When you’re shopping for quick, convenient meals, frozen options from Trader Joe’s can seem like a great deal. You might think grabbing a few freezer meals will save you time and money on busy days. However, sometimes these purchases don’t work out the way you expect.
This article highlights five Trader Joe’s freezer meals that didn’t deliver good value, costing you $45 in one trip. Understanding which meals might not be worth your money can help you make smarter choices next time you stock up.
Trader Joe's Orange Chicken
You might think Trader Joe's Orange Chicken is a quick and tasty go-to meal. It features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Cooking is simple—you can bake it in the oven or heat it on the stove.
However, if you’re expecting restaurant-quality flavor or generous portions, this might not hit the mark. Some find it less satisfying than fresh takeout, especially after multiple meals. It’s convenient but may feel like a waste if you’re hoping for a filling dinner that stretches your budget.
For more details on Trader Joe’s popular frozen meals, check out this guide to their best options.
Kung Pao Chicken
You might expect Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken to be a quick, flavorful dinner. It has tender chunks of chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a spicy soy ginger sauce.
The sauce is tasty but can feel a bit sticky and overly sweet. It’s not the healthiest option and can be tricky to cook evenly. You’ll want to watch your portion because the meal isn’t very lean.
If you’re craving something quick with bold flavors, it’s decent. But if you’re hoping for a balanced freezer meal, this one might leave you wishing for something fresher or more satisfying.
Learn more about this dish from Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken review.
Fully Cooked Falafel
If you grab Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Falafel, you’ll find it’s a convenient option for quick meals. It’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, made from chickpeas with herbs and spices.
You can heat it in minutes using the oven, microwave, or air fryer. It works well as a snack or in a wrap.
Keep in mind, while it’s tasty and easy, it might not justify the price if you buy it expecting a full meal. Sometimes, it feels better as a small add-on than a main dish.
More details about preparing falafel from Trader Joe’s can be found here.
Mandarin Orange Chicken
You might be drawn to Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken because it’s easy and sounds delicious. It comes frozen, with crispy breaded chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
Cooking is simple—just bake it in the oven or pop it in the air fryer for about 10 minutes.
While many love it as a quick meal, some find the texture or flavor doesn’t quite match the takeout version you might expect. If you want to try different ways to enjoy it, there are recipes online to dress it up or make it part of a grain bowl.
For convenience, it holds appeal, but whether it’s worth the money depends on your taste.
See more tips on Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken here.
Chicken Tikka Masala
You might be drawn to Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala because it sounds like a quick and tasty meal. It has marinated chicken chunks in a creamy, mildly spicy tomato sauce with basmati rice on the side.
However, the flavor can be a bit bland compared to what you might expect from a traditional dish. The texture of the chicken can also feel a little dry or overcooked after microwaving. If you’re craving authentic Indian food, this frozen option might leave you wanting more.
Check out more detailed feedback on Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala here.
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