My personal flan reference point is far less sophisticated. I’ve had it from a couple of decent Mexican restaurants, sure, but my main benchmark is the flan from El Pollo Loco. Years ago, I used to grab that stuff regularly. It was cheap, it was decent, and it scratched the caramel custard itch. I haven’t had it in a long time, but that’s the nostalgia baseline I’m working from.
Enter Trader Joe’s Caramel Flan. And wow, this stuff is legit. Both Sonia and I immediately agreed this is among the best flan we’ve had. The texture is creamy and thick, not watery or overly jiggly. The caramel flavor is bold and forward with a rich sweetness. There’s also a subtle vanilla-esque undertone that rounds everything out nicely. It tastes balanced and surprisingly premium for a refrigerated grocery store dessert.
You get two cups for $3.49, which feels like a steal for this quality. We tried one the “proper” way: flipped upside down onto a plate. And the other we ate straight out of the cup. Flavor-wise, no difference, but presentation definitely changes things.
The plated version looks fancy, like you slaved away in the kitchen. The cup version? Way less messy. When you flip it, the caramel sauce slides everywhere like it’s trying to escape. I actually prefer eating it right from the cup where you've got maximum caramel control. Sonia says plating it looks nicer. She’s not wrong, but I might be lazy.
In the end, we’re both giving Trader Joe’s Caramel Flan eight and a half out of ten stars. Creamy, caramel-forward, affordable, and absolutely worth picking up. Would buy again. And until the beautiful wifey finally makes me some homemade flan, this might be my go-to.
In the end, we’re both giving Trader Joe’s Caramel Flan eight and a half out of ten stars. Creamy, caramel-forward, affordable, and absolutely worth picking up. Would buy again. And until the beautiful wifey finally makes me some homemade flan, this might be my go-to.
Bottom line: 8.5 out of 10.
You just brought back memories for me! I used to visit an old boyfriend often in Nicaragua. They had these two fast food chicken places. One was Tip Top, and the other was Pollo Campero. I haven't seen either in the US, but I think Pollo Campero may exist somewhere...TX? Miami? Anyways Pollo Campero had the best flan. Seriously. I just looked at their website, and here's the description: Our velvety flan is whisked to fluffy perfection, baked just right and drizzled with sweet, salted caramel. If the flan doesn’t wiggle just a little, we’re not with it.
ReplyDeleteI may need to pick up TJs jnew flan ust to see if I can relive enjoying that in Managua!
Yes, there was a Pollo Campero in Los Angeles when we lived there. Never tried it, though. I think my MIL had it once and liked it. We'll have to check it out on our next visit. Glad we could resurrect some pleasant memories for you!
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