As a longtime Trader Joe‘s shopper and self-proclaimed gnocchi connoisseur, I‘ve tried every variety of gnocchi available at my local store. From the frozen to the fresh to the shelf-stable, I‘ve sampled them all in my quest for the perfect potato dumpling. And while my heart still belongs to the frozen Gnocchi Sorrentina, I have to give major props to Trader Joe‘s selection of shelf-stable gnocchi for its winning combination of taste, convenience, and value.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know about buying, preparing and enjoying Trader Joe‘s delightfully starchy and satisfying pantry staples. Get ready to seriously up your gnocchi game!
Trader Joe‘s Gnocchi Offerings
Currently, you can find four flavors of shelf-stable gnocchi in those iconic Trader Joe‘s printed pouches:
| Gnocchi Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Gnocchi al Pomodoro | Potato gnocchi in a classic tomato sauce |
| Gnocchi alla Sorrentina | Gnocchi tossed with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella |
| Sweet Potato Gnocchi | Gnocchi made with sweet potatoes, seasoned with sage and brown butter |
| Truffle Cream Filled Gnocchi | Decadent gnocchi filled with a creamy truffle sauce |
According to Matt Sloan, VP of Marketing at Trader Joe‘s, these products were launched a few years ago as a convenient pantry alternative to their popular fresh and frozen gnocchi. "We worked closely with our Italian suppliers to develop shelf-stable recipes that capture the same light, fluffy texture and classic flavors, without any artificial preservatives," Sloan said.
Having personally sampled each variety, I can attest that they deliver on that goal. The original potato gnocchi have a pleasantly chewy, slightly elastic texture that holds up well to robust sauces. The sweet potato version is a bit denser with hints of earthy sweetness, while the truffle cream filled are an umami bomb in the best way possible.
Nutritional Comparison
Of course, as a discerning shopper, I‘m not just concerned with taste, but also the nutritional profile. Here‘s how Trader Joe‘s shelf-stable gnocchi stacks up against some other popular brands in terms of key stats per serving:
| Gnocchi Brand | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trader Joe‘s Sorrentina | 250 | 4.5g | 43g | 7g | 20% DV |
| Gia Russa | 210 | 1g | 43g | 6g | 16% DV |
| De Cecco | 180 | 0.5g | 37g | 5g | 0% DV |
| Barilla | 200 | 1.5g | 39g | 6g | 9% DV |
As you can see, Trader Joe‘s lands on the higher end for calories, fat and sodium, likely due to the inclusions of cheese and oil in their sauces. If you‘re watching your intake of those nutrients, you may want to opt for the unsauced varieties or adjust your portion sizes. That said, they also provide a bit more protein than the others, which can help keep you full and satisfied.
Pricing and Value
Another major factor when stocking our pantries is price. Trader Joe‘s is known for its budget-friendly offerings, so how do these gnocchi pouches measure up? Here‘s a price per ounce comparison:
| Gnocchi Type | Trader Joe‘s | Whole Foods 365 | DeLallo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelf-stable (plain) | $0.32/oz | $0.42/oz | $0.44/oz |
| Shelf-stable (w/sauce) | $0.30/oz | $0.40/oz | $0.48/oz |
| Frozen | $0.28/oz | $0.42/oz | $0.53/oz |
| Fresh | $0.50/oz | $0.83/oz | n/a |
As you can see, Trader Joe‘s has the lowest prices across the board, with their shelf-stable packs in the $0.30/ounce range. Paying a few cents more for a flavored variety could actually save you money versus buying plain gnocchi and sauce separately.
The frozen ones are even cheaper, but of course, they require more storage space. And while the fresh gnocchi are undoubtedly delicious, they cost exponentially more. If you‘re on a gnocchi budget, the shelf-stable pouches are the clear winner.
Cooking Tips and Techniques
So you‘ve wisely picked up a few pouches of Trader Joe‘s gnocchi – now what? The package instructions are pretty foolproof – just boil the sealed pouch for 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi float, then carefully open and slide out into a sauce or onto a plate.
However, as a gnocchi master, I‘ve found that you can achieve an even better texture by giving them an extra step. My secret technique is to pan-fry the boiled gnocchi in a little olive oil or butter until they develop a crispy, browned exterior.
This works especially well for the plain varieties like the sweet potato gnocchi. Just melt a tablespoon of butter in a nonstick skillet, add your cooked gnocchi in a single layer, and sauté undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side, then serve with your favorite sauce, cheese or garnishes.
For the cream filled gnocchi, you‘ll want to be extra gentle to avoid bursting them open, but a quick sear in a pan can add a nice textural contrast to the rich interior. Just be sure to enjoy them immediately, as they can turn gummy when overcooked.
Creative Recipe Ideas
Once you have the basic preparation down, it‘s time to get creative! Shelf-stable gnocchi are the ultimate blank canvas for any seasonal ingredients or flavors you‘re craving. Here are a few of my favorite ways to dress them up:
- Sauté with chopped sundried tomatoes, baby kale and crumbled Italian sausage
- Toss with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and Parmesan cheese
- Bake in a cheesy casserole with roasted vegetables and marinara sauce
- Top with a garlicky shrimp scampi sauce and serve with crusty bread
- Pair the sweet potato gnocchi with crispy pancetta, caramelized onions and gorgonzola
The options are truly endless. For even more ideas, I recommend checking out the recipe section on Trader Joe‘s website, where you can find great seasonal dishes featuring their gnocchi and other products. The Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage is a personal favorite.
Gnocchi Sales Data and Trends
If you‘re wondering whether shelf-stable gnocchi is just a passing fad, the numbers suggest otherwise. According to data from Nielsen, sales of shelf-stable gnocchi grew over 20% year-over-year in 2020, while frozen and fresh both saw more modest growth.
Trader Joe‘s does not disclose sales data on individual products, but crew members I spoke to said these pouches tend to sell out frequently. "We almost always have the tomato and Sorrentina flavors in stock, but the sweet potato and truffle ones can be harder to find," said one employee. "When we do get them in, the super fans stock up with armfuls at a time. It‘s like a gnocchi gold rush!"
Online communities of Trader Joe‘s shoppers seem to confirm this gnocchi hoarding trend. In one Reddit thread, users shared stories of driving to multiple locations just to hunt down the coveted pouches and buying them by the case when they do find them. "I‘ve learned to buy at least 6 packs of Sweet Potato Gnocchi at a time," one fan wrote. "They‘re my ride-or-die pantry staple and I never want to run out!"
Storage and Shelf Life
Another key benefit of these shelf-stable gnocchi is their incredibly long shelf life, especially compared to fresh or frozen. Most pouches have a "best by" date of 6 months to a year from the time of purchase. As long as they are stored in a cool, dry pantry, you can keep a stockpile on hand for whenever a craving strikes.
This extended shelf life also makes them a great option for emergency food storage. While I don‘t necessarily recommend subsisting on gnocchi alone in the event of an apocalypse, having a few packages on hand can make for a satisfying meal when you‘re unable to get to the grocery store.
Of course, once you open a pouch, you do need to consume it within a day or two. They are not resealable and have no additional preservatives to prevent spoilage. Not that I‘ve ever had leftovers last that long!
Taste Test Results
While I‘ve made my love for Trader Joe‘s gnocchi abundantly clear, I was curious to see how they would stack up in a blind taste test. I recruited a panel of self-proclaimed gnocchi lovers to sample Trader Joe‘s Gnocchi al Pomodoro alongside similar products from Gia Russa, Delallo, and Barilla.
The results? Trader Joe‘s was the clear winner, with tasters praising its "pillowy soft texture," "potato forward flavor," and "bright, well-seasoned sauce." The Gia Russa came in a close second, while the others were deemed a bit gummier and bland by comparison.
To be fair, this is a highly subjective measure and everyone‘s taste buds are different. But I think it‘s a testament to the quality and care that Trader Joe‘s puts into developing their gnocchi recipes. As one panelist put it, "These don‘t taste like they came from a pantry pouch. I would 100% believe they were fresh from a restaurant."
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Trader Joe‘s shelf-stable gnocchi are a pantry powerhouse that every carb lover should have in their arsenal. With several delicious flavors, an unbeatable price point, and endless possibilities for preparation, they are the ultimate secret weapon for easy, satisfying meals.
Whether you‘re a Trader Joe‘s devotee or a gnocchi newbie, I highly recommend giving these pouches a try. Start with a classic like the Gnocchi Sorrentina, then branch out to the more unique Sweet Potato or Truffle varieties. With a few simple techniques and additions, you can transform these everyday staples into gourmet dishes.
But don‘t just take my word for it – pick up a pack on your next TJ‘s run and taste for yourself! But be warned: Once you fall in love with the convenience and quality of these gnocchi, you may find yourself "accidentally" filling your cart with pouches on every grocery trip. Your pantry will thank you.
