Trader Joe’s is packed with fan favorites—but some of the best items fly completely under the radar.
I dug through community buzz and did my own taste tests to uncover the underrated finds actually worth your money. These are the low-key staples you’ll wish you grabbed sooner.
1. The Ultimate Flavor Cheat Code: Frozen Garlic & Ginger Cubes
If you aren’t using these, you’re working too hard in the kitchen. I’ve officially retired my garlic press because these flash-frozen cubes provide that fresh-crushed punch without the sticky hands or the “jarred” vinegar aftertaste.
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Price: $2.49
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Taste Test: It tastes remarkably close to fresh-minced. There is zero of that weird acidic bite you get from the shelf-stable jars; just pure, aromatic garlic and ginger.
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Texture Summary: They are smooth, crushed pastes that melt instantly into whatever you’re cooking.
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Make It Better: Use two garlic cubes with a pat of melted butter and spread on TJ’s Everything Ciabatta Rolls for a 5-minute “hassle-free” garlic bread that tastes gourmet.
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Perfect Pairings: Throw both cubes into a broth for TJ’s Gyoza or use the ginger specifically to brighten up a morning hot tea.
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Final Verdict: Buy. It’s the #1 most underrated prep item in the store.
2. Better Than a Steakhouse: Caramelized Onion Dip
Forget the powdered onion mixes of your childhood. This refrigerated gem is packed with real, slow-cooked onions that give it a sophisticated, savory-sweet profile that the community is currently obsessed with.
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Price: $3.99
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Taste Test: It’s rich and deeply savory with a distinct sweetness from the caramelized onions. Some fans find it almost too sweet, so a little goes a long way.
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Texture Summary: Thick, creamy, and slightly chunky from the real onion bits.
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Make It Better: Reddit users swear by using this as a “burger sauce” or stirring a dollop into TJ’s boxed Mac and Cheese to elevate it to a $15 side dish.
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Perfect Pairings: The Elote Seasoned Corn Chips are the standard, but it’s also incredible on a bagel with smoked salmon.
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Final Verdict: Buy. Buy two tubs, because one will vanish before you even get the groceries put away.
3. The Blue Cheese Sleeper Hit: Gorgonzola Gnocchi
While everyone is fighting over the Cauliflower Gnocchi, the real ones know this frozen bag is the superior meal. It comes with frozen “sauce pellets” that melt into a velvety blue cheese dream.
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Price: $3.49
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Taste Test: Bold but balanced. If you like blue cheese, this is heaven. If you’re on the fence, the creaminess of the sauce mellows out the “funk.”
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Texture Summary: Pillowy and soft, but they can get gummy if you microwave them.
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Make It Better: Do not follow the bag instructions—separate the gnocchi from the sauce pellets, sear the gnocchi in butter until golden, then add the sauce back in. Add a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar to cut the richness.
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Perfect Pairings: Mix in fresh spinach or frozen peas at the very end to “brighten” the dish.
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Final Verdict: Buy. It’s the easiest 10-minute dinner you’ll ever make.
4. Dairy-Free Magic: Coconut Whipped Cream
For my vegan and dairy-free fans, this is the holy grail. Unlike other alternatives that deflate instantly, this stuff actually holds its “peak” and has a shockingly clean finish.
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Price: $3.49
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Taste Test: Lightly sweet with a subtle coconut flavor that doesn’t overpower your coffee or dessert.
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Texture Summary: Luscious and fluffy. It feels more substantial than traditional canned whipped cream.
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Make It Better: If you’re using the canned version (not the spray), make sure to refrigerate the can overnight so the cream separates perfectly from the liquid.
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Perfect Pairings: A must-have for the frozen Apple Blossoms or a bowl of fresh berries.
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Final Verdict: Buy. Keep it in the back of the fridge for emergency dessert cravings.
5. The Italian Pantry Essential: Aglio Olio Seasoning
This isn’t just “another spice blend.” It’s a concentrated hit of garlic, chili flakes, and parsley that mimics the classic “garlic and oil” pasta profile without the prep work.
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Price: $2.49
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Taste Test: Savory, garlicky, and has a manageable “slow-burn” heat from the red pepper flakes.
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Texture Summary: A dry, flaky herb blend that rehydrates beautifully in oil.
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Make It Better: Rehydrate it in high-quality olive oil for 5 minutes before tossing with pasta; it “unlocks” the essential oils in the dried garlic.
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Perfect Pairings: Sprinkle it over scrambled eggs or use it as a dry rub for air-fried shrimp.
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Final Verdict: Buy. It will replace your standard Italian seasoning within a week.
6. The Middle Eastern Fire: Zhoug Sauce
This spicy cilantro-based sauce is known as “Middle Eastern Pesto,” and it is the boldest thing in the refrigerated section. It’s vibrant, green, and unapologetically spicy.
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Price: $3.99
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Taste Test: An herb explosion followed by a serious jalapeño kick. You’ll taste cumin and cardamom in the background.
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Texture Summary: Pesto-like consistency—oily, herby, and slightly chunky.
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Make It Better: If the heat is too much, mix 1 part Zhoug with 3 parts TJ’s Garlic Spread (Toom) or Hummus to create a creamy, “safe-for-everyone” dipping sauce.
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Perfect Pairings: Drizzle over grilled chicken skewers or use it as a dip for pita chips.
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Final Verdict: Buy. It’s the easiest way to make “boring” chicken taste like restaurant food.
7. The Butter Delivery System: English Crumpets
Most people walk right past these in the bread aisle, but they are missing out on the perfect breakfast texture. They are like a hybrid between a pancake and an English muffin.
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Price: $2.99
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Taste Test: Neutral and slightly yeasty, designed to be a canvas for toppings.
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Texture Summary: Spongy with a “holey” top that is specifically engineered to soak up liquid butter.
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Make It Better: You must toast these twice. You want the bottom to be crunchy and the top to be slightly browned; a limp crumpet is a sad crumpet.
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Perfect Pairings: Salted butter is mandatory. For a sweet twist, try a drizzle of honey; for savory, go with a slice of sharp cheddar.
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Final Verdict: Buy. They stay fresh in the fridge longer than standard bread.
8. The Viral Soup Secret: Lobster Bisque
Found in the refrigerated tubs, this soup has recently gone viral on TikTok and Reddit for being the “base” for high-end pasta dishes. On its own, it’s a decadent, rich treat.
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Price: $4.99
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Taste Test: Creamy, buttery, and remarkably “seafood-forward” for the price point.
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Texture Summary: Thick and velvety. It usually contains very small bits of lobster, so don’t expect giant chunks.
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Make It Better: Use it as a pasta sauce! Simmer it in a pan with some Argentinian Red Shrimp and toss with linguine for a “viral” 15-minute luxury dinner.
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Perfect Pairings: A toasted piece of TJ’s Challah or the frozen Brioche Toasts for dipping.
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Final Verdict: Buy. It’s the cheapest way to feel like you’re at a high-end bistro.
9. The Retro Sweet Treat: Dark Chocolate Orange Sticks
These are tucked away on the top shelf and look like something from your grandma’s candy jar, but the flavor profile is incredibly modern and addictive.
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Price: $3.99
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Taste Test: The dark chocolate is high-quality and bitter enough to balance the sweet, citrusy orange jelly center.
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Texture Summary: A firm “snap” of chocolate followed by a gummy, jelly chew.
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Make It Better: Freeze them. The community consensus is that these are 100% better eaten cold; it makes the jelly center more of a “bite” and less of a “chew.”
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Perfect Pairings: A glass of port or a strong cup of black coffee.
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Final Verdict: Buy. They are the perfect “one-and-done” dessert to satisfy a sweet tooth.
10. The Hiking Hero: Canned Dolmas
Stuffed grape leaves in a can? I was a skeptic too. But these are a community staple for a reason—they are shelf-stable, healthy, and shockingly authentic.
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Price: $2.99
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Taste Test: Tangy, herby, and bright. The rice is tender and soaked in high-quality soy oil and lemon.
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Texture Summary: Soft and moist. Warning: Batch consistency can vary; sometimes the leaves are a bit tough.
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Make It Better: Take them out of the can and give them a quick 30-second “steam” in the microwave to soften the rice, then hit them with fresh lemon juice.
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Perfect Pairings: A dollop of Greek yogurt or a side of the TJ’s Chimichurri sauce.
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Final Verdict: Buy. They are the ultimate “emergency” pantry snack or healthy hiking lunch.
11. The Everything Replacement: 21 Seasoning Salute
This is the “Swiss Army Knife” of my spice cabinet. Because it’s salt-free, you have total control over the seasoning level of your food.
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Price: $1.99
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Taste Test: A complex, herbal blend with a slight “peppery” kick. You’ll taste onion, garlic, and citrus notes.
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Texture Summary: A coarse grind that adds a nice visual “herb crust” to meats.
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Make It Better: Mix it into some Kefir or Greek yogurt with a pinch of salt to make a “healthy” Ranch dressing that actually tastes good.
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Perfect Pairings: It is the “secret ingredient” for the best scrambled eggs of your life.
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Final Verdict: Buy. It’s essential for anyone watching their sodium intake who doesn’t want to sacrifice flavor.
12. The Frozen Gourmet: Tarte d’Alsace
This isn’t just a frozen pizza; it’s an Alsatian flatbread. It’s thin, elegant, and tastes like something you’d order at a French wine bar.
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Price: $5.99
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Taste Test: The combination of smoky ham, nutty Gruyère, and sweet caramelized onions is a 10/10 flavor profile.
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Texture Summary: The crust is paper-thin and “shatteringly” crisp when cooked correctly.
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Make It Better: Cook it directly on the oven rack (or a pizza stone) at 450°F to ensure the bottom doesn’t get soggy. For a “pro” move, top it with a fried egg and fresh arugula.
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Perfect Pairings: A crisp white wine or a very cold pilsner.
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Final Verdict: Buy. It’s the most “expensive-tasting” item in the frozen aisle.
13. The Nostalgic Dessert: Mango & Cream Yogurt 6-Pack
Don’t let the “kids’ snack” packaging fool you. These are remarkably creamy and have a cult following for their pudding-like consistency.
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Price: $3.99
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Taste Test: It’s sweet, tangy, and tastes like real mango—not the artificial “mango flavoring” you find in most brands.
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Texture Summary: Thicker and more “set” than standard low-fat yogurts. (Note: Some Reddit fans worry the recipe has recently become slightly more watery, so check the “Cream” level!)
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Make It Better: Stick a popsicle stick through the lid and freeze them for a healthy-ish “mango creamsicle” treat.
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Perfect Pairings: Top with granola and a few fresh blueberries for a quick breakfast.
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Final Verdict: Buy. It’s the best “bang-for-your-buck” yogurt in the store.
14. The King of Candy: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
These are the product that turns casual TJ’s shoppers into addicts. The ratio of high-quality dark chocolate to salty peanut butter puts the “orange brand” to shame.
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Price: $5.99
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Taste Test: Rich, salty, and sophisticated. The dark chocolate actually has a cocoa bite that cuts through the sugar.
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Texture Summary: The chocolate has a distinct “snap,” and the peanut butter center is smooth but slightly crumbly.
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Make It Better: Store the entire tub in the freezer. It makes the peanut butter center feel like fudge and prevents the chocolate from melting on your fingers.
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Perfect Pairings: Honestly? A glass of milk or a robust red wine like a Cabernet.
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Final Verdict: Buy. They are dangerous. You have been warned.
15. The Party Savior: Frozen Spanakopita
These little spinach and feta triangles are my go-to “emergency” appetizer. They look handmade once they come out of the oven and are always a crowd-pleaser.
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Price: $4.99
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Taste Test: Salty feta and earthy spinach wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust.
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Texture Summary: The phyllo dough is incredibly thin and crispy, while the inside remains moist.
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Make It Better: Use an air fryer! 8–10 minutes in the air fryer gives them a much better crunch than a traditional oven and prevents the “soggy bottom” syndrome.
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Perfect Pairings: Serve with a side of TJ’s Tzatziki dip.
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Final Verdict: Buy. Keep a box in your freezer for unexpected guests.
16. The “God-Tier” Spread: Roasted Red Pepper with Eggplant
Also known as Ajvar in Eastern Europe, this jarred sauce is a massive flavor booster that most people assume is just another pasta sauce.
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Price: $2.99
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Taste Test: Smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy. It has a deep roasted flavor that feels very “homemade.”
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Texture Summary: Thick and spreadable, with a slight “mash” texture from the eggplant.
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Make It Better: Use it as a base for “instant Shakshuka”—simmer half a jar in a pan, crack two eggs into it, and cover until the eggs are poached.
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Perfect Pairings: Sourdough bread with goat cheese or spread onto a turkey panini.
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Final Verdict: Buy. It’s the most versatile jarred item in the store.
17. The Bone-Health Snack: Roasted & Salted Pumpkin Seeds
I switched from sunflower seeds to these years ago and never looked back. TJ’s version is consistently fresher and “meatier” than what you find elsewhere.
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Price: $3.99
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Taste Test: Nutty, salty, and deeply toasted. They don’t have that “dusty” taste that old seeds can get.
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Texture Summary: Crunchy on the outside with a tender “seed” center.
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Make It Better: Add them to your morning oatmeal or yogurt for a massive protein and magnesium boost.
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Perfect Pairings: They are the perfect crunch factor for a kale or arugula salad.
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Final Verdict: Buy. A great healthy snack to keep in your car or desk drawer.
18. The Breakfast Hack: Frozen Silver Dollar Pancakes
If you have kids (or just a busy morning), these are a life-saver. They are light-years better than the “toasted” versions from other brands.
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Price: $3.49
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Taste Test: Slightly sweet and buttery. They actually taste like they were made on a griddle.
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Texture Summary: Soft and fluffy.
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Make It Better: Pop them in the air fryer for 2 minutes to get the edges slightly crispy, then top with a dollop of the Coconut Whipped Cream and Cookie Butter.
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Perfect Pairings: Sliced strawberries and real maple syrup.
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Final Verdict: Buy. They heat up in 60 seconds and are significantly better than any other frozen pancake on the market.
19. The French Toast King: Challah Bread
This is the only bread I will use for weekend brunch. It’s an egg-based, braided loaf that is designed to absorb liquid without falling apart.
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Price: $3.29
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Taste Test: Rich, eggy, and slightly sweet. It’s a very “indulgent” feeling loaf.
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Texture Summary: Soft, airy, and a bit chewy.
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Make It Better: Slice the loaf and let the pieces sit out on the counter overnight to dry out. This “stale” bread will soak up more egg wash for the best French Toast of your life.
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Perfect Pairings: Thick-cut bacon and high-quality maple syrup.
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Final Verdict: Buy. It also makes an incredible grilled cheese if you’re feeling wild.
20. The Meat-Eater’s Favorite Vegan: Soyrizo
I’ve served this to hardcore meat lovers who had no idea it was plant-based. It is arguably the best “meat alternative” in the entire grocery industry.
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Price: $2.99
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Taste Test: Spicy, oily (in a good way), and packed with traditional chorizo spices like paprika and cumin.
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Texture Summary: Crumbly and moist. It mimics the texture of real ground chorizo perfectly.
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Make It Better: Cook it in a pan with diced potatoes (or frozen hash browns) until the potatoes are crispy. The “oil” from the Soyrizo will flavor the potatoes perfectly.
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Perfect Pairings: Scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos, or as a “secret” nacho topping.
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Final Verdict: Buy. It is cheaper and more flavorful than real pork chorizo.
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