The 10 Worst Frozen Meals From Trader Joe's & 10 That Belong In Your Cart
Freezer Picks Worth Talking About
Trader Joe's frozen section is packed with choices. While some are solid time-savers, others miss the mark. It's easy to end up with something disappointing, so to make things easier, we’ve highlighted which frozen meals are worth buying and which ones you'll probably wish you skipped. Let's start with those to avoid.
🇫🇷 Cod Provençale with Ratatouille & Rice - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
1. Vegetable Pad Thai
Nothing about this noodle dish resembles the street food classic it claims to mimic. The rice noodles sit limp beneath a mountain of soggy sprouts, and even the peanut garnish falls flat. Without tamarind tang or wok-char, only those seeking a vegan alternative may rebuy.
🇹🇭 True Thai Vegetable Pad Thai - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
2. Cacio E Pepe Ravioli
Pepper and cheese might be timeless, but this ravioli finds a way to dull both. Mushy pasta meets a flavorless, soupy interior that collapses mid-bite. For better results, pan-sear and top with fresh Pecorino—though at that point, you're salvaging rather than savoring.
TRADER JOES TASTE TEST | cacio e pepe ravioli vs. traditional cacio e pepe by OverEasy Eats
3. Spaghetti Carbonara
The sauce slips into cream-soup territory—thick yet hollow. Bacon bits lack crispness, and the egg's richness is nowhere to be found. A real carbonara clings like silk; this coats like glue. Skip this one unless bland and gluey noodles are your idea of comfort food.
🇮🇹 Spaghetti Carbonara - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
4. Shrimp Stir-Fry
Overcooked shrimp and bland sauce define this stir-fry flop. The mix lacks crunch and any punch of garlic or soy. Even high-heat pan prep can't salvage the texture. You can add your own sauce if you're stuck with it, but you probably won't buy it twice.
Shrimp Stir-Fry with Gourmet Pepper Seasoning - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
5. Cheese Filled Fiocchetti With Pink Sauce
Impressive name, but the sauce melts into oily puddles while the fiocchetti ruptures in transit. Overcooked edges and underfilled centers make up the texture. Pink sauces should strike a balance, but this one tilts straight into greasy regret.
6. Mac And Cheese Bites
Crispy on the outside, sure. However, the inside clumps into bland stodge. The cheese sauce thickens too quickly and leaves more dough than dairy. These lack the gooey pull or sharp cheddar tang mac lovers crave. Even kids may ditch them halfway through the plate.
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
7. Korean Inspired Beefless Bulgogi
Marinade matters in bulgogi, but here, it's all sweetness without balance. The texture imitates neither meat nor tofu convincingly, landing somewhere between rubber and crumble. Flash-fry it with kimchi for an upgrade, or skip it altogether for plant-based options that respect Korean flavors.
🇰🇷 Korean Beefless Bulgogi - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
8. Breaded Fried Ravioli
Crunch meets crumble in this frozen spin on an Italian appetizer. Instead of crisping, the breading dries out, and the cheese filling lacks richness. Even marinara can't rescue it. If you're craving fried ravioli, a homemade or restaurant version will reward you tenfold.
🇮🇹 Breaded Fried Ravioli (Ep. #41) - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
9. Hi-Protein Veggie Burger
Dense and unseasoned, this patty eats more like a protein brick than a burger alternative. The soy-and-grain mix feels dense but lacks real flavor complexity. You'll need generous condiments to make it enjoyable and with better veggie burgers out there, we'd save our money on this one.
10. Breaded Cheddar Cheese Curds
Curds should squeak, not ooze grease. These unfortunately lack crunch, and once microwaved, the breading softens into mush. Each bite tastes a little too much like salt and oil instead of sharp cheddar. Oven-baking improves texture slightly, but don't expect Wisconsin-level quality here.
Breaded Cheddar Cheese Curds - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
We're done with the flops. Now, here comes the frozen meals that actually deserve a spot in your cart.
1. Mandarin Orange Chicken
Golden, crispy bites drenched in sticky orange glaze make this a cult classic. It's been Trader Joe's #1 frozen meal for over a decade. The chicken stays tender inside, while the sauce balances sweet and tangy like a takeout pro. Air-fry for peak texture.
Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken Review! by Number Six With Cheese
2. Paneer Tikka Masala
Paneer chunks soak up a spiced tomato sauce that pairs well with saffron rice. Unlike some frozen Indian options, this one gets texture and richness just right. Microwave or stovetop—both work. It's a meatless meal that never feels like a compromise.
🇮🇳 Paneer Tikka Masala with Spinach Basmati Rice - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
3. Butter Chicken With Basmati Rice
A creamy, tomato-based sauce hugs tender chicken chunks in this beloved Indian dish. Balanced heat and depth keep it interesting, and when paired with fluffy basmati rice, it reheats beautifully in minutes. This one regularly ranks among Trader Joe’s top-selling frozen entrees, and for good reason.
🇮🇳 Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice (Ep. #109) - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
4. Korean Style Beef Short Ribs
Marinated in soy, garlic, and brown sugar, these bone-in ribs cook up beautifully on a grill pan. The meat caramelizes while staying juicy inside. Inspired by galbi, a staple of Korean BBQ, they're ideal for weeknight meals or impressive party platters—no marinade prep required.
Trader Joe's Korean Style Beef Short Ribs Review| trying trader joes asian food! by Ms. Ming, Ph.D.
5. Thai Shrimp Gyoza
Thin wrappers hug juicy shrimp and crisp veggies in these versatile dumplings. Steam or pan-fry them; you'll love the result either way. Compared to restaurant gyoza, they're lighter but still packed with flavor. Toss with chili crisp for an instant appetizer upgrade.
6. Cod Provençal With Ratatouille & Rice
Mild cod fillets meet a rustic mix of eggplant and herbed tomato sauce in this Mediterranean-inspired entrée. Each portion includes fluffy rice and enough ratatouille to keep things interesting. It's a balanced, heart-healthy meal that is light yet satisfying.
🇫🇷 Cod Provençale with Ratatouille & Rice - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
7. Tarte Aux Champignons
A buttery puff pastry crust supports layers of mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and crème fraîche. Rich but not heavy, this French-style flatbread pairs perfectly with arugula salad or a crisp white wine. Bake until golden and serve as brunch or a one-pan dinner.
🇫🇷 Taste aux Champignons (Ep. #18) - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
8. Vegetable Masala Burgers
These spiced patties bring Indian flavors to your sandwich game—think potato and carrots infused with turmeric and cumin. Crisp the edges in a skillet, then layer with yogurt sauce or chutney. Unlike bland veggie burgers, this one earns its spot with bold flavor.
Trader Joe's Vegan Masala burger review by KELLEN "KASH" COLEMAN
9. Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower
Low-carb doesn't mean low-impact. This cauliflower blend includes tomatoes and southwestern spices, all sauté-ready in minutes. Use it as a burrito bowl base or side dish—its freezer-to-plate versatility beats plain rice hands down. Spice it up with jalapeños if you wish.
10. Chocolate Hold The Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones
Tiny but mighty, these mini cones deliver rich chocolate ice cream inside a chocolate-lined cone. And just 90 calories each, they're ideal for portion control without skimping on satisfaction. Keep them stocked—you'll need one after every "just one bite" lie you tell yourself.
Trader Joe's 🇺🇸 My Favorite Ice Cream | Mini Hold the Cone Coffee and Chocolate… by Bon Appetit _
