The Discontinuation of the Pollo Asado Burrito
For many years, the refrigerated Pollo Asado burrito was a staple for busy shoppers looking for a quick and flavorful meal from Trader Joe's. However, in early 2024, store managers and customer feedback on online forums confirmed the product was officially discontinued. According to employees, the issue stemmed from difficulties with the supplier, leading the company to remove the item rather than compromise on quality. Despite a petition to bring back the fan-favorite, the burrito has not returned to stores, leaving a void for those who relied on it for a convenient lunch.
What Was the Last Known Price?
Before its departure, the Pollo Asado burrito was known for its affordability. According to a September 2023 review, the refrigerated burrito cost $4.49. This price point made it a popular choice for a budget-friendly lunch, combining seasoned chicken, black beans, corn chili salsa, and pepper jack cheese into a single meal. However, it is important to remember that Trader Joe's prices can fluctuate based on location and supplier costs.
Exploring Current Alternatives at Trader Joe's
While the original burrito is no longer available, Trader Joe's offers several other refrigerated and frozen options that might satisfy your craving. These products offer different flavors and preparation methods, allowing you to find a new go-to meal.
Burritos and Marinated Meats Still in Stock
- Carne Asada Burritos (Frozen): Found in the freezer section, these burritos feature Angus beef with chopped onions, roasted poblano chiles, cilantro, and seasoning. A 14-ounce package containing two smaller burritos costs $5.99.
- Beef, Bean & Cheese Burrito (Refrigerated): For those who prefer a classic, this option is often available in the refrigerated section. It's a convenient, single-serving meal priced at $4.49 for an 8-ounce burrito.
- Chicken Chile Verde Burritos (Frozen): These returned to shelves in 2025 after a hiatus. They contain chicken and salsa verde and are also available in a two-pack.
- Pollo Asado Autentico (Refrigerated): This isn't a pre-made burrito but is marinated chicken breast meat that can be used to make your own at home. It retails for $8.49 per pound and is found in the refrigerated meat section.
DIY Pollo Asado Burritos with Trader Joe's Ingredients
If you miss the original so much you are willing to make it yourself, the Pollo Asado Autentico chicken is the perfect starting point. Here is a simple recipe to recreate the experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 package Trader Joe's Pollo Asado Autentico
- Trader Joe's flour tortillas
- 1 can Trader Joe's Organic Black Beans
- 1 pouch Trader Joe's Organic Brown Rice
- Trader Joe's Corn & Chili Salsa
- Trader Joe's Finely Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
- Optional: Trader Joe's Guacamole, Cilantro, and Habanero Hot Sauce
Instructions:
- Pan-fry the Pollo Asado Autentico chicken according to package directions until fully cooked. Let it rest, then chop or shred it.
- Heat the black beans, rice, and tortillas according to their instructions.
- Assemble the burrito by spreading a layer of rice and beans on a warm tortilla. Top with the prepared Pollo Asado chicken.
- Add a spoonful of corn and chili salsa and a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese. For extra flavor, include a dollop of guacamole.
- Fold and roll the burrito tightly. Enjoy immediately.
Trader Joe's Burrito Comparison Table
| Feature | Pollo Asado Burrito (Refrigerated, Discontinued) | Carne Asada Burritos (Frozen) | Beef, Bean & Cheese Burrito (Refrigerated) | DIY Pollo Asado Burrito (from Kit) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Discontinued (as of 2024) | Currently in stock | Currently in stock | Always available (requires ingredients) |
| Approximate Price | $4.49 (as of 2023) | $5.99 for 2 burritos | $4.49 for 1 burrito | $15-$20 total ingredients (multiple meals) |
| Preparation | Microwave (refrigerated) | Microwave or oven (frozen) | Microwave (refrigerated) | Cook chicken, assemble (requires more time) |
| Protein | Chicken | Angus Beef | Beef, Bean, & Cheese | Chicken |
| Best For | Quick, single-serving meal | Larger, more filling meal | Budget-conscious meal | Customizing ingredients and portion size |
Conclusion
The beloved Pollo Asado burrito at Trader Joe's is unfortunately no longer available, having been removed from shelves in early 2024 due to supplier issues. Its last recorded price was $4.49. While the original product is gone, Trader Joe's offers several worthwhile alternatives, including the frozen Carne Asada burritos and the refrigerated Pollo Asado Autentico chicken, which is perfect for building your own customizable burritos at home. The choice ultimately depends on whether you value convenience or the ability to control the flavor and ingredients.
For more detailed information on current Trader Joe's products and their reviews, you can often find useful discussions on the unofficial Reddit community at https://www.reddit.com/r/traderjoes/.
