The Ultimate Greek Feast: Trader Joe’s Taste Test!
My Greek parents embarked on a culinary adventure, savoring a remarkable array of 15 Greek Trader Joe's products. After thorough exploration, they revealed the crème de la crème - the 6 most authentic products that transported them back to the mesmerizing flavors of Greece.
My parents tried 15 Greek Trader Joe’s products. These 6 were the most authentic.
Are you ready for a mouthwatering adventure? Join me as I take on the ultimate Trader Joe’s taste test with my Greek parents!
Growing up in California, my parents always ensured that we never missed out on the delicious flavors of our Greek culture. From comforting bowls of avgolemono soup to heaping plates of pastitsio, our meals were filled with love and tradition. And let’s not forget the holidays, where we indulged in big pans of cheese pies, classic Greek roasted potatoes, and my dad’s famous baklava.
Over the years, we’ve seen more “Greek” and Greek-inspired products hit the shelves of our local supermarket. However, my parents were always skeptical. They had been let down countless times by inauthentic spanakopitas and terrible feta cheese. But they had never stepped into a Trader Joe’s, so I decided to seize the opportunity and see what they thought of the Greek products the chain offers.
Armed with their taste buds, my dad and I embarked on a Greek food adventure at Trader Joe’s. We snagged every product that screamed “Greek” or “Greece” on the label, and threw in a few common Greek cuisine items for good measure.
As we dove into our taste test extravaganza, my parents were blown away by the quality and authenticity of many of Trader Joe’s Greek products. However, there were six that stood out, transporting them back to the flavors of home.
The Classics Round: Tzatziki, Feta Cheese, and Greek Yogurt
We started with the “classics,” the daily staples of any Greek household. Trader Joe’s tzatziki, Greek feta cheese, and Greek yogurt made their way to our table.
Tzatziki, a creamy dip made with yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic, is a staple at our family barbecues and holidays. Trader Joe’s version received rave reviews from my parents. They couldn’t help but finish the entire tub in just one day. According to my dad, it was “very nice, and very creamy.”
Moving on to feta cheese, Trader Joe’s Authentic Greek Feta exceeded my parents’ expectations. Made with sheep’s milk, which is hard to come by in the US, it had the perfect balance of saltiness and richness. It paired flawlessly with our homemade Greek salad, complete with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and kalamata olives. Finally, we tried Trader Joe’s Greek yogurt, and to my surprise, my parents loved its texture and flavor, with my dad already planning to use it for his homemade tzatziki.
The Tinned Greek Heroes: Dolmas that Taste Like Home
In our quest for authenticity, we couldn’t resist trying the tinned Greek products offered at Trader Joe’s. And what stood out the most? The dolmas, stuffed grape leaves that reminded my mom of her own mother’s cooking. Bursting with flavors and a hint of lemon, Trader Joe’s dolmas brought back treasured childhood memories. Both my parents were ecstatic to find a delicious premade version, especially since making dolmas by hand is a time-consuming task. Trader Joe’s dolmas were hailed as the most authentic tinned version they’ve encountered in the US.
The Frozen Greek Delights: Cheese Pie and Spanakopita that Take the Gold
The crown jewels of our taste test certainly belonged to Trader Joe’s frozen Greek products. My mom and dad were head over heels for Trader Joe’s 5 Cheese Greek Spiral and Greek Spanakopita.
The 5 Cheese Greek Spiral, a delightful combination of Gouda, kasseri, kefalotyri, semi-hard cheese, and blue cheese, sandwiched between delicate layers of phyllo, won their hearts. It was hailed as the best frozen cheese pie they’ve ever had in the US. According to my dad, the cheese combination was heavenly, boasting the perfect level of saltiness. The best part? It came in just the right size, eliminating the problem of leftover dry spiral cheese pies that often lurk in our fridges.
And let’s not forget Trader Joe’s Greek Spanakopita, filled with spinach, feta, mizithra cheese, onions, leeks, dill, and parsley. Praise was sung for its crispy texture and perfect balance of spinach and cheese. My mom couldn’t believe how fresh the spinach tasted, and she even declared that she would happily buy both the cheese spiral and spanakopita if she didn’t have time to prepare her own.
Journey’s End: A Happy Taste Bud Triumph
As we concluded our ultimate Trader Joe’s taste test, it became clear that the chain has definitely captured the essence of Greek cuisine with their range of products. From the classics they nailed, like tzatziki and Greek feta cheese, to the tinned treasures such as the nostalgic dolmas, and finally the frozen delights of the 5 Cheese Greek Spiral and Greek Spanakopita, Trader Joe’s has created a Greek feast that truly reminds my parents of the flavors of home.
So the next time you’re craving a taste of Greece, head to Trader Joe’s and let your taste buds indulge in these authentic Greek delights. You won’t be disappointed!
[Images: Courtesy of Anneta Konstantinides/Insider]
