Welcome to our guide on what not to buy at Trader Joe’s, where even the most beloved stores have their misses.
Here’s a list of 14 items that experts suggest you might want to think twice about before adding to your cart at Trader Joe’s. Whether it’s due to price, quality, or nutritional content, these products might not be the best bang for your buck.
1. Joe’s O’s Cereal $1.99/15 Oz
A basic breakfast cereal that tries to mimic more popular brands.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 160
- Serves: About 10
- Total Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 170mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Soluble Fiber: 1g
- Insoluble Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Includes Added Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin D: 0.0 mcg
- Calcium: 20 mg
- Iron: 8.1 mg
- Potassium: 130 mg
- Thiamin: 0.72 mg
- Niacin: 2.4 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.25 mg
- Folate: 40 mcg DFE
- Folic Acid: 25 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid: 0.7 mg
- Phosphorus: 180 mg
- Zinc: 2.7 mg
Ingredients:
- Whole grain oats
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Serve with milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative.
2. Pre-Cooked Chicken Strips $8.99/16 Oz
Convenient but often dry and lacking in flavor.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 110
- Serves: About 5
- Total Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 230mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Includes Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Vitamin D: 0.0 mcg
- Calcium: 10 mg
- Iron: 0.6 mg
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast with rib meat
- Water
- Seasoning
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Best used in salads or quick wraps if you’re short on time.
3. Cauliflower Pizza Crust $3.99/10.6 Oz
A gluten-free alternative that tends to be soggy if not extra-crisped.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 80
- Serves: 6
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: Less than 1g
- Includes Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin D: 0 mcg
- Calcium: 10 mg
- Iron: 0.1 mg
- Potassium: 60 mg
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower
- Corn flour
- Water
- Cornstarch
- Potato starch
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Note: May contain traces of milk.
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Pre-bake the crust without toppings for a crisper base before adding your favorites.
4. Ranch Dressing $3.99/11 Fl Oz
Often criticized for its lack of authentic ranch flavor.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 70
- Serves: About 11
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: Less than 1g
- Includes Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: Less than 1g
- Vitamin D: 0.0 mcg
- Calcium: 20 mg
- Iron: 0.1 mg
- Potassium: 40 mg
Ingredients:
- Soybean oil
- Water
- Buttermilk
- Egg yolk
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Consider using it for simple salads or as a basic dip.
5. Most Fresh Produce
Can be less fresh compared to other supermarkets.
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Inspect produce carefully for freshness before purchasing.
6. Beef Pho Soup $3.49/13.23 Oz
Lacks the depth of traditional pho flavors.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 220
- Serves: 1
- Total Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 860mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: Less than 1g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 13g
- Vitamin D: 0 mcg
- Calcium: 40 mg
- Iron: 1.6 mg
- Potassium: 240 mg
Ingredients:
- Beef broth
- Rice noodles
- Seasoned beef
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Enhance with fresh herbs, lime, and hot sauce to improve flavor.
7. Sliced Loaves of Bread $3.99/18 Oz
Often drier and stales quicker than bread from local bakeries.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 240
- Serves: About 8
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Total Sugars: 3g
- Includes Added Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Vitamin D: 0.0 mcg
- Calcium: 70 mg
- Iron: 2.2 mg
- Potassium: 270 mg
Ingredients:
- Enriched wheat flour
- Water
- Yeast
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Best used toasted or as part of a grilled sandwich.
8. Mayonnaise $3.79/16 Fl Oz
Some find it too tangy and thin for traditional uses.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 100
- Serves: About 32
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2.0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Includes Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients:
- Soybean oil
- Egg yolks
- Vinegar
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Use sparingly in recipes that don’t rely on mayo as the main flavor.
9. Peanuts in a Pickle $0.22/oz
An unusual snack that may not appeal to all palates.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 160 per serving
- Total Fat: 14g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients:
- Peanuts
- Dill pickle seasoning
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Try first as a sample before committing to a full purchase.
10. Queso Cheese Dip $0.25/oz
Often described as bland and lacking in authentic queso flavor.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 50 per serving
- Total Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
Ingredients:
- Cheese
- Milk
- Spices
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Best when spiced up with extra jalapeños or mixed into recipes.
11. Soyaki $3.99/21 Oz
A sauce that some find overly sweet and not versatile.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 40
- Serves: About 34
- Total Fat: 1.0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 490mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 5g
- Includes Added Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin D: 0.1 mcg
- Calcium: 10 mg
- Iron: 0.4 mg
- Potassium: 50 mg
Ingredients:
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Ginger
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Dilute with water or mix with other sauces for a balanced flavor.
12. California Roll $5.99/7.22 Oz
Not always the freshest option for sushi lovers.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 350
- Serves: 1
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 730mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 57g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 10g
- Includes Added Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Vitamin D: 0.0 mcg
- Calcium: 70 mg
- Iron: 0.6 mg
- Potassium: 330 mg
Ingredients:
- Imitation crab
- Cucumber
- Avocado
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
A quick fix for a sushi craving but consider fresher alternatives.
13. Organic Baby Spinach & Spring Mix Blend $0.28/oz
Prone to wilting and spoiling faster than expected.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 20 per serving
- Total Fat: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
Ingredients:
- Organic baby spinach
- Spring mix
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Use quickly after purchase and combine with robust veggies for salads.
14. Pre-Made Sandwiches and Wraps $0.35/oz
Often soggy and less flavorful compared to freshly made alternatives.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 680mg
Ingredients:
- Various meats
- Vegetables
- Condiments
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Best when you have no other options; otherwise, prepare your own for better taste and quality.
Final Thoughts
Remember, while these items might not hit the mark, Trader Joe’s has plenty of other products that are worth the hype. Use this guide to shop smarter and discover the best that Trader Joe’s has to offer!
