Dollar Tree vs. Trader Joe's Cooking Challenge

[@Mesenteric]

We NEED a mythical kitchen struggle meals series!

[@courtneyrose8562]

Yes!!!!!

[@logdog998]

Struggle meals with mythical chef josh! 🎉❤

[@elamunsey]

I second that

[@marquisethomas5611]

That's what this is

[@RetiredMegatron]

yes please! i would be all in

[@izzy_apex]

Sometimes you get hit by simple realizations like "Oh Josh supports no kid hungry because of his own food scarcity trauma" and it makes the world feel a little softer

[@Beetmonster]

That was exactly my thought!

[@Jahmaray]

Beluva phsycward much?

[@griffincofell4738]

It’s also just the natural stance to support no kid hungry. The world can’t change til people who aren’t personally impacted still care.

[@fli_grl8p278]

​@@griffincofell4738 you'd think so but yet we have the republican party

[@izzy_apex]

@@griffincofell4738 yeah yeah

[@anamulholl]

love how josh is dressed like he teaches a very small elective college class

[@cayelarissa]

Yes and at the same time... Yum? How did he get so...hot???

[@AstarionWifey]

Egyptology? Anthropology?

[@Evie-xl8hf]

When I was in college Trader Joe’s used to have a discount “ugly vegetable” bin. Like $0.30-0.99 per lb produce. It was dirt cheap, quality produce that otherwise would have been thrown away based on cosmetics alone. It’s literally the reason my roommates and I could eat fresh veggies and fruit in college. You’re telling me they got rid of that??? Why??? It’s pure profit!

[@TheoristAron]

While they don't do that anymore, I do believe that they still don't let that produce go to waste. I know that at the very least my TJ's donates all products that they would normally throw out to local shelters and food banks and such

[@JesseCohen]

Working for TJ’s currently in Nor Cal. The Food Shares program has been nationwide for 10 years minimum. Local food charities get our consumable products that are safe to use. We do exercise caution with returned dry goods, like cereal, or jarred items. Some stuff does get spoiled, like leaky milk or OJ. Can’t risk contamination or food-borne illness. The charity we work with has a farm that takes veg not suitable for human consumption, otherwise our local trash co. does compost. Hope this helps.

[@Evie-xl8hf]

That is awesome! I’m glad they’re giving food to people who really need it. Thanks for letting us know :)

[@Amy-kb1sk]

Trader Joe’s also has incredibly affordable options for people on strict medical diets. They were a life saver for me in college, trying to make ends meet while taking care of a chronically ill body.

[@pink11sox]

The Trader Joe’s near me donate their perishables to local food pantries!

[@CherrySteinz]

Thank you for including the cart total. That is always more important to me than the "per dish" cost that most of those budget meal videos include.

[@sweetmother2406]

I love Josh for not being a food snob

[@k7l3rworkman97]

💯

[@MrAlwaysRight]

*cough* Like Joshua Weisman *cough*

[@razorback6111]

@@MrAlwaysRightweisman is so far up his own ass it’s insane

[@ArthropodJay]

we did your method of cooking the turkey this thanksgiving, and let me just say, absolutely WORTH IT. The most flavorful turkey ive ever had.

[@WinstonPoptart]

Yes it was good and juicy inside it was the best

[@waywardmind]

Which video is that? The podcast episode?

[@ArthropodJay]

@@waywardmind The thanksgiving turkey which is the best way to cook video

[@rachelvanderwall5743]

As someone who works at dollar tree, instead of the steakums you should have gotten a couple of the ribeye steaks in the frozen. They are literally $1.25 and so good.😊

[@QuayHollywood]

I'm also curious why he didn't use those, unless his dollar tree doesn't carry them. They are delicious for steak sandwiches! Also the canned or bag mixed veggies not just the pepper blend? 🤔

[@MikeGarden]

I don’t know if it’s just because I live in California but those rib-eye steaks are no longer $1.25 at my store. I think they’re $3 or $3.25

[@JeskidoYT]

@@QuayHollywood it's uncommon to see dollar trees with proper frozen foods selection.

[@QuayHollywood]

@@JeskidoYT yeah. I guess it also just depends on where you are located

[@FienX_]

theyre filled with fillers, steak ums as he said, is just beef

[@08mlascelles]

Broccoli stalks are the most flavourful bit of the plant! Never throw them away, particularly if you're on a tight budget. Just cut off the bits right at the bottom, and cook the stalks for a couple of minutes more than the florets!

[@brat_prince]

13:59 "it's an acquired taste" yeah, through poverty lmao i have that same weird sentimental palate that Josh has for food that maybe isnt the best tasting but got you through when you either ate the thing that was available or starved

[@jasonrodriguez3618]

I feel like if I’m going to Trader Joe’s I’m never picking up meat. I’m picking up frozen meals and snacks I don’t need lol

[@CorvusCorone68]

i really like their Hatch chili pepper mac n cheese dinner; mac n cheese with Hatch chilies

[@sienarramirez]

i bought chicken breast for $6 today. pretty cheap imo

[@ozziegott]

while its unorthodox for josh to not wear jorts, i absolutely love the fit!!

[@jacqueline8121]

His outfits have been on point lately. Every one has been a hit!

[@ozziegott]

@@jacqueline8121 they really have!

[@kayleennilsson5542]

Oooohhhh, that's why I'm sitting here like, "Josh is giving professional."

[@justdrop]

His hair is also very nice this episode

[@siobhan-rae]

Father is wearing a belt and slacks and i’m into it

[@ethanc.6385]

That Pleasantville reference was gold.

[@NoOne-mx9nu]

its such a flex that josh can cook two meals at once better than I can cook one, and in less time

[@CorvusCorone68]

practice makes perfect!! it's like how artists can draw well and quickly, yet still they aren't satisfied with it, so they keep working at it i wonder if "masterpieces" are actually considered as such by the artists that made em?

[@MikeGarden]

Picking the person who doesn’t usually eat beef to review a beef dominant dish was, a choice.

[@ZombieJig]

Yeah they should get Gwenid to do these ones

[@DTwoHS]

Well, the biggest difference for Jordan was the beef, so I figure it turned out fine.

[@spartan3924]

I guess that makes it even more impartial though

[@havoksdream]

​@@spartan3924the whole point of the experiment is be critical about the ingredients.

[@spartan3924]

@@havoksdream and someone more knowledgeable about beef will be biased towards the highest quality beef regardless of flavour If the cheaper one happened to taste better someone who doesn't know will pick the best based on what they like about it rather then what's objectively higher quality

[@robotdeer]

I guess my hot take is that the broccoli stalks are way tastier than the stems.

[@BioYuGi]

Stalk and stem seems to be the same thing but I would agree I like the light green 'stem' part more than the dark green 'florets'.

[@Wolfgang8-Y]

They're the only part of the broccoli my mom will eat! To me, they're about the same, but having a mix is more texturally fun.

[@doridear1604]

It's because they taste exactly like Kohlrabi (both raw and cooked) which is the best version of the brassica oleracea plant

[@Lucarioguild7]

Yeah I don't get why people like florets more the stalk is where it's at

[@_korbo_]

Nah, I think both are super tasty and I want BOTH in my plate, but I wouldn't say the stalks are tastier, they both taste about the same but I like the texture of the flowers, the soft mushy delicate melts-in-your-mouth thing they do is part of why I like broccoli.

[@rightwrightwriter]

The broccoli stalks have a little more fiber and I like that they stay a little crunchier, so I buy cheap frozen broccoli cuts in bulk on purpose. Broccoli cuts, chicken leg quarters I buy frozen in ten pound bags, and rice or potatoes are my favorite upscale struggle meal.

[@mpbx3003]

I 100% would love a version of this, possibly as a GMM crossover under the "Frozen vs. Fast vs. Fancy Food" series, where there was also a medium "regular grocery store" option.

[@ther3aper561]

Me and my wife meal prep something similar to this with everything from Walmart. We get roughly 6-8 bowls worth at around 20-25 dollars. Super worth, low in calorie, high in protein and super delicious Except we use steamed rice and scramble the eggs separately and combine afterwards

[@chuckmckendry194]

I use Steak-ums when I'm in the mood for steak quesadillas, I'll put them in omelettes, I've even used them in salads. And of course for cheese steak sandwiches.

[@sharksailor]

truly what im learning from this series is that while you can Tell which is which, the cheaper option is still Good

[@mickeymay_mua3998]

I always look forward to these meal videos cause they always give me dinner ideas!

[@JubeiKibagamiFez]

0:57 That's very debatable. Portion sizes are smaller at a dollar store, so most times the price per pound for something comes out to be the same or more as a walmart or aldis.

[@savannahwise7058]

I've noticed that too. It may be initially cheaper but I think you pay for convenience at dollar stores

[@fineacorn]

With skrinkflation this isn't as true anymore. The sugar may be smaller but the bag at the grocery store where is live is equivalent to 3x the price of dollar tree for 3x the size. Same with frozen fruit, or many canned veggies. I shop at a bargain grocery store even & still find this to be the truth. -a person on a very very very limited income.

[@Toastybees]

​@@savannahwise7058For the poor with very limited income, especially in food desert areas, it's simply not possible to not spend the little money they have in order to save more money down the line. Sure it would be much cheaper in the end to buy something like bulk flour or sugar, but that means going without until you can actually afford the initial cost. That works with luxuries, not food. Then there's the issue of low income people possibly not being able to safely store the extra food because of lack of ability to afford containers or being in substandard living conditions like apartment projects or section 8 housing and the like where they have no way to stop vermin from ruining food.

[@tito_me_doe676]

@@Toastybeesthank you for this comment. It highlights a point that’s rarely discussed; wealthy people can afford a deep freezer, a second refrigerator, an ice box, a meat locker, a wine room, etc and have the space, the electricity, the outlet, the ability to call an electrician to install an outlet in a part of their 3 car garage they don’t use, etc for one or more of these in their homes. I have lived in the hood multiple times in my life. You don’t usually even have much cabinet space. Your kitchen is tiny-an afterthought at best. Oftentimes, you only get a microwave and a small fridge because the landlord subdivided what was previously one medium space into several, nearly unlivable spaces to maximize profits, while still keeping the price per room low enough to have a willing tenant. There’s mice and rats and possum, cockroaches, gnats, cats, fruit flies, ants galore. Food is only safe if it fits inside the small fridge, and that is your only option.

[@JubeiKibagamiFez]

@@fineacorn I price everything per pound or unit of weight. The sshhiitty frozen steaks they have at dollar tree are, I've found, the same as what I get at a super walmart. Snacks, toiletries, etc, on the other hand, are a lot more expensive than even a department store. Shrinkflation is happening to a lot of items in dollar stores, too, and it's happening a lot quicker.

[@TheoristAron]

Every time Joran bites the fork I can feel my skin crawl and my body soar into fight or flight

[@christinacobos5621]

Exactly why I quit watching the video. I couldn't get past it.

[@jennifermay6990]

Honestly though, the thing about food is that you gain a kind of nostalgia for what you are used to. I suspect that it is why they instantly knew that the beef was from the Dollar Tree and hated it and why Josh liked it.

[@deprofundis3293]

Kinda like that one time I tried to introduce my friends to Dinty Moore Stew, and they thought I was crazy. 😅

[@kylel4799]

Whoever made Josh wear dress pants should be fired immediately. Josh Jorts! Josh Jorts! Josh Jorts!

[@CptnDeon_87]

You can make your own Steakums, you have to mince then pureé the beef spread out on sheet pan to desired thickness then cover with weighted pan and freeze. Will change your homemade philly cheesesteaks guaranteed

[@SonOfASpurs2023]

Best cooking channel on KZbin 🤘🏽🤘🏽 Love you Mythical Kitchen

[@amyscakes3250]

Between Josh and Smosh I’ve heard about cloaca’s two times more than I normally do just in this past few days. Entertainment that also teaches lol

[@shawnl8103]

Keep up the sports references and jokes cause they're hilarious. When you make those jokes I feel like I'm the only one who gets em but idc, that Jaylen Brown left hand joke 😂 I'm dead

[@kayleennilsson5542]

Why does Josh's pants/shirt situation look so good? Nice fit, bud.

[@KBWeaponX]

Wish they would have at least put the judge in a blindfold. At least making it fair for both dishes, the appearance of the dish could have swayed the decision imo

[@FalconOfStorms]

Taste, texture, and appearance all matter.

[@ytuseracct]

@@FalconOfStorms yeah but it was so obvious which one was TJ's becuas ethe brocolli was large

[@FalconOfStorms]

@@ytuseracct Large Broccoli was my nickname in high school.

[@wafflecone-w5d]

On the topic of Josh flipping te perception of meat and vegetables by swapping cooking methods: we actually thought my nephew was born out the womb vegetarian because no matter what protein my sister made him, he hated it and refused to eat anything besides vegetables and pasta. Well they moved in with me for a few months and it turns out my sister just never seasoned her meats and often overcooked the protein to where it was all bland and rubbery. My nephew now eats meat, just not when his mom cooks 😅

[@eggsaladsamich7396]

Either his wife made him wear old people pants or rhett and link did lol... or he's going through a fashion change that we all do eventually

[@RebecaJessica]

LIVING for the sims music in this 😂😂😂❤️

[@higherstandard710]

Ralph’s got the shaved beef. Perfect for Philly cheese steaks, get it, onions, canned mushrooms (if you like) cheese whiz and hoggie rolls. You can make 4 big ones for under 5 bucks each! Way better and cheaper then any Philly place

[@olivemullican7545]

the sims freeplay music in the background during the taste test is KILLING me LMAO

[@joshuakingbird1227]

I love this and definitely need this series

[@janesmith4053]

It just hits different when Chef Josh is out of his jorts.

[@ITzAKonYT]

i have waited so long for another one of these

[@TheCassandraFisher]

They should blindfold the judge to go off taste only ❤

[@SpecialKate8]

that's what I always wish they did too!

[@notme123123]

I was hoping the comparison would also include Trader Joe’s Beef and Broccoli kit along with a Trader Joe’s fried rice (my go-to is the Japanese version)

[@CaffieneKitty]

The Dollar stores in my area in Canada don't have anything frozen or refrigerated, but they do have bread and a decent stock of canned and dry stuff. Kind of hoping they expand to other grocery items now, didn't know that was a thing.

[@cass16433]

I knew it was a thing in the states but have never seen it here. Except maybe giant tiger but haven't been there in a long time. (Also canadian)

[@joshh9755]

i love this series

[@Spoiledmilk3507]

2:44 just realised he has a leak tattooed on his left forearm 😂😂😂 love it

[@odinn1984]

btw, what about finding the perfect balance of a combination between the 2 stores and making a cost effective meal when it comes to flavor and money?

[@lorenaparedes4824]

some people prefer to prioritise on saving money

[@mangajoe]

Tobi being the best Spiderman is only controversial for people under 30.

[@sarachristine7113]

I got dollar tree hot dogs yesterday and wrapped them in roasted kale with mayo and mustard... it was so good. not intentionally low carb, I still like carbs.

[@JessVach]

Yay!!! I love this series SO much! ❤

[@johnatkinson5103]

Jaylen Brown catching strays from cooking nerds for no reason.

[@caittiac6020]

please do more of these its my new favorite series

[@ethanat3]

Josh making me learn how the egg stays clean on the way out of the cloaca, a real inside out experience

[@purplepebble3479]

Josh is looking spiffy today

[@howyhowitzer13]

My niece likes brocolli and cauliflower cause my sister drenches them in cheese or bacon. Niece hates meat cause my sister just throws down plain chicken. she likes the hambuger or hotdog but she has flipped the script on veges. My niece is notorious at birthday parties for rejecting pizza and going for the vege dips.

[@jagerbombz4199]

No steakumm. The greatvalue seasoned sirloin steaks sliced. (Then formed to look like steaks) they fall apart into slices. And they're amazing. Add greatvalue frozen peppers and onions.perfection

[@loganl3746]

Greatvalue is a Walmart brand, though, so it doesn't fit the show format

[@jasminlaitamaki631]

I’ve always gotten a Jake Peralta vibe from josh and now he even sayin’ ’’coolcool cool’’ like jake 😂

[@felixtran2092]

ok why is no one talking about how Josh's outfit is very good this episode!!!! are thOSE SLACKS??!?!?!?!

[@DaveyKnavey]

Josh is dressed like a little fancy lad this episode

[@cayelarissa]

I seriously never thought I had a crush on him up to this video

[@ian3314]

Did Josh have an audition for a Sopranos reboot before this shoot? This was great. I would do all Dollar Tree ingredients except maybe the meat, I'd go local supermarket cheap steak so I could control the thickness.

[@briannavaughn5157]

The California medley and the broccoli and cauliflower blend at Dollar Tree are mostly broccoli florets, no stems.

[@jrbship]

Frozen beef sheets really do make the best Philly cheesesteaks

[@vic70ria]

Literally love this idea

[@Maryoomti]

I think!!! This should be done blindfolded Im very curious to see how the results would change if they couldn’t visually see the differences

[@helenllama]

I also think Josh should have the ingredients blind to start with to taste test.

[@curseyoujordanshow]

I will eat all manner of stuff most people think is disgusting, but one thing I absolutely cannot stomach is frozen veggies. No matter how you cook it or what you put in it, somehow, my tongue is always able to detect it. There's no covering it up. It's not even a purist stance, like it's fresh or nothing; I'll eat canned veggies too. But if they've ever been "frozen", I've got to "let it go".

[@Kaylee_eeee]

Same and everyone tells me how economical frozen veggies are, but they’re not when I let them get freezer burn

[@ervintester1168]

Just had my mind blown I never would have thought about using shaved beef when I make beef and broccoli that is it's brilliant

[@ChekaIsDope]

Lmao the SIMS FREEPLAY SONG playing at the end really threw me off 😂😂😂

[@RealAndySkibba]

These videos are a lot of fun. Neat to compare.

[@graymorality]

It really should have been a blind taste test

[@jinkiisms]

in Canada, this grocery shop would cost $83 for the same ingredients, which, adjusted to usd would be $62. i can't believe our regular groceries cost more than trader joes T-T

[@callowaydaily3819]

If it makes you feel any better, at least where I live in Michigan Trader Joe’s is considered one of the most affordable grocery chains. I bet if you were to buy the same ingredients at a meijer or Kroger it would cost the same as your Canadian trip :/ TJ’s is owned by the same company as Aldi so they have pretty fair prices compared to most popular grocery chains, save for Walmart.

[@vishalkalicharan7710]

Do Target food vs Walmart food!!

[@douglasmacquarrie5002]

It's a hole in one literally 😂 I had no idea that hilarious 4:08

[@higherstandard710]

If joshes belt goes up any farther he is the guy from the movie “up” 😂

[@Siluialwin]

I looked up the flavour enhancers in Heinz soy sauce (since my Mom is allergic to MSG) and it is not MSG (monosodium glutamate) it is instead disodium 5-Inosinate, and disodium 5-Guanylate. So my Mom could have it.

[@verabaked]

You can't be allergic to MSG, she may have sensitivity to it but not an allergy

[@Siluialwin]

@verabaked I don't know but I do know it gives her heart palpitations and she feels very sick and was told to not eat MSG....if she even has one chip with msg she is sick the whole night.

[@cheripiez67]

yeah, its hit or miss when it comes to fresh veggies at my local grocery store, and they also charge higher prices because of the location.

[@machomuu]

6:51 killed me why is this man like this LMAO

[@spikethis.]

the fresh shaved steak, shaved chicken, and shaved pork you speak of, came out last year, and are all Kroger items found at your local Ralph's market.

[@tinyfrog881]

I really want to know what happened that Monday in a parking lot

[@Shankers1005]

Impeccable Jaylen Brown joke, Josh, I wholeheartedly agree

[@nigelthornberry007]

Jaylan out here catching strays

[@TheActualSage]

Jaylen Brown catching random strays and I for one am here for it 🎉

[@Brooksie603]

Steak umm has such a specific flavor and texture it would be really hard to hide how processed it is.

[@TyDyeBear]

Steak-Um’s are a staple here in Allentown, PA! REPRESENT

[@rachelwatson5266]

The way you cracked eggs was WILD

[@kingboarhog]

I'm about a minute in and I'm terribly distracted... What are you wearing Josh? Pants? With a BELT??? Have you got a funeral after this or what?

[@NateyCat]

Not like this will get read. But I would highly suggest to watch the John Oliver segment about Dollar Stores. The working conditions are miserable and inhumane. I did enjoy this episode but it’s just something to think about when ‘promoting’ Dollar Stores on such a large platform as Mythical.

[@geigertron3000]

Not a Fan of the Jordan

[@truculenttabasco]

You and a lot of other people.

[@dennistrusty5145]

I have been watching a lot of older videos from Josh and I gotta say he's really smart! I'd love to see a Mythical Cutthroat Kitchen the old Food Network show. Josh's evil mind has challenges and obstacles for meals the Mythical crew and they have money to bid on items and such.

[@aprilvanillasunshine8408]

Love Joshs Dad Pants 🙌

[@jbomb7867]

Brown pants tucked purple shirt makes sense on Josh

[@Scottsgamerlounge]

We need Uncle Roger on last meals

[@k7l3rworkman97]

💯

[@Reggie_la]

I bought oyster sauce a few days ago, and Im obsessed

[@Bladewing10]

I'd love to see a GMO vs. non-GMO challenge!

[@sarabruce747]

It wouldn’t be much of a challenge at this point. About 90-95% of ALL food is GMO. Veggies, meats, dairy, wheat, etc……. Pretty much all genetically altered to some degree.

[@seanobrien9825]

As a diehard Boston sports fan, I laughed so hard at the jaylen brown left hand joke 😂😂

[@Debrrrs]

"Jordan and Josh share a Parking Lot Pickle"

[@linuxares]

I was thinking for myself "Fried rice? Oh boy Uncle Roger will be seeing this won't he?" And of course you talked about him haha

[@carrieanthony-lt4ts]

Honestly, I literally go to Dollar Tree every month and buy my groceries. I do go to other stores but a lot of stuff. I do get it Dollar Tree. And their food is actually really good, especially some of their frozen food.❤ And that's a really good deal For those steak-umm at Dollar Tree cause they are expensive. 1:56

[@paulblichmann2791]

Remember "Problem Glasses"? Jordan is the human version of "Problem Glasses". A Problem Human.

[@babeej19]

One thing I have done in the past is use Roast Beef Rare from the deli sliced thick. It works better and it’s cheaper.

[@cfanning17]

the jaylen brown reference !!!! yasssss go celtics

[@SeanConnery17]

Chick's gunna eat the fork too lol damn chill