Trader Joe’s is a fan-favorite grocery store known for its unique products, but not every item is a hit. Here are 10 Trader Joe’s products that may not live up to the hype, and could end up being a disappointment in your grocery haul.
1. Cauliflower Pizza Crust $3.99/10.6 oz
Cauliflower pizza crust sounds like a healthy alternative, but Trader Joe’s version falls short on texture and taste. Many find it too soggy, making it difficult to get the crispy, pizza-like experience.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 80 per serving
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 17g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: less than 1g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Cauliflower, corn flour, water, cornstarch, potato starch, olive oil, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 450°F for 10-12 minutes. Add toppings and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
2. Trader Joe’s Sriracha Sauce $3.99/18.25 Oz
Although sriracha is a pantry staple for many, Trader Joe’s version lacks the punch and depth of flavor found in the original brand. It’s often described as too sweet with an off-putting aftertaste.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 5 per serving
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Chili, sugar, garlic, salt, distilled vinegar, potassium sorbate, sodium bisulfite.
Preparation Instructions
Use as a condiment or add to dishes for a spicy kick.
3. Kale Gnocchi $2.69/12 oz
This gnocchi promises a nutrient-rich alternative to traditional pasta, but it’s often criticized for its bland flavor and dense texture.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 190 per serving
- Fat: 1.5g
- Carbs: 34g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
Kale, potato starch, chickpea flour, sea salt.
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry in a skillet with oil for 5-7 minutes, or boil for 2-3 minutes until tender.
4. Overnight Oats $1.99/5.5 oz
Convenient and trendy, Trader Joe’s Overnight Oats lack flavor and can feel gummy, leaving customers unsatisfied.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 240 per serving
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 35g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Almond Beverage (Water, Almond Butter), Rolled Oats, Dates, Vanilla Extract (Water, Ethyl Alcohol, Vanilla Bean Extractives), Sea Salt.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat—just grab from the fridge and enjoy cold or warmed up.
5. Strawberry Non-Dairy Oat Frozen Dessert $3.99/1 Pint
While it caters to vegans, this oat-based dessert doesn’t deliver on flavor, often tasting too artificial with a chalky texture.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 260 per serving
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 39g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Oat Base (Water, Oats), Tapioca Syrup, Coconut Oil, Dextrose, Invert Sugar, Chicory Root Extract (Inulin), Agave Syrup, Almond Brittle (Cane Sugar, Almonds), Candied Strawberries (Strawberries, Glucose Syrup, Sugar), Maltodextrin, Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Pink Salt, Sunflower Lecithin, Color Added (Red Beet Juice, Annatto Extract, Citric Acid [To Maintain Color]), Pea Protein Concentrate, Carob Bean Gum, Natural Flavor.
Preparation Instructions
Serve frozen directly from the container or allow to soften for a few minutes before scooping.
6. Cookie Butter $3.99/14.1 oz
Though wildly popular at first, the novelty of cookie butter wears off fast. It’s overly sweet and can be cloying, especially if you’re expecting something more balanced.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 170 per serving
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Speculoos Cookies (Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Wheat Flour], Caramelized Sugar, Vegetable Oil Blend [Palm Oil, Canola Oil, Citric Acid and Lemon Juice Concentrate {To Preserve}], Cane Sugar, Soy Flour, Contains 2% or Less of Invert Sugar Syrup, Wheat Gluten, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cinnamon, Nutmeg), Vegetable Oil Blend (Canola Oil, Palm Oil, Citric Acid [To Preserve]), Sugar, Canola Lecithin.
Preparation Instructions
Spread on toast, use in baking, or eat straight from the jar.
7. Almond Butter Puffs Cereal $3.49/9 oz
This cereal is high in fiber but lacks flavor and can quickly turn soggy, making for an underwhelming breakfast option.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120 per serving
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 19g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Corn flour, almond butter, brown rice syrup, cane sugar, sea salt.
Preparation Instructions
Pour into a bowl and add milk of your choice.
8. Brioche Buns $3.99/9.45 Oz
These buns are soft, but they often lack the richness expected from traditional brioche. Many find them too sweet and not well-suited for savory sandwiches.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 31g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Enzymes), Water, Sugar, Egg, Butter (Cream [Milk], Lactic Acid), Yeast, Contains 2% or Less of Wheat Gluten, Monodiglycerides, Xanthan Gum, Enzymes, Ascorbic Acid (Dough Conditioner), Sea Salt, Canola Oil, Vinegar, Fermented Wheat Flour, Wheat Flour, Wheat Starch, Starter Culture, Milk Proteins, Beta Carotene (Color).
Preparation Instructions
Slice in half and toast lightly before serving.
9. Everything But the Bagel Seasoned Chips $2.99/7 Oz
While the seasoning is beloved, the chips themselves fall flat, often tasting stale and too salty. The bagel flavor doesn’t quite translate to chips.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 140 per serving
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 17g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Potatoes, Canola Oil and/or Sunflower Oil, Seasoning Blend (Poppy Seeds, Salt, Sesame Seeds, Natural Flavors, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Sugar, Corn Maltodextrin, Sesame Oil, Soy Lecithin).
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy straight out of the bag or pair with dips.
10. Beef Pho Soup $3.49/13.23 Oz
Trader Joe’s take on pho misses the mark with a broth that lacks the depth and richness of traditional pho. The noodles often end up mushy, making the overall experience disappointing.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Fat: 4.5g
- Carbs: 34g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: less than 1g
- Protein: 13g
Ingredients
Water, Cooked Rice Noodles (Water, Rice), Cooked Seasoned Beef, Water & Binder Product (Beef, Water, Soy Sauce [Water, Soybeans, Salt], Cornstarch, Salt, Spices), Bean Sprouts, Onions, Green Onions, Beef Base Concentrate (Roasted Beef, Salt, Beef Stock, Caramel Color, Natural Flavor, Beef Fat, Potato Flour, Cane Sugar, Paprika, Spices), Fish Sauce (Anchovies, Sea Salt), Cilantro, Thai Basil, Cornstarch, Yeast Extract, Onion Powder, Salt, Spices.
Preparation Instructions
Heat in the microwave for 4-5 minutes, or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s may be known for unique finds, but not every product is a winner. These 10 items might just leave you disappointed, so proceed with caution the next time you’re strolling through the aisles.
