Trader Joe’s is a fan-favorite grocery store known for its unique products, quirky branding, and cult-like following. But not everything that lines its shelves is worth the buzz. Some items are overrated or simply don’t live up to their reputation, while others are gems you shouldn’t miss. Here’s a breakdown of 20 products that aren’t worth the hype, and 10 that are totally worth it!
Not Worth It
1. Vitamins and Supplements Price varies by product/60-120 tablets
Trader Joe’s vitamins and supplements might seem like a convenient option, but they often lack the potency and formulation you’d find in dedicated supplement brands. Many reviewers report ineffectiveness or poor ingredient quality.
Nutritional Facts
- Dosage varies
- Often lower concentrations compared to competitors
Ingredients
Typically includes fillers like magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide.
Preparation Instructions
Follow label recommendations, though results may vary.
2. Premade Salads $3.99-$4.99/8-12 oz
Trader Joe’s premade salads are convenient but often bland, overly dressed, or packed with sodium. The shelf life is also short, making them less ideal for meal prep.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 300-450 per serving
- Fats: 20-30g
- Sodium: 600-1000mg
- Protein: 8-15g
Ingredients
Pre-washed greens, dressings, and various toppings like croutons or cheese.
Preparation Instructions
Open, toss, and eat—though adding your own toppings might make them more enjoyable.
3. Milk $3.49-$5.49/Half gallon
The milk options at Trader Joe’s are often criticized for their short shelf life and inconsistent taste compared to other grocery store brands.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150 per cup
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Pasteurized cow’s milk, Vitamin D3
4. Chocolate Covered Wafer Cookie with Peanut Butter Filling $3.99/6 oz
While the concept sounds delicious, the wafer cookies are often stale, and the peanut butter filling lacks the rich flavor you’d expect.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150
- Fats: 7g
- Carbs: 19g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Sugar, peanut butter, wheat flour, palm oil, cocoa powder
Preparation Instructions
No preparation needed—ready to eat.
5. Cauliflower Pizza Crust $4.99/10 oz
Hailed as a low-carb alternative, this crust can be soggy and hard to work with. Many find it doesn’t hold up well to toppings.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 80
- Fats: 2g
- Carbs: 16g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Cauliflower, mozzarella cheese, eggs, corn flour
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes. Add toppings and rebake.
6. Italian Truffle Cheese $12.99/lb/Varies
This cheese has an overpowering truffle flavor that doesn’t balance well with most pairings. It’s a polarizing option even for truffle lovers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120
- Fats: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Pasteurized milk, truffle oil, salt, enzymes
Preparation Instructions
Serve cold or at room temperature.
7. Wraps and Sandwiches To-Go $4.99-$5.99/8-12 oz
While convenient, these wraps and sandwiches are often dry, overly salty, and less fresh compared to making your own.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 300-600
- Fats: 15-25g
- Sodium: 800-1200mg
- Protein: 10-25g
Ingredients
Pre-made wraps with fillings like turkey, chicken, or veggies.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat.
8. “Fresh” Bread $2.99-$3.99/20-24 oz
Trader Joe’s bread tends to have a shorter shelf life and lacks the fluffiness or texture of bakery-fresh options.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110
- Fats: 1g
- Carbs: 22g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
Flour, yeast, sugar, preservatives
Preparation Instructions
Use quickly or freeze to extend freshness.
9. Cajun Alfredo Pasta Sauce $3.49/15 oz
This pasta sauce promises a bold Cajun flavor, but it often falls flat with a strange balance of spices that don’t complement the creaminess.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 100
- Fats: 9g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Cream, Parmesan cheese, Cajun spices, garlic, onion
Preparation Instructions
Heat over low-medium heat and pour over pasta.
10. Chili Onion Crunch $4.29/6 oz
This trendy condiment has a loyal following, but some find it oily and lacking depth compared to authentic chili crunch brands.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 50
- Fats: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbs: 1g
Ingredients
Chili flakes, garlic, onion, olive oil
Preparation Instructions
Use as a topping for noodles, eggs, or bread.
11. Mandarin Orange Chicken $4.99/22 oz
Though it’s one of Trader Joe’s most popular frozen items, the sauce can be overly sweet, and the texture of the chicken isn’t always consistent.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 320
- Fats: 17g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Protein: 13g
Ingredients
Chicken, orange sauce (sugar, soy sauce, orange juice concentrate)
Preparation Instructions
Bake chicken and toss in warmed sauce.
12. Butternut Squash Mac n Cheese $3.99/12 oz
This seasonal product gets a lot of attention, but the sweetness of the squash often clashes with the savory mac and cheese flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 270
- Fats: 10g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Carbs: 36g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
Butternut squash, pasta, cheese, cream
Preparation Instructions
Microwave or bake until heated.
13. Chicken Fried Rice $2.99/12 oz
While convenient, this fried rice lacks the bold flavors and freshness of homemade or restaurant-quality fried rice.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 210
- Fats: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Rice, chicken, vegetables, soy sauce
Preparation Instructions
Heat in a pan or microwave.
14. Sriracha Sauce $2.99/18 oz
Trader Joe’s take on Sriracha pales in comparison to the original Huy Fong brand, with a thinner texture and less balanced heat.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 5
- Sodium: 80mg
- Sugar: 1g
Ingredients
Red chili peppers, garlic, sugar, vinegar
Preparation Instructions
Use as a condiment or for cooking.
15. Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos $3.99/20 oz
These taquitos are dry and underwhelming, with a lackluster filling that doesn’t deliver much flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 230
- Fats: 11g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Black beans, cheese, tortillas, spices
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
16. Organic White Truffle Potato Chips $3.29/6 oz
These chips have a strong artificial truffle flavor that overwhelms the palate, making them hard to pair with other foods.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 140
- Fats: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbs: 15g
Ingredients
Potatoes, truffle seasoning, sunflower oil
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat.
17. Avocados $1.99-$4.99/1-6 pack
Trader Joe’s avocados are often overripe or underripe, with a short window of usability, making them a risky purchase.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 240
- Fats: 22g
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Avocado
18. Cauliflower Gnocchi $2.99/12 oz
Though popular, this gnocchi can turn gummy and sticky if not prepared perfectly. It’s not as versatile as regular gnocchi.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 140
- Fats: 2.5g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Carbs: 22g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Cauliflower, cassava flour, potato starch
Preparation Instructions
Sauté or bake for best results.
19. Jingle Jangle $8.99/22 oz
This seasonal treat is fun but overpriced for the quality of chocolate and mix-ins. It’s more about presentation than flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 130
- Fats: 7g
- Sugar: 13g
Ingredients
Chocolate, pretzels, peanut butter cups
20. Chewy Chocolate & Peanut Butter Protein Bars $2.99/6-pack
These bars have a chalky texture and an artificial flavor that doesn’t satisfy like other protein bars.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150
- Fats: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter, soy protein
Worth It
1. Matcha Green Tea Japanese Noodles $3.49/9 oz
These noodles are infused with real matcha, delivering a slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with soy sauce, sesame, or any Asian-inspired sauce. A unique pantry staple for adventurous eaters.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 190 per serving
- Fats: 1g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Wheat flour, matcha green tea powder, salt
Preparation Instructions
Boil in water for 5-7 minutes. Serve with your favorite sauce and toppings.
2. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups $4.49/16 oz
Creamy peanut butter wrapped in rich dark chocolate—this classic treat is a fan favorite for good reason. Perfect for indulging your sweet tooth.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 70 per piece
- Fats: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Dark chocolate, peanut butter, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla extract
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat straight out of the container!
3. Trader Joe’s Everything But the Leftovers Seasoning Blend $2.99/2.5 oz
A seasoning blend packed with flavors reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinner. Perfect for roasted veggies, poultry, or soups.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 0
- Sodium: 90mg
Ingredients
Onion, garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme, celery salt
Preparation Instructions
Sprinkle on dishes before cooking or as a finishing touch.
4. Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip $3.99/12 oz
A creamy, tangy dip that’s great with crackers, chips, or veggies. Lower in fat than traditional cream-based dips.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 30
- Fats: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Greek yogurt, spinach, kale, onions, garlic
Preparation Instructions
Serve cold.
5. Cookie Butter $3.69/14.1 oz
This sweet, spiced spread has achieved cult status for a reason. Great on toast, ice cream, or straight from the jar.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 90
- Fats: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
Ingredients
Speculoos cookies, vegetable oils, sugar, cinnamon
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat.
6. Strawberry Yogurt O’s $2.99/12 oz
A crunchy, fruity cereal that’s a fun twist on breakfast. The real dried strawberries add bursts of tart flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120
- Fats: 1.5g
- Sugar: 11g
Ingredients
Whole grain oats, dried strawberries, sugar
Preparation Instructions
Serve with milk or as a snack.
7. Asparagus Risotto $3.69/16 oz
A creamy, cheesy risotto that’s easy to prepare and full of fresh asparagus flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 220
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Arborio rice, asparagus, cream, cheese
Preparation Instructions
Microwave or sauté in a pan until hot.
8. Chianti Red Wine Artisan Salami $4.99/8 oz
This flavorful salami is infused with Chianti red wine, giving it a rich and sophisticated taste. It’s perfect for charcuterie boards or as a savory snack.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 90
- Fats: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Pork, Chianti wine, spices, garlic, salt
Preparation Instructions
Slice thin and serve with cheese and crackers.
9. Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Blend $2.99/2.3 oz
A versatile seasoning blend featuring sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. It’s a fan favorite for a reason—it works on everything from avocado toast to roasted veggies.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 5
- Sodium: 80mg
Ingredients
Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, salt
Preparation Instructions
Sprinkle on food to taste.
10. Organic Reduced Sugar Cherry Preserves $3.99/11 oz
This jam delivers a burst of tart cherry flavor without overwhelming sweetness. It’s excellent on toast, in desserts, or as a glaze for meats.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 5g
Ingredients
Organic cherries, organic sugar, pectin
Preparation Instructions
Spread on bread, mix into yogurt, or use in baking.
Conclusion
Not everything at Trader Joe’s lives up to the hype, but there are plenty of gems worth discovering. Skip the underwhelming options and stock up on standout favorites like Cookie Butter and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning for a satisfying shopping trip. What’s your go-to Trader Joe’s product? Let us know!
