The frozen food aisle just got a lot more interesting. Trader Joe’s has released its version of the iconic Bloomin’ Onion, sparking a debate: can a grocery store appetizer really compete with the restaurant original? To find out, I put both side-by-side, comparing taste, texture, and value.
The Contenders: A Quick Overview
Outback Steakhouse’s Bloomin’ Onion has been a menu staple since 1988, selling over 8 million units annually. It’s a massive, deep-fried onion flower served with a signature spicy bloom sauce.
Trader Joe’s Onion Flowers are a new addition to the frozen section. These pre-cut, battered onions are designed for air frying or baking, offering a quicker, more convenient alternative.
The Breakdown: Ingredients and Preparation
Outback sources its onions from major agricultural states, meticulously cutting each into 200 petals. The breading is a proprietary blend of spices, ensuring a consistent, bold flavor. The Bloomin’ Onion costs $11.99 at the restaurant or $23.10 with delivery.
Trader Joe’s opts for simplicity. Their Onion Flowers, sourced from Thailand, use a basic wheat and rice flour batter with garlic and pepper. At $5.49 for two flowers, they’re significantly cheaper.
Taste and Texture: The Side-by-Side Comparison
The difference is immediately noticeable. Outback’s onion is larger, heavily breaded, and intensely seasoned. The flavor is unapologetically salty and smoky, with the bloom sauce adding a horseradish kick.
Trader Joe’s version is smaller, lighter, and crisper. The batter is more akin to tempura, letting the natural sweetness of the onion shine through. While it lacks the punch of Outback’s seasoning, the cleaner flavor is surprisingly refreshing.
My friend, a native Aussie, agreed that Outback’s onion was too salty, even with the dipping sauce.
The Verdict: Which Onion Reigns Supreme?
Despite expectations, Trader Joe’s Onion Flowers are the better choice. Outback’s Bloomin’ Onion relies on heavy seasoning and deep frying, which overwhelms the natural onion flavor. The Trader Joe’s version delivers a cleaner, juicier experience at a fraction of the cost.
The texture isn’t compromised by being frozen, and the milder flavor allows for more versatile dipping options. While it lacks the visual flair of Outback’s perfectly fanned petals, the taste and value make it the clear winner.
For those seeking a quick, affordable, and flavorful appetizer, Trader Joe’s Onion Flowers are a game changer.
