Trader Joe’s Rants & Raves (mostly raves, a few rants)

NEW ITEM!

Would you say this looks like Trader Joe’s wants to get in on the this whole “Drizzling” olive oil in a squeeze bottle popular trend? Are you thinking this looks like the popular “Graza Sizzle” oil? Trader Joe’s is appropriately enough calling their EVOO oil in a squeeze bottle, “Main Squeeze”.

As usual for Trader Joe’s this is a budget friendly item. Its a blend of Mediterranean olive oil from three counties, mainly Tunisia, Spain, and finally Italy, where it’s packed. They are selling this pretty large 750 ml (25.4 oz) bottle for about eleven bucks – which is cheaper than some of the other oils they sell as many come in a smaller 500ml bottle, like the EVOO from California for one. $10.99 is a pretty good deal for a 750 ml bottle. Graza brand oil sells now for about $17 at Target for this same 750 ml size bottle. I don’t have any of the Graza oil at home now one so can’t directly compare them. That one is from one place (Spain).

They say this: “Imported from the Mediterranean, it’s a golden, grassy, and pleasantly peppery cold-pressed Olive Oil, ideal for everything from light sautés to dipping bread, and it’s contained within a consummately convenient Squeeze bottle topped with an adjustable spout. The squeezable design is perfect for drizzling over roasted veggies, burrata, or soups. It’s also versatile enough for dipping bread, making pesto, or general pan-frying and sautéing. “

https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/main-squeeze-extra-virgin-olive-oil-083543

I tried this Main Squeeze Oil and liked the taste. It has yes a golden, grassy, and pleasantly peppery taste with a mild kick on it’s aftertaste. I did find the nozzle a bit tricky as has a pretty narrow twisty top and had a tendency to get gunked up the more I used it so I know I will have to wipe it often as it will get a bit gunky, but that’s not a huge problem. Is it as good as their best oils (Sicilian and California)? No, I would say just a bit under those two excellent oils, but both do cost more than this.

Worth trying and cheaper than Graza Sizzle EVOO if you want to try the whole “drizzle”squeeze bottle which is convenient. Like all extra virgin oils keep it in a cool dark cupboard if at all possible to stay as fresh as possible.

$10.99 (750 ml)

“Packed in Italy; Oil from Tunisia, Spain and Italy”