Trader Joe’s Fan Favorite – Turkey Meatballs 2.0

Trader Joe’s is known for its unique and affordable pre-made foods, and one longtime customer favorite is the Turkey Meatballs. Recently, Trader Joe’s quietly reformulated their turkey meatballs, creating Turkey Meatballs 2.0. As a TJ’s superfan always on the lookout for their latest products, I was eager to try the new version and compare it to the original. In this review, I’ll break down the changes to the new Turkey Meatballs 2.0, how they taste, and whether they live up to the original beloved frozen meatballs.

An Overview of Trader Joe’s Turkey Meatballs

For those unfamiliar, here’s a quick rundown of Trader Joe’s famous turkey meatballs

• Sold frozen in a plastic bag in the freezer section

• Approximately 32 small, bite-sized meatballs per bag

• Made with ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, and a blend of Italian spices

• Fully cooked – just heat and serve

• Sold for around $4.99 per bag depending on location

Trader Joe’s turkey meatballs have been a staple freezer item for years. They’re flavorful hold up well in pasta dishes or subs and satisfy the whole family. Recently though, eagle-eyed shoppers noticed the ingredient list had changed…what was different with 2.0?

Comparing Turkey Meatballs – Original vs 2.0

When I first cooked up some Turkey Meatballs 2.0 and compared them side-by-side to the original, here are the changes that stood out:

Size and Shape

• Original: Larger, about ping pong ball sized

• 2.0 Version: Smaller, marble sized

Breading

• Original: Light breading with some visible panko-style crumbs

• 2.0 Version: Heavier breading and denser texture

Flavor

• Original: Savory blend of Italian spices

• 2.0 Version: Not as Italian spice forward, added sweetness

Ingredients

• Original: Turkey, breadcrumbs, spices, onion, eggs, salt

• 2.0 Version: Turkey, water, brown sugar, onion, wheat flour, spices

The differences were noticeable right away. Overall, the new version seemed to have more filler and less turkey flavor. I wasn’t sure if I was sold on 2.0 after the first taste test.

Cooking and Serving Trader Joe’s Turkey Meatballs

While I noticed differences in the raw meatballs, the real test would be cooking them up. To give them a fair chance, I tried preparing the new turkey meatballs several ways:

Baked

Baked at 400°F for 20 minutes – End Result: Dry and tough

Sautéed

Cooked in olive oil on medium high – End Result: Tough outer coating

Simmered in Sauce

Simmered 20 minutes in marinara – End Result: Best texture but blander flavor

Air Fried

Cooked at 390°F for 10 minutes – End Result: Nest crispy outside and tender inside!

The air fryer was the clear cooking method winner for the new version. The high heat crisped up the exterior breading while keeping the inside moist. While I still preferred the original, air frying improved the 2.0 meatballs’ texture tremendously.

In terms of serving, the meatballs work well:

• In pasta dishes like ziti, penne, or rigatoni

• On sub sandwiches with cheese and marinara sauce

• Over rice or couscous as a faux meatball dish

• On their own as an appetizer with dipping sauce

They’re a versatile staple that makes easy weeknight meals or quick appetizers.

Comparing Nutrition Facts of Original and 2.0

As someone who aims to eat healthy, I also compared the nutrition facts between versions:

Original Turkey Meatballs

• 210 calories
• 8g fat
• 18g protein
• 11g carbs

Turkey Meatballs 2.0

• 190 calories
• 7g fat
• 12g protein
• 16g carbs

The differences were minor, but the original has 2g more protein per serving while the new has 5g more carbs. For macros, I preferred the original’s higher protein.

The Verdict – Which is Better?

After multiple taste tests and cooking methods, here is my verdict on Trader Joe’s Turkey Meatballs original vs. the new 2.0:

Original Wins For:

• More savory Italian spice flavor
• Higher turkey content and less filler
• Larger meatball size with better texture
• Slightly better macro nutrient profile

2.0 Wins For:

• Quick cooking and versatility
• Works well when air fried
• Lower calorie count if desired

Overall, while the 2.0 Turkey Meatballs are decent, I don’t think they stand up flavor and texture-wise to the original. The classic turkey meatballs have my heart and I wish Trader Joe’s would bring them back. But in the meantime, air frying makes the new version an acceptable substitute when I’m craving my TJ’s frozen food fix!