That’s why it’s a good idea to stock up on the items you love while they’re in stock. If you are like most Trader Joe’s fans, you surely have numerous must-have items on your shopping list. Trader Joe’s is known for—and primarily offers—products sold under its own Trader Joe’s brand name. Since the pandemic began, however, shoppers have been posting reports online of more frequent sightings of other brands appearing at various Trader Joe’s stores. Here are our picks for some of the foods you must try at Trader Joe’s. Note that—like many items found in Trader Joe’s stores—some of these items aren’t listed on the retailer’s website, while others are designated as “limited” so availability may vary by location or season.
Best Overall Foods at Trader Joe’s
Mandarin Orange Chicken
This sweet and savory orange chicken earned the top spot for “favorite overall” product in the most recent Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards. One online reviewer gave the taste a “100” and noted that this product is dairy-free.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Another fan favorite, these dark chocolate peanut butter cups are said by many TJ shoppers to be better than the leading name-brand competitors. One online reviewer proclaimed them “the best PB cups ever!”
Cauliflower Gnocchi
Gnocchi are a type of small dumpling that are a staple of traditional Italian cooking, and this variety is apparently extremely popular, placing high on the list of Customer Choice picks. The folks at traderjoesfoodreviews say they buy this every week, noting “the hype is real.”
Best Chocolate Foods at Trader Joe’s
Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
For those who prefer almonds to peanut butter, these almond butter cups are so impossible to resist that traderjoeskitchen on Instagram confessed to being “seriously addicted.”
Peanut Butter Filled Milk Chocolate Peanuts
These peanut-shaped milk chocolate treats are filled with peanut butter & crispy rice. One online reviewer proclaimed, “I’m in love!”
Premium Milk & Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds
Here’s a great pick for those who love both milk chocolate and dark chocolate – and also enjoy almonds in the mix. The blend of chocolate sweetness and the crunch of almonds make this a uniquely enjoyable treat.
Dark Chocolate Coffee Buzz Bars
Providing 70mg of caffeine per bar, this dark chocolate product is a good way to get your caffeine boost while also enjoying the rich taste of dark chocolate. Instagram account traderjoesveganitems says it “makes the perfect afternoon slump pick me up!”
Simply Nutty Dark Chocolate, Nuts and Sea Salt Bar
This snack bar offers the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Instagrammer natstraderjoesreviews says they are “delicious and great for a quick on the go snack.”
Chocolate Lava Gnocchi
While gnocchi are typically something you would have as an entrée for dinner, this chocolate version is actually a delicious dessert. The team at Freezer Meal Frenzy says each piece has a “gooey chocolate center” that makes it “satisfyingly sweet and soft.” Instagrammer trader_joes_treasure_hunt raved, “So much satisfaction in such a little bite!”
Best Frozen Foods at Trader Joe’s
Seasoned Waffle Cut Fries
Seasoned with a perfectly balanced blend of herbs and spices, these waffle fries are easy to prepare (perfect for the air fryer) and very tasty. A review by traderjoeskitchen on Instagram gave them a perfect 10-out-of-10 score.
Instant Boba Kit
Whip up a glass of delicious boba tea in a flash with this instant boba kit, which lets you prepare the popular drink in less than a minute. It’s vegan-friendly and gluten-free.
Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches
Just reading the description of these frozen treats will make your mouth water: vanilla ice cream sandwiched between chocolate chip cookies and rolled in mini chocolate chips. A post at Aldi Reviewer gave a passionate endorsement, saying they “are a divine treat, with rich and creamy ice cream, perfectly baked cookies, and tiny chocolate chips that add some crunch. Highly recommended.”
Eggwich Breadless Breakfast Sandwich
What do you get when you put turkey sausage and American cheese between two egg patties? The perfect keto breakfast on the go, according to one online reviewer.
Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones
These mini cones are a Trade Joe’s fan-favorite treat. One writer at Simply Recipes says they are “the Trader Joe’s find I can’t leave the store without,” while the folks at Freezer Meal Frenzy report that the cones are “as delicious as they are fun to eat.” The cones are primarily available in three flavors— vanilla, chocolate, and chocolate chip—although special flavors like peppermint are sporadically added to the mix on a seasonal basis.
Wildberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Head to the Trader Joe’s freezer case to grab this dessert treat featuring pieces of cheesecake immersed in a mixed berry swirl ice cream. One online reviewer declared it “officially my new favorite ice cream flavor.”
UBE Purple Yam Flavored Ice Cream
You’ve likely never heard of the ube, which is a purple yam. So you might be surprised to learn that it is the central ingredient in a Trader Joe’s ice cream flavor which many fans say is not to be missed. Instagrammer traderjoeslist says it has “hints of vanilla and pistachio” and makes for a “delicious treat.”
Joe’s Diner Mac ‘n Cheese
The creamy cheese sauce for this macaroni & cheese is made from a four-cheese blend. Can be prepared quickly in the microwave or baked in the oven. A reviewer at Freezer Meal Frenzy said, “It has that bitter zing of sharp cheddar along with the sour undertones of gouda, but it also smooths things out with a sour cream-like flavor. Everything works together to create a truly craveable sauce!”
Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream
Trader Joe’s boasts that this ice cream is “the very best coffee ice cream available anywhere on planet Earth.” Obviously, the company isn’t exactly objective here, but other sources seem to confirm that the ice cream is indeed superior, with mrs_traderjoes on Instagram giving it a 10 out of 10 rating and calling it “absolutely amazing.”
Jamaican Style Beef Patties
If you’ve never had Jamaican beef patties, you’re in for a treat – and these patties from Trader Joe’s are a great way to experience this popular Caribbean staple, which is like a handheld pocket crust filled with seasoned ground beef. One online reviewer proclaimed them “delicious!”
Blueberry Dream Frozen Dessert Bars
According to the packaging, these frozen bars are “creamy with intense blueberry flavor.” A review at Become Betty said they are “pleasantly sweet” and likened them to “a blueberry smoothie that’s been frozen.”
Best Healthy Foods at Trader Joe’s
Peanut Butter Protein Granola
Think healthy foods can’t taste great? You haven’t tried this peanut butter flavored granola. One online reviewer said this granola – which boasts 11g of protein per serving – is “one of my ABSOLUTE favorite things to add to my morning breakfast yogurt with a few fresh raspberries.”
Miso Crunch Chopped Salad Kit
Instagrammer traderjoeslist spotted this (apparently new) salad kit in the store recently and deemed it “delicious.” It contains green and red cabbage, carrots, and kale, plus chow mein noodles, cashews, sesame seeds and dressing.
Organic Carrots of Many Colors
These carrots have an eye-catching color palette and a range of slightly different flavors. Instagrammer mrs_traderjoes said they are “a staple in my life.” Look for them in other formats, such as the “les petites” and dehydrated varieties.
Teeny Tiny Avocados
These mini avocados aren’t just adorable – they are also good for you. Avocados are packed with a whole assortment of nutrients. The team at traderjoeskitchen says they are the perfect size for a salad or avocado toast, while Instagrammer traderjoestx raves, “I adore them!”
Dill-icious Chopped Salad Kit
Here’s another popular salad kit – this one has several pickle-related ingredients, including dill pickle flavored seasoning and Trader Joe’s distinctive Chips In a Pickle Dill Flavored Potato Chips. One online reviewer said they are “obsessed” with this salad kit.
Best Snacks at Trader Joe’s
Salted Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
These pretzel nuggets are a hit with both Trader Joe’s customers and crew members. A review at Trader Joe’s Rants & Raves proclaimed them “addictive.”
Peanut Butter Cocoa Marshmallows
It seems like this would be the dream flavor combination for many people: peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallow. The folks at traderjoeslist noted the many positive reviews popping up online. These are one of those notoriously elusive Trader Joe’s offerings, so if you are lucky enough to spot them, grab them quickly!
Chocolate Covered Sea Salt Butterscotch Caramels
If these deliciously decadent treats have managed to fly under your radar, you must look for them the next time you visit a Trader Joe’s. Instagrammer traderjoeskitchen decreed that they are “probably the most underrated candy at Trader Joe’s.”
Carolina Gold BBQ Potato Chips
These aren’t your typical BBQ chips, but they may quickly become one of your favorites. Instagrammer traderjoesgeek says the mildly sweet taste – accentuated by the zing of vinegar – combined with the ridged texture make them “addicting.”
Cocoa Almond Spread
This spread can be used in all sorts of ways – spread on toast or sandwiches, as a dip for fruits and other snacks, or melted on French toast or other breakfast items. The team at traderjoesfoodreviews says, “it tastes just like almond butter, but chocolate flavored!”
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Packaged in individually wrapped, single-serve bags, these little chocolate chip cookies are a perfect on-the-go snack. The traderjoesfoodreviews team on Instagram described them as “delicious and packed full of flavor.”
Chili & Lime Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
These rolled corn tortilla chips are crunchy, spicy, and totally irresistible. One Reddit user called them “far too addictive” while Instagrammer traderjoesfl appreciated how they satisfy her craving for these flavors “without the bad stuff.”
Best Dairy Foods at Trader Joe’s
Unexpected Cheddar
This perennial Customer Choice award winner – named the favorite cheese for the past several years in a row – has just the right amount of tanginess and a crumbly texture. One online reviewer confirmed that it is “definitely worth the hype.”
Cheese, Spinach & Kale Egg Bites
These egg bites are a great option for a quick breakfast that doesn’t skimp on taste. The kale element is subtle enough that mrs_traderjoes on Instagram recommends these even for people who aren’t huge fans of kale, and notes that the egg was moist and fluffy. Check out the bacon variety of these egg bites, as well.
Jalapeño and Honey Chevre Goat’s Milk Cheese
This variety of goat’s milk cheese – which has an extra kick, thanks to the jalapeño – seems to be a recent arrival at Trader Joe’s, but it has already been getting positive buzz. The team at traderjoesfoodreviews gave it a respectable 8/10 rating.
Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions
According to the Trader Joe’s website, this cheese is made for the company from the lush pastures of an estate in England. The team at traderjoesfoodreviews gives it a perfect 10-out-of-10 score, noting that “the savory sharpness of the cheddar mixed with the rich, sweetness of the onions truly is a perfect combination of flavors.”
Best Sauces, Dips, and Seasonings at Trader Joe’s
Cacio E Pepe Pasta Sauce
Traderjoelist on Instagram says this sauce has a “peppery kick.” A single jar will also likely last quite a while. “A few big spoons go a long way,” notes Trader Joe’s Rants & Raves.
Green Goddess Dip
This popular dip is made for Trader Joe’s by a “trusted supplier, who uses a recipe inspired by the classic salad dressing of the same name,” according to the Trader Joe’s website. A post from traderjoesobsessed on Instagram raved that it “is super delicious and also great on salads & protein as a dip or marinade!”
Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
This seasoning blend has been among the most popular products since its introduction, with one online reviewer raving, “This seasoning is genius and has become a staple in our household.” The seasoning blend has been such a hit, in fact, that it has spawned a whole line of Everything But the Bagel products at Trader Joe’s, including potato chips and crackers.
Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
Instagrammer natstraderjoesreviews gave this dip an 8.5 out of 10 and said it “is great with carrots, peppers, chips, or in wraps!”
Green Goddess Seasoning Blend
Trader Joe’s devotees were pretty excited when the retailer added a seasoning blend to its line of Green Goddess products about a year ago. Instagrammer traderjoeslist couldn’t wait to try it in a variety of dishes, while another online reviewer proclaimed it “my new obsession.”
Salsa De Cacahuate
This is Trader Joe’s version of Salsa De Cacahuate, a peanut-based salsa commonly found in southern Mexico. A post at Trader Joe’s Rants & Raves pronounced it “really, really good” and noted that it has a kick and is versatile enough to be used in a variety of ways with an assortment of other foods.
Everything But the Leftovers Seasoning Blend
This seasoning blend was only introduced by Trader Joe’s two years ago but has quickly become a popular item. This may not be all that surprising, considering it’s made up of the seasonings found in stuffing, a Thanksgiving dinner staple. And who doesn’t love Thanksgiving leftovers? Sadly, this seems to be one of those seasonal items that only appear on shelves for a limited time, so if you’re lucky enough to spot it, you may want to buy a bunch.
Best Dinner Foods at Trader Joe’s
Butternut Squash Ravioli
This ravioli seems to be tougher to find in Trader Joe’s stores than their ricotta & lemon zest variety, but going by the feedback from online reviewers, it’s worth the work to search for it. Instagrammer mrs_traderjoes gave it an impressive 9/10 rating.
Lightly Smoked Salmon
You may be skeptical about salmon that comes in a can, but – based on the positive online reviews – this is definitely worth trying. A post on Trader Joe’s Rants & Raves gushes, “Trader Joe’s has a hit here!” This would be great as a dinner entrée but can also be used to add a boost of protein to a salad.
Soy Chorizo
This soy-based product is Trader Joe’s vegetarian-friendly version of the traditional Spanish sausage meal. It has no cholesterol and although it makes for a delicious dinner, it’s also great when added to eggs for a tasty breakfast. The team at traderjoesfoodreviews declared it “flavorful” and easy to cook.
Chicken Tikka Masala
The perfect hearty, satisfying dinner, this consists of roasted chicken breast in a cream sauce on a bed of cumin-flavored basmati rice. Shopping with Dave declared it a delicious meal that’s “an incredible bargain” and “as good or better than some of the chicken tikka masala I have eaten at Indian restaurants.”
Best Drinks at Trader Joe’s
Non-Dairy Oat Beverage
Trader Joe’s introduced this oat milk a few years ago. It’s available in two versions: refrigerated and shelf-stable. Online reviewers like traderjoeslist on Instagram seem to have a strong preference for the refrigerated option, particularly when using it for coffee.
Brewed Ginger Beer
Thanks to its ginger, lime, and lemon elements, this non-alcoholic beer has a tangy bite that makes it a satisfying drink all on its own, but traderjoesfoodreviews says it would be great for cocktails – particularly a Moscow Mule.
Sparkling Honey Crisp Apple Juice
This apple juice earned a 10 out of 10 rating from mrs_traderjoes on Instagram, with one commenter on that post proclaiming it “the BEST sparkling beverage from TJs - sooo delish!” It is also a Customer Choice award winner but seems to be a seasonal item – so if you’re lucky enough to spot it in the store, we’d recommend buying a bunch.
Sparkling Tropical Lemonade
This seems to be a new “tropical” take on Trader Joe’s popular sparkling lemonade drink. Instagrammer dairyfreetraderjoes said it has become an instant favorite. If you can’t spot this version in your local store, the original lemonade flavor is also tasty and refreshing – as are any of Trader Joe’s “sparkling” drinks. Next up, find out how to skip the store with 16 Trader Joe’s copycat recipes to make at home.
