Update on Trader Joe’s CARNITAS (M.I.A) and the realities of business in the current economic environment


Unfortunately Trader Joe’s Traditional CARNITAS (Mexican roasted pork) went Missing In Action not long ago. Now as we all know Trader Joe’s products can go MIA. Many eventually come back as stock comes in.

Then a reader here reported left a Comment that the Carnitas Discontinued. My heart sank as I have loved that product ever since I had first tried it years ago. Its just the best roast pork cooked in a certain way one could never do yourself. So yesterday when I was at Trader Joe’s I tried to investigate. I spoke with a manager at the Front Desk who looked up the Carnitas on the computer. She told me something interesting which I thought I would pass along as it reveals a little bit not just about Trader Joe’s products but their suppliers they work with.

She showed me the Product page for the Carnitas. It says “Not Orderable” – meaning they did not actually discontinue it – however stores can not order it. The product page explained why: “supplier went out of business“. Yikes!

The page adds that they looking for new supplier for the item. Hopefully they will find one, eventually. But unfortunately for the time being we can’t buy Carnitas anymore at Trader Joe’s. I for one am quite Bummed as I loved it. I could even came up with a hack to make Cha Siu with the Roasted Pork.

Anyway if you don’t see something on the shelf, ask the Front Desk if they could check it for you as thats always the best way I’ve found to get actual info.

Trader Joe’s MALABARI PARATHA (authentic Indian bread) Missing In Action!


M.I.A.

(I think they dropped this for a new product, Roti with sauce)

I love this product but unfortunately just when I was going to post this, I could not find it at my Trader Joe’s. Checking the website, it’s listed at the moment as “currently unavailable”. Maybe its even been discontinued? Who knows? But I am crossing my fingers it comes back sometime in the future! If it comes back however I do highly recommend this product – and Authentic Indian bread which is a bit unique and different from typical Naan type Indian breads.

This Paratha is both flaky and crispy and quite delicious. Its kind of similar to some Chinese scallion pancakes (but no scallions) in style and texture.

“Heat our Malabari Paratha from frozen in a lightly oiled, non-stick pan until golden, and you’ll find a bite that is crisp on the outside and soft & moist on the inside. It’s the perfect partner for our Indian Fare meals, or any of our frozen Indian entrées.”

https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/095252