12 Trader Joe’s Frozen Dumplings, Ranked (From Total Flops to Fan Favorites)

 

Based on aggregated reviews from various online sources and tasting publications, here’s a curated ranking of 12 popular Trader Joe’s frozen dumpling varieties.

Rankings reflect consistent praise or criticism across multiple reviewers—for example, the Steamed Vegetable Soup Dumplings often receive lower marks, while the Pork Gyoza Potstickers are frequent favorites.

Prices are approximate as of 2025 and may vary by location (generally $3–$5 per package)

12. Steamed Vegetable Soup Dumplings – $3.49/6 Oz

• Summary: A vegan option with cabbage, carrots, spinach, shiitake mushrooms, and ginger filling in thin wrappers, microwavable in their packaging for easy prep.
• Taste Test: Filling often described as gummy, bitter, and grassy like overcooked greens; broth is salty but the overall flavor is unappetizing and mushy, with a weird dark green hue.
• Takeaway: Universally ranked as the worst across reviews; skip unless you’re desperate for a veggie soup dumpling—better options exist even in the vegan category.

11. Vegetable Dumplings – $3.99/10.58 Oz

• Summary: Vegan dumplings with shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, chives, and bamboo shoots in floral-shaped, semi-translucent wrappers; can be steamed or microwaved.
• Taste Test: Minimal filling that’s bland and tasteless, with rubbery, chewy texture dominating; some note a grassy or mushy quality, especially in newer teal-packaged versions.
• Takeaway: Recent reviews highlight it as a flop despite visual appeal; only redeemable cold or in soups, but consensus agrees it’s forgettable—opt for Thai versions instead.

10. Chicken Shu Mai – $3.99/11 Oz

• Summary: Smaller open-top dumplings with chicken, green onions, carrots, garlic, and sesame oil; comes with a soy-based dipping sauce.
• Taste Test: Lacks notable flavor, with some reviewers experiencing an itchy tongue sensation; texture is soft but unremarkable, improved slightly by sauce.
• Takeaway: Hit-or-miss, often ranked low due to blandness; pork version is preferred—avoid if sensitive to ingredients or seeking bold taste.

9. Pork Shu Mai – $3.99/9 Oz

• Summary: Larger open-top dumplings with pork, onions, and garlic; no sauce included, but soft and tender throughout.
• Taste Test: Savory with clear onion and garlic notes, but overly soft without textural contrast; juicy yet lacking salt and bounciness compared to expectations.
• Takeaway: Better than chicken but still disappointing for shu mai fans; quick to eat but flavorless on its own—enhance with your own sauce.

8. Thai Shrimp Gyoza – $4.79/16 Oz

• Summary: Shrimp-infused gyoza with chives, onions, ginger, sesame oil, and vegetables; pre-browned wrappers for crispiness when pan-fried.
• Taste Test: Subtle seafood flavor with chewy shrimp and crisp veggies, but shrimp is hard to detect and filling is scant; green onion-forward but overall bland.
• Takeaway: Decent for seafood lovers but doesn’t stand out; veggie version often preferred—good as a lighter option, but not worth the hype in mixed reviews.

7. Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons – $3.49/12 Oz

• Summary: Bite-sized wontons with chicken, cilantro, and ginger; ideal for soups or quick snacks.
• Taste Test: Meaty with muted cilantro and ginger notes; small size packs flavor but can taste lackluster without broth or add-ons like miso.
• Takeaway: Cute and convenient for weeknight ramen hacks, but polarizing due to cilantro—solid mid-tier if you like mini formats, otherwise meh.

6. Thai Vegetable Gyoza – $4.79/16 Oz

• Summary: Vegan gyoza with carrots, green onions, ginger, and sesame oil; pan-fry then steam for best results.
• Taste Test: Bright, clean, and savory with vibrant veggie flecks; some find it mushy or forgettable, but others praise the umami and freshness.
• Takeaway: A long-time staple for vegans, surprisingly satisfying even for meat-eaters; price hike noted, but consensus loves it as a healthy go-to with dips.

5. Chicken Gyoza Potstickers – $3.99/16 Oz

• Summary: Crescent-shaped with dark meat chicken, cabbage, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil; 16-oz package for value.
• Taste Test: Rich, fatty, and bouncy with mellow flavor; not super punchy alone but elevates with sauce—crispy edges when pan-fried.
• Takeaway: Reliable mid-high option for chicken fans; comforting and bargain-priced, but pork version edges it out—great for winter meals.

4. Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings – $3.49/6 Oz

• Summary: Soup-filled with chicken broth and ginger; easy microwave prep in packaging.
• Taste Test: Juicy with light, salty broth and subtle ginger; wrapper can be rubbery or thick, but overall passable—improved with chili oil or add-ons.
• Takeaway: Best of the soup dumplings for some, especially when sick; subtle base needs enhancements, but far better than veggie—good beginner pick.

3. Shrimp Shu Mai – $3.99/11 Oz

• Summary: Open-top with shrimp and veggies; similar to pork but seafood-focused.
• Taste Test: Okay to flavorful, with bouncy texture and dim sum vibes; not overly detailed in reviews but praised in dim sum contexts.
• Takeaway: Solid mid-to-high for shrimp lovers; consensus calls it “bomb” in some threads—pairs well as part of a variety platter.

2. Pork Gyoza Potstickers – $3.99

• Summary: Classic pork-filled with cabbage and onion; thin wrappers for pan-frying or soups.
• Taste Test: Juicy, salty, and umami-rich with cohesive texture; gingery and sweet-savory balance—restaurant-like when crisped.
• Takeaway: Explosively flavorful and best value; top pick for savory cravings, enjoyable plain or sauced—beats many competitors.

1. Steamed Pork and Ginger Soup Dumplings – $3.49/6 Oz

• Summary: Soup-filled with pork, ginger, and broth; minimal soup but strong flavor profile.
• Taste Test: Fatty, juicy pork with warming ginger heat; salty and complex broth—comforting despite less liquid than expected.
• Takeaway: Insanely good for the price, a freezer staple for nausea or quick meals; highest consensus praise—add chili crunch for perfection.