Trader Joe’s Salsa Taquera is priced at $2.49 for a 12 oz glass jar, which is consistent with the rest of their shelf-stable salsa lineup. The packaging matches their Salsa Verde and Salsa Autentica, making it easy to spot and clearly positioning it as part of the same family.
In terms of flavor, this salsa is well balanced and thoughtfully composed. It features tomato, tomatillo, onion, garlic, habanero, jalapeño, and cilantro, along with a subtle touch of mango. None of the ingredients dominate the flavor profile completely, instead they work together to create an essence that's tangy, slightly smoky, and lightly sweet. The mango is restrained and adds depth rather than sweetness, which keeps the salsa firmly in savory territory.
The heat level is moderate. It is spicier than Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde and roughly on par with their Salsa Autentica, providing noticeable warmth without becoming overwhelming. This makes it versatile enough for regular use without limiting it to spice enthusiasts, even if Sonia and I would prefer something a little hotter. Visually, the salsa has a pleasant orange color that looks fresh and appetizing.
Salsa Taquera pairs especially well with chicken or beef tacos, as well as taquitos, where its acidity and spice cut through richer flavors. It would also go quite well with fish or shrimp.
Although the name suggests a traditional Mexican origin or at least inspiration, this salsa is not a product of Mexico, so I assume it's produced in the good old U. S. of A. That said, the quality and flavor profile hold up very well even for Sonia the salsa aficionado...er, aficionada..?
Overall, Trader Joe’s Salsa Taquera is a solid, well-executed condiment at an affordable price. It delivers good flavor, balanced heat, and versatility. Would buy again. Eight and a half out of ten stars from both Sonia and me.
Look, I don’t know who at Trader Joe’s decided to start moonlighting as a high-end pastry chef, but they deserve a raise, or at least a very firm handshake. For a mere five bucks, you get a 12 oz resealable bag of Homestyle Cherry Pistachio Pecan Granola that tastes suspiciously like it belongs in a zip code I can’t afford to live in.
Apparently, this stuff is modeled after the legendary granola served at Eleven Madison Park in NYC. You know, the kind of place where the water costs more than my car insurance. But instead of a $400 tasting menu, you’re eating this over a chipped bowl while wearing pajamas with holes in them. Pure luxury.
The first thing you’ll notice? The scale of the "bits" in Trader Joe's Homestyle Cherry Pistachio Pecan Granola. The cherries: not some sad, shriveled raisins-in-disguise. These are massive, succulent dried cherries that actually taste like fruit. The nuts: they didn't skimp. Pistachios and pecans are everywhere, providing a crunch that feels expensive. The coconut: there are oddly large slivers of coconut in here. I’m talking "could be used as a structural shim" large. It’s bold, it’s brave, and I’m into it.
The sweetness comes from maple syrup and brown sugar, which gives it a sophisticated depth rather than a sugar-rush-at-a-five-year-old's-birthday vibe. Plus, they used extra virgin olive oil instead of the usual industrial-grade canola oil. It makes the whole thing feel artisanal and posh.
The one catch? The texture is generally crunchy, pleasant, and nearly perfect, but keep your dentist on speed dial. Sonia found a cherry pit lurking inside one of those giant dried fruit pieces. It’s like a delicious game of Russian Roulette. Is it a snack? Is it a dental emergency? Only the first bite will tell.
Despite the potential for a broken molar, we're obsessed. This might actually be the best granola either of us has ever had. We'd love to try the real deal at Eleven Madison Park on our next visit to the Big Apple. I went with eight and a half stars in the video review, but now that I think about it, it's definitely Pantheon-worthy. Nine out of ten from me for Trader Joe's Homestyle Cherry Pistachio Pecan Granola. The beautiful wifey will throw out nine out of ten as well.
