Trader Joe’s has an endless array of unique and quirky items, from pantry staples to adventurous snacks. But not every product is a winner. Here’s a rundown of 13 must-have items and 13 that might not live up to the hype in 2024, so you can shop smarter on your next Trader Joe’s run!
The Hits (What to Buy)
1. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese $3.99/7 Oz
This award-winning cheese combines the sharpness of aged cheddar with the tang of Parmesan, making it perfect for snacking or adding to recipes.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 110 per 1 oz serving
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes
Serving Suggestion
Enjoy it on a charcuterie board, in grilled cheese, or simply as a savory snack.
2. Pancake Bread $4.49/loaf
This fluffy, pancake-flavored loaf has a subtle sweetness with maple syrup notes, ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 210 per 1 slice
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 30g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Wheat flour, maple syrup, cane sugar, buttermilk
Serving Suggestion
Toast and top with butter, or enjoy it plain for a quick morning treat.
3. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups $4.99/16 Oz
These indulgent treats balance rich dark chocolate with creamy peanut butter, making them a favorite sweet snack.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 70 per 1 cup
- Fats: 4.5g
- Carbs: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Dark chocolate, peanuts, cane sugar, salt
Serving Suggestion
Perfect as an after-dinner treat or alongside coffee.
4. Elote Corn Chip Dippers $2.69/9.75 Oz
With a mix of chili, lime, and cheese flavors, these crunchy chips are inspired by Mexican street corn.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 140 per 1 oz serving
- Fats: 7g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Corn, sunflower oil, cheddar cheese, spices
Serving Suggestion
Pair with guacamole or a zesty dip for a spicy kick.
5. Mesquite Smoked Seasoned Almonds $6.99/bag
Packed with bold mesquite flavor, these almonds make a satisfying savory snack or topping.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 170 per 1 oz serving
- Fats: 15g
- Carbs: 5g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Almonds, mesquite seasoning, sea salt
Serving Suggestion
Snack on them plain or toss them into salads for a smoky crunch.
6. Soy Chorizo $2.99/12 Oz
This plant-based chorizo packs flavor and spice, perfect for tacos or breakfast scrambles.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 140 per 2 oz serving
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Soy protein, spices, paprika, salt
Serving Suggestion
Cook and use in burritos, nachos, or add to pasta.
7. Yuzu Hot Sauce $4.99/bottle
This tangy hot sauce brings a citrusy zing to dishes, with a unique twist from Japanese yuzu.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 5 per 1 tsp
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Yuzu juice, vinegar, red pepper, salt
Serving Suggestion
Drizzle over sushi, grilled chicken, or veggies for extra flavor.
8. Frozen Garlic Naan $2.29/package
These soft, garlic-infused naan breads are a great addition to any meal and warm up perfectly in the oven.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 160 per naan
- Fats: 4g
- Carbs: 26g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
Wheat flour, garlic, yogurt, canola oil
Serving Suggestion
Serve with curry, hummus, or as a pizza base.
9. Thai Lime and Chili Cashews $7.99/1 Lb
These cashews have a bright lime flavor with a touch of chili spice, making them an exotic snack choice.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 170 per 1 oz serving
- Fats: 13g
- Carbs: 9g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Cashews, lime flavor, chili pepper, salt
Serving Suggestion
Enjoy as a snack or toss into salads for a citrusy kick.
10. Dill Pickle Mustard $1.99/9 Oz
With dill and pickle flavors, this mustard brings a tangy twist to sandwiches and burgers.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 5 per 1 tsp
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Vinegar, mustard seeds, dill, pickle brine
Serving Suggestion
Use on sandwiches or mix into salad dressings for extra zest.
11. Peanut Butter Protein Granola $3.99/12 Oz
This granola combines the richness of peanut butter with a protein boost, perfect for breakfast or snacking.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 140 per 1/2 cup serving
- Fats: 6g
- Carbs: 17g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 11g
Ingredients
Whole grain oats, peanut butter, protein isolate, cane sugar
Serving Suggestion
Top it over yogurt, or enjoy it with milk as a hearty breakfast.
12. Way More Chocolate Chip Cookies $3.99/bag
Packed with chocolate chips, these cookies are soft, chewy, and have the perfect level of sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 120 per 1 cookie
- Fats: 5g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Wheat flour, chocolate chips, butter, cane sugar
Serving Suggestion
Enjoy with milk or crumble them over ice cream for a dessert.
13. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips $3.99/12 Oz
These chocolate chips are versatile and delicious, making them a staple for baking or snacking.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 70 per 1 tbsp
- Fats: 4g
- Carbs: 8g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Semi-sweet chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter)
Serving Suggestion
Use in cookies, pancakes, or melt them down for homemade chocolate treats.
The Misses (What to Avoid)
1. Everything But the Bagel Seasoned Chips $2.99/7 Oz
While promising a hit, these chips don’t quite capture the beloved flavor blend and lack crunch.
2. Kale Gnocchi $2.69/bag
Despite being a veggie option, this gnocchi lacks the texture and flavor of classic potato gnocchi.
3. Cauliflower Pizza Crust $3.99/10.6 Oz
Though low-carb, this crust can turn out mushy and lacks the crispness of traditional crusts.
4. Almond Butter Puffs Cereal $2.99/box
This cereal is low in flavor and texture, making it an unsatisfying choice for breakfast.
5. Beef Pho Soup $3.49/13.23 Oz
Though convenient, this soup doesn’t match authentic pho flavors and has a bland broth.
6. Cookie Butter $3.99/14.1 Oz
While popular, this treat is high in sugar and may be too rich for some, better in small doses.
7. Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Blend $1.99/2.3 Oz
Though iconic, this blend can be overpowering and salty for some dishes.
8. Strawberry Non-Dairy Oat Frozen Dessert $3.99/1 Pint
This dairy-free dessert falls short on creamy texture and has a synthetic strawberry flavor.
9. Sriracha Sauce $3.99/18.25 Oz
Trader Joe’s version is less spicy and tangy than traditional Sriracha, disappointing for some.
10. Watermelon Jerky $2.29 per bag
While interesting, this jerky can be overly chewy with an intense sweetness that’s not for everyone.
11. Overnight Oats $1.99/5.5 Oz
These ready-made oats can be convenient, but the texture is often mushy and lacks the creamy consistency of homemade oats.
12. Brioche Buns $3.99/9.45 Oz
While soft, these buns have a slightly dry texture that doesn’t hold up well with juicy burger patties or sandwiches.
13. Jingle Jangle $9.99/22.7 Oz
This holiday mix of chocolate-covered pretzels, popcorn, and candies is festive but often too sweet and overwhelming in flavor, especially for the price.
Trader Joe’s offers plenty of exciting products to try, but knowing which ones are worth buying and which to skip can make all the difference in your shopping experience. We hope this list of the top 13 hits and misses for 2024 helps you make the most of your Trader Joe’s haul!
