This Is the Store-Bought Boxed Stuffing to Skip, According to Our Taste Test

Most people have strong feelings about how stuffing should taste. Some believe that a completely homemade version is the only way to go, while others feel that the nostalgic taste of a boxed mix is unmatched. But anyone who appreciates boxed stuffing knows that despite having similar ingredients, not all brands taste the same.

We set out to find the best boxed stuffing mixes that will save you time while still impressing guests. Our taste test winner was Pepperidge Farm, which wasn’t exactly surprising. The one that came in last however, caught our attention. It’s a beloved store brand that typically gets high marks from shoppers, but this particular holiday product missed the mark.

Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix 

Trader Joe’s is generally considered a go-to retailer for seasonal products, but the store’s Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix flopped in our taste test. Our reviewer said that although it was easy to make, the result was mushy and it lacked flavor. “Taking a second bite was barely tolerable,” they wrote.

According to Trader Joe’s product description, the stuffing’s base starts with gluten-free bread cubes made with a blend of rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch. The boxed mix includes dehydrated veggies such as onion, celery, and button mushrooms, along with a plethora of savory seasonings.

TJ’s gluten-free stuffing can be prepared in just minutes on the stovetop, baked in the oven, or cooked inside a turkey. Our tester didn’t specify which method they used, but considering the outcome was so poor, it’s hard to say if cooking it differently would’ve yielded better results.

On Reddit, people agree that Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix is one to skip. One Redditor asked for ideas to make it better since they were serving a friend who does not eat gluten. Many suggested adding freshly sautéed vegetables or cooked, crumbled sausage to the mix. However, others stated that no amount of additions was enough. “Sad to say, I hate it. The texture of the bread is unpalatable to me,” another Redditor wrote.

In a separate Reddit thread from 2023, others discussed how they typically enjoy the stuffing, but that it now tasted different. “I made the gluten-free stuffing a few weeks ago and had to throw it out after one bite,” one reviewer said.

“Yeah, my family was underwhelmed to say the least. It just tasted off this year,” another wrote. One more Redditor added, “Don’t waste your money.”

The Best Gluten-Free Stuffing Alternatives 

The good news is that making homemade gluten-free stuffing isn’t difficult. One Redditor from the aforementioned thread suggested a time-saving tip. “We made our own gluten-free stuffing using bread from a local gluten-free bakery here in Portland (New Cascadia),” they wrote. “Bread has been in the freezer for a few months, so we thawed it, cubed it, toasted it, and then just made a normal stuffing recipe. You know, [sauté] some onions and celery, add some butter and stock, and spices. Came out great.”

Purchasing your favorite local gluten-free bread is an excellent shortcut if you don’t feel like making a loaf. Combine it with an easy recipe such as our better-than-boxed stuffing recipe, and you have a homemade dish that won’t disappoint. If you’re open to unique gluten-free stuffing ideas, be sure to check out our roundup for more delicious holiday inspiration.