Whoever came up with the idea to load the creamy and universally admired comfort dish into crisped, bite-sized pockets is a snack-time genius. And now, many different stores and brands offer versions of the tidbits.

Before you go out to the store and pick up the first box you lock eyes on, though, check out the results of this survey to see which options came across as the absolute cheesiest and which also strike a proper balance of crispy breading to tender noodles. Each munchable bite was cooked per the brand's instructions in the oven to level the playing field, and I brought no preconceived opinions to this taste test.

Giant Eagle Mac 'N Cheese Bites

Giant Eagle locations are not widespread—confined to five states, mainly Ohio and Pennsylvania. But, the chain greatly impacts these areas and is one of my favorite places to shop. I've spent a great deal of time in the store's frozen foods aisle, cold and contemplating which munchy to grab for the game or my own snacking needs.

I'd never reached for Giant Eagle's store brand Mac 'N Cheese Bites. They claim to be "restaurant-style," and although the box depicts a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, the bites are served solo. A box of 12 cost me a reasonable $3.29.

The look: Triangular-shaped but with a batter coating that makes them resemble McDonald's chicken nuggets. The innards are a pale orange, and the macaroni noodles aren't overly cheesy.

The taste: These bites are one of the few Giant Eagle products that disappoint me. The inner mac and cheese portion tasted solely of cheddar cheese and was watery. To make matters worse, much of the cheesiness comes from powder, sauce mix, and a combination of natural and artificial flavorings.  Yellow No. 5 and No. 6 dyes are thrown in to create that more appealing coloring. The outer casing comes with its laundry list of problems, among them being more chewy than crispy.

RELATED: 14 Best Frozen Appetizers at Costco Right Now

Feel Good Foods Three Cheese Mac & Cheese Bites

Feel Good Foods Mac & Cheese Bites are bursting with yellow cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The recipe comes from the minds of a restauranteur and a chef who came together to create a lineup of gluten-free foods. The bites can be bought online through retailers such as the Gluten-Free Mall or Thrive Market. They can also be found at grocers like Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme Market, and at my local Meijer, where I grabbed a box that hadn't yet been made over in the company's new bright yellow packaging. Each 12-count is typically priced at $6.89 at the chain, but you can expect to pay more when ordering online.

The look: Uniformly sphere-shaped with a crumbly outer crust. Most pieces split open during the baking process, revealing bright carrot-colored contents. The shade is less natural than the picture on the box.

The taste: These bites come out of the oven with a nice crunch. But, they cool off rapidly, losing all that great texture and even turning to the dry side. This could be because there are more noodles than cheese. As I munched, I noticed a mustard flavor, and, sure enough, mustard powder was an included ingredient—one that I would have traded for another helping of cheese.

RELATED: 9 Best Trader Joe's Appetizers, According to Our Editors

Louisa White Cheddar Toasted Mac & Cheese

Louisa does macaroni and cheese bites differently. The company's goal is to be a leader in frozen pasta. This mission carries over into its line of appetizers, including Toasted Mac & Cheese. The means the products outer husk is pasta rather than a breading blanket. The bites also include white cheddar cheese instead of yellow cheddar and ricotta and mozzarella. On the back of the $5.09 box, you can also find a recipe for a yummy pizzaioli sauce for pairing. I gave them a fair shot by themselves.

The look: Flat and disc-shaped. They look like fried ravioli. The color of the mac and cheese is closer to white or cream rather than orange or yellow. They're not overly stuffed.

The taste: There's a decent amount of cheese but not enough mac. The inside is creamy and cheesy—likely due to the added ricotta–but the specific notes of cheddar and mozzarella aren't obvious, making it a little bland. It seems like there are hardly any noodles. I did enjoy the pasta exterior. The edges crisped perfectly in the oven and their sturdiness makes them easy to eat and dip.

RELATED: 14 Best & Worst Frozen Appetizers You Can Buy, Say Dietitians

Stouffer's Bite-Fulls Classic Mac & Cheese Bites

When I think of Stouffer's, I picture ready-to-bake, family-size lasagnas. But, the brand's other claim to fame is its frozen macaroni and cheese—it claims to be America's No. 1 in this department. The dish is served in many different ways, including in a Mac & Cheese Bites form, where the classic recipe is encased in a crispy breading. They are part of the brand's Bite-Fulls line and use real cheddar. A heftier–sized container of the appetizer, with 15 total pieces, costs $7.49 at my nearest Giant Eagle.

The look: These are a mouthful—the largest bites in the taste test. The size of each is inconsistent. Two were morphed together in the box, forming one long macaroni and cheese clump. At each bite's core is a golden nucleus of cheesy elbow noodles.

The taste: Creamy and yummy, but nothing standout. Just like Giant Eagle's offering, there isn't enough complexity with a single cheese. The breading is lusterless, and it didn't get crusty enough in the oven. Perhaps the air fryer would have brought them to that desired texture—I'll try that next time. Other than these complaints, these are a solid option, but I expected more from such an established brand.

RELATED: 9 Best & Worst Frozen Foods at Trader Joe's, According to Dietitians

Appetitos Mac & Cheese Bites

If you're a habitual Aldi shopper, you know that big-name brands aren't the store's style. Instead, the chain's inventory is mostly comprised of private label products such as Nature's Nectar, Millville, and Simply Nature. In the frozen aisle, customers also find many appetizers and snacks sporting the Appetitos label. Franks in a blanket, mozzarella cheese sticks, puff pastry bites, and spinach artichoke dip are just a few options, in addition to classic macaroni and cheese bites. A relatively small box with 11 pieces sells for $3.49.

The look: Not overly appetizing. The shape resembles a mini corn dog, and the breading has the same look. Some became smooshed down in the oven, but noodles are still visible in the middle.

The taste: I wasn't expecting anything incredible, but the bites surprised me for a budget option. Their shell reaches an acceptable level of crispiness despite the droopy look, and the inside isn't oozing with cheese sauce. Despite incorporating only cheddar cheese, the cheese has a one-of-a-kind taste like Parmesan, or some other mild white cheese was thrown in. It's a box I would reach for again.

RELATED: The 10 Best Frozen Dumpling Brands

Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese Bites

It didn't surprise me that Trader Joe's stocks Mac and Cheese Bites alongside its countless other award-winning frozen apps and treats. Each box comes with 10 pieces, costs $3.99, and sports a new and improved recipe. The chain explains that the fresh version of the bites is "cheesier than ever" with seven—yes, seven—different cheese types stuffed in. Expect each bite to be stuffed with cheddar, havarti, Swiss, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Pecorino-Romano, and cream cheese. With all this fromage, it's a miracle that any elbow macaroni could still fit inside each nugget. Meanwhile, on the outside of each nugget you'll find "a thinner, crispier, panko-style breading" to offset all that gooey filling.

The look: In the shape of a ball, like Feel Good Foods Bites, but larger. The size leaves room for plenty of curvy noodles, which take on a pale yellow color.

The taste: Trader Joe's achieves the perfect ratio of breading to cheese to macaroni. These are also the first bites to wow me with their mac and cheese quality—probably all the different cheeses at work. The rich Gouda and Swiss stuck out to me, and each oozing pocket tastes buttery and luscious—just like a mac you would find at a high-end steakhouse. I wouldn't have been able to pinpoint that the breading was panko, but it is well-seasoned with tastes of garlic and a touch of salt.

The TJ's bites are good enough to eat plain, as I did. But, they would be even better dunked in marinara or some dressed-up ranch.

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The post I Tried 6 Frozen Mac & Cheese Bites & the Best Was Buttery and Luscious appeared first on Eat This Not That.

Like most people, what I buy at Costco is usually based on recommendations from friends, something that was offered as a sample, or a dish I've had my eye on for a while. To find some new favorites, I hit the freezer aisles and did a little taste testing on what's out there.

Since there's no way I could try it all, I taste-tested seven of the more popular freezer selections, including a few mainstays, some newer finds, as well as items under Costco's own private label, Kirkland Signature.

I often buy the Motor City Detroit Style Pizza and Five Cheese Bread, which weren't included in this test. They remain highly recommended in my book.

Here's what I thought of the freezer meals from least exciting to most delicious. I will note that there wasn't a single meal that was terrible. Most of the ranking comes down to personal taste preference and what works best for a particular family.

Beecher's Hatch Chili Mac and Cheese

This Beecher's mac and cheese is wildly popular among the Costco folk on Reddit, so when I spotted this hatch green chile version, I knew I had to try it. Costco is filled with mac and cheese options, from its take-and-bake version to boxed options and even mac and cheese bites. This version goes in the oven for about 30 minutes with a 10-minute rest. It was super simple to heat up. The box costs $16.99 for a 46-ounce tray in the warehouse.

The look: The long cook time was worth the wait as this one came out cheesy, bubbly and with good browning around the noodles at the edge. Each noodle was coated with cheese like a good mac and cheese should be.

The taste: The mac and cheese was delicious; you could tell it was real cheese, and a lot of it, but it was too spicy for my kids, who have a relatively high spice tolerance. After a few bites, even I had to stop eating it. The dish was too indulgent and rich. It'd be perfect for a party where everyone takes a small scoop, but as a main course, it was just too heavy (and spicy) for our crew.

RELATED: 12 Best Winter Bakery Items at Costco Right Now

Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast Chunks

These newer nuggets are what I believe to be Costco's answer to the Just Bare version that has been flying off the shelves for the past few years. Chicken nuggets are always a great kid dinner to have on hand. The 4-pound bag is $13.99.

The look: I was glad to see that there were a variety of sized nuggets with a nice light but even coating of golden breading. Nothing freaks me out more than chicken nuggets that are completely round and uniform in size (and likely not made of chicken).

The taste: Overall, the chicken nuggets were good but not great. We cooked one batch in the oven and one in the air fryer, and they weren't quite as crispy on the exterior as we wanted them to be. The coating was soggy. For the most part, we liked these and felt like the chicken was decent quality chicken until we each hit a few weird pieces that felt just a little too chewy and off-putting. For that reason, I may go for the Just Bare variety. That didn't stop my kids from making them later in the week.

Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice

This fried rice was probably the easiest of all of the meals we tested. Priced at $14.99 in my local warehouse, the box comes with six bags of chicken fried rice that need to be microwaved for three minutes and then dumped into a bowl. It was so easy that my kids (ages 9 and 11) could make this independently whenever they wanted. For that reason, this pick-up is a winner. However, we were mixed on taste.

The look: Just like homemade fried rice should look, except it came from the microwave. Good chunks of chicken and a variety of colorful vegetables peeked out from under the browned rice.

The taste: I make a mean fried rice, and this one lacked flavor, but nothing that couldn't be doctored with a bit of chili crisp and soy sauce. It included a variety of frozen vegetables and white meat chicken that didn't look gross or taste rubbery. I think it's an excellent pick for a super simple pre-sports meal. Otherwise, I'd keep it as a quick, easy side dish.

RELATED: 12 Best-Ever Costco Essentials, According to Our Groceries Editor

La Paloma Mini Empanadas Beef Nacho Style

This wouldn't be considered a meal in some houses, but when you have a tween who is out the door for sports most nights, this is perfect. The box runs $11.69 in the warehouse.

The look: These mini empanadas are certainly not fashionable, but they'd look how you'd expect them to. I would have liked a little more browning, crispy looking edges, but they fly off the plate so fast nobody really inspected them.

The taste: We air-fried these two-bite empanadas, and they were what you'd expect. Easy to eat, they would make a great appetizer for watching sports on TV, and they flew like hotcakes. The flavor was good, exactly what you'd expect—nacho-style beef. Although this is probably not a meal I would make for myself, it is precisely what I want in a freezer meal—quick to make and appealing to kids. It's also the perfect meal for a babysitter to make. Healthier would be nice, but hey, you can't have everything.

Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna

Although people rave about the Kirkland lasagna—right now, our store features both ground beef and ground beef plus sausage—I didn't have high expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised with this version. You get two trays for $16.69 in the warehouse.

The look: The exterior package made it look like a perfect lasagna. The visuals once cooked weren't exactly the same. The top was a mound of cheese and sauce with sausage poking through. Once you cut into it, the layers were better but this doesn't look quite as beautiful as a homemade lasagna would.

The taste: Far better than your average frozen lasagna, and it's made with choice ground beef, sausage, real cheese, and tomatoes. After two bites, I needed to gulp down water, likely due to all the meat. A salad would provide some balance.

This dish bakes for an hour-plus, so it's ideal to bake as you wrap up the day. The one downfall (or plus, depending on your brood) is that the two-tray package takes up a lot of freezer space. I recommend buying it the day you plan to make it and stashing the other tray in the freezer.

RELATED: 25 Best New Costco Snacks to Try in 2024, According to Shoppers

Rao's Eggplant Parmesan

I wasn't sure how this dish would go over with my family. We regularly use Rao's marinara, but whenever I suggest eggplant, it's shunned. The eggplant Parmesan comes in two trays. The serving size for each says five people, but my family disagrees. We made both trays for four people and probably went through about a tray and a half, so I would say the serving size is closer to three people for full-sized eaters. We served ours with a side of bucatini. A pack of two trays costs $16.99 at the warehouse.

The look: Not pretty! It's like a puddle of cheese and sauce with two giant mounds (the eggplant) in it. If I served this for anyone other than my family I would certainly figure out how to jazz up the presentation.

The taste: Certainly better than it looked! The delicious sauce was exactly what you'd expect. The eggplant was good, breaded, and not overly crispy, but not soggy. I felt like I was eating real food. It does take a full hour to bake, so if you are short on time, this is not the dish for you. If you can throw it in the oven and focus on other responsibilities while it cooks, it's a great option for a meal, and cleanup is minimal.

Royal Asia Coconut Shrimp

Costco usually has a half-dozen shrimp choices, so I wanted to take one for a spin. My kids don't usually eat a dish if they know shrimp is involved. (Shh … don't tell them what's in their Trader Joe's gyoza!) But, I figured out of all the choices, they might try the coconut shrimp. It's $14.99 in the warehouse for a 2-pound box.

The look: Exactly how'd you would expect—a nice golden coating with visible pieces of coconut with the tails poking out. Put these on a nice platter and they are ready for any guests coming over.

The taste: I didn't have high expectations, but these coconut shrimp were my favorite. They were crunchy and a bit sweet from the coconut, and the shrimp had the consistency you wanted: firm but not tough. They weren't fishy-tasting. I could do without the dipping sauce, but that's more of a personal thing. Both of my kids tried the shrimp and liked it—even knowing that they were eating shrimp! They were easy to bake in the oven, too. Aside from dinner, they'd also make an excellent appetizer for a party. I'd buy these coconut shrimp again.

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The post I Tried 7 Costco Frozen Meals & the Best Was Crunchy and a Bit Sweet appeared first on Eat This Not That.

From buttery-soft brie to firm, grainy parmesan to rolls of flavored goat cheese, there's something for every cheese taste in the dairy case at Trader Joe's. There are even some plant-based and lactose-free cheese options. Trader Joe's has all your cheesy needs covered.

The store stocks fancy cheeses for entertaining and a great mix of pre-shredded Parms and mozzarella for topping pizzas. Of course, there are also slices for sandwiches and burgers and tubs of cream cheeses and spreads.

Even the professionals shop at TJ's. Molly Browne, education director at the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and an ACS Certified Cheese Professional, says, "Trader Joe's has a nice selection of artisan cheeses, and many of their options have become cult classics."

If you want to impress with your cheese board skills, Browne recommends "picking three to five types of cheeses, depending on the size of your crowd. Vary the flavors and textures—try one soft cheese, one harder cheese, and one funky cheese like a blue."

For cooking, Bronwne notes that it comes down to the recipe you have in mind and personal preference. "Cheese attributes like acidity, moisture, textures ranging from soft to hard, and flavors from mild to sharp assist the artist behind the apron in determining the right cheese to make any dish a standout," she says.

So whether you're preparing a cheese board to impress guests or want a new snacking cheese to keep in the fridge, head to your local TJ's to stock up.

For an idea of where to start—should you stick to the standby double cream brie or try something new that's more herby or spicy?—we're here to help. I picked up seven of the most popular cheeses at Trader Joe's to sample for myself.

I took note of how each cheese looked, smelled, and, of course, tasted. So, while I always encourage trying something new at the store, if you don't want to take the risk, here's how my taste test of seven Trader Joe's cheeses went.

Dutch Smoked Cheese

This round cheese comes from the Netherlands and is infused with a rich, smoky flavor.

The look: The cheese presumably comes from a long tube. The grocery store sells it in a thick, round patty shape with a rust-brown rind around the perimeter. The center is yellowish, and the cheese has a firm but squishy, rubbery texture. The rind is edible, and it can be peeled off easily.

The taste: I expected a more smoke-forward flavor from this cheese, but most of the smokiness was captured in the rind, so if you get a piece without any rind (or if you prefer not to eat cheese rinds), you miss that more interesting taste. The center of the cheese was mild and creamy, but nothing stood out.

RELATED: I Tried 9 Trader Joe's Wines Under $15—& One Was Worth Every Penny

Brie Cheese with Wild Mushrooms

This soft cheese comes from Germany and contains a mix of thinly sliced mushrooms. It's sold in wedges, presumably taken from a large wheel. This cheese has a high fat and saturated fat content compared to the more firm options I tested.

The look: The cheese wedge is about 2 inches thick and has an ashy white rind. The center is off-white and marked by slivers of mixed mushrooms and air bubbles of various sizes. It has a semi-firm texture, so this is not the uber-creamy, spreadable brie you may expect.

The taste: The mushrooms give this cheese a decidedly umami flavor, and I found it to taste almost truffly, but there are no truffles or truffle oil in the ingredient list. There aren't a ton of mushrooms in the cheese, so you rarely get a full piece of fungi, but you can taste them in every bite. Otherwise, the cheese is not overly strong flavored, and it didn't have the silky smooth cream texture I love in a soft cheese.

Wisconsin Extra Sharp Cheddar

This plank of extra-sharp cheddar is a product of Wisconsin. It's been aged for a minimum of nine months, a process that concentrates the flavor and firms up the texture.

The look: This is a pretty standard-looking block of white cheddar cheese. It's just under 1 inch thick and has a firm texture that gives a bit when squeezed. It slices easily into neat rectangles.

The taste: I expected a much stronger cheese flavor from this "extra sharp" cheddar, but it's quite mild. Cheddar is a great melting cheese, and this would be delicious in a grilled cheese sandwich, but you'd want something spicy or sweet to amp up the flavor.

RELATED: I Tried 11 Trader Joe's Frozen Desserts & the Winner Was Delightfully Decadent

Parmesan Cheese

This cheese had the highest protein count and one of the highest sodium content of the Trader Joe's cheeses I sampled. The packaging doesn't specify where this cheese is from. Technically, if it's not from Parma, Italy, it can't be called Parmesan with a capital P. I assume TJ's would make it known if this was an Italian import, so let's assume this is parmesan, not Parmesan.

The look: This cheese is sold in the signature thick wedge. It has a hard, dry rind on the wider edge of the wedge and over one side (the rinds are great for thickening soups, so don't let yours go to waste). The cheese is the firmest in this test and has a pale yellow color.

The taste: This parm was saltier than many of the others I sampled, but it wasn't necessarily all that flavorful or bold-tasting. It had the grainy texture of all Parmesans, so it's easily grated and sliced off in shards rather than neat slices. I think pricier imported parmesan cheeses have a more robust flavor.

Asiago Cheese with Rosemary & Olive Oil

Asiago is another hard cheese, and this wedge is infused with dried rosemary and olive oil.

The look: This thin wedge is coated on one side with a generous sprinkling of dried rosemary. The herb sticks to the cheese well, so you get a fair bit in every bite if you slice it correctly. This asiago also has a firm rind on one side.

The taste: I immediately noticed the funky aroma of this cheese after opening the package. It has a sharp but creamy flavor with an herby finish. I wouldn't say I could taste the olive oil, but you get plenty of rosemary, which could be off-putting if you're not a fan of intense dried herb flavors.

RELATED: I Tried 8 Trader Joe's Frozen Pizzas & the Best Was Tasty (and Adorable!)

Double Cream Gouda Cheese

This gouda comes from Holland and is made with cow's milk. Like the parm, it's sliced from a larger wheel and has a rind on two sides.

The look: This is a rubbery, dense cheese with a few small air pockets in the yellowish center. It has a darker yellow rind that's quite hard and waxy.

The taste: This gouda has a tangier flavor than most of the cheeses I tried from Trader Joe's. It's sharp but creamy, with a richness that coats your mouth. The texture is semi-hard, and the cheese is easy to slice into planks or cubes. The rind also peels off easily.

RELATED: I Tried 9 Trader Joe's Frozen Pastas & The Best Was Creamy & Delicious

La Délice de Bourgogine Triple Cream Soft Ripened Cheese

This French cheese doesn't have a distinct classification, but it's similar to brie or Camembert in its flavor, texture, and look. It comes in a special hard plastic case to presumably prevent any smushing in transit, as it's a very soft, delicate wedge.

The look: The high-fat content of this soft cheese is visible. It has three layers: a fairly thick washed rind, then an intensely creamy layer that's silky smooth and spreads like soft butter. The center is a bit firmer, which gives the cheese some structure, and is pocked by small air pockets.

The taste: This cheese is insanely creamy and rich. You can cut away slices, but they nearly fall apart on your knife. This is a cheese that needs a cracker for spreading. The flavor is wonderfully buttery and has a funky back-of-the-throat flavor that you get from well-made cheeses.

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The post I Tried 7 Trader Joe's Cheeses & the Best Is Super Creamy and Rich appeared first on Eat This Not That.

If you don't want to preserve your own cucumbers in jars, you can find a wide array of pickles at any grocery store. Some are preserved in glass jars and can be found in the inner aisles of the store, while others are kept in the refrigerated section.

The difference between shelf-stable and refrigerated pickles is how they're processed. Pickles sold at room temperature have been treated with a hot water bath and sealed in an airtight jar that prevents the growth of bacteria. The cucumbers have essentially been cooked, which darkens their color and can soften their texture. This method extends cucumbers' shelf life significantly.

Refrigerated pickles, on the other hand, have not had the hot-water treatment. They're preserved in a salty, sweet, vinegary brine that keeps bacteria out. These cukes have not been cooked and, therefore, tend to be lighter colored and have a crisper, snappier texture.

It's easy to find both kinds of pickles at your local supermarket, but it's not always easy to know which will taste the best. So, to help you shop for your next jar, I sampled seven of the most common varieties of dill pickles. I included a selection of both shelf-stable and refrigerated pickles from different brands.

Here's how these seven popular pickles ranked in my test, in descending order.

B&G Kosher Dill Pickle Chips

These round pickle chips from B&G fell flat in the flavor and texture department. They're colored with yellow dye No. 5 and come in a shelf-stable jar.

The look: These ridged pickle rounds are thick-cut and have a yellowish-green tint. The cucumber skin is darker and pocked with natural spots. A fair amount of mustard seed is also floating in the clear green pickle brine.

The taste: These chips were, unfortunately, quite soggy and mushy rather than crispy or crunchy. The center was especially soft, and getting past this disappointing texture was hard. The thicker slice is also too large for a burger or a sandwich.

RELATED: Ex-McDonald's Chef Claims You Can Buy the Popular Pickles at the Store

Vlasic Ovals Hamburger Dill Chips

These ridged dill pickle chips from Vlasic looked and tasted the most similar to B&G, with a slightly improved texture. These pickles are colored with turmeric rather than artificial dyes.

The look: These pickles have a slightly yellow tinge in the corner. They're fairly thick-cut with deep ridges. The clear brine contains no visible flavoring agents, such as mustard seed or garlic.

The taste: These pickles have a slightly sweeter flavor (they contain a trace amount of high-fructose corn syrup) and are quite salty. Aside from salt, there's little nuance in the flavor, and they have a thick slice that's hard to manage in a burger or sandwich.

Claussen Kosher Dill Sandwich Slices

Claussen's kosher dill slices are designed for maximum coverage in a sandwich. They're sold in the refrigerator section and are pickled with turmeric, garlic, and red pepper.

The look: These pickles are sliced into long, thin planks with those familiar ridges. The juice is clear and light-colored, and the slices are thinner than those of B&G and Vlasic. The pickles have an attractive pale green color.

The taste: These pickles are for salt lovers. They're highly seasoned, and despite the visible bits of crushed garlic in the brine, there isn't much more in the flavor department besides salt. That said, they have a nice crunch, at least around the edges (the center gets a bit soggy), and they taste lighter and fresher than the shelf-stable jars I sampled.

RELATED: 8 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Fried Pickles

Grillo's Pickle Chips

These pale green chips are found in the refrigerated section. Each container is bursting with pickles and juice (beware of a splash when you open the lid). They're made with seven simple ingredients: cucumbers, water, vinegar, salt, garlic, dill, and grape leaves. The grape leaves help cucumbers stay crisp.

The look: The pickle brine is full of good stuff, including tons of fresh dill fronds and garlic. The pickles are a pretty, pale green and are much more thinly sliced than the jarred pickles I sampled. They have the same ridges, and there's a bit more variety in the sizing, with some extra-long slices and other petite coins.

The taste: These pickles are garlicky! They're heavy on flavoring additions, including dill, and have an excellent snappy crunch. The thickness is ideal for slipping into a sandwich, and they'd add a great pop of savory flavor and saltiness to a juicy burger.

Bubbies Spicy Kosher Dill Pickles

I had to try at least one whole pickle variety, and this jar from Bubbies had some spice. These pickles are kept in a glass jar in the fridge and are preserved with hot peppers.

The look: This was the cloudiest pickle brine in the test, perhaps because of the added peppers. The whole cucumbers are picked with sliced red and green chilis.

The taste: Unless you sample a pepper on its own, these pickles aren't overwhelmingly hot. They have a nice, gentle heat and a good amount of crunch, though the centers of the cucumbers are a bit soft. The added spice and larger size make these cukes more interesting and satisfying as a snack on their own than some of the other more basic pickles in this test.

RELATED: Are Pickles Good for You? 7 Effects of Eating Them

Maille Original Cornichons

This elegant French jar contains the cutest little cucumbers that are just begging to be served on a luxurious appetizer board or in a savory cocktail.

The look: Rather than chips, spears, or slices, these pickles are whole cucumbers—adorable tiny ones, that is—also known as gherkins. The cukes are bumpy and hairy, but that's all part of their charm. The pickle brine is slightly cloudier in this jar than others, and the cucumbers are floating amongst tiny pickled pearl onions and a copious amount of red and yellow mustard seeds.

The taste: These tiny cukes are wonderfully snappy and savory. The sweet pickled onions make a nice addition, and despite having a slightly higher sodium content per serving, the pickles don't have an overwhelmingly salty flavor. Instead, you get a nice amount of allium flavor from the garlic and onions.

Horman's Kosher Dill Chips

I loved these refrigerated dill pickle chips' light, not-too-salty flavor, and crisp crunch. They'd easily elevate any sandwich or burger, but I'm happy eating them straight out of the jar.

The look: These pickles come in a tall plastic jar and must be refrigerated. They're in the middle of the thickness scale and have those deep ridges you expect from a classic pickle chip. The bright green center and darker skin color are all-natural.

The taste: These pickles are deeply savory and happily not overwhelmingly salty. They taste snappy and fresh, with a crisp texture that's not overcooked. I could easily snack on these as-is without developing an overwhelming thirst. The subtle garlic flavor is an excellent addition that keeps the flavor nuanced and refined-tasting.

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But frozen pizza doesn't have to be the boring, old grocery store version. Leave it to our friends at Trader Joe's to put a trademark spin and whimsical storyline on the humble frozen pie. TJ's may not be where you go for the freshest produce or finest whole ingredients, but it does excel in frozen foods. Which is the best among the dozen-plus frozen pizza options—including a few tartes, focaccia, and flatbreads that may or may not count as pizza?

I loaded up my red cart with all of them to find out—which made for some fun conversations at check-out! Fortunately, I didn't have to work alone. My husband, who keeps a stash of frozen pizza on hand for whenever I'm out of town and would consider himself a connoisseur, along with two always-hungry friends, joined me for a marathon cookfest of Trader Joe's frozen pizza. Here, I've ranked the top eight from worst to best.

Roasted Garlic & Pesto Pizza with Deep Fried Crust

Promising "four Italian cheeses, cashew and pine nut pesto and a chewy Naples style crust," this pizza was the one I was most excited about. I first tried deep-fried pizza in Naples and have rarely seen it stateside. Also, pesto? I almost always put TJ's pesto on my frozen pizzas. Priced at $5.99, this pie was a sure contender for the winner, even through the savory, garlicky aroma. Then we tasted it, and everything went sideways.

The look: This pizza came out of the oven, looking as close to the box image of any of the pizzas in the taste test as possible. The crust hit peak golden brown, the cheese burbled nicely, and the pools of pesto tempted.

The taste: Every piece went straight to the "spit bucket" after one bite. It was unanimous that it smelled far better than it tasted. "I'm not wasting calories on this," one taster proclaimed. The crust wasn't crispy despite the appearance, and there was a strong garlic aftertaste (for hours later), according to another taster. I thought it tasted greasy and generally not good. As the biggest salt bomb of the batch, the spit bucket was where it belonged.

RELATED: I Tried the 8 Most Popular Frozen Pizzas & The Winner Was Cheesy & Crispy

Gluten Free Uncured Pepperoni Pizza

The box claims this "Italian crust" made of cauliflower tastes "suspiciously like a true Italian Pizza crust." I, however, think it's suspicious that anyone would mistake this pizza for anything other than what it is: a decent cauliflower crust carrying some veggies and basic pepperoni. This pie cost $6.49.

The look: It didn't look bad, with a promising bit of char on the crust and a reasonable amount of cheese and toppings. They weren't distributed well, but that's not a huge deal.

The taste: Aside from one outlier who loved it—this person favors cauli crusts in general—the consensus was the crust was bland and the veggies tasted canned. One person thought it had a solid "pizza" flavor, but for me, the cauliflower-forward flavor of the crust stole the show, and not in a good way.

RELATED: I Tried 11 Trader Joe's Frozen Desserts & the Winner Was Delightfully Decadent

Wood Fired Naples Style Uncured Pepperoni Pizza

According to the box, an Italian pizza supplier lets the crust "rise naturally for 24 hours beforehand, stretching it and cooking it in a wood-burning stone oven." Now, that's a nice story, but let's be real. It's a frozen pizza that will never taste like it came out of a wood-burning oven. Which is OK if it's still good, but TJ's missed the mark here. Like the roasted garlic variety, this pie cost $5.99.

The Look: This pie comes with the dead giveaway of a cheap frozen pizza, the orangey, greasy-hued puddles of grease. There's no charring or leoparding. Naples style or otherwise, it was skimpy on the cheese and didn't look appealing. All in all, it's a bit sad.

The Taste: Things didn't improve with eating. While the sauce had a little zip, the crust was flaccid, according to one taster, who compared the sauce taste to cheap Chef Boyardee or something similar to your parents' cheap frozen pizza from the '80s. Overall, the general response was confusion about why it's called Naples style.

RELATED: 12 Frozen Pizzas With the Lowest Quality Ingredients

BBQ Chicken Pizza

This mashup is topped with barbecue sauce the box calls tangy and "sweet and smoky," chargrilled chicken, mozzarella, smoked Gouda, "fire-roasted red onions," and cilantro. TJ's does tell a good story, and the one here is that it's as "American as baseball and apple pie … inspired by its Romanesque relations." Umm, OK? The wafting smoky-sweet aroma was enticing coming out of the oven, and we were excited to try it. This pie cost $5.49.

The look: This puppy was loaded with toppings. They were a little all over the place, literally. What you could see of the crust seemed decently crisp and golden. It maybe wasn't the prettiest with all the brown, but for what it is, it didn't look too bad.

The taste: While the non-barbecue fan didn't love it, the rest of us thought it was … OK. Nothing to write home about, but not offensive either, with the main complaint being the sweetness of the barbecue sauce overpowering the pizza. The crust was sturdy and crisp, and the cheese distribution was generous. This one was improved with the addition of TJ's ranch dressing.

RELATED: I Tried 9 Trader Joe's Wines Under $15—& One Was Worth Every Penny

Pizza Parlanno

Priced at $5.49, this classic pizza comes topped with Italian sausage, uncured pepperoni, roasted peppers, roasted onions, and no story on the box. Our merry band of tasters are convinced it's a DiGiorno-made private label. The consensus was that this frozen pizza compared closest to what you'd get with a delivery pie.

The look: TJ's is coming in hot with the toppings on the Parlanno, loading it up with a colorful abundance (especially if you're a pepper fan) and a healthy bunch of cheese. The crust looked legit, and overall, it presented like a pizza that could convince you to fight over the last slice.

The taste: Lots of raves here, mostly around how much it tasted like "real" pizza (or at least name-brand DiGiorno). It cooked evenly, the crust was crispy-crunchy, and everyone was happy with the sauce, the spice, and the flavor of the veggies. We're moving into the winner zone here.

RELATED: 8 Best Frozen Pizzas at Costco Right Now

Organic 3-Cheese Pizza

"Imported from Italy," boasts the box of this pizza, priced at $4.99, which includes an Italian flag for good measure. If we don't get the hint, there's a montage of photos on the back showing a presumably real Italian pizzaiolo at work. This is a simple cheese pizza, raising the stakes for the few ingredients, but the box promises that it's been cooked in a wood-burning oven. A pleasing cheese pizza scent tempted me straight out of the oven.

The look: Reminiscent of a concession stand or one of those gas station pizzas in the glass display, but also charming in its simplicity.  We're talking about a crust that chars and bubbles nicely, cheese that melts evenly, and a good sauce-to-crust ratio. So far, so good.

The taste: Don't let a basic appearance fool you. This is a solid frozen pizza choice with the best sauce flavor of any, according to one taster, and a "delicious, crispy crust," according to another. We agreed it could stand some more cheese and that this is a good choose-your-own-adventure pie; pile on your favorite toppings. This one is a crowd-pleaser.

RELATED: I Tried 9 Trader Joe's Frozen Pastas & The Best Was Creamy & Delicious

Tarte d'Alsace and Tarte au Brie et aux Tomates

TJ's is going French and fancy on these flatbreads that aren't precisely pizza. The box refers to these as a "pizza-like savory dish." But, hey, you find them in the pizza section, and there's cheese, so I'm going with it. Priced at $5.49, the Alsace variety comes with crème fraîche, ham, caramelized onions, and Gruyere, while brie and cherry tomatoes top the other tarte, which costs $4.49. They're both on a lovely, flaky braided crust. Now, do they "astonish" your guests or provide a "true French experience," as the boxes claim? No, but that's OK! They still taste really good.

The look: These look like fancy little finger foods once you slice them, scattered with their respective toppings on (very!) thin, flaky, buttery crusts. Could the toppings be more evenly distributed, and do they slide off easily? Yeah, a little. But they're still cute for entertaining.

The taste: These tartes are the only ones I'd serve at any party not involving paper plates. The sweet cherry tomatoes and brie taste like, well, cherry tomatoes and brie that you might buy and put on a pie yourself, while the caramelized onions on the Alsace taste like somebody slow-cooked them at home. Not the most filling dish, and my only complaint is that I wouldn't want to share them.

RELATED: 25 Best Healthy Frozen Pizza Pies, According to Dietitians

Bambino Pepperoni Pizza

These cute little guys are as fun as they are tasty. Like elevated Bagel Bites, one taster said, while we all found them a sweetly nostalgic nod to something we'd have had as kids. Bonus: They're small enough to go in a toaster oven. This variety cost $4.49.

The look: In a word? Adorable. Why are small foods so cute? These are happy little individual pizzas (although adults are gonna want more than one!). With just the right ratio of pepperoni, cheese, and sauce for their size, the Bambinos make you want to grab them right from the toaster oven.

The taste: While none of us expected these kid pizzas to be the winner, the crowd consensus was that these babies are the way to go. Comments included great texture, delicious, slightly sweet sauce, and the best pizza flavor. Trader Joe's nailed it with these mini pizzas—especially when you dip them in TJ's ranch!

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The post I Tried 8 Trader Joe's Frozen Pizzas & the Best Was Tasty (and Adorable!) appeared first on Eat This Not That.

These specialty treats have been around since 1964 and are the perfect reminder of childhood. I remember eating them on the bus on the way to school and buying them from the vending machine before practices. Toaster pastries are also one of those foods that kids and adults like because they're quick and easy, not terribly expensive, and come in scores of flavors, so everyone can find something to love.

When it comes down to specific brands, Pop-Tarts and Toaster Strudel are the big names in the game. But plenty of others exist, including store brands and more health-forward pastries, which have begun to pop up (literally) more recently. But how do they taste compared to the OGs? I rounded up seven brands to find out. Here's how each brand stacked up, ranked in descending order from my least favorite to the absolute best.

Flings Summer Strawberry Toaster Pastries

If this is your first time hearing of Flings, you're not alone. The Canadian company hit the market for the first time in 2023 and landed on the shelves of more than 500 Target stores in January 2024. Each Flings box contains four single-wrapped pastries, and they stand out with their bold colors and retro branding. What has been drawing people into these new age pastries is that they are a better-for-you alternative with 140 calories, one gram of sugar, and 10 grams of protein per serving. Plus, they come with a laundry list of classifications. They are keto-friendly, gluten-free, soy-free, and wheat-free, to name a few.

Flings sticks closely to what's already out there in terms of flavors but gives them more imaginative names like Summer Strawberry, Hot Chocolate, and Sticky Cinnamon. After a quick game of eeny, meeny, miny, moe, I decided to go with the strawberry box for a whopping $8.99, which comes out to almost $2.25 per pastry.

The look: I chose the customary route by cooking these in my toaster oven. But I was intrigued by the box's "Fling Em Cold" suggestion of putting them in the freezer for 20 minutes instead. The pastry is small and almost completely devoid of frosting. It looks like there was some at one point, but it was scraped off. I checked the sleeve to see if it was stuck there, but no. A few leftover pink speckles can be seen on top, however.

The taste: The smell is like a fresh jelly donut, but the taste is not nearly as satisfying. The whole thing is dry and chewy. The worst part is the grainy protein powder taste and slightly off-putting texture. The slathering of strawberry jelly on the inside is so small that it's almost negligible. These simply did not hit the spot for me, and the inflated price tag just adds fuel to the fire.

RELATED: 11 Unhealthiest Breakfast Foods on Grocery Shelves

Legendary Foods Strawberry Protein Pastry

Legendary Foods toaster pastries follow a similar nutritional ideology as Flings. But the brand takes it one step further with an extra 10 grams of protein to make 20. This is the amount you will find in every single one of the brand's pastries and its other products, like its protein chips and sweet rolls. Each pastry boasts less fat, carbs, and sugar than most leading brands. There's an impressive flavor selection, too. You can pick up strawberry, brown sugar cinnamon, blueberry, chocolate cake, red velvet, hot fudge sundae birthday cake, and cookies and cream versions of these protein-packed treats. I grabbed a single strawberry pastry at Sheetz to taste, and a four-count box of the same flavor is priced at $9.99 at Target.

The look: Unnaturally perfect, like someone molded it from clay or some other material. It's also thicker, like it's been puffed up with air (probably all that protein at work). The rectangle is a standard beige color, while the icing is a crisp shade of white. Red, orange, green, and pink sprinkles are unevenly scattered on top.

The taste: A cross between a protein bar and a Fig Newton. It's more spongy and caky than crisp and doesn't break apart easily. This is partly because the icing holds it together with its gummy paste-like texture. Looking at the positives, the icing has a sweet, sugary flavor, and the strawberry mixture tastes fresh even though it's made from dried strawberries and extract. Even with the added grams, it has a slightly less aggressive protein flavor than Flings. But still, the only time I could see myself eating this is after hitting the gym—and even then, I still think I would instead reach for a protein bar or shake.

RELATED: I Tried 4 Costco Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches & There's Only One I'd Get Again

Great Value Frosted Chocolate Fudge Toaster Pastries

No matter what food or snack you're looking for at Walmart, you will find a similar, lower-cost alternative under the store's Great Value name. Like with any generic store brand, though, some of these more affordable options are dead ringers for the name brand, while others fail miserably and are better left on the shelf. I was curious to see which category the Great Value Toaster Pastries fell into. Many flavor options are available, from cherry to cookies and cream to brown sugar cinnamon. I bought a 12-count box of the Frosted Chocolate Fudge pastries for $1.92.

The look: Pretty close to Pop-Tarts in a dark shade of brown. The frosting is the same color as the underneath pastry, so it's hard to tell them apart. White sugar flecks decorate the surface.

The taste: Mediocre. When heated up, these don't taste too bad, but nothing exceptional about them. The inner filling is more like chocolate icing rather than fudge. The amount of filling is also skimpy since the crusty outer edge comes in a little too far on each side. It's somewhat dry as a result, and the whole thing has a very subdued chocolate taste. The price, though, can't be beat. So, if you're on a budget, I recommend these as a satisfactory choice.

RELATED: 6 Fast-Food Breakfast Sandwiches That Chefs Actually Eat

Trader Joe's Cherry Pomegranate Organic Frosted Toaster Pastries

This breakfast specialty is among Trader Joe's collection of winning meals, drinks, desserts, and snacks. The chain claims that its product is a "far cry from typical toaster pastries" and is made with all organic ingredients. The standard flavors include strawberry and a saucy cherry pomegranate. I found the latter intriguing, so that's the box I reached for. A six-count box costs $2.99. I have seen brown sugar and cinnamon, pumpkin, and hot cocoa renditions available for limited times, but they were nowhere to be seen when I shopped.

The look: The crust looks like it could be whole grain with a deeper tan color and more speckles than the others. The icing is cream-colored and applied very thinly, with some areas missed altogether. Inside, the filling is a muted pink color—which looks much less artificial than the bright red of some other brands—and it smells like a berry pie as it toasts. Magenta sprinkles garnish each pastry.

The taste: Naturally flavored but dry and crumbly. I can pick out the taste of both cherry and pomegranate. The fruit flavors aren't overpowered by other sweeteners or ingredients (don't let that fool you though, these still contain as much added sugar as other leading brands). Overall, I could taste the quality. But, the all-organic crust lacks any moisture, and with such a small amount of frosting to help, it's hard to eat the whole thing without grabbing a glass of milk. This was especially true when the pastries settled back to room temperature.

RELATED: I Tried 7 Breakfast Sandwiches at Starbucks & There Are Only 2 I'd Get Again

Pillsbury Strawberry Toaster Strudel Pastries

As far as toaster pastries go, Toaster Strudels stand in a league of their own. The Pillsbury treats are the only kind I tasted that come frozen, and they're the only ones that allow you to apply the icing yourself—a fun element that adults and kids alike can appreciate. They first hit shelves in 1985 in strawberry, blueberry, cinnamon, and raspberry flavors. The brand has been expanding flavors since, and now there are savory versions of the strudels called Toaster Scrambles. I kept things simple with classic strawberry, which I grabbed in a six-count box for $2.99.

The look: Golden brown from the toaster and flakey. It's the thickest pastry but comparable to others regarding the overall surface area. I don't think I waited long enough after taking it out of the toaster oven to apply the white icing, so it melted and didn't look the most artistic.

The taste: The only one that I would call a pastry. Its crescent base and fluffier demeanor better fit the bill when compared to its flat competitors. When it's straight out of the toaster oven, the outer layer is slightly crisp, and the inside is smooth. But, when you get a bite, you can tell there's something artificial about that strawberry jelly. It gets its flavor mostly from juice concentrate, so it tastes more like the substance you would find inside a strawberry squeeze candy or Juicy Drop Pop. It also loses its luster after it cools down.

RELATED: I Tried 8 Baked Goods at Panera & the Best Was Big, Sweet, and Gooey

Ghetto Gastro Maple Apple Cinnamon Toaster Pastries

Without context, I would have thought Ghetto Gastro was a beer brand or hip new brewery. It is a health-conscious New York-based breakfast foods brand specializing in pancake and waffle mixes, syrup, and toaster pastries. The company explains,"To us, 'ghetto' represents resilience, innovation and creativity–it means home; & the 'gastro' signifies our intention to revolutionize your palate in thoughtful ways."

The brand's products are sold at Target. Its toaster pastries come in four flavors: strawberry, chocolate raspberry, PB&J, and maple apple cinnamon. A box containing four of the maple apple cinnamon cost $5.99.

The look: Tan and naked, like a graham cracker square. It's not overly long or wide, but it's chunky, and slits are cut into its front side.

The taste: I was afraid this pastry may be dry, given its appearance and lack of icing, but it surprised me. The whole thing smells and tastes like an apple pie with bursts of cinnamon and fresh fruity notes. It's crispy all the way around, but the jelly mixture in the center is sticky and thick, adding some chewiness. These notes are all based on my experience with the pastry after it was warmed in the toaster oven. It's not quite as tasty when eaten at room temperature, but it would still make for an acceptable on-the-go snack.

RELATED: I Tried 8 Frozen Breakfast Burritos & The Winner Was Extra Bacony

Pop-Tarts Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon

One breed of toaster pastry that needs no introduction is Pop-Tarts. The brand has dominated the market since they were released in the original flavors of strawberry, cinnamon sugar, blueberry, and apple currant in 1964. They weren't the first toaster pastries to be invented—Post Country Squares beat them by a hair—but they have been the most successful.

With this success, Pop-Tart's reach has expanded exponentially, and you can now find countless varieties of breakfast novelty products. Strawberry Milkshake, Banana Bread, Eggo Maple Flavor, and grape are all on the current docket, in addition to adorable mini Pop-Tart Bites. I stuck with a trusty eight-count box of frosted brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts for $2.79.

The look: I've seen my fair share of inadequately frosted Pop-Tarts. But this batch lived up to the picture on the box. The fringes of each rectangle became noticeably toasty, and the icing was smooth, reaching from end to end.

The taste: I came into this with an open mind and tried to erase any preconceived notions. Ultimately, Pop-Tarts have that X-factor that can't be beaten. Sure, there's the wave of nostalgia that hits as you bite into one of the pastries. But they're highly palatable and habit-forming. One standout component is the exterior crust. It is slightly sweetened so that it tastes good, even by itself.

Then, paired with the hardened, sugary icing and the grainy brown sugar paste, it's like pure happiness and bliss packed into a flat rectangle. I also love that Pop-Tarts maintain their flavor no matter how they're served. Whether straight from the toaster, freezer or just out of the sleeve, they always hit the spot.

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The post I Tried 7 Toaster Pastry Brands & the Best Is Filled With Nostalgia appeared first on Eat This Not That.

Many of the chain's mouthwatering options are found in the freezer section—from its beloved cauliflower gnocchi to its coveted gyoza potstickers. But not everything in the freezer aisle is savory. Indeed, many delectable sweets are available in frozen form, including cakes. But before you head to the store with a credit card, let's dive into which ones are worth your hard-earned cash.

Here are seven different cake flavors from TJ's freezers, each ranked in descending order from my least favorite to the best overall.

A Dozen Sweet Bites Caramel & Chocolate Cake

This box comes filled with 12 individually sized cake bites in three different flavors, which I will review separately in this list. Sold for $5.99, these Dozen Sweet Bites make for a solid purchase for those not sure what they're in the mood for or a household with differing tastes. All you need to do to enjoy these is pop them out of the freezer and let them thaw before serving.

The look: Maybe it's not the ideal packaging for this type of cake, but many of the mini bites were smushed or somewhat damaged in transition. Regardless, the texture of the big caramel layer likely didn't hold up well to the movement from store to home. This little cake looked more like a jiggling flan than a cake, and the coloring didn't do much to add to its appeal.

The taste: Caramel and chocolate are typically a match made in heaven. Here, it's not quite the dream I'd hoped for. The strong caramel flavor (which tastes more like caramel flavoring than the real deal) completely overpowers any chocolate in this cake bite, leaving me searching for that rich cocoa flavor. Instead, you get a coconuty aftertaste with this cake, which makes me wonder, Is this cake falsely advertised? There's a pleasant crunchy texture lined in the cake, but the caramel layer is reminiscent of flan, making the whole combo a bit unappealing. I'd skip this one in favor of its other boxed companions.

RELATED: I Tried 11 Trader Joe's Frozen Desserts & the Winner Was Delightfully Decadent

A Dozen Sweet Bites Raspberry "Macaron Aux Framboises" Cake

This little raspberry macaron cake comes from the same Sweet Bites box, but offers slightly better results.

The look: Cute with distinct colored layers, and the visual makes it look light and appealing. I wouldn't be surprised to find this in a glass case at a legit bakery.

The taste: Light and airy. But while it would make a great addition to a high tea, it lacked flavor, especially compared to other Trader Joe's options. The raspberry layer could have benefitted from a squeeze of citrus to accentuate the flavor. Additionally, I wish there was a crunchy crumble on top to give this cake more complexity. There's nothing off-putting about this cake, but it definitely wouldn't be my first pick of the bunch.

RELATED: I Tried 9 Trader Joe's Frozen Pastas & The Best Was Creamy & Delicious

Chocolate Lava Cake

Two restaurant-quality chocolate lava cakes for just $3.79 is an astonishing bargain. This is the only cake on this list that you need to bake, but it doesn't take long—a quick 15 minutes. Next time, I'd pop one of these in the air fryer for crispy edges.

The look: These look perfectly shaped when you take them out of the freezer and put them on a baking sheet. However, transferring from said baking sheet onto a plate for consumption can prove messy due to the gooey filling.

The taste: After hearing much fanfare about these beloved cakes, I was disappointed with the flavor. The chocolate itself isn't too bitter, but it's missing some salt in the mix, making it one note. I was pleasantly surprised by the molten filling. I love to sink my fork in and get some oozing chocolate from the middle, and this version is delivered. This cake could be elevated by pairing it with some ice cream or even a drizzle of caramel.

RELATED: I Tried 9 Trader Joe's Wines Under $15—& One Was Worth Every Penny

A Dozen Sweet Bites Chocolate & Coffee "Opéra" Cake

The third and final offering from the Sweet Bites box, flavored with chocolate and coffee, is also the best of the trio.

The look: Picture perfect when removed from its packaging. You can see every layer of this decadent opera cake, making you want to dig right in.

The taste: This baby holds its own against all but the best of bakery opera cakes. There are delicious layers of flavor packed into each bite, particularly the ganache layer, which has a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate consistency. Traditionally, opera cake is made using an almond sponge cake, which is basted in espresso. Here, the sponge was bouncy and light, but it didn't give off any almond flavor. However, a pronounced dose of coffee was imbued in the cake, which made this dessert sing.

RELATED: I Tried 8 Popular Trader Joe's Dips & the Best Was Garlicky Bliss

New York Deli Style Cheesecake

This cake ranks as the most expensive on the list, coming in at $7.99. But if you ask me, that's a reasonable price for a whole cheesecake. Plus, it's easy to serve. Move the cake from the freezer to the fridge to defrost, and it's ready to eat.

The look: This one might have benefitted from a different container as it came out a little uneven-looking. It looks rather plain when you take it out, but once you slice into it, you can see the separation of crust from cake.

The taste: I'm not a huge cheesecake lover, but this one from Trader Joe's could turn me into a fan. There is a subtle cheesecake flavor, but it's not overpowering, making it suitable  for even those who don't care for the dessert's usual tang and sourness. It was a really enjoyable bite, at once flavorful and soft. The graham cracker crust hit the mark and was thick enough to provide flavor. While it's great on its own, I'd love to try this with some whipped cream and fruit to dial into the angel food cake-like quality of this cake.

RELATED: I Tried 7 Award-Winning Trader Joe's Items & One Truly Lives Up To the Hype

Lemon Bars

Many customers sing the praises of Trader Joe's Lemon Bars. At $4.99 for a 12-bar box, it's an easy purchase for dessert or an afternoon snack. Plus, these bite-sized morsels will impress any guests. These lemon bars need to thaw to serve.

The look: These aren't much to look at, but don't let the basic looks fool you. A sprinkling of confectioner sugar covers the top of this lemon bar, while the bottom is composed of a thin layer of shortbread. It's hard to tell from looking at it whether the ratios will make for a balanced bite.

The taste: These bright and zesty bites are packed with bold lemon flavor that will keep you coming back for more. The shortbread base perfectly contrasts the softer, gooier lemon layer and strikes the right notes of buttery crunch. Any lemon lover won't be able to get enough of these addictive bites, but there's a tangy punch of citrus that might be overwhelming to some.

If you aren't hankering for chocolate, reach for a couple of Trader Joe's Lemon Bars. Oh, but if chocolate is the aim, then there is one Trader Joe's frozen find that will truly hit the spot.

Chocolate Cheesecake Bites

As someone who is not a big fan of cheesecake, these bite-sized treats are not the first items I would grab in the freezer aisle, but I'm glad I did. At just $4.99 a box, there's no harm in giving these a whirl, even if you're on the fence. Like most items on this list, they must be thawed from frozen before consumption.

The look: These look like rich, chocolatey indulgences in bite-sized form. I was grateful for these cakes' small size because they look so decadent. I liked that there were cookie crumbles on top and a layer of crumble on the bottom, but I wish there were more.

The taste: These don't taste like cheesecake, but that's not a problem. Picture taking a big bite of brownie batter, and that's the flavor you get in these cheesecake bites. These mini cakes are delicious and chocolaty without being too overwhelming or decadent. Plus, the cookie crumble adds a great textural contrast and flavor to the rest of the cake. It's no wonder Trader Joe's marks a serving size as the entire box—these chocolate cheesecake bites are habit-forming!

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The post I Tried 7 Trader Joe's Frozen Cakes & the Best Was Chocolaty Bliss appeared first on Eat This Not That.

How good are these frozen foods? One sandwich was celebrated online for being a dupe of a popular Starbucks sandwich. The sandwich hit Costco shelves late last year and was touted as huge and delicious. I wanted to see how it tasted and compare it with other breakfast sandwiches in the store's freezer section.

I headed to my local Costco and grabbed four boxes of breakfast sandwiches to taste test and compare. I cooked each individually wrapped sandwich according to the package instructions and didn't add any sauces or toppings. Read on to see the frozen Costco breakfast sandwiches I tried, ranked from worst to best. There's one that will surprise you and one that even surprises me as a person who prefers to make breakfast sandwiches at home. It was so good I may have to add it to my morning rotation!

Kirkland Signature Breakfast Sandwiches

The famous Starbucks dupe (fans compare it to the coffee giant's Double-Smoked Bacon, Egg, & Cheddar Sandwich) was the sandwich I was most excited to try. For $15.99, the box came with eight individually wrapped fully cooked sandwiches, which were described as including a spiral butter croissant, applewood smoked bacon, cage-free eggs, and cheese.

The look: The box recommended using an air fryer, but I don't have one. I used the second option, the microwave. Once heated, the sandwich looked big—it was a huge swirling croissant with an egg white patty, bacon, and very yellow cheese peeking out of its sides. It did look just like the Starbucks version.

The taste: This is where it all fell apart. The croissant had an artificial butter taste, and the sandwich was overly salty. The giant egg puck was bland and unappetizing, and the greasy bacon didn't win me over. The cheese was so yellow it looked unnatural and didn't add flavor to the sandwich (except, maybe, more saltiness). This sandwich was so bad that I didn't finish it.

Rating: 1/10

RELATED: I Tried 7 Breakfast Sandwiches at Starbucks & There Are Only 2 I'd Get Again

Jimmy Dean Delights English Muffin, Turkey Sausage, Egg White & Cheese Sandwiches

This sandwich reminded me of a Starbucks one: the Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich. While this one from Jimmy Dean has sausage, not bacon, both are served on an English muffin, which is a bread I generally love but one that does not fare well in a microwave. These sammies came 12 in a box for $15.49.

The look: The English muffin, which the box said was made with whole grain, was the first off-putting thing about this sandwich's appearance. I knew I'd be in for a rubbery bite. The egg white looked like a bland white circle, and the cheese here was barely visible, which is never a good sign.

The taste: One bite in, and this sandwich tasted like a mouthful of bland bread. The sausage was spicy but very fatty. I didn't taste any cheese, and the egg white didn't have any taste, so this was a losing bet. The only thing this sandwich has going for it is that at 250 calories and 8 grams of fat, it's the healthiest of the ones I sampled.

Rating: 2/10

RELATED: I Tried Costco's Popular New $2 Breakfast Sandwich—But Starbucks' Version is Better

Jimmy Dean Croissant Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwiches

These sandwiches from Jimmy Dean are made with cage-free eggs and come 12 in a box for $14.89. I lamented that the only cooking instructions were, again, microwave ones. It was quickly becoming apparent that nuking a breakfast sandwich doesn't do it any favors, but I was hopeful for this sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich.

The look: This croissant didn't look as buttery and artificial as the Kirkland one, which was a plus. I could also see a slice of cheese on it (not just a random yellow product), which was promising. I also liked that I could see an egg—not egg white, which is just nothingness!

The taste: Although I followed the heating instructions, this sandwich was cold in the center. I heated it some more, which improved things. The sausage had some nice spice but tasted too fatty. Overall, this sandwich was too salty and lacked flavor except … salt.

Rating: 3/10

RELATED: 10 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Breakfast Sandwiches

Mason Dixie Cheddar Biscuit Sandwiches with Sausage & Egg

I'd never heard of this brand, but the package looked intriguing. It advertised no nitrates, artificial preservatives, oils, bleach, gums, MSG, or artificial colors or flavors. It also said the Mason Dixie brand is woman-owned—founder Ayeshah Abuelhiga aims to bring homestyle cooking to all. There were eight sandwiches in a box for $14.99.

The look: This was the only breakfast sandwich that said to heat it in its individual wrapper, which seemed suspect. It offered instructions for heating in the oven, but in the name of fairness, I used the microwave to keep the playing field level. Once out of the microwave and the packaging, the sandwich appeared a little wet. After it settled on my plate, however, I got excited. I saw a nice-looking buttermilk biscuit with egg and sausage. I was looking for the cheese but realized the cheddar was in the biscuit, not a separate ingredient. D'oh!

The taste: Wow! This is one tasty breakfast sandwich, and it would be even better heated up in the oven. The sausage was flavorful and not fatty. I like that you get the whole egg (not just white). The buttermilk biscuit, made with sharp cheddar, was the right amount of crumbly. I would eat this breakfast sandwich again. All the flavors melded together into one sandwich I wanted to gobble up. Bravo!

Rating: 8/10

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The post I Tried 4 Costco Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches & There's Only One I'd Get Again appeared first on Eat This Not That.

Big-name brands like Campbell's and Progresso make the soup, and you'll find store brands and soup from smaller, local companies, too. You can find it in several forms, including Manhattan, Rhode Island, and New England clam chowder. This final option is the creamy white variety you're likely most familiar with, and this is the kind I decided to focus on as I set out to find the best off-the-shelf version of the soup.

I had six options to test and heated them all in my microwave before digging in. Let's find out which brands are a little fishy while others will make you happy as a clam.

Kroger New England Style Clam Chowder

Kroger's soup aisle is filled to the brim. You'll find familiar name brands and house brands under the Simple Truth Organic, Private Selection, and generic Kroger lines. The latter sticks out with the chain's blue emblem and appealing striped cans of various colors. Within this collection, you'll find the obligatory classics like Chicken Noodle, Tomato, Hearty Vegetable, and Bean soup next to a few more intriguing options like the New England Style Clam Chowder. One 18.8-ounce can of the chowder costs $1.89 and comes with all the usual ingredients like clam stock, meat, potatoes, celery, and onions.

The look: The coloring is white and opaque. But, it is so thin and watery that it resolves into more of a drinkable broth. Only a few potato chunks stick out in the middle of the bowl.

The taste: As soon as a spoonful hit my tongue, I detected a strange sour taste, like the soup was a day or two past its expiration. It was more in your face than the seafood flavor itself, and I immediately started shaking my head in distaste. More potatoes or other vegetables were needed to mask this unexpected tang. Clams were hardly noticeable, only present in tiny beige-ish pink-colored slivers. But, when you fish one out, you wish you hadn't because of its chewy texture. Sorry, Kroger, but this one is a resounding "no" for me.

RELATED: I Tried 5 Store-Bought French Onion Soups & the Best Is Rich & Onion-Packed

Great Value Clam Chowder Soup

Just like Kroger, Walmart is also something of a potager, and it sells a motley of broths and soup favorites under its Great Value brand. All ring up at wonderfully low prices, including the Clam Chowder Soup, which I picked up for $1.68 for an 18.8-ounce can—the most affordable soup in the running. It's also the only soup in the taste test not specified as a "New England" chowder. But, it follows the same basic ingredient list as its competitors.

The look: Strikingly similar in look to Kroger's Clam Chowder. It's milky and cloudy, and it also became somewhat bubbly on top after it was microwaved. Ingredients seem to be in short supply.

The taste: I will reference Kroger's chowder concoction. The two are almost identical in taste and consistency. I wouldn't be surprised if the two retail giants use the same soup supplier. Great Value's version also possesses an off-putting taste that isn't fishy but something worse. Beyond that, though, it's on the bland side.

Like with Kroger's soup, I wouldn't add this clam chowder to my cupboard again. But, it does get a slight advantage because it has a few extra potatoes, and its clam pieces are easier to stomach.

Bar Harbor New England Style Clam Chowder Condensed

Bar Harbor Foods prides itself on offering natural and sustainably sourced seafood products. Its lineup of offerings all contain a blue Marine Stewardship Council label, so you know your fish is coming from a responsible fishery. None of the other clam chowders I picked up sport this certification, so I was excited to try it.

Unfortunately, at my local Fresh Thyme Market, only the company's condensed New England Style Clam Chowder was stocked instead of the ready-to-serve cans. This means the soup is boiled down into a dense stock-like substance, and typically, something like water, milk, or cream needs to be mixed in at home to thin it out. This isn't ideal, but I decided to make the most of it and bought a 15-ounce can for $3.49.

The look: I added a couple of splashes of 1% milk into the chowder as suggested. But, before doing so, it took some time to wiggle out the can's viscous contents. The bottom section came out still in the shape of the container, like jellied cranberry sauce would. It initially looked similar to thick chicken noodle soup, but after adding the milk, it became a classic, albeit runny, clam chowder look.

The taste: I'll admit, I was scared to try this one after the preparation fiasco. The flavor ended up being more disappointing than alarming. I think milk was the wrong choice because while it did help with the consistency, it diluted the salty and seafood notes. Cream would have been a better choice, but I had none in my kitchen. As for the remainder of the soup, the potatoes disintegrated in their broth bath but still gave the entire chowder more body. Small morsels of clam also appeared in nearly every spoonful, elevating the dish with a mild salty, umami flavor.

Given its accolades, I had high hopes for this chowder, and it let me down. But, I want to give one of the brand's ready-to-serve clam chowders a chance in the future.

RELATED: I Tried Every Soup at Panera & One Can't Be Beat

Campbell's Chunky New England Clam Chowder

I knew Campbell's would have a dog in the fight, but I never imagined the soup company would have so many forms of the classic seafood soup. You have a standard recipe in one of Campbell's old-school red and white cans. There's a Homestyle version, a Slow-Kettle Style, a Well Yes! veggie-packed option, and multiple Chunky chowders. I grabbed the first one I happened to lock eyes on, which happened to be Campbell's Chunky New England Clam Chowder. It comes in 18.8-ounce cans, just like the Great Value and Kroger's soups. I got it on sale for $1.98 at Walmart—not too shabby for a soup that "eats like a meal."

The Look: Chunky is an understatement. This soup is jam-packed with diced potatoes. There are other hard-to-identify ingredients also floating around. It takes on more of a yellow hue than white.

The Taste: A distinct ocean-like aroma filled the air as this one whirled in the microwave. But, when it comes down to the taste, the seafood essence all but disappears. It's plenty creamy, and there's an abundance of clam bits hiding in the soup. Without a more pronounced flavor and with all of its tender spuds, it is closer to a potato soup than clam chowder. It is filling, and I wouldn't mind eating it again when a clam chowder craving strikes.

Progresso New England Clam Chowder

Like Campbell's, General Mills Progresso line also focuses on soup. The brand produces so much of it that it separates it into eight individual categories: Traditional, Light, Protein, Vegetable Classics, Reduced Sodium Diet, Soup Mix, Spice It Up, and Rich & Hearty. Not surprisingly, Progresso's New England Clam Chowder falls into this final Rich & Hearty grouping. You can find Progresso at most large retailers. I picked up an 18.5-ounce can at Walmart for $2.18.

The look: What you see is what you get, as the picture on the can is almost exactly what came pouring out. It's as clumpy and thick as Campbell's—so much so that it jiggled instead of sloshed as I transferred the bowl from the microwave to my table. Once again, there is a generous portion of potatoes. Its shade is a subtle ivory.

The taste: Certainly rich and hearty. I think I would have been full after finishing just half of the can. The base is exceptionally velvety, and it's the first that tasted a little bit buttery with a nice dash of salt for taste. What impressed me, though, was the sizeable and meatier nuggets of clam. They almost tasted fresh, and they weren't too tough to chew. The recipe is simple. Progresso doesn't bother throwing in onions or celery. But the chowder still turns out flavorful and well-rounded.

RELATED: I Tried 6 Canned Chicken Noodle Soups & the Best Was Loaded with Meat & Veggies

Blount Clam Shack New England Clam Chowder

Blount makes homestyle foods like pot pies, mac and cheese, and other comfort meals under its Family Kitchen line. The company also produces a lineup of clam shack-inspired soups that are conscientiously sourced and kettle-cooked. They come in larger 24- or 30-ounce family-sized containers and can be bought online or through select retailers. I reeled in a 30-ounce New England Clam Chowder container at my local Fresh Thyme Market for $12.99.

The look: Not quite as chunky as Campbell's or Progresso, but close. The color is in between white and yellow, and both potatoes and small orange-ish clam pieces float to the top.

The taste: So smooth and buttery it reminds me of a French bisque. A touch of sweetness—both from the creamy broth and the clams themselves—elevates the entire bowl. The pieces of meat are bigger than other soup options, and there are enough potatoes for it to be a substantial meal, but not too many that it distracts from the soup. I didn't want to stop eating this one. Like many of Blount's products, this one is labeled "award-winning," and I can see why. I'm glad this one was a bigger size so I can continue to enjoy it. I will pick up the brand's other seafood soups, like the Lobster Bisque or Shrimp & Corn Chowder, the next time I get the chance.

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The post I Tried 6 Store-Bought Clam Chowders & the Winner Was Creamy and Clammy in the Best Way appeared first on Eat This Not That.

McDonald's, like many other fast-food chains, has curated a nice little array of dipping sauces over the years. But which one is the absolute best? I recently set out to answer that question by sampling every option available at the Golden Arches right now: Tangy BBQ, Sweet 'N Sour, Creamy Ranch, Honey Mustard, Hot Mustard, and Spicy Buffalo.

I snagged a cup of each from my local Mickey D's and an order of French fries to use as my dipping vehicle, then judged each option on its flavor, consistency, and appearance. Read on for my definitive ranking of McDonald's sauces, starting with my least favorite and ending with my top pick!

Honey Mustard Sauce

McDonald's Honey Mustard Sauce is made from a blend of zesty dijon mustard, notes of honey, and a "hint of spices," according to the chain's website.

The look: Like a pretty standard honey mustard sauce. It had a light yellow color with little flecks of what I assume to be mustard seeds, spices, or perhaps a combination of both. The consistency was decently creamy, though it wasn't the thickest or richest dipping option I tried during this taste test.

The taste: Let's get this straight right off the bat—I absolutely adore honey mustard dipping sauces. So, you can imagine my disappointment when I found McDonald's take on honey mustard to be hugely lacking.

My favorite kinds of honey mustard sauces have a great balance of salt, zingy mustard, and a just touch of sweetness. However, McDonald's version was so overwhelmingly sweet that I could barely taste anything else, including the mustard. The creamy texture was enjoyable enough, but the unpleasant flavor made McDonald's Honey Mustard Sauce a shoo-in for last place in this ranking.

RELATED: We Tried Every Dipping Sauce at McDonald's, Burger King, & Wendy's—and This Was the Winner!

Spicy Buffalo Sauce

McDonald's Spicy Buffalo Sauce is a peppery sauce combined with vinegar and butter flavor, yielding a dipping option with a "building heat," according to the chain's website.

The look: Shockingly, vibrantly orange. While I can't deny that the color of this sauce is eye-catching, I'd also be lying if I said I found it all that appealing in a food item. This option had a noticeably thicker and slightly creamier consistency than the Honey Mustard Sauce.

The taste: Out of all the the dipping sauces available at McDonald's right now, this is probably the most potent. The flavor was super peppery, vinegary, and salty, with a pleasant kick of heat that lingered after each bite. As someone with a pretty run-of-the-mill spice tolerance, I'd rate the heat levels at about a four on a scale of one to 10.

While I didn't necessarily dislike the Spicy Buffalo Sauce, it landed on the lower end of this ranking because the intense peppery, vinegary, and salty notes make the overall flavor pretty harsh. I just didn't find myself going back again and again to this sauce in the way that I did with some of the higher ranking options.

RELATED: 25 Most Iconic Fast-Food Dipping Sauces of All Time

Hot Mustard Sauce

Not to be confused with the Honey Mustard Sauce, McDonald's Hot Mustard Sauce is a "tangy and spicy" dipping option, according to the chain's website.

The look: While both options are based upon the same zesty condiment, the look of the Hot Mustard Sauce is very different from the Honey Mustard Sauce. The Hot Mustard Sauce has a rich caramel-y color with a super smooth and thick consistency. Unlike the Honey Mustard Sauce, there were no flecks or mustard seeds or spices in sight.

The taste: While it's certainly not perfect, the Hot Mustard Sauce is like a much more palatable version of the Honey Mustard Sauce. Don't get me wrong—this one was also surprisingly sweet and I didn't detect any spice whatsoever. However, the taste is far more balanced because the mustard flavor is much stronger and tangier. McDonald's could do away with its Honey Mustard Sauce entirely and I wouldn't care at all, as long as the Hot Mustard Sauce was still on the menu.

RELATED: Ex-McDonald's Chef Claims You Can Buy 2 Popular Dipping Sauces at the Grocery Store

Sweet 'N Sour Sauce

McDonald's Sweet 'N Sour Sauce features apricot and peach flavors, as well as savory spices meant to provide a small touch of heat.

The look: This was a super syrupy, glossy, thick, and viscous sauce. In fact, I could have mistaken it for a typical grocery store honey if the color was a little less murky.

The taste: In the past, I've never really gotten the hype around McDonald's Sweet 'N Sour Sauce. It always tasted way too sweet and not nearly sour enough. But when I put it up against all of McDonald's other sauces for this taste test, I truly gained a new appreciation for it.

I still found the sauce very sweet, but I noticed for the first time that it has some nice fruity nuances from the apricot and peach flavors. It still would have been much better if it was tangier and had a kick of spice. However, it was overall pretty tasty and paired wonderfully with McDonald's salty fries. I just wouldn't opt for this over the two higher ranking sauces.

RELATED: The 7 Best Fast-Food Dipping Sauces, According to Chefs

Creamy Ranch Sauce

McDonald's Creamy Ranch Sauce is a zesty, milky condiment infused with the flavors of onion and garlic.

The look: This looked like a classic ranch dipping sauce with its pale eggshell color and little flecks of spices. It was one of the thinner options from McDonald's sauce lineup, with a similar consistency to the Honey Mustard Sauce.

The taste: I've rarely met a ranch dipping sauce that I didn't like, and McDonald's makes a pretty solid version. It's tangy, creamy, rich, garlicky, and not too salty. I truly believe that it would be a good pairing for pretty much anything on the savory side from the McDonald's menu.

Is it the best or most flavorful ranch I've ever had? Certainly not. Still, it stands out as one of the better dipping sauce options you can score at McDonald's right now. It's just not the best.

RELATED: The 10 Best McDonald's Dupes at the Grocery Store

Tangy BBQ Sauce

McDonald's Tangy BBQ Sauce is made with a tomato paste base, vinegar, savory spices, and a "hint of sweet hickory smoke flavor," according to the chain's website.

The look: Like a darker, richer, and bolder version of a classic ketchup. It had an eye-catching glossy sheen and was one of the thicker sauces I tried during this taste test.

The taste: The Tangy BBQ Sauce was always my go-to when my family stopped at McDonald's when I was growing up. And now that I've had the chance to put it head-to-head with every other McDonald's sauce, I have no doubt that it deserves first place in this ranking.

This one was balanced and flavorful in a way that made all of the other sauces pale in comparison, including the Creamy Ranch Sauce. It was tangy, smoky, slightly sweet, and savory. The best part, however, was that none of those flavors outshined the others. They all work in harmony to create what I think is not only the best dipping sauce at McDonald's, but one of the best fast-food dipping sauces period.

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The post Every McDonald's Dipping Sauce—Ranked! appeared first on Eat This Not That.