Trader Joe's New Zealand Organic Sliced Cheddar Cheese

Trader Joe’s Organic New Zealand Cheddar Cheese is a stellar sliced cheese selection. Imported from New Zealand and made with milk from grass fed cows, this certified organic cheddar comes in at just $4.99 for 8 ounces, and it punches well above its price point.

Right away, the texture stands out. Sonia mentioned it reminded her of Havarti, and that’s spot on. It’s creamy, smooth, and almost velvety as it melts on your tongue. This isn’t a crumbly, dry cheddar. It’s soft and pliable, which makes it incredibly versatile. Flavor-wise, it lands right in that sweet spot between mild and sharp. Aged 3–6 months, Trader Joe’s calls it “subtly sharp,” and I’d agree. You get a gentle tang and savory depth without any aggressive bite. It’s approachable but still very interesting.

I vaguely remember Trader Joe’s offering a different New Zealand cheese years ago that we never tried and honestly, I’d heard some negative reviews of it. If this is the redemption arc, it’s a strong one. This cheese is excellent.

It’s great for simple snacking. I loved eating it plain or stacked on crackers. It also made a fantastic grilled cheese, melting beautifully into a smooth, creamy layer without getting super oily. But the real standout moment? We put it on bison burgers with arugula, brioche buns, and just a few dabs of ketchup and mustard. That combination was next level. The cheddar melted perfectly, adding a buttery richness that tied everything together without overpowering the burger.

For an organic imported cheese at this price, it’s hard to complain. It’s versatile, flavorful, and easy to love whether you’re snacking or cooking. I’m giving Trader Joe’s Organic Sliced New Zealand Cheddar Cheese nine out of ten stars. Sonia comes in just behind me at eight and a half out of ten. Either way, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

Bottom line: 8.75 out of 10.

Trader Joe's Thai Style Yellow Curry Potato Chips

If you’re cruising the snack aisle at Trader Joe's and spot the Thai Style Yellow Curry Potato Chips, do yourself a favor and grab a bag. At just three bucks, these aren’t some globetrotting import with a fancy backstory but honestly, they don’t need one.

Right out of the bag, the aroma hits you with that warm, savory yellow curry vibe. It's turmeric-forward, lightly spiced, and super inviting. The flavor absolutely delivers. It’s bold without being overwhelming, striking that sweet spot where you keep reaching for “just one more" until suddenly the bag is suspiciously empty.

Texture-wise, Trader Joe's Yellow Curry Potato Chips are a win. They’ve got that ideal crispy, crunchy bite. They're firm enough to feel satisfying, but not so hard that you’re worried about dental work. And here’s where things get nostalgic: if you grew up anywhere near the Chesapeake region, you might get some crab chip vibes. As someone who grew up in South Central Pennsylvania just an hour and a half north of the Bay, I can confirm that these feel like crab chips that took a flavorful vacation to Thailand and came back cooler.

We did try to get fancy. Sonia whipped up a dip with yogurt, Trader Joe's Crunchy Chili Onion, and a squeeze of lime. In theory? Amazing. In reality? Flavor overload. The chips already bring plenty of personality, and the dip just pushed things into chaotic territory. Maybe dialing back the chili onion would help—but we never got the chance to refine it because…yeah, we crushed the bag.

In the end, these chips shine brightest all on their own. Big flavor, great crunch, and dangerously snackable. Would absolutely buy again. Eight and a half stars a piece from Sonia and me for Trader Joe's Thai Style Yellow Curry Potato Chips.

Bottom line: 8.5 out of 10.

Trader Joe's Chicken Sausage Ravioli

Trader Joe's Chicken Sausage Ravioli is one of the latest additions to TJ's long line of pre-packaged, refrigerated ravioli products, and like many of the store’s other chilled pasta offerings, it promises a quick, convenient dinner for busy weeknights. At $4.49 for a 9 oz package, it’s priced right in line with the rest of the lineup.

This thin stuffed pasta comes filled with chicken sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, which sounds like a flavor powerhouse on paper. Unfortunately, the reality is a little more subdued.

The pasta itself is perfectly fine. It cooks quickly, the texture is tender without being mushy, and the thin sheets of pasta hold together nicely in the pot. If you’ve had Trader Joe’s other refrigerated ravioli varieties, the texture here will feel very familiar.

The bigger issue is the filling. Despite the promising ingredient list, the flavor is surprisingly mild—almost to the point of blandness. The filling is mostly a soft, white cheese mixture with only occasional small chunks of chicken sausage mixed in. Those bits do add a hint of savory flavor, but they’re sparse enough that the overall taste remains extremely subtle.

In fact, if you top this ravioli with a typical marinara sauce, the sauce tends to completely overshadow the filling. The pasta basically becomes a vehicle for whatever sauce you choose. Using just a light drizzle of olive oil lets a faint chicken sausage flavor come through, but even then it’s pretty delicate.

One thing that helped dramatically was adding Trader Joe's Aglio Olio Seasoning Blend. The garlic, herbs, and red chili pepper gave the ravioli a much needed flavor boost and turned a somewhat sleepy dish into something far more enjoyable.

To be clear, nothing about this ravioli is bad or offensive. It’s easy to cook, the pasta texture is good, and it works well as a base for sauces or seasonings. It’s just that the filling doesn’t deliver the bold flavor you might expect from chicken sausage and three cheeses.

If you’re looking for a mild, customizable ravioli you can dress up with sauce or seasoning, Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage Ravioli will do the job. Just don’t expect the filling itself to steal the show. Despite its meatless status, I greatly preferred the recently-reviewed Vegetable Ravioli to this selection.

Nathan's score: 6 out of 10.

Sonia's score: 7 out of 10.

Trader Joe's 2 Affogatos

If you love the taste of coffee, then Trader Joe’s 2 Affogatos might be right up your alley. If you’re like me and mostly view coffee as a delivery vehicle for cream and sugar…well, buckle up.

First things first: this is an import. But not the kind you might expect. When you think affogato, you probably picture an elegant Italian cafe with a tiny spoon and someone named Giuseppe dramatically pouring espresso over gelato. Instead, this product is imported from Thailand, which was a bit surprising. Not bad. Just unexpected. Kind of like if someone tried to sell you Pad Thai imported from Italy. No offense to Thailand. It just feels like we swapped passports somewhere along the way.

Preparation is pleasantly simple. Keep the cups frozen, then when dessert time rolls around, dump the little packet of instant coffee into the center of the frozen dessert and add hot water. That’s it. In about ten seconds you’ve got yourself a DIY affogato situation.

Flavor-wise? Trader Joe's 2 Affogatos absolutely taste like coffee. No ambiguity here. The vanilla non-dairy frozen dessert does a nice job softening the bitterness, creating a creamy, melty coffee float vibe. But the coffee flavor still comes through loud and clear. For hardcore coffee fans like Sonia, this is a win. She gave it seven and a half stars and would most likely buy this product again.

For me, though? I’m more coffee-neutral. I don’t hate it, but I don’t exactly crave it either. And because the coffee flavor dominates, the whole experience leans a bit too espresso-forward for my taste. I'm throwing out six and a half out of ten stars.

Another downside: the servings are tiny. At $4.49 for two small cups, the portion-to-price ratio feels a little stingy. That said, I appreciate the creativity and the vegan-friendly approach. The dessert itself is fully vegan, which is cool. I’m also curious how it would taste if you swapped the hot water for hot milk—or hot oat milk or coconut milk if you want to keep it plant-based. That might make the whole thing richer and more indulgent.

Trader Joe's 2 Affogatos Vanilla Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts are neat to try, great for coffee lovers, but probably not a repeat buy for me. Still, if Trader Joe’s ever releases a full dairy Italian-import affogato, I’m absolutely lining up to try that one.

Sonia's score: 7.5 out of 10.

Nathan's score: 6.5 out of 10.

Trader Joe's Spicy Alfredo Fusilloni Pasta

Trader Joe's loves to mash up flavors from different parts of the world and see what happens. Their Spicy Alfredo Fusilloni Pasta with gochujang sauce is a perfect example of that philosophy: a creamy Italian classic colliding with a bold Korean staple.

For $4.79 you get a full pound of pasta, and it’s not just any pasta. This is imported Italian fusilloni, which is essentially the big, burly cousin of standard fusilli. The spirals are noticeably larger, thicker, and sturdier, which turns out to be a great choice here because they hold onto the sauce beautifully. Each twist grabs onto that creamy, spicy coating, making every bite flavorful.

The sauce is where things get interesting. Traditional Alfredo provides the rich, creamy base, but it’s blended with gochujang, the fermented Korean chili paste that brings a subtle sweetness, a little tang, and a gentle heat. It’s an unusual combination on paper, but in practice it works surprisingly well. The result is creamy, savory, and slightly spicy without overwhelming the pasta.

Speaking of spice, don’t expect this to blow your head off. The heat level of Trader Joe's Spicy Alfredo Fusilloni Pasta lands somewhere around a three or four out of ten. It’s enough to let you know the gochujang is there, but it stays firmly in the “family friendly” zone. If you’re a spice lover, you may find yourself doing what Sonia did—adding an extra squirt of gochujang or two to kick things up a notch.

Flavor-wise, we both enjoyed it quite a bit. The pasta texture is excellent, the sauce is rich and well balanced, and the fusion concept actually delivers. That said, we do have one small gripe: we wish there were some vegetables mixed in. A little broccoli, spinach, or even peppers would help turn this into a more complete one-pan meal. Of course, you can easily add your own, but part of the appeal of products like this is convenience.

Still, it’s perfectly good on its own, and the flavors are satisfying enough to keep you coming back for another forkful. All things considered, Sonia and I give Trader Joe’s Spicy Alfredo Fusilloni Pasta a solid seven and a half out of ten stars. A fun fusion idea, tasty sauce, and excellent pasta. Just bring your own veggies and protein if you want to round it out.

Bottom line: 7.5 out of 10.

Trader Joe's Organic Double Chocolate Batard

Listen, I know what you’re thinking. "Chocolate bread? Isn’t that just cake for people who are lying to themselves about their health goals?" Usually, you’d be right. But Trader Joe’s has imported a little slice of Parisian rebellion called the Double Chocolate Batard, and frankly, it’s making the rest of the bakery aisle look like a bunch of amateurs.

For a mere $4.99, you get a decent size loaf that feels like it was hand-delivered by a guy on a Vespa who definitely judges your pronunciation. It looks artisanal, it feels uniquely French, and it demands just 12 minutes of your time at 350 degrees to reach its final, glorious form.

Once it emerges from the oven, you’re looking at a texture that is unapologetically bready. This isn’t a moist sponge or a crumbly cookie. It’s a dense, yeasty, philosophically-stimulating kind of bread. The outside develops that perfect, slight crust that shatters just enough to be satisfying, while the inside remains soft and substantial.

The flavor is the real shocker, though. It’s surprisingly restrained. I’m usually the first person to complain that dark chocolate tastes like expensive dirt, but in this context, it’s the only logical choice. It isn't super bitter, but it definitely isn't cloyingly sweet. It’s chocolate for grown-ups who still want something fun and novel for breakfast.

Sonia and I both went into this with a healthy dose of skepticism, but we were quickly won over by the taste and texture of this unique baked good. It occupies a weird, wonderful space in the culinary world that isn't a muffin, a cookie, or a croissant. It’s just itself. It’s phenomenal for breakfast alongside a strong cup of coffee, and while you could get fancy with some sliced strawberries or a dollop of mascarpone, let’s be real: it's best served toasty and warm with a thick slab of butter melting into every dark crevice.

The beautiful wifey and I were so impressed that we both officially clocked it at eight and a half stars. If you’ve got five bucks and a dream of French indulgence without the jet lag, go find this batard. Although I must leave you with the following warning: try to eat as much of it as you can straight out of the oven. The bread isn't nearly as good when heated a second time. It gets stale pretty quickly once it's out of the bag.

Bottom line: 8.5 out of 10.

Trader Joe's Organic Sweet Cream Creamer

If your morning coffee routine could use a little glow-up, Trader Joe's Organic Sweet Cream Creamer might be the easiest upgrade in the dairy aisle. The ingredients list is refreshingly short and every ingredient is organic. In a category where many creamers lean heavily on additives and mystery stabilizers, this one keeps things simple and classic. Even better, it costs $2.99 for a pint, which is a pleasant surprise when you consider big name competitors like Chobani and Nestle often charge more despite not being certified organic.

But price and ingredients only matter if the taste delivers. Fortunately, it does.

According to Sonia, the primary creamer consumer in our household, this stuff hits the sweet spot between rich and sweet without going over the top. It blends smoothly into hot coffee and adds a velvety texture that feels a little indulgent without tipping into dessert territory. The sweetness level is just right. Sonia reported that once she added this creamer, she didn’t need any additional sugar at all. That’s a small victory for both convenience and calorie counting.

The flavor is simple but satisfying—classic sweet cream. No artificial aftertaste, no chalky texture, just smooth dairy richness that rounds out a cup of coffee nicely. The beautiful wifey didn’t stop at coffee, either. A splash occasionally made its way into her morning oatmeal, where it added the same creamy sweetness and made breakfast feel slightly more luxurious.

As for me? I barely got a taste. Sonia moved through the pint with impressive efficiency, which might be the most convincing endorsement of all. Her one request for Trader Joe’s: expand the lineup. A few other flavor options would be very welcome. Until then, this sweet cream version is doing its job extremely well. I'll let the wifey score this one solo. She gives it nine out of ten stars.

Bottom line: 9 out of 10.

Trader Joe's Buffalo Style Chicken Meatballs

Right out of the gate, the flavor of Trader Joe's Buffalo Chicken Meatballs hits that familiar buffalo sauce profile: tangy and a little garlicky with a gentle cayenne kick. The heat level is pleasantly restrained, landing somewhere around a three or four out of ten, which makes these approachable even for folks who don’t normally chase spicy foods. I’m actually on record saying buffalo flavor isn’t usually my thing, but these meatballs are genuinely tasty.

Texture is another big win here. The meatballs are tender without being mushy and hold together nicely whether you heat them in the air fryer. They’ve got that satisfying bite that makes them feel hearty rather than processed. Bonus points: they’re gluten free, which makes them a convenient option for anyone avoiding wheat.

One interesting twist is the Monterey Jack cheese mixed into the meatballs. It’s not intrusive or overly cheesy, but it quietly does its job by mellowing the sharp edges of the buffalo seasoning. The result is a balanced flavor that keeps the buffalo vibe intact while smoothing out the heat and acidity.

We kept things simple this time around and served them low-carb appetizer style with celery sticks and ranch dressing—basically buffalo wings without the bones. Honestly, they capture that same classic flavor combo but might actually be easier to eat.

While they’re great on their own, these meatballs feel like they’re begging to be used in other dishes. They would absolutely shine in a toasted sub, sliced into a buffalo chicken salad, or tossed over a rice bowl with veggies and maybe a drizzle of ranch...or even blue cheese if that's your thing.

Compared to Trader Joe’s Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs, we like these at least as much. The teriyaki version is delicious but definitely on the sweeter side, while the buffalo meatballs feel more versatile and adaptable to different meals. If you like buffalo flavor, even casually, these are an easy pickup and a fun twist on the classic wing experience.

Sonia gives Trader Joe's Buffalo Chicken Meatballs eight and a half out of ten stars, while I’m right behind her at eight out of ten.

Bottom line: 8.25 out of 10.