mine with blueberries. I have to say, I was shocked at how easy it was and yet it tasted really good. Was it perfect? No. I still prefer homemade or the one from my local bakery but this one was really close and I would definitely buy again. It was moist, but not soggy. It was also just sweet enough.
I am obsessed with jalapeños and for years I’ve searched the aisles at Trader Joe’s for some pickled jalapeños. My local TJ’s always has fresh ones on hand, but this was the first time I saw a jar of pickled jalapeños. Normally I go for hot jalapeños. So, I wasn’t sure if I’d like this sweet and spicey version. However, ever since I open this jar, I have been putting it on everything! I’ve added these to nachos, loaded fries, sandwiches, and anything else I can think of. These are so addictive!
Truffles have taken over the world–or at least in my house. Truffle pasta and fries are well-loved in my household. In fact, I often joked with my husband that we could put truffle oil on just about anything and our daughter might try it. And it was as if the universe collectively came together and manifested the perfect sauce just so I could try my theory out. When I spotted this during a shopping trip, I knew I had to buy it. However, I was a little wary. Although I knew we all loved truffle oil and sauces, I wasn’t sure how we’d like an aioli version of it. But, I’m happy to report I no longer need to bribe with candy or toys, I just add a little of this sauce to almost anything and my daughter will at least try it. This sauce is really thick and rich, so a little goes a long way. The intense flavor can be a lot if you’re not into truffle, but we love it.
See something new at Trader Joe’s that you’d like us to try first? Comment below!
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