Trader Joe’s is a treasure trove for foodies, but when it comes to meat products, not everything in those aisles hits the mark. From frozen classics to fresh fridge finds and marinated cuts, we tasted our way through 25 Trader Joe’s meat items and ranked them from worst to best. Some were surprising flops, while others deserve a spot in your weekly rotation. Here’s everything you need to know before filling your cart.
25. Sundried Tomato Chicken Tenders $7.49/1 Lb
Marinated with sundried tomatoes and herbs, these chicken tenders promise an Italian-inspired flavor profile.
Short Review
Despite the appealing concept, they were far too salty and soft. The overwhelming salt masked the basil and tomato, leaving little to enjoy.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 150
- Fat 2.0g
- Carbs 8g
- Sodium 810mg
- Dietary Fiber 1g
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 24g
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken tenders, water, seasoning (sun-dried tomatoes, tomato powder, dehydrated onion, dehydrated garlic, salt, natural cream flavor [maltodextrin, lipolyzed cream], spices including basil, sugar, citric acid, parsley flakes, annatto powder, with no more than 2% tricalcium phosphate as anti-caking agent), sodium lactate.
Allergen Information: Contains milk.
Preparation Instructions
Grill or pan-fry on medium heat for 6–8 minutes until fully cooked.
24. Carne Asada $11.99/1 Lb
Thinly sliced sirloin steak marinated in citrus and spices.
Short Review
Surprisingly bland and overwhelmingly salty. Not beefy or bold enough to justify the price.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 170
- Fat 10g
- Carbs 3g
- Sodium 590mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 18g
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken tenders, water, seasoning (sun-dried tomatoes, tomato powder, dehydrated onion, dehydrated garlic, salt, natural cream flavor [maltodextrin, lipolyzed cream], spices including basil, sugar, citric acid, parsley flakes, annatto powder, with no more than 2% tricalcium phosphate as an anti-caking agent), sodium lactate.
Allergen Information: Contains milk.
Preparation Instructions
Grill or sear on high heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
23. Bavarian Sausage $4.99/12 Oz
Pork sausages made with Bavarian spices.
Short Review
Unique flavor that didn’t land. Mace and cardamom dominated the flavor in an unpleasant way.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 250
- Fat 22g
- Carbs <1g
- Sodium 700mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar <1g
- Protein 11g
Ingredients
Pork, water, salt, spices (marjoram, black pepper, nutmeg, mace, ginger, coriander, cardamom, pimento), dextrose, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, citric acid (acidifier), spice extracts, sodium phosphate, pork casing (pork casing, water, salt), nisin (for freshness), sodium chloride.
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry or grill for 5–7 minutes until browned.
22. Smoked Tuna $6.99/4 Oz
Cold-smoked tuna, similar to lox but with a deeper oceanic twist.
Short Review
Too salty with an artificial smoky aftertaste. Texture was off-putting.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 70
- Fat 1.0g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 600mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 13g
Ingredients
Tuna, sesame seeds, salt, sesame oil, sodium ascorbate (to preserve), beet powder (for color).
Allergen Information: Contains sesame, tuna.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled on crackers or salad.
21. Steak Tips $11.99/1 Lb
Beef tips marinated in balsamic and rosemary.
Short Review
Oddly sweet, like ginger dressing. Lacked true beef flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 220
- Fat 13g
- Carbs 6g
- Sodium 310mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 5g
- Protein 21g
Ingredients
Beef, balsamic rosemary marinade (balsamic vinegar [red wine vinegar, grape juice concentrate, caramel color], brown sugar, sugar, soy sauce [water, soybeans, wheat, salt], rosemary, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, parsley, porcini mushroom, garlic, cornstarch, crushed red pepper, black pepper), vinegar powder, natural rosemary flavor.
Allergen Information: Contains soy, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Sear on skillet for 4–6 minutes until medium.
20. Mini Cheeseburgers $4.49/7.02 Oz
Two slider-style burgers with melted cheese.
Short Review
Tasted like a mushy, frozen White Castle dupe with inconsistent quality.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 190
- Fat 10g
- Carbs 19g
- Sodium 250mg
- Dietary Fiber <1g
- Sugar 6g
- Protein 8g
Ingredients
Roll:
Unbleached enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, sugar, yeast, soybean oil, dough conditioner (potato flour, unbleached enriched flour [wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], monoglycerides, yellow corn flour, contains 2% or less of guar gum, natural flavor, ascorbic acid [dough conditioner], enzyme), wheat gluten, salt, enzyme, apple cider vinegar, egg, evaporated milk.
Beef Patty:
Beef, onion, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper.
Cheddar Cheese:
Pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, microbial enzyme, annatto extract (color).
Sauce:
Ketchup (tomato concentrate, distilled vinegar, sugar, salt, contains 2% or less of onion powder, spice, natural flavor [including celery seed]), soybean oil, relish (cucumbers, water, distilled vinegar, contains 2% or less of salt, calcium chloride, dehydrated red bell peppers, xanthan gum, spices [including celery seed], natural flavors), sugar, egg, distilled vinegar, sea salt, salted egg yolk (egg yolk, salt), xanthan gum.
Allergen Information:
Contains milk, egg, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 90 seconds or bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
19. Japanese Karaage Chicken $7.99/16 oz
Fried Japanese-style chicken bites with citrus dipping sauce.
Short Review
Soggy, floury exterior and lackluster meat. Sauce was the best part.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 340
- Fat 20g
- Carbs 25g
- Sodium 730mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 3g
- Protein 15g
Ingredients
Crispy Seasoned Chicken:
Boneless skinless chicken leg meat, water, soybean oil, wheat flour, cornstarch, modified tapioca starch, corn meal, sea salt, sugar, soy protein concentrate (soy protein concentrate, soy lecithin), natural flavors, yeast extract, salted mirin [sake (water, rice, koji Aspergillus oryzae), sugar, water, salt, yeast extract], soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat, salt), white wine vinegar, sodium bicarbonate, garlic powder, ginger powder, black pepper, eggs, rosemary powder.
Sauce:
Water, canola oil, salted egg yolk (egg yolks, salt), modified food starch, rice vinegar, malt vinegar, salt, tomato concentrate, sugar, enzyme-modified egg yolk (egg yolks, phospholipase), gum arabic, spice, yeast, garlic powder, xanthan gum.
Allergen Information:
Contains egg, soy, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Oven bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
18. Frozen Meatballs $4.99/16 oz
Classic Italian-style frozen meatballs.
Short Review
Pasty, mushy, and overly salty. Texturally disappointing.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 240
- Fat 20g
- Carbs 5g
- Sodium 450mg
- Dietary Fiber 1g
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 11g
Ingredients
Beef, water, seasonings (bread crumbs [wheat flour, salt, ammonium bicarbonate {leavening agent}], Parmesan cheese [part-skim cow’s milk, cheese cultures, salt, vegetable rennet], salt, dextrose, dehydrated onion, dehydrated red & green bell peppers, spices & spice extractives, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley), textured soy flour, soy protein concentrate.
Allergen Information:
Contains wheat, milk, soy.
Preparation Instructions
Simmer in sauce or bake for 20 minutes at 375°F.
17. Beef Kebabs $8.49/16 oz
Ground beef kebabs seasoned and shaped on skewers.
Short Review
Mushy and flavorless with cheap burger vibes. Disappointing texture.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 210
- Fat 17g
- Carbs 1g
- Sodium 430mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 13g
Ingredients
Ground beef, spices, garlic, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Grill or broil for 4–6 minutes per side.
16. Chicken Taquitos $5.99/15 oz
Rolled tortillas filled with shredded chicken.
Short Review
Bland filling and too much tortilla, but nostalgic and passable with dipping sauces.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 250
- Fat 11g
- Carbs 26g
- Sodium 390mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 9g
Ingredients
Corn tortilla, chicken, seasoning, oil.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or air fry for crispiness.
15. Chicken Chili Verde Burrito $3.99/14 Oz
Burrito filled with chicken and green chili sauce.
Short Review
Flavorful but lacking in meat and substance. The flour tortilla overpowered the filling.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 410
- Fat 15g
- Carbs 51g
- Sodium 970mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 19g
Ingredients
Filling:
Dark chicken meat, boneless skinless chicken breast, water, white onion, crushed tomatillo, green chile pepper (green chili pepper, water, salt, citric acid [acidifier]), cornstarch, chicken stock, dehydrated garlic, dehydrated onion, jalapeño peppers (jalapeño peppers, water, distilled white vinegar, salt, calcium chloride), salt, black pepper, cumin, distilled white vinegar, Anaheim chile pepper, green bell pepper, guar gum, coriander, turmeric.
Tortilla:
Unbleached enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, canola oil, salt, cultured wheat flour (to preserve), fumaric acid, monoglycerides, enzyme.
Allergen Information:
Contains wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 2–3 minutes or bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
14. Hot and Spicy Chicken Wings $6.99/16 Oz
Classic bone-in wings coated in a hot, tangy sauce.
Short Review
Flavorful but dry. Could use more moisture and fresh taste.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 200
- Fat 14g
- Carbs 4g
- Sodium 480mg
- Dietary Fiber 1g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 15g
Ingredients
Chicken wing sections, chicken broth, aged cayenne peppers, food starch, contains 2% or less of: distilled vinegar, wheat flour, salt, canola oil, rice flour, spices (red pepper), chile pepper extract, seasoning (sunflower oil, natural flavoring), xanthan gum. Parfried in vegetable oil.
Allergen Information:
Contains wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
13. Fully Cooked Bacon $6.99/3.25 Oz
Pre-cooked strips of smoked bacon.
Short Review
Convenient and tasty enough, but lacks the crisp and depth of fresh-cooked bacon.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 100
- Fat 7g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 470mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 7g
Ingredients
Pork belly, water, sodium lactate, salt, turbinado sugar, spice extractives, spices, lactic acid starter.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave or pan-fry to desired crispiness.
12. Smoked Apple Chicken Sausage $4.99/12 oz
Chicken sausages with sweet apple and smoky flavor.
Short Review
Divisive flavor. Some loved the apple-y sweetness, others found it bland and strange.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 120
- Fat 6g
- Carbs 3g
- Sodium 490mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 13g
Ingredients
Chicken, apples, spices, natural casing.
Preparation Instructions
Grill or pan-sear for 6–8 minutes.
11. Turkey Bacon $3.99/8 oz
Lean turkey slices formed and cured to resemble bacon.
Short Review
Decent texture and saltiness, but lacks the fatty richness of pork bacon.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 35
- Fat 1g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 180mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 6g
Ingredients
Turkey, water, sea salt, raw sugar, paprika, beet powder (for color), onion powder, spice.
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry or microwave until heated and slightly crisp.
10. Shawarma Chicken $6.99/1 Lb
Marinated chicken thighs inspired by Middle Eastern shawarma.
Short Review
Nice grill flavor but lacked traditional shawarma seasoning. Best when paired in wraps or salads.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 160
- Fat 7g
- Carbs 3g
- Sodium 440mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 21g
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken thigh, shawarma spice marinade (shawarma seasoning [dehydrated onion, dehydrated garlic, sea salt, spices, paprika, turmeric, parsley], annatto oil for color [soybean oil, annatto seed], lemon juice, vinegar powder, natural rosemary flavor).
Allergen Information:
Contains soy.
Preparation Instructions
Grill or pan-sear on medium heat for 8–10 minutes.
9. Black Forest Bacon $5.99/8 oz
Dark, smoky bacon with sweet-salty balance.
Short Review
Burnt-looking but bold flavor. Some found it overpowering, others loved the depth.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 110
- Fat 9g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 360mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 7g
Ingredients
Pork, sugar, salt, smoke.
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry on medium for 5–7 minutes until crisp.
8. Beef Tamales $3.99/8 oz
Traditional corn husk-wrapped tamales filled with seasoned beef.
Short Review
Texture like cornbread, flavor decent. Lacked meat-to-masa balance.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 280
- Fat 13g
- Carbs 30g
- Sodium 530mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 12g
Ingredients
Corn masa, beef, tomato paste, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Steam or microwave until heated through.
7. Pulled Pork $8.99/16 Oz
Pre-cooked smoked pork shoulder ready to heat and serve.
Short Review
Smoky, well-seasoned, but texture varied. Pairs well with BBQ sauce.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 200
- Fat 11g
- Carbs 4g
- Sodium 115mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 3g
- Protein 20g
Ingredients
Pork, water, sea salt (sea salt, magnesium carbonate [anti-caking]), light brown sugar, sugar, molasses, maple syrup, coffee, seasoning blend (white pepper, onion powder, dehydrated garlic), dried vinegar, yeast extract, and citrus extract.
Preparation Instructions
Heat in skillet or microwave.
6. Chicken Mole $6.99/16 Oz
Chicken in rich, chocolate-chili mole sauce.
Short Review
Deep, bold flavor but not for everyone. Great with rice.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 190
- Fat 7g
- Carbs 12g
- Sodium 530mg
- Dietary Fiber 1g
- Sugar 6g
- Protein 20g
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken leg meat, water, onion, sugar, pasilla chile pepper, diced tomatoes in juice (tomatoes, tomato juice, sea salt, calcium chloride, citric acid [acidifier]), contains 2% or less of: safflower oil, chile pepper blend (chili pepper, guajillo chile peppers), garlic, cornstarch, sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, coriander, ground cinnamon.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave or simmer until warm.
5. Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausage $4.69/12 Oz
Juicy breakfast links with sweet maple flavor.
Short Review
Comforting and nostalgic, slightly sweet. Great for morning meals.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 90
- Fat 4g
- Carbs 3g
- Sodium 430mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 3g
- Protein 10g
Ingredients
No added antibiotic chicken, maple syrup, brown sugar, seasoning (salt, spices, paprika), vinegar, caramelized sugar.
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry or microwave until browned.
4. Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage $6.49/1 Lb
Chicken sausages with classic Italian seasoning.
Short Review
Mild, herbaceous flavor that works well in pastas and sautés.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 110
- Fat 3.5g
- Carbs 1g
- Sodium 490mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 17g
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken thigh, seasoning blend (dextrose, sea salt, distilled white vinegar, cultured dextrose [to preserve], potassium chloride, spices, maltodextrin, natural flavors, paprika [for color], lactic acid, silicon dioxide [anti-caking agent]). Packed in a natural pork casing.
Preparation Instructions
Grill or sear until heated through.
3. Spicy Chicken Nuggets $3.99/12 Oz
Crispy nuggets with a spicy breading.
Short Review
Nostalgic kick with solid heat. Crunchy outside and satisfying flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 260
- Fat 15g
- Carbs 14g
- Sodium 530mg
- Dietary Fiber 1g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 16g
Ingredients
Chicken, flour, spices, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Bake or air-fry for 15–20 minutes.
2. Chicken Meatballs $3.99/12 Oz
Refrigerated chicken meatballs with herbs.
Short Review
Massive upgrade over frozen ones. Herby, textured, and juicy.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 150
- Fat 9g
- Carbs 2g
- Sodium 300mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 16g
Ingredients
Chicken, contains 2% or less of: sea salt, oregano, basil, vinegar powder, granulated garlic, granulated onion, rosemary extract, black pepper, parsley flakes.
Preparation Instructions
Bake, simmer, or air-fry.
1. Cheddar Chicken Sausage $4.49/12 Oz
Chicken sausage infused with melty cheddar.
Short Review
Explosively juicy and cheesy—best sausage in the lineup by far.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 160
- Fat 9g
- Carbs 3g
- Sodium 700mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 16g
Ingredients
Chicken, cheddar cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme), caramelized onions, red bell pepper, salt, cane sugar, vinegar powder, granulated garlic, spices, rosemary extract. Packed in a natural pork casing.
Allergen Information:
Contains milk.
Preparation Instructions
Grill, pan-sear, or microwave until heated through.
Conclusion
Whether you’re stocking up your freezer or prepping an easy weeknight meal, Trader Joe’s offers a wide range of meat products—but not all are created equal. Some are bold, juicy, and full of flavor, like the Cheddar Chicken Sausage and Chicken Meatballs. Others, like the Sundried Tomato Chicken Tenders or Carne Asada, left us underwhelmed and reaching for something else. Hopefully this ranking helps you skip the duds and head straight for the winners. Happy shopping—and even happier eating!
