I Tried the New Trader Joe’s Salad Dressing Everyone’s Talking About

My obsession with trying Trader Joe’s brand new, limited-edition items began when I was a sophomore at NYU, living above Trader Joes’ busy Union Square location. It was then that I fell head over heels for the store’s Mixed Berry Granola, Brown Rice and Quinoa Fusilli, and Creamy Tomato Soup. 

Since then, Trader Joe’s has added countless new items to its shelves, getting increasingly more creative with each passing year. A loyal Trader Joe’s patron, I try to sample all of the store’s latest wares, and when I learned Trader Joe’s had debuted a new Truffle Ranch Dressing, I simply had to try it. The verdict? Well, it’s complicated.

Truffle is a strong flavor, but as I enjoy it from time to time, I wasn’t initially deterred. As ranch can also be quite powerful, I wondered how the two flavors would complement one another. Curiosity piqued, I cracked open the bottle. 

Thick and creamy like traditional ranch, Trader Joe’s new Truffle Ranch Dressing smells distinctly of truffle. Therefore, I was not surprised to discover that it tastes very much the same, as in mostly truffle, with very little ranch flavor. I enjoyed it as a dip for crudités but felt the taste would likely be overpowering on a salad. If you are a big fan of truffles, you might feel differently, but ranch purists may prefer to stick to the classics. 

As much as I wanted to love this new take on classic ranch dressing, I was honestly underwhelmed. However, I would still encourage you to give it a try if you’re a big fan of truffles or, like me, simply love trying every new item that hits Trader Joe’s shelves.

For truffle enthusiasts who can’t wait to bring home a bottle, time is of the essence. Trader Joe’s Truffle Ranch Dressing is only available for a limited time. Each 9.6 oz bottle costs $6.99, which might seem like a steep price compared to other Trader Joe’s salad dressings. However, it’s perfectly in line with the price point of artisanal dressings from traditional grocery stores. 

While you’re roaming the aisles of Trader Joe’s, check out its brand new fall dessert as well as its signature fall quiche for the perfect, cozy weeknight dinner.