Trader Joe’s has a reputation for offering unique products, but not all of them live up to expectations. While some items are customer favorites, others fall short in terms of taste, quality, or value.
Below, we’ll explore 19 products you might want to skip on your next trip to Trader Joe’s.
1. Kale Gnocchi $2.99/16 oz
Despite its healthy claims, Trader Joe’s Kale Gnocchi has a chewy texture and strong veggie flavor that might not satisfy your cravings for a delicious gnocchi experience.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 180
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 21g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients:
Kale, potatoes, flour, egg, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
- Heat a pan over medium heat with olive oil or butter.
- Add the gnocchi and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Toss with sauce or seasoning of choice and serve.
2. Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Quiche $2.99/6 oz
While convenient, this quiche contains a lot of sodium and saturated fat. It’s better to make your own homemade quiche for a fresher, healthier option.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 400
- Fats: 24g
- Carbs: 32g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 13g
Ingredients:
Eggs, cheddar cheese, broccoli, cream, flour, butter, spices.
Preparation Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
3. BBQ Cut Fresh Atlantic Salmon Filets $10.99/1 Lb
While fresh and convenient, these salmon filets come at a premium price and may not be the best option for those looking for a more affordable fish alternative.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 200
- Fats: 13g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients:
Fresh Atlantic Salmon.
Preparation Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until the flesh is opaque.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
4. Almond Butter Puffs Cereal $3.99/10 oz
The almond butter coating on this cereal doesn’t provide the crunch or sweetness many expect, and the texture can be a bit off-putting.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 150
- Fats: 6g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients:
Rice flour, quinoa, almond butter, sugar, cocoa powder.
Preparation Instructions:
- Pour cereal into a bowl.
- Add milk or dairy-free alternative.
- Enjoy as a snack or breakfast.
5. Sliced Fruit (e.g., Watermelon, Pineapple) $3.49/1 lb
While convenient, the sliced fruit at Trader Joe’s is often overpriced compared to purchasing the whole fruit elsewhere.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 60
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 15g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Watermelon, pineapple.
Preparation Instructions:
- Enjoy fresh as a snack.
- Store in a cool place and consume within 2 days.
6. Pollo Asado Burrito $3.99/10 oz
This burrito might be convenient, but its heavy sodium content and lack of sufficient flavor and chicken make it a less-than-stellar choice.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 600
- Fats: 18g
- Carbs: 70g
- Sodium: 1,500mg
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 23g
Ingredients:
Chicken, rice, beans, tortilla, spices.
Preparation Instructions:
- Heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve with salsa or guacamole.
7. Jingle Jangle $9.99/16 oz
While a festive treat, the high price for a mix of chocolate-covered pretzels and candy might not justify the taste or quality.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 200
- Fats: 10g
- Carbs: 28g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients:
Pretzels, chocolate, peanut butter, sugar, candy coating.
Preparation Instructions:
- Open and enjoy as a snack.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
8. Watermelon Jerky $4.49/2.5 oz
Watermelon Jerky might seem like a fun new snack, but the flavor and texture can be divisive and may not appeal to everyone.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 100
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 27g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Watermelon.
Preparation Instructions:
- Open and enjoy as a light snack.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
9. Vitamin B Supplements $5.99/ 90 tablets
Though Trader Joe’s Vitamin B Supplements are affordable, some customers feel the potency of these vitamins doesn’t quite measure up to other brands.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 0
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients:
Vitamin B complex, fillers.
Preparation Instructions:
- Take 1 tablet daily with food.
10. Zoodles $3.49/10 oz
While zucchini noodles are a great healthy substitute, the texture of Trader Joe’s Zoodles can be too watery for many dishes.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 20
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 4g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Zucchini.
Preparation Instructions:
- Sauté in olive oil or use in your favorite pasta dish.
12. Cookie Butter $3.49/14 oz
Cookie Butter is a beloved product at Trader Joe’s, but its over-the-top sweetness can be overwhelming for some.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 190
- Fats: 11g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Biscoff cookies, sugar, oils.
Preparation Instructions:
- Spread on toast, pancakes, or enjoy by the spoonful.
13. Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Blend $1.99/2.3 oz
Though it has a cult following, the seasoning can be too salty and not as versatile as some might expect.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 5
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients:
Sesame seeds, garlic, onion, poppy seeds, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
- Sprinkle on bagels, avocado toast, or popcorn.
14. Strawberry Non-Dairy Oat Frozen Dessert $4.49/16 oz
While it’s a great option for those who are dairy-free, the flavor of this dessert doesn’t quite measure up to real ice cream.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 160
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 24g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Oats, strawberries, sugar.
Preparation Instructions:
- Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
- Scoop and serve.
15. Honey-Drenched Nuts and Fruits $5.99/6 oz
The sweetness of honey combined with nuts and dried fruits makes for a decadent snack, but some customers find it too sugary and sticky.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 230
- Fats: 14g
- Carbs: 27g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients:
Nuts, honey, dried fruit.
Preparation Instructions:
- Enjoy as a snack or sprinkle on salads.
16. Brioche Buns $3.49/66 buns
These buns are soft and rich, but some find them too sweet and buttery for their liking.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 140
- Fats: 7g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients:
Flour, butter, sugar, yeast.
Preparation Instructions:
- Toast lightly or use for sandwiches.
17. Polenta $2.29/18 oz
Though convenient, the flavor of Trader Joe’s Polenta doesn’t quite match up to other more flavorful and creamy versions. It can be dry and flavorless on its own.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 150
- Fats: 2g
- Carbs: 29g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients:
Cornmeal, water, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
- Slice and sauté or grill until golden.
- Serve with sauce or cheese.
18. Cauliflower Pizza Crust $4.49/12 oz
While low-carb and gluten-free, this crust can be too soft and bland for those craving a hearty pizza experience.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 160
- Fats: 10g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients:
Cauliflower, rice flour, cheese, egg.
Preparation Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
19. Beef Pho Soup $4.99/16 oz
This beef pho soup lacks the rich depth of flavor that makes pho so beloved, leaving some customers underwhelmed by its taste.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 210
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 25g
- Sodium: 1,030mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients:
Beef broth, rice noodles, beef, spices.
Preparation Instructions:
- Heat the soup in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve with fresh herbs or lime.
Conclusion
While Trader Joe’s is home to many exciting and innovative products, some items are best left on the shelf. From overly sweet snacks to lackluster frozen meals, there are a few purchases that might disappoint. Stick to the beloved staples and consider skipping these less-than-impressive options on your next visit. Happy shopping!
FAQs
What Is the Best Day to Shop at Trader Joe’s?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the best days to shop at a Trader Joe’s store. In particular, you should arrive in the morning before many items get bought. On these days, the shelves are well-stocked, and you’ll find fresh produce as well. You’ll avoid some of the larger crowds you would usually find on the weekends.
Is It Worth Shopping at Trader Joe’s?
It is worth spending time shopping at Trader Joe’s since the store has plenty of specialty items and unique ingredients you won’t find anywhere else. This shop has flavors combined in their snacks and sauces that stand out from other products. You are bound to enjoy Trader Joe’s food
Why Do People Like Shopping at Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s may have popular demand among the consumer base due to the eclectic tastes found in the products and low prices on very unique foods. Products at Trader Joe’s range from salsas, cheeses, and cookie butter to frozen meals and tasty pastries.
People who shop here also love the adorable decorations and signs they find all over the store.
Is Trader Joe’s Meat Quality Good?
Trader Joe’s meat has adequate quality compared to other meats in different grocery stores. The meat quality standards here require no artificial ingredients, preservatives, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), MSG, antibiotics, or artificial growth hormones.
While the meat quality is generally good, you may find it costs more than in other stores.
How Does Trader Joe’s Quality Compare with Aldi’s?
If you’re looking for organic items, Trader Joe’s has more options than Aldi. However, if you’re searching for quality greeting cards, Aldi has heavier-duty and nicer-looking ones than Trader Joe’s. Furthermore, Aldi’s stores have more affordable items. Both stores have high-quality foods, but the perishable items at Aldi tend to go bad more quickly.
