Trader Joe's Pineapple Juice (canned)

Trader Joe's pineapple juice in a carton is so good that it's on my Top Ten list. This stuff looks like it should be the same, except in cans instead of a refrigerated carton. The only external hint that they are not, in fact, the same stuff packaged differently is that the carton is labeled as a product of Thailand, the cans as a product of the Philippines.

Nina and I tasted the two products side by side. (I did not mind one bit purchasing another carton of TJ's pineapple juice for this experiment.) There is definitely a difference. The one from the carton is superior in every way. It's sweeter, richer, and fresher. I thought that difference was real and fairly easily discernible, but not dramatic. Nina--well, I'll let her tell you her opinion.

A 4-can pack costs $2.99 for a total of 33.8 ounces, compared to $3.99 for a 64-ounce carton, which means that the good stuff is both better AND cheaper per ounce.

The only advantages of this form pertain to storage. The cans will keep longer, don't need refrigeration, and are obviously more convenient for dispensing small amounts at a time--e.g., to drop one in a lunch bag. The steel cans are also more readily recycled than the cartons. If these considerations are not dominant factors for you, then don't bother with the cans.

Will I buy it again? 

No.

Nina's View

NEGATORY. NOPE. NUH-UH. 

Away with you, unbright, stale, metallic, watery, bad-tasting pineapple juice. 

People, there is no contest here. None whatsoever. Do not buy these cans. Get the stuff in the carton, which is delicious, and if you need to travel with it put it in a thermos. Problem solved!

You're welcome.