A Review of Ten Trader Joe's Products

Trader Joe's used to be a relatively obscure health foods and gourmet foods store that most cities thought a local institution. Trader Joe's is now much more mainstream, and you won't just find eco-friendlies and vegetarians at the store anymore. From busy professionals to health- and trend-conscious college students, you'll find a diverse crowd at your local Trader Joe's.

Part of the fun of Trader Joe's is discovering and trying new (and new to you) items. I've tried ten Trader Joe's items, and here's what I think.

Trader Joe's Marinated Fish Tacos - You'll find these in the freezer section. Four tacos with a cilantro salsa and crumbled cheese on top. I don't even like fish or tacos, but I ate these all with relish. Not with pickle relish; you know what I mean. They're baked in the oven in the tray they're packaged in, but just to warn you: while the edges become crispy, the centers and undersides won't, so you'll probably be eating them on a plate with a fork and knife. Still worth it.

Trader Joe's White Clam Sauce - once upon a time, there was a Trader Joe's White Clam Sauce, found in the canned section with the tuna and other canned fish. It was amazing: briny, oily broth, large chunks of clams, perfectly seasoned, and completely addictive. Then one day, it was gone. Discontinued. So when I found a glass jar of white clam sauce on an endcap at Trader Joe's, I dared to hope it was back. It was not. This clam sauce is creamier, but completely lacking in flavor. Also, the clams are lesser in size and quantity. Skip it.

Trader Joe's Blueberries & Cream/Vanilla & Cream Yogurt Cups - Unless you have kids, you've probably passed these by. This six-pack of 4 ounce yogurt cups is geared toward the taking-a-lunch-to-school crowd, but the flavor is fantastic enough for consumption by adults. Full-flavored and creamy, they're tiny little desserts. The vanilla and cream flavor is my favorite-it reminds me of creme brulee.