If you like Trader Joe’s, you know that the grocery store chain tends to offer foods that aren’t the norm. Case in point: TJs sausages. There are a few standard pork links in the fridge case, but most of the sausages there are made from chicken, not pig.
But going with poultry isnt merely about being different. Food Network says that chicken sausages tend to have less fat, calories, and sodium than their pork counterparts. But that doesnt necessarily mean youll be sacrificing taste. However, these sausages are already fully cooked, which is a bit of a letdown. On the other hand, not having to worry about eating raw chicken is definitely a plus. Some choices are better than others. In this case, those choices include both the classics and flavors that aren’t as common. For your information, we’ve tried every Trader Joe’s chicken sausage to let you know which ones are best for the grill and which ones just don’t make the cut. (Keep in mind that Trader Joe’s stock changes all the time; these were the chicken sausages that were in stock at the time this article was written.) ).
Per the package, the Spicy Italian is made with antibiotic-free chicken, just like the other sausages on this list. Plus, the sausage is minimally processed and includes no artificial ingredients, so points for all of that. But Spicy Italian is the only one that doesn’t taste good and is just sort of…meh. That’s not a good thing.
We already said that Trader Joe’s does really well when it comes up with new ideas. Spicy Italian sausage is about as average as it gets. There are no bells and whistles, just a hint of heat and an otherwise bland assortment of seasoning. Because it was so dull, the dryness of the sausage stood out even more compared to what we’re used to seeing in a fresh pork spicy Italian link. There’s also the fact that this is a chicken sausage, but the casing is made of pork. If you’re kosher, halal, or otherwise trying to avoid pork, you should not eat this.
We put all of Trader Joe’s chicken sausages on the grill and tasted them side by side. Everyone agreed that Sweet Apple was the worst of the bunch. Of course, the package makes it clear that the product is sweet because it contains fruit and “pure Vermont maple syrup,” but the taste is almost too sweet. So why isn’t this at the bottom of our list? Because things got better when we tried the sausage again a few mornings later. It tastes better when paired with flapjacks, chopped up in an egg scramble, or sliced and put inside a hearty omelet.
This sausage is 100% intended for a cozy, comforting wake-me-up meal. Some people like breakfast for dinner, but we don’t think you should serve the Sweet Apple sausage after brunch. If you run a bed and breakfast in, say, Nantucket, you should definitely stock up on it. Sweet Apple sausage doesn’t have a casing like some of the other sausages on this list, so it doesn’t contain any pork. This could be a plus for some shoppers.
“Inoffensive” was the first word that came to mind when we sampled this sausage. It snapped nicely and seemed a little juicier than some of the other sausages we tried. This could be because of their size—most Trader Joe’s chicken sausages come in 12-ounce packs of five, but Garlic Herb had four 3-ounce links.
Besides garlic, there are some well-known herbs and spices like parsley, basil, roasted onions, oregano, black pepper, and white pepper, as well as some less common ones like celery juice powder and marjoram. But nothing in particular stands out, so if youre fearful of post-meal garlic breath, you can breathe easy. Basically, if youre looking for standard sausage with a touch of smoke, this will fit the bill nicely. This sausage has a lot of flavor, but the ones below might be better for you if you want something with a little more “oomph.”
The name of this sausage is a bit misleading on both accounts. To begin, calling it spicy is a bit of an exaggeration. You can taste some heat, but it’s more like a Bic lighter flame than a full-on fire. Even though the jalapeño pepper is highlighted, the ingredients list shows that red pepper is actually the main pepper in the sausage. (If you read the small print, the package does say that there are “roasted red peppers for richness” and “jalapeño peppers for spice,” so at least there is proof that two peppers are part of the mix. ).
Even though the sausage isn’t quite as good as what’s advertised, it was still a tasty bite. While the jalapeños offered a muted hint of spice, their essence was detectable, offering pleasantly sweet, subtle heat. The taste reminded us of the Jalapeño Kettle potato chip flavor, which we quite enjoy. It turns out that letting the roasted red peppers take the lead was a good idea after all, since they lived up to their “richness” promise. “.
If you really want a spicy sausage, put some spicy brown mustard on your Spicy Jalapeño. Everything will be fine. And for those looking for a sausage sans pork, this is another option that comes without a casing.
If you want a sausage dish that everyone will love that is a little different from the norm, look no further. In addition to the sun-dried tomatoes that are the main focus of the package, it also has basil, which, like the roasted red peppers we just talked about, may deserve more attention. While that welcome herbaceous note is front and center, the sun-drieds offer a faint concentrated tomato flavor. Its reminiscent of a slice of sausage pizza, but without the bread. (If you’re putting it in a bun, you might want to spread garlic butter on it and top it with shredded mozzarella.)
But is the Sun-Dried Tomato chicken sausage something that people will buy again? We think so, especially for feeding a big family. A lot of people like the main ingredients, and they’ve been taken to a level of sophistication that might make parents feel okay about having hot dogs for dinner again.
When we tried the two sausages that were clearly marked “spicy,” we started to wonder if Trader Joe’s was generally cautious about adding heat. Then we tried the Smoked Andouille, and everyone agreed: “Wow, that’s a spicy sausage!” Just remember that you’ll need strong teeth to bite through the meat tube’s surprisingly thick skin (maybe that’s why this package comes with 12). 8 ounces rather than the standard 12 ounces). When you cut or bite into it, it has a clear snap. If it’s overcooked, it can get almost crunchy, so keep an eye on the grill so it doesn’t char.
Then, assuming you got the right sear on the sausage, youll face the tear-inducing spiciness within. Depending on your Scoville sensitivity, that could either be a deterrent or a draw. At first, you might not think the heat is that bad, but hold on for a second. It will really hit you. Beyond the spice, the Smoked Andouille is bursting with Cajun flavor.
You wouldn’t be wrong to think it’s full of pork in a blind taste test, even though it’s made with ground chicken. This is a 4-pack of pure fire, and even though the casing was a bit of a mess, we were happy to smoke it by itself. However, it would probably be best used by cutting it up and adding it to a rich gumbo recipe. Should you eat it by itself, you might want to pair it with a mild side dish that will cool your taste buds, like cornbread, collard greens, or sweet potatoes.
Trader Joe’s has become a go-to destination for unique and affordable foods. Their wide selection of fully cooked chicken sausages covers a variety of flavors from sweet apple to spicy jalapeño. But once you get them home how long do these convenient sausage links stay fresh?
Knowing the optimal storage times and conditions for Trader Joe’s pre-cooked chicken sausages ensures you safely enjoy every last bite. In this article, we’ll cover:
- Refrigerator and freezer shelf life for TJ’s chicken sausages
- Tips to maximize freshness through proper storage
- Signs of spoiled sausage to watch out for
- Safe reheating guidelines to preserve quality
- Creative ways to use up sausage before it expires
Plus plenty of tips for savoring these tasty sausages to the last morsel before their flavor goes off!
How Long Do Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausages Last?
The shelf life of TJ’s pre-cooked chicken sausages depends on whether they’re refrigerated or frozen:
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Refrigerated: 7-10 days after purchase if continuously refrigerated.
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Frozen 2-3 months in freezer when stored properly at 0°F or below,
The “sell by” or “use by” date on the package indicates the last recommended day to eat the chicken sausage at peak quality But you typically get a 7-10 day grace period beyond that if it’s been refrigerated properly
Optimal Storage Conditions
To maximize the safe shelf life of Trader Joe’s chicken sausages:
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Refrigerate promptly after purchase. Don’t leave sausage at room temperature over 2 hours.
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Set your fridge at 40°F or below.
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Keep sausages in the original airtight packaging until ready to use.
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Place sausage on a fridge shelf rather than the door to prevent temperature fluctuations.
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Freeze sausages in the original packaging up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Following the handling instructions on the label and minimizing temperature changes extends both refrigerator and freezer life.
How to Tell If Trader Joe’s Sausage Has Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that the pre-cooked chicken sausage from Trader Joe’s has spoiled:
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Grayish color or dark spots
- Rancid, sour or ammonia-like smell
- Mold – fuzzy greenish-white spots
- Past the sell by or use by date
- More than 7-10 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen
When in doubt, remember – “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled sausage.
Safe Defrosting and Reheating
To safely thaw frozen Trader Joe’s chicken sausages:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator – never at room temperature.
- Microwave on 50% power if in a rush, flipping frequently.
- Cook frozen in recipes if the sausage will be fully cooked.
To reheat refrigerated or thawed sausage:
- Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Use the stove, oven or microwave until steaming hot.
- Bring sauce to a boil if reheating in a sauce or soup.
Proper reheating kills any bacteria that may have developed and prevents foodborne illness.
Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Sausage
Don’t throw out older sausage! Use these tips to freshen up leftover links before they spoil:
- Chop and add to scrambled eggs, omelets or breakfast tacos.
- Slice and mix into pasta, risottos or grain bowls.
- Dice and stir into pizza, flatbreads or savory hand pies.
- Cook crumbled sausage into beans and rice or jambalaya.
- Bake into hearty casseroles or egg bakes.
- Sauté with peppers and onions for quick sausage subs.
With a little creativity, you can whip up easy, delicious meals with leftover chicken sausage before it expires!
Storing Sausage Safely Is Simple
While Trader Joe’s ready-to-eat chicken sausages provide convenient protein, proper storage is key once you get them home. Follow the guidelines here to keep sausage freshest up to 7-10 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen.
And remember to promptly freeze any packages you won’t use within a week of purchasing. This prevents wasting food and money!
With the right storage and handling, you can safely enjoy the very last bite of Trader Joe’s tasty chicken sausages.
Sweet Italian Style
The filling of Trader Joe’s Sweet Italian Style chicken sausage is a mix of red and green peppers, which is a perfect match for the flag of the country that gives the sausage its name. And were happy to report that, unlike the sausages spicy cousin, these happen to taste molto bene. Pronounced notes of fennel give the sausage added depth of flavor. While we understand that some people find the strong herb’s fragrant seeds a bit off-putting, rest assured that they aren’t too strong. The red and green peppers are what make this dish so appealing. They add a mild heat and sweetness that is similar to Spicy Jalapeño.
That being said, this might not be one that kids will enjoy, but the Sweet Italian is a great choice for adults, whether you put it in a bun or go the keto route and serve it with sautéed peppers and onions without the carbs.
Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage – Trader Joe’s Product Review
FAQ
How long can Trader Joe’s sausage stay in the fridge?
How long is chicken sausage good for in the fridge?
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Food
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Type
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Refrigerator [40°F (4°C) or below]
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Luncheon meat
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Unopened package
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2 weeks
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Bacon and sausage
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Bacon
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1 week
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Sausage, raw, from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef
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1 to 2 days
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Sausage, fully cooked, from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef
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1 week
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Can you eat chicken sausage past the best by date?
How to tell if chicken sausage has gone bad?