Trader Joe’s Gyros with Tzatziki Dip
Published July 6, 2023
Trader Joe’s Gyros with Tzatziki dip is one of my favorite dishes to whip up for lunch or dinner. In this ingredient review, I’m sharing the three Trader Joe’s products that I use to make homemade gyros. They include the Trader Joe’s Original Pita, Vegan Tzatziki Dip, and Gyro slices.
Ingredient Review
Trader Joe’s Gyros with Tzatziki Dip Packaging
Gyro Slice Packaging | 6 of 10
The Gyro slices come in a thin cardboard box. I usually buy 2-3 boxes depending on if I’m serving 4-6 adults. For one person, one box is enough for 2 meals (depending on the number of slices you want in your gyro/wrap).
The bright orange banner draws your attention to the product name, before flowing down the front of the package to the large picture of the gyros. The recognizable image of the gyro is a good way to catch consumer’s attention when shopping, rather than relying on text alone.
I think the side text which notes that the product is already fully cooked, and made of beef and lamb can get a little lost, but I understand the design choice to squeeze that text onto the tan background of the paper instead of the blueish gray box (which could have less contrast and therefore be missed).
The instructions on the back are clear and easy to understand, giving the consumer options for the stovetop or microwave. I’ve always cooked the slices on the stovetop.
We prefer our slices to be crispy, so I cook them for a few minutes instead of a few seconds, until the slices are browned. You’re free to cook them however you prefer. I would note that if you cook them for a few minutes, you’ll want to dry off the excess oil before putting them in your wraps or gyros.
My complaint with the gyro slice packaging is the vacuum-sealed packaging for the protein. There is no scored tab to assist with opening the slices, and even if you cut it with scissors, the plastic rarely pulls apart. You usually have to cut alongside the protein.
Additionally, removing the slices can result in them tearing. I wish they were separated with parchment paper or some other divider to make opening and removing easier. For these reasons, I would give the packaging a 6 out of 10.
Tzatziki Dip Packaging | Score 9 of 10
The emphasis on the Tzatziki Dip packaging, to me, is that it is vegan. The bold, dark green font choice stands out and is followed by the softer looking cursive font listing the ingredients in the dip.
The use of graphic, abstract plants (to me) seems to reiterate that it is a vegan product. I don’t think the plant graphics add too much to the packaging besides some cute branding (which also aligns with the other designs we’ve seen from Trader Joe’s products), but I think it works. I like how the top of the packaging uses the white font to highlight that this is a dairy free product.
Additionally, when it comes to opening the product for the first time, there is a large tab which makes it easy to peel back the plastic seal. I also like that the lid clicks into place which makes for secure storage. Overall, I like the branding, colors, and font choice and would give this packaging a 9 of 10.
Original Pita Packaging | 8 of 10
The Original Pita Bread Pockets are stacked in clear plastic wrapping. The most noticeable element of the branding for this product is a two tone blue label with outlined writing.
The shape of the product label is interesting and the white outline gives it some dimension. The mix of fonts are clear and easy to read and the flow of the information is clear to follow — original style pita pockets, four per package.
The silhouette of the trees and buildings on the front and back of the packaging gives a nod to the Middle East, as does the paragraph description of where pita bread originates from and how best to use it.
How much does it cost to make homemade gyros? | Score 10 of 10
Gyro Slices: $4.69 per box
Vegan Tzatziki Dip: $4.29
Original Pita Bread Pockets: $1.99
Overall, the main ingredients to make homemade gyros costs under $20 (depending on how many people you’re feeding). Considering a gyro at a restaurant can be ~$15.00, I score Trader Joe’s prices 10 of 10.
Texture and Flavor | Score 10 of 10
I have no complaints when it comes to combining these products for homemade gyros. The Original Pita Pockets are soft and fresh. We heat them over the stove to warm them before adding a generous dollop of the Vegan Tzatziki Dip. The Tzatziki Dip is light and fresh with cubes of cucumber and a slight tang from the (dairy free) cream cheese base. Finally, the crispy Gyro Slices have distinct seasoning and nice texture. I also add thinly sliced onions, tomatoes, and fresh lettuce from my garden to make the perfect homemade gyro.
Recommendation
For less than you would pay at a restaurant, with well-branded, and perfectly priced products, I highly recommend homemade gyros using Trader Joe’s ingredients.
Have you made homemade gyros from Trader Joe’s?
Leave a comment below with your favorite recipes or ingredients. If you’re looking for more food recommendations, check out my restaurant reviews.
