Greek cuisine is more than just a meal it’s an ode to heritage, a flavor explosion that connects me to my roots. As a child, summer in Greece was about plates heaped with horiatiki salads, ripe tomatoes and cucumbers glistening with olive oil, dainty lavraki, and crunchy calamari by the water. My parents carried that tradition with them in California. Mom’s spinach pies warmed the house, Dad’s pastitsio was a work of art, and no Christmas went by without baklava’s sweet stickiness. Avgolemono soup comforted cold nights. These were more than meals they were the heart of our family.
Greek food requires time and soul, and I asked myself: could Trader Joe’s Greek themed products convert my parents, who are strict when it comes to authenticity? Their taste buds are hard to impress, molded by decades of traditional flavors. Eager but apprehensive, I organized a taste test to determine which items would be a taste of Greece. Here’s what happened.
Trader Joe’s Olive Tapenade
We began with the olive tapenade, anticipating a Mediterranean victory, but it fell short. The taste came too strongly, with an abrasive acidity overpowering the balance my parents prefer in a tapenade. Dad was blunt: “The vinegar’s too much. I wouldn’t buy this.” The Chalkidhiki olives overpowered the spread, lacking the delicate depth we adore.
Trader Joe’s Greek Olive Medley
The Greek Olive Medley didn’t fare much better, though. My parents prefer olives to meld together nicely, rather than fight. Mom quipped, “The herbs are pleasant, but the brine isn’t right, and the texture’s not correct.” The combination was a clash of discordant flavors, not at all like the harmonious olive mixes we enjoy.
Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas with Parsley & Cumin
The Greek Chickpeas with Parsley & Cumin were looking great, full of bright spices. But mixed into our Greek salad, they didn’t shine. Dad was direct: “Not a fan.” Even though they were ready to be devoured cold or room temperature perfection and contained 320 calories, 20g fat, 26g carbs, and 8g protein per 2/3 cup, they were shy on flavor.
Trader Joe’s Classic Greek Salad
The Classic Greek Salad ignited a firestorm of controversy. The real horiatiki, my parents maintained, omits lettuce in favor of crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and thick feta slices. Trader Joe’s rendition, loaded with romaine and topped with only two cucumber slices and a pinch of feta, tasted like a weak impersonation. “It’s attempting to be Greek, but it isn’t,” Mom declared. Dad concurred: “This wouldn’t be found in Greece.” A 1 cup serving (130 calories, 10g fat, 7g carbs, 3g protein) is quick to toss, but they’ll stay with homemade
Trader Joe’s Organic Mediterranean Style Salad Kit
The Organic Mediterranean Style Salad Kit was a pleasant surprise. Featuring romaine, radicchio, broccoli stalks, roasted chickpeas, flatbread strips, dried tomatoes, and feta, it came to life with a zesty red wine vinaigrette. Not strictly Greek, but its flavors were bold and fun. Mom, who loves making her own salads, said she’d eat this when pressed for time high praise! I’ve grabbed it a few times since. A 1 cup serving (110 calories, 7g fat, 9g carbs, 2g protein) makes it a fresh, quick option.
Trader Joe’s Greek Olive Oil
Olive oil is the blood of Greek cuisine, and our kitchen always has it in supply. Trader Joe’s Greek Olive Oil met the test for salad dressing up with a good taste. But Dad explained it’s not unique enough to go out and find comparable quality is ubiquitous. It’s good, but not exceptional.
Trader Joe’s Grecian Style Eggplant with Tomatoes & Onions
The Grecian Style Eggplant was a revelation. Made in Bulgaria, this mix of fried eggplant, tomatoes, parsley, garlic, and a touch of curry powder tasted like it came from a Greek village. Mom raved: “I’d buy this again.” A 1/2 cup serving (140 calories, 12g fat, 5g carbs, 1g protein) works chilled or warmed, perfect for a mezze platter or side dish. It felt like home.
Trader Joe’s Greek Yogurt Plain
Greek yogurt is a regular, and my parents used to swear by Fage. I didn’t think Trader Joe’s version would give it a run for its money, but its rich, creamy texture did. Dad will be using it to make tzatziki, remarking, “It’s not too watery, just right.” A 3/4 cup serving (110 calories, 0g fat, 7g carbs, 17g protein) is handy for dips or sweet combinations. Its unprocessed ingredients skim milk and live cultures give classic tang.
Trader Joe’s Greek Kalamata Olives
Kalamata olives are the crown jewel of Greek food, and Trader Joe’s jumbo pitted ones did not disappoint. Picked from ancient Greek trees, their briny, sweet flavor was a winner. We ate them as is and added them to salads. They were at the top of my list and highly rated by my parents. A 5 olive serving (45 calories, 4.5g fat, <1g carbs) is an effortless, authentic addition to any meal.
Trader Joe’s Tzatziki Creamy Garlic Cucumber Dip
Tzatziki is Greek comfort food, and Trader Joe’s hit it on the head. With Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, it was creamy and refreshing. Dad described it as “definitely authentic,” loving its texture. Even my parents, who make their own, would purchase it in order to save time. A 2 tablespoon serving (50 calories, 4g fat, 2g carbs, 1g protein) goes wonderfully with pita or veggies.
Trader Joe’s Crumbled Feta Cheese
Mom’s a feta aficionado, so her seal of approval for Trader Joe’s Crumbled Feta carried weight. Composed of rBST free cow’s milk, it possessed an ideal crumbly texture and salty rich taste. “It’s difficult to find good feta here, but this is wonderful,” she said. A 2 tablespoon serving (70 calories, 4g fat, 2g carbs, 6g protein) is perfect for salads, pastas, or pizzas.
Trader Joe’s Gyro Slices
I didn’t think Trader Joe’s Gyro Slices would make it into my parents’ top four, given Dad’s obsession with gyros and his inability to find anything decent in the US. These pre cooked beef and lamb slices, pan fried two minutes, were perfect in pita and tzatziki. A 2 ounce serving (190 calories, 11g fat, 6g carbs, 14g protein) provides a fast, filling meal. Dad’s addicted.
Trader Joe’s Dolmas Vine Leaves Stuffed with Rice
The dolmas brought Mom to tears, reminding her of her mother’s recipe. These vine leaves, stuffed with rice, herbs, and a hint of lemon, were tender and flavorful. “The best canned version we’ve found,” my parents agreed. Made in Greece (despite the Bulgaria label), a 3 piece serving (120 calories, 6g fat, 12g carbs, 2g protein) is perfect for a mezze platter.
Trader Joe’s Greek Spanakopita
The Greek Spanakopita was a near runner up. Flaky filo dough filled with spinach, feta, mizithra, and grating cheese, made with Athenian bakers, tasted like Mom’s homemade. “The spinach is fresh, and the balance is perfect,” Dad said. A 1/6th pie serving (190 calories, 12g fat, 15g carbs, 5g protein) bakes to golden in 20–25 minutes.
Trader Joe’s 5 Cheese Greek Spiral
The 5 Cheese Greek Spiral was the hit. Stuffed with Gouda, Kasseri, Kefalotyri, semi hard cheese, and a touch of blue cheese in flaky phyllo, it amazed us. Produced in Greece, it tasted like a Greek Isles dessert. “The saltiness is just right,” Dad complimented. Mom liked its size, skipping dryness of large pies. A 1/4 spiral serving (250 calories, 14g fat, 22g carbs, 7g protein) bakes 25–30 minutes. They’ll make repeat purchases.
This taste test was a rollercoaster, with misses and gems that brought Greece to our table. My parents, who were new to Trader Joe’s, were amazed at the quality and authenticity of so many products. Mom put it well: “These products can take you to Greece for a day.” No plane ticket necessary just a visit to Trader Joe’s for a food adventure.
