We had high hopes, but then reality set in.
Whether youre serving only store-bought apps or mixing and matching withhomemade bites, frozen appetizers can be clutch.
But, how would TJs appetizers stack up?
Photo:Trader Joe’s
Five of us tasted theappetizers, along with products from other brands.
We didnt know which nibbles were from Trader Joes; it was truly a blind tasting.
As we sampled, we individually made notes on each app’s taste, texture, and appearance.
PHOTO: Trader Joe’s
Without further ado, here are the results, ranked from our most favorite to our least.
The pastry was tender, buttery, and flaky.
One tester said, I love how the Parm on the outside is almost like frico.
PHOTO: Trader Joe’s
Tasters also praised the juicy, flavorful hot dog.
One weirdo (me) didnt love the flavor of the cheese.
But, everyone else did, so invite these to your next get-together without a second of hesitation.
PHOTO: Trader Joe’s
Tasters appreciated the rolls golden color and relatively crisp exterior.
The wrap had an appealing chewy texture and crunchy bite.
We enjoyed the flavor, although one tester noted it was on the less pleasant, sweet side.
PHOTO: Trader Joe’s
The only other negative note was that the wrapper felt a little greasy.
These are solid, if not standouts.
But, nothings stopping you from slicing a full-sizedquicheinto thin slivers to serve as an hors doeuvres.
PHOTO: Trader Joe’s
In fact, thats pretty chic!
Size aside, reviews were mixed.
), with its golden top and flaky crust.
Mixed Mushroom and Spinach Quiche
(A compliment, I think?)
Others were even less positive, calling the filling watery and underwhelming and slightly artificial tasting.
The filling, which includes potatoes, lentils, carrots, andpeaswas under-seasoned.
PHOTO: Trader Joe’s
One taster surmised that there were more peas thanpotatoes, leading to an overly earthy flavor.
The takeaway: while we didnt hate them, we wouldnt necessarily serve them to our friends and family.
Or, after reading this review, maybe you wouldnt.
Lets start with the positive reactions.
One taster noted the spinach pies crispy brown edges approvingly; another called the filling tasty and juicy.
Overall, our tasters liked the look of this vegetarianquiche.
The rest of the reviews were middling to poor.
Two tasters called the filling watery, while a third said it was very wet.
Potato Pancakes
Finally, theselatkeswere our least favorite of the Trader Joes frozen appetizers we tried.
We had high hopes before tasting because we appreciated their appearance.
Theyre a perfect size for an appetizer, perhaps topped with sour cream and applesauce.
They were thin and misshapen, but in a good, homey way.
The exterior was also nicely golden and crisp-ish.
Unfortunately, the interior did not live up to expectations.
One taster noted that it was very onion-y and a little harsh-tasting.
Another said the insides were squishy and slightly bitter.
A third complained of a bad aftertaste.
Rating:3.6/10, 0 out of 5 would serve at a party
