Yay: Delicious Caramel Bites

Instead of "Delicious Caramel Bites," these should be titled "MOST AMAZING COOKIES IN THE WORLD!" While we usually try to review only TJs brand foods on this blog, I've only ever seen these in TJs and they are so delicious, they deserve a post. Soft chewy caramel is wedged between two crispy, sugary wafers in a way that will turn any frown upside down. They are bite-sized enough that you can eat a couple without feeling completely guilt-ridden, although beware: once you open the bag it is hard to stop eating these.

Nay: Organic Gingermints

These Organic Gingermints leave much to be desired. They are shaped and textured like a well-known brand of mints that also comes in a fancy tin box, but they are much smaller and thinner than that well-known brand. Aside from needing to be either bigger or smaller, the ginger flavor is not very refreshing. It is just a hint of ginger that leaves the mouth feeling grimy. Just keep walking past these if you see them at the checkout counter.

Yay: Farm Raised Tilapia Filets

If you must eat frozen fish instead of fresh fish, this frozen tilapia is a a decent option for the price and freshness. They are a meaty fillet that cooks easily with simple ingredients such as a lemon, butter and herbs. I like that they are portioned for 2 people, as fish (frozen or fresh!) does not reheat well.

Yay: Very Green 100% Juice Smoothie

This drink is a light, refreshing way to consume fruits and vegetables. It is sweet, hydrating and filling. The price is right compared to some other more well-known brands of bottled smoothies, and makes a great addition to breakfast, or as a mid-day snack. It is also a good solution when you are stuck with limited access to fresh fruits and veggies. PS -- Yes, I realize the best buy date; I wrote the review right after I bought it last year and didn't get around to posting it until now!

Yay: Turkey Jerky

Once again, TJs excels at making a preservative-free version of a great food that is normally stuffed with chemicals by other bigger name brands. This jerky is tasty because it is not overly salty, and has just a hint of smokey soy flavor. The meat is tender, but tough enough to enjoy that "jerky chew" experience. The only drawbacks are that it is expensive and it is recommended to consume within a few days of opening, but if you're looking for a healthy, protein-based snack, this jerky will do the job!

Yay: Quick Cook Steel Cut Oats

I'm not much of an oatmeal connoisseur, but I do know that I like my oatmeal plain and natural. I do not like the packaged instant oatmeal from bigger name brands because they have added sugars and preservatives. If you're looking for a natural, basic breakfast, this is a great option. These oats cook very quickly (just like their title says!): add some to boiling water and you'll have a nutritious breakfast in 5-8 minutes.

Nay: Fusilli with Vegetables & Basil Pesto

"Terrible" is a massive understatement for this frozen pasta. When cooked, it looks nothing like it does in the photograph. The pasta is tiny and inedible, the veggies are soggy and bland, and there is no fresh sprig of herbs laying on top of the dish. Do yourself a favor and take an extra ten minutes to boil a pot of water, cut up some veggies and make your own pasta with veggies.

Yay: Non-Sorbate Pitted Prunes

It is very difficult to find dried fruit with preservatives, but TJs saves the day with these preservative-free pitted prunes. Serve them on a cheese board or just enjoy them by the handful. They are a great after-dinner treat to satisfy a sweet craving while aiding in digestion. Tip: keep them in the fridge and they are less sticky to handle.

Yay: Honey Roasted Peanuts

These little golden nuggets of happiness have just the right combination of salty and sweet: neither is overtly overpowering so that they complement each other nicely. They make a great topping for salad or ice cream, or eat a handful for a powerful punch of protein. Either way, these peanuts are sure to delight!

Yay: Sweet Italian Style Chicken Sausage

TJs excels in the chicken sausage arena, and these are no exception! A perfect balance of peppery flavor, these fully cooked sausages can be used in a variety of ways. Make traditional sausage and peppers, add to red sauce and pasta, have with red beans and rice, or add to any breakfast omelet. Completely all natural with no preservatives or casing, they are also a low-fat, high protein food. They keep a long time in the freezer and can be quickly microwaved or sauteed.

Yay: Peanut Butter Chewy Coated & Drizzled Granola Bars

If you are easily put off by food terms such as "granola" and "bar," don't be fooled! These delicious bars taste more like dessert than traditionally dry granola bars. They are very satisfying and fill that afternoon food void when one sluggishly craves sweets but needs protein to make it through the rest of the day. Pack one in your lunch or carry one in your pocket!

Nay: Stone Ground White Corn Tortillas

TJs unfortunately misses the mark with these tortillas. They feel like stale sponge cake in your mouth and taste like cardboard. Combined with the fact that they rip easily even with the smallest amount of filling, you're better off with name brand or better yet, a product from a local tortilleria.

Yay: Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

This is a delectable and delicious dip, and highly recommended. It rivals any overpriced chain restaurant appetizer, and can be served with a variety of munchables including tortilla chips, pita chips, bread or veggies. It is even tasty with TJs Organic Corn Chip Dippers. Serve as a side with a meal or a snack all for yourself, or share at a party if you are feeling generous!

Yay: Bean So Green

I expected these to be disgusting, particularly since frozen broccoli is rarely tasty (it contains so much water that frozen versions are usually mushy). The veggies were surprisingly crisp (for being frozen), and the garlic butter sauce was not nearly as synthetic and heavy as expected. While this won't make the rounds at my regular dinner table, it was a nice change up, and I would recommend it.

Yay: Frozen Blueberries

TJ's frozen fruit makes getting through winter a little easier when you live in a cold climate with limited access to fresh fruits. Every bag is consistently delicious and always perfectly sweet. Add them to smoothies, oatmeal, pancakes or yogurt, or just eat them by the handful as a frozen (or thawed) treat!

Yay: Nonpareille Capers

Capers add an element of surprise flavor to many dishes. Do not be fooled by their tiny nonpareille size -- these little flower buds from the caper bush are pickled to add a salty, vinegary punch. They are a great topping for a variety of fish and pasta dishes, adding a gourmet flair to your every day cooking. The best part about these carpers is that even though they are traditionally a gourmet food, TJs sells them at non-gourmet prices (pricing varies by store location).

Yay: 10 Minute Farro

I never cooked farro before trying TJs 10 Minute Farro. I had tasted it many times before this and always assumed it was a difficult grain to cook, much like rice. I assure you that if I can cook this stuff without messing it up, you can too (I am the world's worst at cooking rice, therefore my entire culinary life changed when I found TJs Frozen Brown Rice). Farro can be quite bland alone, so I recommend finding a recipe; I used this one from Whole Foods found here, making it into a cold salad as a side dish. I am curious how to use it in a hot dish. Do you have any other farro recipes to share?

Yay: Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake Mix

This Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake mix is delicious! Although I typically do all my baking from scratch, I've also never seen crumb cake in box mix form. It is very easy to make -- you just need milk, butter or vegetable oil, some more butter, a bowl, a spoon, a cake pan, and about 60-75 minutes. It takes a very long time to bake -- 40-60 minutes depending on the cake pan size and your oven -- but it is worth the wait because of the taste and simplicity. The cake comes out moist and fluffy, and the crumb topping bakes to crispy perfection. Bring this to a holiday party and you will hear rave reviews about your baking skills!

Yay: Creamy Fresh Goat Cheese with Herbs

Goat cheese is a must have for anyone who wants to add a gourmet flair to their dishes, and this Goat Cheese with Herbs is an excellent tool to have in the kitchen. The herbs in this cheese are a useful touch because they add a subtle flavor to a variety of dishes. Serve on crackers with a plate of fruit, mix in with red sauce to get a creamy style sauce, or add to salad for that extra gourmet flair. It complements the Candied Pecans in a spinach salad, and will impress whomever you prepare meals for!

Nay: Turkish Smyrna Figs

Dried figs leave much to be desired, and are much tastier served fresh. This "nay" is most likely a result of personal taste and not necessarily reflective of TJs dried fruit selection, which is typically of a superior quality and flavor. These dried figs are tough, with grainy seeds inside. Unless you already love dried figs or have a specific recipe in mind, they are not worth it.