Trader Joe’s is known for its unique, globally inspired food and cult-favorite snacks—but how do their meat products stack up? We sampled dozens of options, from jerky and sausages to frozen meals and fully cooked proteins, and ranked them from worst to best. Here’s your guide to what to skip and what to stock up on.
25. Balsamic Glazed Bone-In Short Rib $11.99/1 lb
A pre-cooked bone-in beef short rib glazed with a balsamic reduction.
Review
- Lacked the tenderness and depth of flavor expected in a short rib. Slightly chewy, and could use more seasoning.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 310
- Fat 20g
- Carbs 13g
- Sodium 180mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 11g
- Protein 20g
Ingredients
- Beef, Balsamic Garlic and Onion Glaze (onions, cane sugar, balsamic vinegar [wine vinegar, cooked grape must, concentrated grape must], water, roasted garlic, cornstarch, molasses, roasted granulated garlic, sea salt, minced onion, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, citric acid [to preserve], xanthan gum, basil, clove)
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes covered, then uncover for 5 minutes. Add salt to taste.
24. Sesame Crusted Hardwood Smoked Ahi Tuna $6.99/4 oz
A cold-smoked tuna alternative to traditional salmon lox.
Review
- Interesting alternative to salmon lox but can have a tougher texture and stronger taste.
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 bagels or crackers.
23. Grass-Fed Beef Sirloin Roast (Fully Cooked & Sliced) $9.99/10 oz
Fully cooked and sliced roast from grass-fed sirloin.
Review
- Convenient but dry and bland. Needs seasoning or sauce to be palatable.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 160
- Fat 6g
- Carbs 1g
- Sodium 450mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 26g
Ingredients
- Grass-fed beef sirloin, water, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Reheat in microwave or skillet; season generously.
22. Turkey Bacon $3.99/8 oz
A lower-fat pork alternative, pre-sliced and ready to cook.
Review
- Lower in fat, but lacks the rich flavor and crispiness 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 3-5 minutes per side until crispy.
21. Mini Cheeseburgers $4.49/7.02 oz
Small frozen cheeseburgers with beef patties and buns.
Review
- Cute and convenient, but small patties and dry buns limit their appeal.
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 or bake; serve with condiments.
20. Chicken Mole $6.99/16 Oz
Classic mole-style chicken dish with cocoa and chili spices.
Review
- Mole sauce is rich but leans sweet; chicken can be dry. A hit or miss.
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 heat in saucepan.
19. Chicken Chile Verde Burritos $3.99/14 Oz
A single-serving burrito filled with chicken, rice, and beans.
Review
Filling but tortilla often soggy. Needs crisping for better texture.
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 or air fry for crispier texture.
18. Chicken Taquitos $4.49/10 oz
Rolled corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken and seasonings.
Review
- Crunchy and nostalgic, but can be greasy and unevenly filled.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 220 (per 2 taquitos)
- Fat 12g
- Carbs 20g
- Sodium 400mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 9g
Ingredients
- Chicken, tortilla, cheese, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Bake or air fry until golden.
17. Carnitas Burrito with Salsa Verde $4.49/12 oz
Pork carnitas and green salsa wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Review
Pork filling is flavorful, salsa is zesty. Texture suffers from microwaving.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 440
- Fat 18g
- Carbs 42g
- Sodium 700mg
- Dietary Fiber 5g
- Sugar 3g
- Protein 24g
Ingredients
- Pork carnitas, green salsa, tortilla.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave or wrap in foil and bake for better texture.
16. Spicy Chicken Nuggets $3.99/12 oz
Breaded chicken nuggets seasoned with mild spices.
Review
- Crispy and kid-friendly but not spicy enough for adults.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 170
- Fat 11g
- Carbs 11g
- Sodium 360mg
- Dietary Fiber <1g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 9g
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breast with rib meat, wheat flour, water, rice flour, contains 2% or less of: distilled white vinegar, salt, black pepper, red pepper, white pepper, wheat gluten, yeast extract, yellow corn flour, sugar, hot sauce (cayenne pepper, distilled white vinegar, salt, garlic powder), garlic powder, onion powder, extractives of paprika (color), yeast, canola oil, maltodextrin, natural flavor.
- Breading set in soybean oil.
- Allergen Information:
- Contains wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 400°F for 18 minutes or air fry.
15. Organic Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage $5.99/12 Oz
Juicy chicken sausage with sweet Italian seasoning and herbs.
Review
Flavorful, great for pasta dishes or grilling. A dependable mild sausage.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 110
- Fat 6g
- Carbs 1g
- Sodium 410mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 12g
Ingredients
- Organic chicken, water, organic sweet Italian seasoning (sea salt, organic spices, organic garlic powder, organic paprika), potassium lactate, organic basil, organic garlic, celery powder.
Preparation Instructions
Grill or pan-fry 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
14. Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage $4.49/12 Oz
Fully cooked chicken sausages with melted cheddar inside.
Review
- Gooey cheese and mild chicken flavor make this ideal for buns or breakfast.
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, microwave, or pan-fry 7–10 minutes.
13. Smoked Apple Chicken Sausages $4.29/12 oz
A smoky and slightly sweet chicken sausage flavored with apple.
Review
Unique flavor works great in fall recipes or on a bun.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 140
- Fat 7g
- Carbs 3g
- Sodium 510mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 14g
Ingredients
Chicken, apple puree, maple syrup, salt, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Grill or sear on skillet over medium heat.
12. Chicken Sausage Breakfast Burrito $4.49/8 oz
A hearty burrito packed with eggs, chicken sausage, and cheese.
Review
- Filling and protein-rich, perfect for quick mornings.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 550
- Fat 26g
- Carbs 49g
- Sodium 840mg
- Dietary Fiber 4g
- Sugar 3g
- Protein 25g
Ingredients
- Flour Tortilla:
Wheat flour, water, canola oil, contains 2% or less of: oat fiber, wheat gluten, sugar, cultured wheat flour (to preserve), salt, monoglycerides, L-malic acid, baking soda, cellulose gum, guar gum, sodium acid pyrophosphate, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid. - Scrambled Eggs:
Whole eggs, water, modified tapioca starch, salt, corn oil, citric acid (to preserve), guar gum, xanthan gum, cellulose gum. - Chicken Sausage:
Chicken, water, salt, sugar, rubbed sage, ground thyme, black pepper. - Other Ingredients:
White cheddar cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, cellulose powder), potato, cooked onion, natural flavors, black pepper. - Allergen Information:
Contains milk, egg, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave or heat in oven for 20 min at 350°F.
11. Everything But the Bagel Smoked Salmon $5.99/4 oz
Cold-smoked salmon seasoned with Trader Joe’s iconic seasoning blend.
Review
- A savory twist on traditional smoked salmon—perfect for bagels.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 80
- Fat 3.5g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 600mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 11g
Ingredients
- Atlantic salmon (color added), salt, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, poppy seeds, natural hardwood smoke.
- Allergen Information:
Contains salmon. - Caution: May contain bones.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled.
10. Applewood Bacon (Raw) $6.99/12 oz
Thick-cut pork bacon cured with applewood smoke.
Review
- Smoky and meaty, cooks up crisp with slightly sweet finish.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 110
- Fat 9g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 390mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 7g
Ingredients
- Pork, water, salt, sugar, natural smoke.
Preparation Instructions
Fry over medium heat or bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
9. Black Forest Bacon $6.99/12 oz
Pork bacon with a robust Black Forest-style smoke.
Review
- Bold smoky flavor and satisfying chew; great for breakfast sandwiches.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 100
- Fat 8g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 370mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 6g
Ingredients
- Pork, salt, sugar, natural flavoring.
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry, bake, or microwave until crispy.
8. Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausage $4.69/12 oz
Sweet and savory sausage links made from chicken with maple flavoring.
Review
- Delicious with pancakes or in breakfast sandwiches.
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 hot.
7. BBQ Teriyaki Chicken $5.99/21 oz
Cooked chicken pieces in a sticky, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce.
Review
- Quick dinner solution—pairs perfectly with rice or veggies.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 240
- Fat 9g
- Carbs 11g
- Sodium 710mg
- Dietary Fiber 1g
- Sugar 10g
- Protein 31g
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken leg meat, water, sugar, soy sauce (water, soybean, wheat, salt), dark soy sauce (water, soybean, salt, sugar, wheat flour, mushroom extract), modified cornstarch, salt, lime juice concentrate, ginger, garlic, green onion.
- Allergen Information:
- Contains soy, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave or heat in skillet.
6. Italian Style Meatballs $5.99/16 Oz
Savory beef and pork meatballs with Italian herbs.
Review
- Juicy, flavorful, and versatile—great in pasta or sandwiches.
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
Bake or simmer in sauce.
5. Chicken Karaage $6.49/18.97 oz
Japanese-style crispy fried chicken bites.
Review
- Crunchy outside, juicy inside—restaurant quality..
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
Bake or air fry.
4. Bool Kogi Korean-Inspired Sesame Marinated Boneless Beef Ribs $7.99/4 oz
Thinly sliced boneless beef ribs marinated in a savory-sweet Korean-style sesame soy sauce.
Review
- Rich, bold flavor with a perfect balance of sweet and umami. Cooks quickly and pairs well with rice or noodles—an easy at-home Korean BBQ fix.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 220
- Fat 13g
- Carbs 9g
- Sodium 580mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 7g
- Protein 17g
Ingredients
Beef, soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat, salt), sugar, sesame oil, garlic, onion, black pepper, natural flavors.
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry or grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized.
3. Turkey Jerky $7.99/4 oz
Lower-fat alternative to beef jerky with a touch of sweetness.
Review
Tender, flavorful, and high in protein—great for hiking or snacking.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 90
- Fat 1g
- Carbs 6g
- Sodium 360mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 5g
- Protein 12g
Ingredients
Turkey, soy sauce, brown sugar, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat.
2. Spicy Italian Chicken Sausages $5.99/12 oz
Spicy chicken sausage with Italian herbs and red pepper.
Review
- Bold and zesty—perfect for pasta or grilling.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 140
- Fat 7g
- Carbs 1g
- Sodium 520mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 15g
Ingredients
Chicken, red pepper, garlic, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Grill, bake, or pan-fry.
1. Angus Chuck, Brisket & Sirloin Burger Patties $10.99/21.2 oz
A premium burger blend featuring three beef cuts.
Review
Juicy, rich, and meaty—hands down the best meat item at Trader Joe’s.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 470
- Fat 39g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 650mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 28g
Ingredients
- Angus beef chuck, brisket, sirloin.
Preparation Instructions
Grill or pan-fry 3–4 minutes per side; rest before serving.
Conclusion
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or throwing together a quick dinner, Trader Joe’s has plenty of meat options worth considering. While some items fall short in texture or seasoning, many offer great flavor, quality ingredients, and solid value. From the rich Angus burger patties to the zesty Spicy Italian Chicken Sausages and crowd-pleasing meatballs, this ranking helps highlight which ones deserve a spot in your cart. Happy shopping—and even happier eating!
