Whole Foods/Trader Joe items you were disappointed in

elizat · Feb 22nd, 2008, 07:56 PM

I don't have a Trader Joe's near me, but I (don't laugh) read a site that reviews frozen and packaged foods. Odd, I know, but the reviews are funny and helpful, so you don't end up w/ a terrible lunch. Anyway, they review a bunch of TJ items. It is heateatreview.com and that might help some of you looking to avoid icky items.

rothjess · Feb 23rd, 2008, 12:27 PM

Ok, so I can't say my expectations were high, but I really didn't like their cook in a bag in the microwave brown rice (similar to the uncle ben's type thing). Way too starchy and something was just off.

IntlSet · Feb 23rd, 2008, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rothjess

Ok, so I can't say my expectations were high, but I really didn't like their cook in a bag in the microwave brown rice (similar to the uncle ben's type thing). Way too starchy and something was just off.

Funny! I actually really like both the brown and jasmine microwave rice.

rothjess · Feb 24th, 2008, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IntlSet

Funny! I actually really like both the brown and jasmine microwave rice.

I haven't tried the jasmine rice. Maybe I got bad bag or something

Mine was very gluey and starchy. Is that not the norm? I'd love to find decent fast rice for the weekdays.

IntlSet · Feb 24th, 2008, 07:23 PM

^^^
Hmm, I can't imagine why it turned out that way! Maybe try cutting a larger than recommended slit in the bag. That way more steam escapes, and the rice will be less moist -- and therefore, hopefully less gluey/starchy.

Try the jasmine rice, too!

ck21 · Feb 24th, 2008, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IntlSet

Funny! I actually really like both the brown and jasmine microwave rice.

Me too!! Those are staple items for me--I bought 4 or 5 packages this morning. The fried rice was also excellent, but is discontinued until they can find a non-China supplier.

What I like about the brown rice is that sometimes I don't even heat it in the pouch. I open the bag, pour some in a tupperware bowl and add leftovers, like chinese food or something. Then, I heat it all up at work without ever having to mess with making rice!

USCgerl · Feb 24th, 2008, 10:24 PM

^^
That's a GREAT idea, thanks for the tip!

jchiara · Feb 25th, 2008, 12:39 AM

Their frozen Cheese Enchiladas weren't too tasty.....and I had some Rice Bowls that weren't too good.....hmmm.....I'm so used to being so happy with most of what I buy - I've gotten lucky. On a percentage scale, 98% of what I buy I like, 2% is kinda yuck.
I'm scared to try my new Uncle Sam cereal......

guccimamma · Feb 25th, 2008, 05:23 PM

we love the brown rice, but lately i can't find it in the packets...only in the bowls, and i like the consistency of the packets better.

mello_yello_jen · Feb 26th, 2008, 02:47 AM

Trader Joe's Lightly Breaded Calamari Ring

the squid is yummy but it has way too much flour

snforstuff · Feb 27th, 2008, 12:58 AM

trader joe's frozen chicken taquitoes... very processed tasting.

ally24k · Feb 27th, 2008, 09:27 PM

^^ i just bought the frozen chicken taquitos - haven't tried it though.

They only thing I didn't like at TJs were pre-marinated kalbi - korean styled beef rib eye. It was weirdly marinated plus it was bulgogi instead! I didn't bother bringing it back though. I already ate half of it and it and didn't know where the receipt was.

VivaNYC · Feb 28th, 2008, 03:29 AM

Was disappointed with TJ's burritos, frozen, pre-made. DH said it was similar to the ones you get from 7-11, and he emphasized that it's not at all a compliment.

ck21 · Feb 28th, 2008, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snforstuff

trader joe's frozen chicken taquitoes... very processed tasting.

I've had those as in-store samples and enjoyed them. Maybe it was because I was hungry!!

elizabethk · Feb 28th, 2008, 09:44 PM

Freeze dried Mangosteen..it was so bad I asked for a refund!

Feb 22nd, 2008, 07:56 PM	#31
elizat Member	Re: Whole Foods/Trader Joe items you were disappointed in I don't have a Trader Joe's near me, but I (don't laugh) read a site that reviews frozen and packaged foods. Odd, I know, but the reviews are funny and helpful, so you don't end up w/ a terrible lunch. Anyway, they review a bunch of TJ items. It is heateatreview.com and that might help some of you looking to avoid icky items.

Feb 23rd, 2008, 12:27 PM	#32
rothjess ... Location: DC Metro Area	Re: Whole Foods/Trader Joe items you were disappointed in Ok, so I can't say my expectations were high, but I really didn't like their cook in a bag in the microwave brown rice (similar to the uncle ben's type thing). Way too starchy and something was just off.

Feb 24th, 2008, 07:23 PM	#35
IntlSet Bonjour! Location: Chicago	Re: Whole Foods/Trader Joe items you were disappointed in ^^^ Hmm, I can't imagine why it turned out that way! Maybe try cutting a larger than recommended slit in the bag. That way more steam escapes, and the rice will be less moist -- and therefore, hopefully less gluey/starchy. Try the jasmine rice, too! __________________ www.drinkmorechampagne.com

Feb 24th, 2008, 10:24 PM	#37
USCgerl Member Location: Southern California	Re: Whole Foods/Trader Joe items you were disappointed in ^^ That's a GREAT idea, thanks for the tip!

Feb 25th, 2008, 12:39 AM	#38
jchiara WHOO HOOOO!	Re: Whole Foods/Trader Joe items you were disappointed in Their frozen Cheese Enchiladas weren't too tasty.....and I had some Rice Bowls that weren't too good.....hmmm.....I'm so used to being so happy with most of what I buy - I've gotten lucky. On a percentage scale, 98% of what I buy I like, 2% is kinda yuck. I'm scared to try my new Uncle Sam cereal...... __________________ be thankful for all that you have.....

Feb 25th, 2008, 05:23 PM	#39
guccimamma guccimamma	Re: Whole Foods/Trader Joe items you were disappointed in we love the brown rice, but lately i can't find it in the packets...only in the bowls, and i like the consistency of the packets better.

Feb 26th, 2008, 02:47 AM	#40
mello_yello_jen Designated Shopaholic Location: nor.cal	Re: Whole Foods/Trader Joe items you were disappointed in Trader Joe's Lightly Breaded Calamari Ring the squid is yummy but it has way too much flour __________________ life is perfect.

Feb 27th, 2008, 12:58 AM	#41
snforstuff Member	Re: Whole Foods/Trader Joe items you were disappointed in trader joe's frozen chicken taquitoes... very processed tasting.

Feb 27th, 2008, 09:27 PM	#42
ally24k I.Heart.Bags Location: Suburbs of LA	Re: Whole Foods/Trader Joe items you were disappointed in ^^ i just bought the frozen chicken taquitos - haven't tried it though. They only thing I didn't like at TJs were pre-marinated kalbi - korean styled beef rib eye. It was weirdly marinated plus it was bulgogi instead! I didn't bother bringing it back though. I already ate half of it and it and didn't know where the receipt was. __________________ Check out my blog: http://citychic.blinkdagger.com

Feb 28th, 2008, 03:29 AM	#43
VivaNYC Member	Re: Whole Foods/Trader Joe items you were disappointed in Was disappointed with TJ's burritos, frozen, pre-made. DH said it was similar to the ones you get from 7-11, and he emphasized that it's not at all a compliment.

Feb 28th, 2008, 09:44 PM	#45
elizabethk Hermes Addict Location: USA	Re: Whole Foods/Trader Joe items you were disappointed in Freeze dried Mangosteen..it was so bad I asked for a refund! __________________ If you see this please PM Me!!! Mont Sainct Michel Scarf A La Gloire De La Cuisine Francaise Scarf