Trader Joe’s spinach dip is a popular pre-made dip found in the refrigerated section of Trader Joe’s stores. It has a creamy, spinach-y flavor and is a convenient and delicious snack or party appetizer. But what exactly is in the spinach dip that gives it its iconic flavor? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients list and find out.
Ingredients
According to the Trader Joe’s website, the ingredients in the spinach dip are:
| Spinach |
| Sour cream |
| Mayonnaise |
| Garlic |
| Onion |
| Spices |
| Parsley |
| Lemon juice |
| Salt |
Let’s go through each of these ingredients in more detail:
Spinach
Spinach is clearly the main ingredient and source of flavor in the dip. Spinach contains iron, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. When cooked down into a dip, it provides a rich, earthy flavor. The spinach gives the dip its iconic green color.
Sour Cream
Sour cream provides the creamy, rich texture of the dip. It also helps balance out the earthiness of the spinach with its tangy dairy flavor. Sour cream contains fat and protein.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is an emulsified condiment made from egg yolk, oil, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice. It provides additional creamy texture and moisture to the dip. The mayonnaise helps make the dip smooth.
Garlic
Garlic provides a punch of aromatic flavor. It adds a savory, pungent kick that complements the spinach.
Onion
Onion gives another layer of savory flavor. When cooked down, onions provide sweetness to balance out the garlic.
Spices
The ingredients list doesn’t specify exactly which spices are used. But spices like black pepper, paprika, cayenne, and cumin are commonly used to add flavor complexity to savory dips. The spices give the dip warmth and depth.
Parsley
Parsley is commonly used as a fresh, herbaceous garnish. So it likely provides a fresh hit of parsley flavor. Parsley contains vitamins like Vitamin K.
Lemon Juice
The acidity of the lemon juice helps balance out the richness of the dip. Lemon brightens up the flavors and adds zest.
Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. It also acts as a preservative.
Nutrition Facts
Now let’s take a look at the nutrition information for a 2 tablespoon serving of Trader Joe’s spinach dip according to their website:
| Calories | 60 |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 1g |
As we can see, the spinach dip is high in fat from the sour cream and mayonnaise. It also contains cholesterol from those ingredients. The sodium content is moderately high, most likely from salt, spices, and dairy products.
There are minimal carbs and sugar, since the main ingredients are vegetables, dairy, and oil-based products. The dip provides a small amount of protein as well.
So while the spinach dip tastes indulgent, a 2 tablespoon serving contains a moderate 60 calories and 6 grams of fat. The saturated fat content is also relatively low per serving compared to other dips and spreads.
Preparation
The beauty of Trader Joe’s spinach dip is that it comes pre-made and ready to eat! All you have to do is open the container, give it a stir, and dip away with your favorite crackers and veggies.
Some serving ideas for the spinach dip include:
– Pita chips or tortilla chips
– Crackers like whole wheat crackers or rice crackers
– Sliced baguette or bread
– Fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, peppers
– Celery sticks
– Broccoli and cauliflower florets
The spinach dip can be served chilled right out of the refrigerator. If desired, you can heat it up slightly in the microwave or oven to make it warm and even more creamy.
Stir the dip before serving to evenly distribute the ingredients. You can also mix in extra spices or herbs to add more flavor if desired.
Store leftover spinach dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious over time.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s popular spinach dip contains wholesome ingredients like spinach, dairy products, and seasonings. It provides a tasty blend of creamy, herbaceous, and savory flavors in a convenient ready-to-eat dip. While relatively high in fat and sodium, the spinach dip can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. It makes for the perfect quick appetizer or snack to pair with crackers, chips, and fresh vegetables. Thanks to its pre-made preparation, Trader Joe’s spinach dip is an easy crowd-pleasing addition to any party or gathering.