Ranking Every Frozen Trader Joe's Pasta | Ranked with Babish
With the endless frozen options available at your local Trader Joe's, it's easy to get overwhelmed. That's why we're here to help determine: Which of these frozen pastas is the best?
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:41 - Linguine With Pesto & Tomatoes
01:24 - Gnocchi Gorgonzola
02:28 - "Reduced Guilt" Mac & Cheese
03:15 - Diner Mac & Cheese
03:55 - French Onion Mac & Cheese
04:26 - Gluten Free Mac & Cheese
04:56 - Uncured Pepperoni Pizza Mac & Cheese Bowl
05:33 - Mushroom Ravioli
05:58 - Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli With Tomato & Basil Sauce
06:31 - Fettuccini Alfredo
06:54 - Asparagus Risotto
07:25 - Abolishing Risotto
07:47 - Stuffed Gnocchi
08:39 - Penne Arrabbiata
09:01 - Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese
09:38 - Family Style Meat Lasagna
10:19 - Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe
11:19 - Cheese Filled Fiocchetti With Pink Sauce
11:48 - Gnocchi alla Romana
12:58 - Spaghetti Carbonara
13:50 - Garlicky Pasta
15:21 - Sweet Potato Gnocchi
15:51 - Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
16:47 - Rigatoni alla Contadina
17:56 - Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
19:07 - Conclusion
Guys! I’m speaking at my own graduation in a month. I’m the undergraduate psychology commencement speaker at UofM!! That has nothing to do with the vid but babish said to tell him somthing and that’s my news!
Congrats!!!
Wooo!!! Go you!!!
COME TO BRAZIL
Woohoooo! Go blue! Congrats!
GO BLUE! Congrats!
"i cant tell if its boring or if I just wanna die" 10/10 quote chefs kiss i will be saying this about everything
But every time he goes back for a second bite, I want to shout "Stop!" I know he's going to feel sick by the middle then I can't watch anymore 😂
I actually laughed out loud when he said that.
The way I cackled 😂
I would love to see a testing vanilla ice cream video! I feel like grocery store vanilla ice creams very a lot in quality and I’d like to see how price/ingredient list affects it
I’d watch this!
He'd have to make it a special two part episode bc here in the underground, we wanna see how the chocolate ice cream makers fare.
I did this experiment a few years ago. I bought over a dozen mid to high-end vanilla ice creams and tasted them all. The winner: Tillamook Old-Fasioned Vanilla.
@@Zaypharwill take your word for it!
@@Zayphar yes, tillamook is top notch!
I love that he actually gives credit where it's due. Some food channels do these ratings as if the food is from a gourmet restaurant, which is hardly accessible to most of us.
Most creators doing these kinds of videos are not chefs themselves. They do not respect the amount of work that goes into making great food, especially not if it came from a bag.
I work at Trader Joe’s. I never eat our frozen pasta. But I do enjoy the Indian frozen food. Maybe try that for an episode. 😎👍
Same, been with the company for years and I have only ever tried three of these
I love all of the Indian frozen food that TJ’s has. ❤
The vegan Tikka masala is one of my staples! I pair it with the garlic flatbread (which I make even more garlicky by toasting after spreading on garlic dip)
The TJ’s frozen Indian meals are great! Sadly they got rid of their best one, the fish korma.
isn't it strange that trader joe's seem to have better frozen asian foods than pasta? XD
You should take your lowest-ranking pasta and make your own version of it for a video like a redemption story.
I'd just like to see a "this was ok but could be better, and here's how I'd make it better" video
@@jonisaac6429 Joshua Weissman does that with his "But Better" series except he does that for all fast food companies and sometimes snack foods. Would be interesting to see Babish take a stab at it.
@@jonisaac6429 Butter and salt. I eat that asparagus risotto all the time lol.
@@intelli-gent9863Joshua Weissman’s series is more of a showcase of his skills (and gadgets) than a collection of recipes you could easily replicate at home IMO. I think there’s still room for a series of “how can I make this common thing, but better, but with normal equipment, low skill, and without using a million dishes or taking 4 hours”? IMO Weissman isn’t the chef for that - I think someone like Babish would be best suited for it since he already does videos recreating other dishes as well as basic skillset videos.
as a TJ's employee, I'll be using this ranking any time I'm asked a question about the frozen pastas
Hope you don’t get in trouble with corporate
@@nickchaners 😹
what i love about this is that he is not rating or comparing them to like 5 star restaurant dishes but rates them as what they are
that's what GMM does. It is fun though
These would taste a lot better if Trader Joe's wasn't currently trying to get the Supreme Court to eliminate the labor board.
Seriously?
Hey do you have a source? I haven't heard about this.
@@kennethschoen7796 Google it man it's all over.
@@dubiousgm yep seriously Google it. Tesla is also on board with the lawsuit among other companies.
This is news to me. Source to this?
It's crazy how all of their gnocchi products can have such drastically different textures.
It's because they're not made by the same companies. Trader Joe's doesn't make anything; they contract with food companies and sell the items under their own brand. That's why you can sometimes tell who the original producers are by the design of the package, as TJ's will often just modify the original design for their own name. (For example, Amy's organic stuff.)
@@Serai3oh, that’s fascinating. Aside from pack design are there any other clues, like would the packs say the original manufacturer name? Maybe the locations?
@@katl8825 No, of course they're not going to tell you who the original company is. No house brand does that. Why would they? That's the point of a house brand, after all.
@@Serai3 On meat/egg/poultry products they have to list an EST number that will tell you this.
@@katl8825 No, they do not. This practice is called "white label". Companies make a product and then other companies order from them and slap their own labels on it. Other places like Whole Foods does the same thing.
Please review more Trader Joe's products!! This was great! I appreciate that you review them as a "normal person" would, not just slamming everything for not being 5 star chef level.
Very appreciative that you actually use the 1-10 scale instead of inflating scores to be 5-10.
keith would be proud of what you're putting your body through
Now I NEED a Keith and Andrew collab!
this made me genuinely laugh out loud bahahaha we need that collab
With a whole lot of dairy and cilantro
So would Rhet and Link
And Kitchen & Jorn!
missing my all time favorite pasta- the butternut squash mac and cheese that's available during the fall. it's perfect in my book!
Yes! I buy several boxes every year
It is the GOAT!!
I was going to say the same thing, I always buy several boxes every fall!
The tomato sauce gnocchi literally guided me through my college life. I used to eat it at least 3 times a week I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH- and then I become obsessed with the stuffed gnocchi with their tomato feta soup as a sauce AHH
Y'know, I really love your channel simply bc you guys dedicate to putting subtitles. Thank you always
15:55 - Sorrento is the name of the city also in Italian, sorrentino/sorrentina/sorrentini is the adjective form of the proper noun Sorrento, indicating something/someone originating from Sorrento. “Sorrentini” are the inhabitants of Sorrento. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina = Sorrento (style) Gnocchi. Another example of this is “Pecorino Romano” = Pecorino from Rome.
Was going to comment this. Pretty incredible that Andrew didn’t know this considering his knowledge of Italian food, living in NY etc etc
@@Nooticus he does a really bad job at trying way to heard to pronounce these italian names also :D
@@hassroekthats obviously for comedic effect though lol
I want to see a MRE tasting test and ranking.
Let's get this video out onto a tray!
@@TenTiggersnice!
In the middle of nowhere.
Bagels, Reeses products, Little Debbies, Frozen Meatballs, Frozen Wings. Just keep doing this, it's so much fun!
The Gorgonzola Gnocchi is my #1. I add cayenne pepper for some heat.
Interesting sound description at 3:30 😂
I was looking for this comment! Not the phrase I'm used to hearing, and I've definitely heard other variations of that sentiment. 😅
Just like it ought to
As it ought to!
The fact that TJ's describes its Garlicky Pasta (a riff on San Francisco style garlic noodles) "Italian pasta" with no mention of its Asian influences, is wild.
I don't think TJs says it's Italian - I think Andrew said it's Italian.. I came here to comment that pasta is not from Italy. Marco Pollo brought pasta to Italy FROM China...
@@chandrawong449 it says "Italian pasta in a creamy, umami, garlic sauce" on the bag. Andrew was just reading it off :)
But not *the* san Francisco treat, that's rice-a-roni
As an Asian, I think we'll all be okay. Of all the struggles we deal with, ownership of a generic frozen Trader Joe's pasta not really worth being offended about. But you do you Boo.
You misunderstand, it’s not describing the dish as “Italian pasta.” It’s specifically listing “Italian pasta” as the type of pasta used in the dish. It also uses “umami” in the description which distinctly implies an Asian influence.
thank you so much for this. Will be trying!
Loved this ranking! Running to go try the 10 spaghetti!
If this series ever stops, I will die. Plain and simple. I love the entire concept and it’s so fun, taste testing and ranking different categories of food, it’s amazing.
although if this series goes on for much longer, he might die... cholesterol is a thing...
I'm EXACTLY the opposite of this opinion lol. Every "tasting" video is a skip for me. To each their own, but I would be very ok with this series attempt ending
@@va6566 if it were truly a skip you wouldn't be in the comments
@@gastonmarian7261 how else can I provide feedback lol? Post in a babish video where the comment isn't relevant? Via your logic, only comments that "like" the topic should ever exist in the comments section
Notice how he never said "not a sponsor"
More rankings please. I trust your judgment and they're quite fun.
Anything more showcasing your personality and interaction with the rest of the crew (tastings, botched, etc) are my favorite of your videos. You’re such a pleasant and funny person, been a fan since the channel started, love these.
He's correct, but if you combine the Hatch chili mac, with a regular mac and cheese, and you got something going.
TJ's needs to give you a check because I'm going to try the top 3 picks ASAP
I'm really enjoying these bonus series where you rate things I wonder if you could do a Costco shopping trip and just rate random stuff you got at Costco
I really love this series!
These videos are awesome!!!! I would love to see ratings of pasta shapes, different types of box mac and cheese, different types of common ramen, and/or maybe store bought cookies!
It is insane how satisfying these are to watch because of your personality and the whole team.
I'd definitely like to see a homemade French onion soup mac & cheese. Maybe an elote mac & cheese also?
I have TJ's French onion soup, and boxed Mac'n'Cheese, I may try that tomorrow. But since the liquid is usually butter and milk I may have to strain the soup to just get the onions. Hmm...
@@blairhoughton7918 What if....you used the liquid to boil the pasta in and saved some for the "sauce" after?
@@hannahcollins1816 Not really enough liquid but I might try that, too. I think I have several of the frozen soup pucks.
I LOVE the mushroom risotto! I add some peas and it's perfect perfect
Great Round-UP - Thanks!
You could honestly make another video on Trader Joe’s frozen products since there’s SO MANY but they’re usually all of exceptional and amazing quality, especially the orange chicken or fire chicken curry
Trader Joe's Tomato Brie Tart is fantastic. I do not know what you can do with this information, but you now have it. Godspeed.
More of these!!! I trust your reviews so much!
gorgonzola gnocchi is my all time favorite thing from trader joes...ever
this episode felt more unhinged than the previous ones and it was incredible to see
I love this style of video. It's wonderful and I really hope we keep getting more of these
I love this video!! As a newbie to Trader Joe’s, I enjoy hearing your opinions on their products. More please!!
Super helpful thank you ! Will try the top 3 and see what it rates for me.😅
Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese is my favorite comfort food creation from Trader Joe's. So satisfyingly delicious!
With just the right amount of chili flavor. It is my fav
One one of them I ever bought.
Like to know if the sales numbers for the top 3 go up after this .
Love the show. Keep up the awesome work!
Gotta say, i'm loving these Babish ranking videos.
I literally just left trader Joe's and I got The caccio epepe gnocchi and spaghetti carbonara both bomb
Would be an awesome series to take the top frozen meals and make homemade versions, or the worst ones homemade. Because French Onion Mac and Cheese? Sign me up
Great review!! Really appreciated your taste testing and rankings!! Plus you were funny and charming.
The review I’ve been living for!😮 I never know what to get!
Love this series babs, watch you rank anything tbh
I’m impressed by the stamina of tasting this much pasta 😅
Back when I was a lot more active, I feel like I could have put away a full portion of everything he deemed to be above average. I was kind of surprised that just over half of the items landed at a 6 or higher.
Loving this series. We had the best time going over your top four on the brownie episode, and now my 12 year old is a dab hand at making box brownies.
I'm really looking forward to trying some of these!
Loving this series 😂
elbows of love for the whole babish team
I would love to see one of these with dumpling brands!!!! thank u all for ur service, this series rules
I love that I just saw you on Jolly’s channel! One of my favorite crossovers ever.
What's the video? It sounds like something i may want to watch
"tastes like old pork" i instantly was able to imagine
It really does too, I just had it yesterday. It's so gross.
😂 instant hard pass….
Well what would you know, I just made myself a plate of frozen pasta! Let’s go!
Hi Andrew, thank you for doing this because I shy away from the frozen things after a few really bad ones.
You changed my life with your brownie recommendation!! I trust thee
Putting the Penne Arrabiata at a 6 is straight up a hate crime. Best pasta at TJ's. Add some of their pancetta to it? Literal dream.
I have to say I made the mushroom risotto a couple weeks ago and we all really liked it!
I loved modifying their bags of gnocchi and fiocchetti by adding alliums, hot peppers, and/or some veggies to flesh them out so I could get a couple meals out of them. Them and their frozen Indian dishes were ever-present. Gonna have to try those top 3.
I don't shop at Trader Joe's very often. I last bought beef and broccoli and mushroom risotto. I LOVE their mushroom risotto.
YAY! Cookie Dough next please 🍪🍪🍪🍪
Alright, this was a favorite episode of the series. Had no idea they had so many choices. Time to try some Gnocchi and definitely Cacio a Pepe.
Really enjoying these Babish-ized takes on trying-everything. Keep 'em coming!
Oh man! Their Gorgonzola gnocchi, one of my faves and I will always love it! That being said, I also loved a recipe for it was in your book! It was fun making it from scratch. That being said, I didn't do great with the sauce. I need to try it again
I lived on the mushroom ravioli in high school as a young vegetarian. Cannot wait to see you hopefully love it (but possibly roast it)
It did not fair well did it, sigh... but I've noticed his palate seems to sometimes hone in on some flavor and not inform him of much else (the hatch chili mac for instance). Still this was an informative tasting, and new things to try...!
@@ssatvahe’s not “honing in” that disgusting metallic chemical taste of fake truffle oil ruins everything it touches.
If you drink a shot of seltzer water between dishes it will help to cleanse your pallet so you don't get flavor fatigue. With this many different types/styles/flavors your taste buds are going to be shot by the end. I'd suggest doing maybe 5 or 6 at a time.
I dig your ranking vids. Give me more!
"Whatever you want" ❤
YES YES YES!! BONUS BABISH IS BACK!!
A hundred and what? Why have I never been to Trader Joe's! The first pasta looked awesome!
Loved the video ❤ you have a lot of fun in these vids haha
As someone who has had most of these, your reviews were spot on with my feelings. Just tried the carbonara last week and had the same reaction, I avoided the pancetta like the plague
These reviews are super fun to watch.
Nice!
this is great! thank u
I'm so obsessed with these new ranking videos?? Babish is giving the people what we want and I am Here for it
sxdew that's all my keyboard would do after 30sec of "elbows on the keyboard" commenting. So, sxdew, Andrew, and the entire Babish culinary universe, sxdew.
dsxsz,a.ll,.kxz to you as well, friend.
Hatch chili Mac and cheese is my Go to at Trader Joe’s
Your personality has a been a gem to watch
I can't wait to watch more from this series (:
I was actually surprised by the price! Wish I had a Trader Joe’s by me
Some things like meat are quite expensive there, but a lot of things are really reasonably priced. At least where I live the trader joe's eggs are locally sourced and super cheap and yummy.
Trader Joe's is the best pricing on healthy, tasty, varied food! Especially if you're a single person living alone - nothing's better for the budget than TJ's 🥺🥺
You ate Trader Joe's when you were broke? Is that like New York City broke or something?? I'd eat Trader Joe's even if I was a millionaire man lol.
Trader Joe’s prices are the same at all locations, so it may be expensive for places with a lower cost of living but for somewhere like nyc it’s incredibly cheap
Same with California and Washington. It's bonkers cheap over here in the West.
Trader Joe’s is cheapest grocery store by far in my area.
Very common misunderstanding. Trader Joe’s is not another Whole Foods or central market. They are EXTREMELY cheap
I can eat for a week from Trader Joe’s for 70 bucks
I Love the Fiocchetti in Pink Sauce. I do agree, by itself, its kind of boring. However mixing it with another pasta, like a tortellini, it's incredible! Since its a pink sauce you can add it to a red or white sauce to enhance the dish.
I could binge these all day
I love these babish ranking videos
Elbows!!!
my fav is the sweet potato gnocci with sage :3 I get a salad + sliced onions & parm from the dining hall to dress it up.
the hatch green chile mac and cheese is my FAVORITE. you gotta let it sit for a second to thicken back up and then you get the cheese flavor more lol I eat it for lunch at work all the time
Ranking the fiocchetti at a 6 was CRIMINAL bro
That’s what I’m sayin. That’s one of my TJ favorites. Other than butternut squash mac.
It's practically flavorless. I'm surprised he didn't rate it lower.
Trader Joe's products vary wildly from batch to batch. You can have the best thing you've ever tasted and the next month find it inedible. I love TJ's, but it's really weird.
Can we just get frozen vegetables. Most basic thing that no one has ever tiered
I work at TJs and all 3 of your top picks are big sellers! Great review 😂
Gotta try some of those