A Review of Ten Trader Joe's Products

Trader Joe's used to be a relatively obscure health foods and gourmet foods store that most cities thought a local institution. Trader Joe's is now much more mainstream, and you won't just find eco-friendlies and vegetarians at the store anymore. From busy professionals to health- and trend-conscious college students, you'll find a diverse crowd at your local Trader Joe's.

Part of the fun of Trader Joe's is discovering and trying new (and new to you) items. I've tried ten Trader Joe's items, and here's what I think.

Trader Joe's Marinated Fish Tacos - You'll find these in the freezer section. Four tacos with a cilantro salsa and crumbled cheese on top. I don't even like fish or tacos, but I ate these all with relish. Not with pickle relish; you know what I mean. They're baked in the oven in the tray they're packaged in, but just to warn you: while the edges become crispy, the centers and undersides won't, so you'll probably be eating them on a plate with a fork and knife. Still worth it.

Trader Joe's White Clam Sauce - once upon a time, there was a Trader Joe's White Clam Sauce, found in the canned section with the tuna and other canned fish. It was amazing: briny, oily broth, large chunks of clams, perfectly seasoned, and completely addictive. Then one day, it was gone. Discontinued. So when I found a glass jar of white clam sauce on an endcap at Trader Joe's, I dared to hope it was back. It was not. This clam sauce is creamier, but completely lacking in flavor. Also, the clams are lesser in size and quantity. Skip it.

Trader Joe's Blueberries & Cream/Vanilla & Cream Yogurt Cups - Unless you have kids, you've probably passed these by. This six-pack of 4 ounce yogurt cups is geared toward the taking-a-lunch-to-school crowd, but the flavor is fantastic enough for consumption by adults. Full-flavored and creamy, they're tiny little desserts. The vanilla and cream flavor is my favorite-it reminds me of creme brulee.

Trader Joe's Chicken Noodle Soup - This is not the Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup you're used to. This one is heavily spiced but less salty, and a little jarring to those expecting more traditional canned chicken soup. It takes some getting used to, but isn't all bad.

Trader Joe's Corn Chowder - It comes in a kettle-shaped can, so you can't miss it. It's good enough, if a little light in the salt, but it's really good when you throw in some extra ingredients like sliced carrots and chunks of potatoes. Then you have a hearty meal that feels homemade (even if it isn't).

Trader Giotto's Pizza Formaggio - This pizza, found in the frozen section, will ruin you for all other frozen pizzas. Toss it in the oven, and this thin-crust pie will be ready in record time. You'll never be able to tell it's a frozen pizza. Forget DiGiorno: this one really does taste like delivery.

Double Rainbow Low-Fat Blueberry Ice Cream - This ice cream sure does taste like blueberry, which is good, but it's also almost unbearably sweet, which is not so good. The sweet cream flavor is just overpowering. It's the only time my kids haven't finished their dessert.

Trader Joe's Cinnamon Raisin Bread - You've probably had cinnamon raisin bread before, and sure, it's generally good. But this stuff transcends that Sunmaid stuff you've probably eaten before. Thick sliced, moist, and with generous amounts of raisins, each piece is pretty much dessert. If you're feeling decadent, try using this bread for French toast. It's unbelievably good. One loaf of this lasts less than 48 hours in my house.

Trader Joe's Greek Yogurt, Strawberry Flavor - I admit it: I don't really like Greek yogurt. At least not in the traditional flavors: plain, honey, etc. But the Trader Joe's Strawberry Greek Yogurt is something to write home about. Thick, creamy, not overly sweet, it combines the best of Greek yogurt (the texture) with the best of regular commercial yogurts (the flavor). I've been meaning to try the Mango flavor, too. I have high hopes.

Trader Joe's Wasabi Tamari Almonds - If you're a fan of wasabi or horseradish, you'll love these. Not quite as spicy, perhaps, as the Blue Diamond brand, but definitely with a little bite. Great source of protein, too. Bonus: spicy enough that my boss doesn't dip into them.

Remember: I only test these items so you don't have to. You're welcome.