We Tried Trader Joe’s Controversial New Mango Sticky Rice

We reported recently about the addition of the mango sticky rice at Trader Joe’s. And it seems the internet isn’t as thrilled as we were. Which, after getting it, I can understand some of their points. 

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The Internet’s Opinion

One of the biggest complaints I’ve seen is the portion size. And I can confirm, the portion size is rather small. One Redditor on a thread commenting on the portion size even pointed out that if you go to a Thai spot, you can get easily double or triple that portion for the same price. And that’s going to be fresh mango sticky rice. I get that. I would have loved a bigger portion, too. At the same time, it’s meant to be a convenience for times when you can’t or don’t want to go out to eat. I get it.

Some of the other concerns come from the fact that it’s a frozen dessert that you have to heat in the microwave. Frozen fruit in the microwave isn’t always the best combination. Their fears are valid. But I think you also need to put an amount of trust into the company that they wouldn’t put something out that couldn’t suitably survive the microwave while still retaining some of its integrity. 

Our Verdict

Now, I was skeptical because I was already going into this being swayed by the internet’s opinion. But I kept an open mind and trusted Trader Joe’s to give me a good dessert. They haven’t missed yet, so surely this will be no different. Heating it up was a breeze and while I would have preferred the mango to be diced smaller, after starting this article, I’m starting to think the mango was left in big chunks on purpose in order to preserve its integrity. 

I hadn’t thought about that at the time, but the larger chunks definitely held up just fine in the microwave. I had a piece that was smaller and that piece did start to turn a little mushy. So the large chunks are allowed a pass now that I realize what they’re for. Plus, it’s just mango―it was easy to cut it with a spoon to get better proportions of mango to sticky rice. 

The flavor was spot on. Was it the best mango sticky rice I’ve ever had? Of course not. Fresh is always going to beat frozen. But for a little treat at home? It was great. The fried mung beans added a delightful crunch to an otherwise one texture dish as well. Would I pick this over going to a Thai place? No. But I might keep a box on hand just in case I get a craving and can’t make it out to the restaurant. 

Now, it doesn’t get a perfect 10. There’s definitely some room for improvement. Like the mango could be kept separate and diced smaller, allowing the consumer to not have to microwave the mango and just do the rice. And, I will say, I would really have loved a larger portion. Though this portion just meant I got to eat mango sticky rice and some salted caramel mochi (also from Trader Joe’s). 

I’d say the side-eye is understandable. But don’t trust the internet fully on this one. Give it a try for yourself. But remember, it is just a frozen snack. It’s meant to be a kept-on-hand item not a full replacement for all the mango sticky rice in your life.