Trader Joe’s has a knack for creating affordable, high-quality products that rival — and often surpass — big-name brands. From indulgent snacks to pantry staples, these 16 copycat items are absolute must-tries for anyone looking to save money without sacrificing flavor or quality. Let’s dive into what makes these dupes so special!
Trader Joe’s Sea Salted Saddle Potato Crisps $1.99/5.2 oz
A crunchy, savory snack that rivals the classic Pringle with a hint of extra saltiness and a thicker texture.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 150
- Total Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Potatoes, vegetable oils (sunflower, corn, and/or canola oil), sea salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Ready to eat from the package.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups $4.49/16 oz
Trader Joe’s version of this classic candy is made with high-quality dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter, giving it a gourmet touch like Reese’s.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 11g
- Includes 11g Added Sugars
Ingredients:
- Dark chocolate
- Peanut butter
- Sugar
- Vanilla
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Enjoy as-is or chop up and add to brownies for a decadent treat.
Trader Joe’s Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips $2.29/9 oz
Spicy and tangy rolled corn tortilla chips that are a direct challenge to the fiery zest of Takis.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 140
- Total Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Corn masa flour, vegetable oil (sunflower, safflower, and/or canola oil), seasoning (salt, sugar, natural flavors, onion powder, citric acid, lime juice powder, chili pepper).
Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles $4.99/13.4 Oz
Launched in January, these unique air-dried noodles from Taiwan have quickly become a hot item, sometimes being resold for as much as $20. Their texture and style draw comparisons to the Momofuku brand, with some speculating a shared manufacturer.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 200
- Total Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients:
Wheat flour, water, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Boil in water for 6-8 minutes until al dente, then toss with your favorite sauce or stir-fry ingredients.
Trader Joe’s Scandinavian Swimmers $3.49/14 Oz
Gummy candies with a variety of sea creature shapes, offering a unique taste that some find reminiscent of soapy flavors.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 140
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients:
Corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, citric acid, natural flavors, fruit juice concentrates (apple, apricot, cherry), colored with fruit and vegetable extracts.
Honey O’s Cereal $2.69/13.5 Oz
Sweet, crunchy, and perfectly satisfying, Trader Joe’s Honey O’s are a spot-on dupe of the popular honey-flavored cereals on the market. They’re great with milk or as a snack on the go.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 160 per 1 1/4 cup, 41g serving)
- Total Fat: 2.0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 14g (14g added sugars)
- Protein: 3g
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 5.4mg
- Potassium: 90mg
Ingredients:
- Whole grain oats
- Corn flour
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Salt
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Pair with almond milk and fresh berries for a wholesome breakfast.
Organic Hummus $2.99/8 Oz
Trader Joe’s Organic Hummus is a creamy, garlicky alternative to pricier name-brand options. It’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or adding to your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Facts:
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
- Organic chickpeas
- Organic tahini
- Organic garlic
- Organic lemon juice
- Olive oil
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Serve with fresh veggies, pita chips, or as a spread in wraps.
Joe-Joe’s Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies $2.99/13.4 Oz
These sandwich cookies are a nostalgic treat, rivaling the iconic name-brand version with their rich vanilla creme and chocolate cookie layers.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 9g
- Includes 8g Added Sugars
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 1.5mg
- Potassium: 80mg
Ingredients:
- Unbleached flour
- Cocoa
- Sugar
- Palm oil
- Vanilla extract
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Crush over ice cream or enjoy with a glass of cold milk.
Organic Spicy Honey Sauce $2.99/8 Oz
This sweet and spicy sauce is perfect for drizzling over pizza, roasted veggies, or even fried chicken. It packs a punch without being overpowering.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 60 per tablespoon
- Sugar: 16g
Ingredients:
- Organic honey
- Organic chili flakes
- Vinegar
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Drizzle over a charcuterie board or use as a glaze for grilled meats.
Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream $4.49/1 quart
Made with real coffee beans, this ice cream is rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful, rivaling premium coffee ice cream brands.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 320 (per 2/3 cup serving, 140g)
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 65mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 36g
- Total Sugars: 32g
- Includes Added Sugars: 27g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin D: 0.7mcg
- Calcium: 160mg
- Iron: 0.4mg
- Potassium: 240mg
Ingredients:
- Milk
- Cream
- Coffee extract
- Cane sugar
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a café-inspired dessert.
Parmesan Pastry Pups $4.99/10.5 Oz
Trader Joe’s take on pigs in a blanket features buttery puff pastry and savory parmesan cheese for a gourmet twist.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 190 per 3 pups
- Fat: 13g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients:
- Puff pastry
- Parmesan cheese
- Uncured beef hot dogs
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Bake until golden and serve with mustard or marinara for dipping.
World’s Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs $2.49/7 oz
These light and airy corn puffs deliver a cheesy punch without the artificial aftertaste of some name-brand versions.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 140 per serving
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
- Cornmeal
- Cheddar cheese
- Buttermilk
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Enjoy straight from the bag or use as a topping for soups and salads.
Fig Cookies $2.49/10 Oz
These soft, fig-filled cookies are a delicious and affordable alternative to the classic fig bar snack.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 100 per 2 cookies
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
Ingredients:
- Wheat flour
- Fig paste
- Cane sugar
- Oats
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Pair with a cup of tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Blueberry Lemonade Sparkling Water $3.49/12 Fl Oz
This refreshing beverage combines the tang of lemonade with the sweetness of blueberries, offering a fizzy treat without added sugar.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 0
- Sugar: 0g
Ingredients:
- Carbonated water
- Natural flavors
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Serve chilled with a slice of lemon and fresh blueberries for garnish.
Trader Joe’s White Cheddar Shells $2.69/12 oz
Creamy, cheesy pasta shells with a rich white cheddar flavor, offering a bold and comforting taste.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients:
Cooked pasta (water, durum wheat semolina), cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), whey, milk, salt, butter.
Preparation Instructions:
Boil 6 cups of water, add pasta, cook for 8-10 minutes, drain, mix in cheese sauce.
Trader Joe’s Organic Vodka Sauce $3.49/25 oz
A rich and creamy tomato-based sauce infused with vodka to enhance the flavor, offering a more budget-friendly alternative to premium brands.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 80
- Total Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Tomato puree, cream, vodka, olive oil, onions, salt, garlic, basil, black pepper.
Preparation Instructions:
Heat sauce over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally, then serve over cooked pasta.
Final Say
Elevate your grocery game by trying these Trader Joe’s products that go head-to-head with — and often surpass — their name-brand counterparts. Whether you’re snacking, sipping, or preparing a full meal, these dupes are sure to impress. Which one will you try first? Let us know!
