The 14 Ultimate Ranking of Trader Joe’s 2024 Boxed Mixes

Let’s be real—life is busy, and sometimes we just need a little boxed magic to get a delicious treat on the table without breaking a sweat. Luckily, Trader Joe’s has our backs with their incredible (and sometimes quirky) array of boxed mixes. But with so many to choose from, especially in the 2024 line up, how do you know which ones are worth the hype? We’ve done the tasting (tough job, we know) and ranked the best Trader Joe’s boxed mixes to help you decide which to grab on your next TJ’s run.

14. Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix

This seasonal favorite brings warm autumnal flavors into your kitchen, but it’s best enjoyed in small doses. The Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix produces a soft, moist loaf with plenty of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. However, the flavor can be overpowering if you’re not a fan of pumpkin spice, and the novelty wears off after a few uses. For pumpkin lovers, it’s a must-have, but its limited seasonal appeal keeps it lower on the list.

13. Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Baking Mix

For those with gluten sensitivities, Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Baking Mix is a seasonal delight. It delivers a soft, moist bread or muffin with warm autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The texture is impressively close to the traditional version, without the grittiness that sometimes comes with gluten-free baked goods. However, like many pumpkin-flavored items, it’s best enjoyed during the fall season when the craving for pumpkin spice is at its peak. While delicious, its limited availability and niche appeal keep it from being an everyday staple.

12. Yellow Cake & Baking Mix

Trader Joe’s Yellow Cake & Baking Mix is a solid classic. The mix produces a moist, buttery cake with a smooth vanilla flavor that pairs well with almost any frosting. While it’s versatile and easy to work with, its simplicity is both a strength and a drawback. It’s perfect for basic birthday cakes or cupcakes but doesn’t offer the bold flavors or creative twists found in other Trader Joe’s mixes. If you’re after a dependable, no-fuss cake, this is a good option, but it won’t wow you with innovation.

11. Banana Bread Mix

Trader Joe’s Banana Bread Mix is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic comfort food. The bread bakes up moist and slightly dense, with a mild banana flavor. It’s perfect for those who want banana bread without having to mash ripe bananas, but it lacks the strong banana punch you’d get from scratch-made versions. While the mix can be enhanced with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, on its own, it’s fairly simple and straightforward. For a no-fuss banana bread option, it’s great, but it’s not the most standout mix in Trader Joe’s lineup.

10. Celebration Cake & Baking Mix

Trader Joe’s Celebration Cake & Baking Mix is a fun, festive option for birthdays or other special occasions. The cake is moist and sweet, with colorful sprinkles baked in, giving it a whimsical look and taste. While it’s perfect for celebratory events, the flavor itself is fairly standard, with a simple vanilla profile that doesn’t offer much complexity. It’s a crowd-pleaser for parties but may not satisfy those seeking a more sophisticated dessert. Despite this, it’s a charming option for a quick and easy celebration cake.

9. Cinnamon Bun Inspired Pancake & Waffle Mix

Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Inspired Pancake & Waffle Mix takes the warm, spiced goodness of a cinnamon bun and transforms it into a lighter, fluffier pancake or waffle. Each bite delivers a sweet cinnamon flavor that feels indulgent yet familiar, perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast. The mix is easy to prepare and results in a soft, fluffy texture that pairs well with syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. While it’s a delicious treat, the richness of the cinnamon flavor might be a bit too much for some to enjoy on a regular basis. It’s an excellent option for those who love cinnamon buns but want the ease of a quick pancake or waffle.

8. Strawberries & Crème Pancake & Waffle Mix

Trader Joe’s Strawberries & Crème Pancake & Waffle Mix offers a delicious twist on your typical breakfast. The subtle strawberry flavor paired with the creamy richness makes these pancakes or waffles feel extra indulgent, almost like a dessert for breakfast. The mix is easy to prepare, producing light and fluffy results with a fruity aroma that fills your kitchen. While perfect for special occasions or weekend brunches, the sweetness might be a bit much for those seeking a more traditional pancake or waffle. It’s a treat for berry lovers, but not necessarily a go-to for everyday mornings.

7. Cinnamon Roll Blondie Bar Baking Mix

The Cinnamon Roll Blondie Bar Baking Mix combines the buttery, chewy texture of a blondie with the warm, spiced flavor of a cinnamon roll. The mix bakes up with a soft, dense interior and a slightly crispy edge, creating a perfect balance of textures. The cinnamon swirl adds a comforting warmth, making these blondies an ideal treat for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. While indulgent, the sweetness is not overpowering, making it a great option for those who enjoy cinnamon-flavored desserts. It’s easy to prepare and offers a creative twist on classic blondies.

6. Trader Joe’s Blondie Bar Baking Mix

Blondie lovers will adore this mix, which bakes up buttery and chewy with a rich, caramel-like flavor. The texture is perfect, and it doesn’t dry out easily, unlike some boxed mixes. It’s also highly versatile—you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit for a custom twist. However, its indulgent nature means it’s not an everyday treat, and the richness can be overwhelming for those with a less sweet tooth. Still, it’s a solid choice for special occasions.

5. Everything but the Kitchen Sink Cookie Mix

As the name suggests, this cookie mix throws in everything but the kitchen sink—pretzels, chocolate chunks, and more—for a fun, chaotic cookie experience. It’s perfect for those who love a sweet-and-salty combo in every bite. The variety of textures makes it an exciting option for cookie fans, but it can be a bit too much for some, with the abundance of mix-ins overshadowing the cookie dough itself. It’s the kind of treat you bring to a party, where its eclectic mix will be appreciated by many, but it might not be your go-to for a more traditional cookie craving.

4. Blueberry Muffin Mix

Trader Joe’s Blueberry Muffin Mix earns a spot high on the list due to its ease of preparation and delicious results. The muffins come out fluffy and moist, with a sweet, fruity burst in every bite. The blueberry flavor is natural, and the texture of the muffins is soft without being too dense. They are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack, and the mix requires minimal effort to bake up a batch that tastes almost homemade. This mix strikes the right balance between convenience and flavor, making it a favorite for many.

3. Brownie Truffle Baking Mix

Trader Joe’s Brownie Truffle Baking Mix is a chocolate lover’s dream, offering an incredibly rich, fudgy texture that feels almost like eating a truffle. The deep, decadent chocolate flavor is hard to beat, and the brownies are moist and dense. However, the sweetness can be a bit much for some, and it requires careful baking to avoid ending up too gooey. For those who love intensely chocolatey desserts, this mix is a must-try, making it a top contender on the list.

2. Cornbread Mix

Trader Joe’s Cornbread Mix ranks highly thanks to its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The cornbread turns out moist and fluffy, with just the right amount of crumble that makes it perfect for pairing with chili, barbecue, or just a pat of butter. It’s versatile, easily adaptable with add-ins like cheese or jalapeños, and bakes up with a beautiful golden color. What elevates this mix is its ease of preparation and consistent results, offering a homemade feel without the effort. For cornbread enthusiasts, this is a top-tier boxed mix that never disappoints.

1. Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix

Topping the list is Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix, a unique offering that brings a chewy, slightly sweet texture and beautiful purple color to your breakfast table. The ube flavor is subtly nutty and vanilla-like, making it a standout from the usual pancake options. These pancakes or waffles come out with a perfect balance of crispness on the outside and chewiness on the inside, thanks to the mochi. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can enjoy them sweet or savory with toppings like coconut syrup, whipped cream, or even fried eggs. It’s not only delicious but also brings something new and exciting to Trader Joe’s lineup of boxed mixes, making it the top pick for 2024.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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