Welcome to our Frozen Fiesta! Join us as we explore Trader Joe’s Mexican cuisine, from tamales to mole. We’ll assess flavors, nutrition, and prep to guide your shopping choices. Get ready to spice up your meals with our guide to the best and worst Mexican eats at Trader Joe’s!
1. Cheese and Green Chile Tamales $3.79/10 oz.
Wrapped in traditional corn husks, these tamales are a delightful blend of Monterey Jack cheese and green chiles, offering a comforting, mildly spicy taste.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 290
- Fats: 16g
- Carbs: 28g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Water, corn masa flour (corn masa flour, trace of lime), green chiles, Monterey Jack cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme), vegetable oil (canola and/or soybean oil), salt, red chile puree (water, red chile), carrageenan, paprika oleoresin (for color).
Preparation Instructions
Steam for 20 minutes or microwave for 3 minutes.
2. Chicken Burrito Bowl $3.49/11.6 oz.
A hearty mix of cilantro rice, seasoned chicken, black beans, and corn, topped with a zesty pepper jack cheese.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 370
- Fats: 10g
- Carbs: 51g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Dietary Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
Parboiled brown rice (water, brown rice), white meat chicken (chicken breast, water, potato starch, sea salt), black beans, red quinoa, red and green peppers, corn, cheddar cheese (milk, bacterial culture, salt, calcium chloride, annatto, microbial rennet, cellulose), crushed tomatoes, sour cream, diced tomatoes, poblano peppers, onions, cream, cornstarch, expeller-pressed canola oil, garlic puree, spices, sea salt, chili powder, chipotle pepper paste, cilantro, and lime juice..
Preparation Instructions
Microwave on high for 4 minutes, stir, then heat for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Chiles Rellenos con Queso $5.99/14.4 oz.
Poblano peppers stuffed with a generous amount of cheese and coated with a tomato-based sauce, offering a true taste of Mexican comfort food.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 330
- Fats: 24g
- Carbs: 19g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients
Tomato sauce (tomato, water, onion, salt, palm oil, garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, parsley, citric acid, oregano), fire-roasted poblano peppers, asadero cheese (milk, acetic acid, calcium chloride, sodium citrate, salt, microbial rennet), batter (water, egg white powder, enriched flour, salt, paprika), and palm oil.
Preparation Instructions
Bake in preheated oven at 375°F for 20 minutes.
4. Chicken Chile Verde Burritos $3.99/14 oz.
Tender chicken simmered in a savory green chile sauce, wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 290
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 37g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 17g
Ingredients
Filling (dark and white chicken meat, water, onion, crushed tomatillo, green chile pepper, cornstarch, chicken stock, dehydrated garlic and onion, jalapeño peppers, salt, black pepper, cumin, vinegar, Anaheim chile, green bell pepper, guar gum, coriander, turmeric).
Tortilla (enriched flour, water, canola oil, salt, cultured wheat flour, fumaric acid, monoglycerides, enzyme).
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 1-2 minutes on each side until heated through.
5. Spicy Mexican-style Riced Cauliflower $3.79/16 oz.
A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, infused with a kick of jalapeño and red peppers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 50
- Fats: 2.5g
- Carbs: 5g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Cauliflower, tomatoes, red, yellow, and green bell peppers, water, pickled jalapeño peppers, cilantro, extra virgin olive oil, tomato concentrate, salt, lime juice, cayenne pepper, cumin, and garlic puree.
Preparation Instructions
Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Beef Birria $7.99/16 oz.
Juicy and tender beef, slow-cooked with a blend of Mexican spices, perfect for tacos or a hearty stew.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 280
- Fats: 16g
- Carbs: 3g
- Sodium: 1090mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: <1g
- Protein: 32g
Ingredients
Beef, water, onions, crushed tomatoes (tomatoes, citric acid), chile peppers, salt, distilled white vinegar, spices, garlic.
Preparation Instructions
Heat in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering.
7. Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas $4.99/16.5 oz.
Soft corn tortillas filled with seasoned chicken, smothered in a zesty salsa verde.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 190
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 20g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients
Roasted tomatillo, corn tortilla (white corn, water, guar gum, lime), boneless chicken leg meat, shredded mozzarella cheese, water, yellow onion, poblano peppers, diced red peppers, green onion, cilantro, diced jalapeño, heavy cream, roasted onion, chicken base, cornstarch, canola oil, sugar, sea salt, garlic, black pepper, cumin, and bay leaves.
Contains milk.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave on high for 5 minutes or bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
8. Carne Asada Burritos $5.949/14 oz.
Flavorful marinated steak with beans and rice, wrapped in a flour tortilla for a satisfying meal.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 490
- Fats: 19g
- Carbs: 55g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
Beef filling (beef, onion, roasted poblano chiles, soybean oil, cilantro, salt, modified cornstarch, garlic, natural flavor, black pepper, lemon pepper seasoning, red pepper, water).
Tortilla (enriched flour, water, soybean oil, salt, mono- and diglycerides, baking powder, guar gum).
Contains soy, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 3 minutes on each side.
9. Chicken Mole $6.99/16 oz.
A complex and rich mole sauce draping tender pieces of chicken, offering a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 190
- Fats: 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, safflower oil, chile pepper blend, garlic, cornstarch, sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, coriander, and ground cinnamon.
Preparation Instructions
Simmer in a skillet over medium heat for 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a festive meal to share with friends, Trader Joe’s Mexican frozen foods offer a variety of flavors and options. Use this guide to navigate their spicy delights and choose the best (and skip the rest) for your next meal!
