Trader Joe's Mandarin Chicken

Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is a $5 frozen bag that outsells most of the fresh items in the store. The fact that a frozen product has become a cultural reference point for an entire grocery chain says a lot about how taste and value interact. The Orange Chicken works because it's crispy out of the oven, the sauce has enough tang and sweetness to satisfy without being cloying. It takes 20 minutes from freezer to plate. Panda Express built a fast food empire on a similar product. At home in your own bowl for about a third of the cost, the Trader Joe's version wins.