Trader Joe’s Bambino Pizza Formaggio

Pizza is my favorite food. It’s also one of my favorite foods to test out – whether in the fresh or frozen variety.  Since frozen pizza tends to be the most convenient, I’m always scoping out the frozen pizza section of my local grocery stores. Trader Joe’s is no exception to this scoping out … so one day I spotted the Trader Joe’s Bambino Pizza Formaggio. Checking out the nutrition facts I was intrigued and decided to bring them home with me.

The pizzas themselves are what I’d call a personal pizza. They’re smaller than a pan pizza you’d get at say, Pizza Hut, but they’re about the same size as individual frozen pizzas that are sold by brands like Red Baron, etc. They’re a perfect little meal whether it be for lunch or dinner. I find paired alongside a salad it’s satisfying.

The crust is relatively thick – definitely not a pan pizza, but it’s an in-between (for comparative purposes about as thick, or even a little thicker than an Ellio’s frozen pizza slice).  The sauce is tasty and the cheesy is plentiful. I prefer mine with slightly crispy/browned cheese so I elected to leave it in the convection oven a minute or two longer.  What I like about these the most is they resemble a regular pizza pie and there is a bit of crust along the edge, which makes for easy holding if you’re feeling fancy and want to cut this into smaller slices.

I’m a big fan of these little bambino’s … so much that I picked up another box to replace the one I finished a couple Trader Joe’s trips away.  These also contain no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Each pizza is 250 calories or 6 points plus values.

Trader Joe’s The Bagel Spinoza High Fiber Multigrain Bagels

I’ve always been a fan of bagels, but outside of every once in a while I try to stay away from them for the most part. I do partake in having bagel thins once in a while, but I find regular bagels are too high in points and not as filling to be considered “worth it”. That is until I heard about bagels sold at Trader Joe’s that were full-sized “regular” bagels but were nearly half the points. Those bagels are the Trader Joe’s The Bagel Spinoza High Fiber Multigrain Bagels.

At first I was a little skeptical. I was thinking … a regular, full-size bagel that’s not a quarter of the size, filling and not 8-10 points? The bagels are soft and fresh … so I grabbed a bag and brought them home. They’re not split, so after a quick slice with a knife, they toast up perfectly.

These are multigrain bagels, so they have that classic multigrain flavor. If you’re expecting these to be boldly flavorful, then you’re going to be disappointed … but you can dress these up any which way you please. I’ve enjoyed them with spray butter, with cream cheese topped with fruit preserve but my absolute favorite way has to be as a sandwich. My go-to sandwich for a few days was tomato, spicy brown mustard, crushed red hot peppers and krakus polish ham. The bagels are so filling, that even topped with just 2 ounces of deli meat it was filling and satisfying enough to serve as a dinner.

I will say, as with all breads at Trader Joe’s, if you’re not going to eat these quickly I’d highly suggest putting them in the freezer and defrosting a bagel before you’d like to have one. Otherwise, these will spoil quickly … for the most part the bagels will go bad on the date printed on the bag. From what I’ve seen with bread products at Trader Joe’s brand new packs of bread have a 5-7 day shelf life before spoiling.

Each bagel is 210 calories or 5 points plus values.

Trader Joe’s Chicken Chow Mein

I picked up this bag of frozen Trader Joe’s Chicken Chow Mein on one of my last run-throughs. I’ve been trying to find quick and easy meals that we could stick in the freezer for days where dinner isn’t quite planned out perfectly or for days where quick and easy is necessary. I have purchased this in the past and enjoyed it so much that I made sure to repurchase it (and will continue to repurchase).

In my area this dish is called lo mein, whereas chow mein in my area is more along the lines of a dish made out of thickened gravy, bean sprouts and veggies. Fun fact aside …

This chicken chow mein dish literally took about 8 minutes to cook and it is absolutely DELICIOUS! The package calls for a tablespoon of olive oil to be added to the bottom of a skillet and I have done that in the past, but I find a spritz of non-stick cooking spray to the bottom of a non-stick skillet does the trick (depending on how it’s cooking I add in about a tablespoon of water after about 5 minutes of cooking). Once the skillet is heated through, assembly is easy … open bag and dump the contents into the pan (not including the package of sauce). Cover the pan with a lid and let it do its thing … stirring occasionally. I toss the sauce packet in a bowl of warm water so it defrosts but it would probably defrost naturally just sitting out because it’s not a frozen solid block. The noodles take a little while to break apart but I had no problem with burning, etc. Everything cooked perfectly and evenly. Once it’s all heated through, all that’s left to do is open the sauce packet and stir it in. Literally 30 seconds after that, dinner is complete and ready to be served.

This is hands down one of the best frozen dishes available at Trader Joe’s! It takes having “Chinese food at home” to a whole new level. The dish is fabulous, the noodles are al dente, the chicken is perfect and white meat, the vegetables are plentiful and the sauce just brings it all together. The whole dish comes together perfectly and has been a crowd pleaser in my household for over a year.

The package states it contains 3 servings but it can also easily be made into two meals, or split into 3 meals (when split into 3 evenly it’s a little less than the amount intended per serving on the label). A fresh steamed vegetable and another side (spring rolls, egg rolls, etc.) make this a perfect complete meal.

A serving is 189 grams, which is 210 calories or 5 points plus values.

Trader Joe’s Favorites … My Recommendations

I have so many favorites at Trader Joe’s that I discover (and continue to discover) and re-purchase time and time again. I often get asked about products I would recommend to someone who is heading to Trader Joe’s to pick up some healthier-for-you or point friendly options.. Many of these items have been featured on my blog. If there is a related post to an item listed, I will link that to the original posts review.  I will update this list as I find/try additional products that I enjoy.

But without further ado … come do a little shopping with me! Here are some of my Trader Joe’s favs/recommendations:

PRODUCE/BREADS:

Asparagus (fresh or trimmed package)
British Style Crumpets - Cinnamon
Broccoli Slaw (organic)
Brussel Sprouts
Fresh fruit (seriously, they have THE best apples, red grapes and nectarines etc)
Harvest Bagels (SEASONAL - WINTER) 
Multigrain Slims
Produce (I recommend purchasing their produce if you know prices of produce in your local shopping center)
Protein Power Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins
Pumpkin Bagels (SEASONAL - FALL)
Trader Joe's The Bagel Spinoza Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
The Bagel Spinoza High Fiber Multi-Grain Bagels
The Bagel Spinoza The Works
Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin British Muffins

REFRIGERATED:

Bacon cheddar ranch dip
Balela
Beet Hummus

Chipotle Pepper Hummus
Chunky Artichoke & Jalapeno Dip 
Cilantro Salad Dressing
Coconut Creamer
Cold Pressed Juice - Watermelon
Feta Cheese Spread
Garlic Hummus
Greek Nonfat Yogurt Blueberry
Greek Nonfat Yogurt Coconut Cream
Greek Nonfat Yogurt Mango

Horseradish Hummus 
Jalapeno Greek Yogurt Dip
Kalamata Olive Hummus
Organic Pea Soup
Pork & Red Sauce Tamales
Pumpkin Nonfat Greek Yogurt (SEASONAL - FALL)

Queso Cheese Dip

Reduced Guilt Chunky Guacamole

Reduced Guilt Spinach and Kale Dip
Spicy California Rolls
The Original Mortadella with Pistachio Nuts 

Three Layer Hummus
Very Green 100% Juice Smoothie
Wine Country Chicken Salad

BUTCHER (Meats):
All Natural Uncured Chicken Hot Dogs
Boneless Stuffed Pork Chops with Apple and Almond Stuffing
Carne Asada
Chicken sausages: Sweet Apple, Spicy Italian, Roasted Garlic 

Classic Sliced Dry Rubbed All Natural Uncured Bacon
Curry Chicken Tenders
Healthy Canadian Style Bacon
Irish Bangers [SEASONAL]
Peppercorn-Garlic Boneless Pork Tenderloin
Zesty Southwestern Style Stuffed Chicken Breast

PREPARED MEALS:

Chicken Asada
Chicken Breast Medallions with Coconut Red Curry Sauce
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Parmigiana with marinara sauce
Eggplant Parmesan Towers
Fully Cooked Season Pork Roast with Barbecue Sauce 
Grilled Balsamic Vinegar & Rosemary Chicken
Grilled Chicken Strips
Grilled Chicken Strips with Teriyaki Sauce
Low Fat Chinese Style Salad with Chicken
Stuffed Peppers with seasoned turkey & rice 
Traditional Meatloaf

FROZEN:

99% Fat Free Bean and Rice Burrito
Assorted Macarons
Bambino Pizza Formaggio
Battered Fish Nuggets
Beer Battered Onion Rings
Belgian Waffles
Berry Cherry Blend
Black Bean & Corn Enchilada
Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Wedges
Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons
Chicken Eggrolls
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
Chicken Shu Mai
Chickenless Crispy Tenders 
Chile Lime Chicken Burgers
Chimichuri Rice
Chinese Style Pork Buns Stir Fried Vegetable Rolls
Chocolate and Vanilla Macarons
Chocolate Croissants
Cookie Butter Cheesecake
Garden vegetable lasagna
Garlic Fries
Garlic Naan
Hold the Cone! Mini Chocolate Ice Cream Cones 
Hold The Cone! Mini Vanilla Ice Cream Cones
Kung Pao Chicken
Lemongrass Chicken Stix
Mandarin Orange Chicken
Mango & Cream Bars
Mashed Potatoes
Meatless Corn Dogs
Mini Beef Tacos
Mini Chicken Tamalitos
Penne Arrabbiata
Pizza Veggie Burgers
Pumpkin Pie Mochi Ice Cream
Reduced Guilt Mac & Cheese
Reduced Guilt Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells 
Roasted Vegetable Multi-Grain Lasagna
Scallion Pancake (Pa jeon)
Shepherd's Pie
'Spearean Risotto
Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream
Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Stir-Fry Vegetables
Tempura Chicken with Sweet and Sour Sauce
Turkey Meatballs
Vegetable Fried Rice
Vegetable Massala Burger
Vegetable Melange
Vegetable Samosas
Zucchini Fries

SEASONINGS/PANTRY ITEMS:

Coconut oil spray
Everyday Seasoning
21 Season Salute

SAUCES:

Curry Simmer Sauce
Low fat marinara
Many clove garlic cooking & simmer sauce
Roasted Garlic Marinara

CONDIMENTS/NUT BUTTERS/FRUITS/SPREADS:
Cookie butter (original and crunchy)
Gourmet Fried Onion Pieces

Hot & Sweet Mustard
Hot & Sweet Pepper Jelly
Hot and Sweet Cherry Peppers 
Organic Sriracha and Roasted Garlic BBQ Sauce
Pumpkin Butter (SEASONAL - FALL)
Turkey Gravy
Yellow Cling Peach Halves

DRY/BOXED:

Brown Rice Fully Cooked Microwaveable
Brown Rice Medley 
Cornbread Stuffing Mix
Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix (SEASONAL - FALL)
Pumpkin O's (SEASONAL - FALL) 

Reduced Guilt Brownies
Rolled Oats 
Taco Shells

SNACKS:

100 Calorie Pack Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Amaretti Tradizionale Crispy Italian Amaretti Cookies [SEASONAL - WINTER] 
Baconesque White Cheddar Popcorn
Baked cheese crunchies
Baked Cheese Jalapeno Crunchies
Caramel Corn 
Cheddar & Horseradish Potato Chips
Chocolate Chip Brownie & Oats Bar
Coconut Bonbons

Cookie Thins Meyer Lemon
Crispy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Crunchy Black & White Rice Rolls – Lightly Sweetened
Dark Chocolote Covered Powerberries
Dark Chocolate filled with Speculoos Cookie Spread
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups 
Dilettante Fruit Medley
Dried Baby Sweet Pineapple
Five Seed Almond Bars
Hickory Barbeque Baked Potato Chips
Honey Roasted Peanuts
Milk Chocolate Crisps
Milk Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
Milk Chocolate filled with Caramel
Milk Chocolate Jumbles
Mini Cafe Twists
Mini Gingerbread Men (SEASONAL: WINTER)
Ode to the Classic Potato Chip
OH Pumpkin Caramel Kringle
Organic Milk Chocolate Truffle
Peanut Butter Cup Trax Mix
Peanutters
Petite Cocoa Batons
Pinachios
Popcorn in a Pickle [SEASONAL]
Reduced Fat Cheese Puffs
Reduced Guilt Kettle Cooked Potato Chips 
Reduced guilt pita chips
Reduced Guilt Wheat Crisps
Rolled Oats & Peanut Butter Fiberful Granola Bars
Salt Water Taffy (SEASONAL - SUMMER) 
Smashing S'mores
Soft & Juicy Mango
Sour cream and onion puffs 
Speculoos Cookies
Sunflower Seed Butter
This "Fig Walks Into a Bar" Cereal Bar
This "Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar" Cereal Bar [SEASONAL - FALL]
Triple Ginger Snaps
Valrhona LE Lait 29% Cacao Milk Chocolate [DISCONTINUED]

DESSERTS:

Chocolate Mousse Eggs
Cranberry Orange Ricotta cake
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter filled Cupcakes
Fat Free Angel Food Cake
Jelly Donut Muffins
Maple Walnut Blondies
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Wild Blueberry Pie 

Trader Joe’s World’s Puffiest Sour Cream & Onion Corn Puffs

While browsing Trader Joe’s a few weeks back I noticed these World’s Puffiest Sour Cream & Onion Corn Puffs in their snack section.  I picked them up because I absolutely LOVE sour cream and onion chips.  So I figured corn puffs? Why not!  Surprisingly (or rather not surprisingly since TJ’s sells pretty stand-up products) they were pretty good.  They reminded me of a cheese curl just minus the cheese.

Flavor wise they are a very mild sour cream and onion flavoring.  The texture of the corn puff is that of a cheese puff – puffy, provides a crunch, but are very soft when chewing.  The downside for me was they were completely addicting.  A serving size was 2 ½ cups, but I found I wanted to eat more than just 2 ½ cups when enjoying these.  Totally a “trigger food”.  I know Trader Joe’s also sells a cheddar version of the same puffs, which I’m sure are equally delicious.

Weight Watchers Points Plus wise – these were 4 points plus for a serving.

QUESTION:

Have you tried the Trader Joe’s Sour Cream & Onion Corn Puffs?

Trader Joe’s – Pumpkin Butter

Ah, Pumpkin Butter – the greatest thing I’ve eaten in a while.

I will admit I’ve had this jar in my cabinet for a few weeks now.  I originally started hunting for this toward the end of fall but I was advised that it was seasonal and unfortunately they were out.  That is until someone was in the same aisle as me, looking for pumpkin butter, and she asked one of the people working.  They found one single jar in the store and part of me went “Nooo…..”.  Thankfully on one of my next trips to TJ’s I found the pumpkin butter had been restocked on the shelf, so I immediately grabbed a jar because I knew if I waited it wouldn’t be there when I wanted it.  So fast, forward ….

What is Pumpkin Butter?  It’s like a jelly/jam that’s pumpkin flavored.  It’s smooth like butter, but not even in the same category.  It’s also incredibly diverse meaning you can use it in a number of ways – on toast, on ice cream, on meats, in recipes, etc (all at your own mercy)..  Quite confusing, but trust me, it’s amazing.  It tastes JUST like pumpkin pie.  So I guess you could say if pumpkin pie and butter had a baby this would be the end result.  Another unique combination from Trader Joe’s!

I will say, calorie wise this isn’t bad at all.  For a tablespoon serving there are 40 calories.  There’s absolutely NO fat in it and it tastes fabulous.  Weight Watchers PointsPlus wise it’s 1 PPV.  Not bad at all.

I enjoyed this on an English muffin … I then experimented with it, by adding some Cookie Butter and a piece of banana.  Amazingness.

Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt Brownies

I picked up a box of this Reduced Guilt Brownie Mix at Trader Joe's on my last trip through the store.  I'm a complete brownie fanatic but I don't necessarily like the calorie content that comes with a brownie.  I know, you can make a brownie as healthy as possible by substituting ingredients (apple sauce, banana, water, etc.) but sometimes you just want a good ole brownie.

These Reduced Guilt brownies intrigued me because all you had to do was add in 2/3 cup of fat free vanilla Greek yogurt (or plain with a splash of vanilla).  Considering I am a Weight Watchers member, I quickly converted the nutrition label into points and it was 3-points for 1/12th of the box.  Not bad, considering most brownies would cost 5 points or more.  I then calculated it with the Geek yogurt and it was still at 3-points, so I had to get it!

I whipped these up as the box stated -- and I admit I added in 1/2 cup liquid egg substitute (eggbeaters) because I could just not get my brownie mix to go smooth.  I baked them per the box directions and they turned out great!  Keep in mind since these are a fat free brownie, they do have a cake-like texture to them.  They are most certainly chocolatey and moist, but they're not ooey gooey fudge brownies. Overall two thumbs up -- definitely a rebuy!