Trader Joe’s: 13 Must-Buys and 13 Letdowns You Should Know About

Trader Joe’s is a treasure trove of cult classics, surprise hits, and the occasional flop. With so many new and seasonal items constantly rotating in and out, it’s hard to know what’s actually worth tossing into your cart. That’s why we’ve rounded up 13 of the absolute best Trader Joe’s products—and 13 you may want to skip. Whether you’re shopping for snacks, condiments, or frozen favorites, this guide will help you navigate your next TJ’s haul like a pro.

BEST: Thai Lime and Chili Cashews $8.49/1 lb

These bold, tangy cashews pack a citrusy punch with a hint of heat, making them a snack-time standout.

Why It Deserves This Rank

The flavor balance is addictively bright and savory—great for snacking or topping salads.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 180
• Total Fat 14g
• Carbs 9g
• Sodium 65mg
• Dietary Fiber 2g
• Sugars 2g
• Protein 6g

Ingredients

• Cashews, Thai lime leaves, rice bran oil, tom yum seasoning (maltodextrin, sugar, salt, yeast extract powder, citric acid, garlic powder, lemongrass, silicon dioxide [anti-caking], chili powder, white pepper, natural lemon flavor, paprika oleoresin), chili powder, salt.
• Contains: Cashew.
• May contain traces of: Milk, almond, Brazil nut, coconut, hazelnut, macadamia nut, pecan, pine nut, pistachio, walnut.

Preparation Instructions

Ready to eat—just open and enjoy!

WORST: Watermelon Jerky $3.69/2 oz

This dried fruit snack tries to mimic jerky with a watermelon twist.

Why It Deserves This Rank

It’s overly chewy, lacks natural sweetness, and leaves a strange aftertaste.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 90
• Total Fat 0g
• Carbs 23g
• Sodium 0mg
• Dietary Fiber 1g
• Sugars 18g
• Protein 1g

Ingredients

• Watermelon.

Preparation Instructions

No prep needed—though you might want to skip it altogether.

BEST: Dill Pickle Mustard $1.99/9 oz

A zesty twist on your standard mustard, with a dill-brined tang.

Why It Deserves This Rank

This mustard adds serious flavor punch to burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches without overpowering.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 0
• Total Fat 0g
• Carbs 0g
• Sodium 50mg
• Dietary Fiber 0g
• Sugars 0g
• Protein 0g

Ingredients

• Water, distilled vinegar, mustard seed, dill pickle pieces (cucumber, water, distilled vinegar, salt, dried garlic, spices, calcium chloride, dried dill weed), sea salt, turmeric, dried dill weed, garlic powder, paprika, natural flavor, spice.

Preparation Instructions

Use as a condiment straight from the jar.

WORST: Overnight Oats $1.99/5.5 oz

Trader Joe’s Overnight Oats are a grab-and-go breakfast option sold in the refrigerated section.

Why It Deserves This Rank

While convenient, the texture is overly gloopy and the flavor is bland compared to homemade versions.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 240
• Total Fat 8g
• Carbs 35g
• Sodium 105mg
• Dietary Fiber 6g
• Sugars 12g
• Protein 8g

Ingredients

• Almond beverage (water, almond butter), rolled oats, dates, vanilla extract (water, ethyl alcohol, vanilla bean extractives), sea salt.
• Contains: Almond.
• May contain traces of: Coconut.

Preparation Instructions

Ready to eat—best served chilled.

BEST: Way More Chocolate Chip Cookies $4.49/7 oz

These crispy cookies are generously loaded with chocolate chips—hence the “Way More.”

Why It Deserves This Rank

They strike the perfect ratio of cookie to chip, making them a chocolate-lover’s dream.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 160
• Total Fat 8g
• Carbs 22g
• Sodium 120mg
• Dietary Fiber 1g
• Sugars 13g
• Protein 2g

Ingredients

• Wheat flour, chocolate chips, cane sugar, butter, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, salt.

Preparation Instructions

Ready to eat straight from the box—pairs great with milk or coffee.

WORST: Brioche Buns $3.99/9.45 oz

These golden brioche buns are meant to elevate your burger or sandwich experience.

Why It Deserves This Rank

While soft, they’re overly sweet and fall apart under any juicy fillings, making them impractical for burgers.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 180
• Total Fat 3g
• Carbs 31g
• Sodium 310mg
• Dietary Fiber 0g
• Sugars 7g
• Protein 5g

Ingredients

• Unbleached enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid, enzymes), water, sugar, egg, butter (cream [milk], lactic acid), yeast. Contains 2% or less of: wheat gluten, monodiglycerides, xanthan gum, enzymes, ascorbic acid (dough conditioner), sea salt, canola oil, vinegar, fermented wheat flour, wheat flour, wheat starch, starter culture, milk proteins, beta carotene (color).
• Contains: Milk, egg, wheat.

Preparation Instructions

Toast lightly before use for better structure.

BEST: Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips $3.99/12 oz

Trader Joe’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips are a baking essential with rich, classic flavor.

Why It Deserves This Rank

Affordable, smooth-melting, and made without soy lecithin—perfect for cookies, muffins, or snacking.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 80
• Total Fat 4g
• Carbs 10g
• Sodium 0mg
• Dietary Fiber 1g
• Sugars 7g
• Protein <1g

Ingredients

• Cane sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin (emulsifier), vanilla extract (water, ethyl alcohol, vanilla bean extractives).
• Contains: Soy.

Preparation Instructions

Use in any baking recipe or melt for drizzling on desserts.

WORST: Jingle Jangle $9.99/22.7 oz

A seasonal mix of chocolate-covered snacks including pretzels, peanut butter cups, and popcorn.

Why It Deserves This Rank

It’s an overly sweet hodgepodge that lacks balance and quickly becomes a sugar overload.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 170
• Total Fat 9g
• Carbs 21g
• Sodium 75mg
• Dietary Fiber 1g
• Sugars 17g
• Protein 2g

Ingredients

• Dark chocolate (sugar, unsweetened chocolate processed with alkali, cocoa butter, milk fat, soy lecithin [emulsifier], natural vanilla flavor), caramel popcorn (sugar, brown rice syrup, popcorn, sunflower oil, salt, baking soda), milk chocolate (sugar, milk, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin [emulsifier], natural vanilla flavor), cookies (cane syrup, unbleached enriched flour [wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], palm oil, soybean oil, cocoa powder processed with alkali, cornstarch, invert sugar syrup, baking soda, sea salt, cocoa extract [water, ethyl alcohol, cocoa], soy lecithin [emulsifier], vanilla bean seeds, natural flavor, cocoa powder, coffee powder), dark chocolate peanut butter cups, milk chocolate peanut butter cups, milk chocolate candies, pretzels, white chocolate.
• Contains: Milk, soy, wheat, peanut.
• May contain: Egg, almond, cashew, coconut, pecan.

Preparation Instructions

Ready to eat—though a few bites may be enough.

BEST: Unexpected Cheddar Cheese $3.99/7 oz

This cult-favorite cheese starts out like a sharp cheddar but finishes with a tangy, almost Parmesan-like bite.

Why It Deserves This Rank

Its crumbly texture and bold flavor make it perfect for charcuterie boards, pasta, and snacking.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 110
• Total Fat 9g
• Carbs <1g
• Sodium 180mg
• Dietary Fiber 0g
• Sugars 0g
• Protein 7g

Ingredients

• Pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme.
• Contains: Milk.

Preparation Instructions

Serve cold, shredded, or sliced. Best enjoyed with crackers or fruit.

WORST: Everything But The Bagel Seasoned Chips $2.99/7 oz

These kettle-cooked chips are seasoned with the iconic Everything But the Bagel blend.

Why It Deserves This Rank

Despite the hype, the flavor falls flat and leaves a garlicky aftertaste that overwhelms everything else.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 140
• Total Fat 7g
• Carbs 17g
• Sodium 135mg
• Dietary Fiber 2g
• Sugars 0g
• Protein 2g

Ingredients

• Potatoes, canola oil and/or sunflower oil, seasoning blend (poppy seeds, salt, sesame seeds, natural flavors, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, sugar, corn maltodextrin, sesame oil, soy lecithin).
• Contains: Soy.

Preparation Instructions

Ready to eat. Try with dip to help balance the overpowering seasoning.

BEST: Pancake Bread $4.49/15 oz

This dense loaf cake blends the flavor of pancakes and maple syrup into a sliceable breakfast dessert.

Why It Deserves This Rank

Sweet, buttery, and full of warm spice—perfect toasted with butter or straight from the package.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 330
• Total Fat 18g
• Carbs 38g
• Sodium 210mg
• Dietary Fiber <1g
• Sugars 22g
• Protein 4g

Ingredients

• Sugar, enriched wheat flour, eggs, butter, sour cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, cinnamon.

Preparation Instructions

Slice and eat cold or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

WORST: Kale Gnocchi $2.99/12 oz

This frozen gnocchi swaps out traditional potato for kale and chickpea flour.

Why It Deserves This Rank

The texture is gummy and mushy even when pan-fried, and the flavor is bland with a vegetal aftertaste.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 190
• Total Fat 3.5g
• Carbs 32g
• Sodium 460mg
• Dietary Fiber 3g
• Sugars 2g
• Protein 5g

Ingredients

• Kale, potato starch, chickpea flour, sea salt, olive oil.

Preparation Instructions

Best when sautéed in a pan until crisp—avoid boiling or microwaving.

BEST: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups $4.49/16 oz

These mini cups combine rich, slightly bitter dark chocolate with creamy peanut butter.

Why It Deserves This Rank

A perfect balance of salty and sweet—many fans say they beat the name-brand version.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 210
• Total Fat 15g
• Carbs 17g
• Sodium 95mg
• Dietary Fiber 2g
• Sugars 14g
• Protein 4g

Ingredients

• Dark chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin), peanut butter, cane sugar, salt.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Excellent in desserts or straight from the tub.

WORST: Cauliflower Pizza Crust $4.99/5 oz

A gluten-free crust alternative made with cauliflower and cheese as the base.

Why It Deserves This Rank

It doesn’t crisp up well, falls apart easily, and has a strong cauliflower flavor that overwhelms toppings.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 120
• Total Fat 6g
• Carbs 4g
• Sodium 260mg
• Dietary Fiber 1g
• Sugars 1g
• Protein 10g

Ingredients

• Shredded cauliflower, liquid whole eggs (eggs, citric acid [to maintain color]), grated Parmesan cheese (pasteurized skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme), deactivated yeast, minced garlic (garlic, water, phosphoric acid), dried basil, dried oregano.
• Contains: Milk, egg.

Preparation Instructions

Bake directly on oven rack for best results. Needs extended time to slightly crisp.

BEST: Elote Corn Chip Dippers $2.99/9.75 oz

Inspired by Mexican street corn, these ridged chips are dusted with cheese, chili, and lime seasoning.

Why It Deserves This Rank

They’re crunchy, tangy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy—amazing on their own or dipped in guac.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 160
• Total Fat 10g
• Carbs 16g
• Sodium 135mg
• Dietary Fiber 1g
• Sugars <1g
• Protein 2g

Ingredients

• Organic ground yellow corn, organic vegetable oil (organic sunflower and/or organic safflower and/or organic canola oil), organic corn maltodextrin, organic sugar, salt, organic chipotle pepper, organic nonfat dry milk, organic cultured lowfat buttermilk (organic skim milk, lactic acid, cultures), organic spices, organic corn powder, organic natural flavor, citric acid, organic habanero pepper powder, natural smoke flavor, organic turmeric extract (color).
• Contains: Milk.

Preparation Instructions

Serve as-is or with salsa, guacamole, or nacho toppings.

WORST: Almond Butter Puffs Cereal $3.69/10 oz

This gluten-free cereal is made from corn and rice puffs coated in almond butter.

Why It Deserves This Rank

It’s dry, flavorless, and turns soggy fast—neither satisfying as a snack nor breakfast cereal.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 140
• Total Fat 6g
• Carbs 20g
• Sodium 90mg
• Dietary Fiber 2g
• Sugars 5g
• Protein 3g

Ingredients

Corn, rice, almond butter, cane sugar, sea salt, tocopherols (for freshness).

Preparation Instructions

Serve with milk or yogurt—but may not improve the texture or taste.

BEST: Mesquite Smoked Seasoned Almonds $5.99/16 oz

These roasted almonds are seasoned with smoky mesquite flavor and a touch of salt for snacking satisfaction.

Why It Deserves This Rank

Crunchy, bold, and smoky—these almonds make a great high-protein snack or salad topper.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 170
• Total Fat 15g
• Carbs 5g
• Sodium 160mg
• Dietary Fiber 3g
• Sugars 1g
• Protein 6g

Ingredients

• Dry roasted almonds, mesquite seasoning (sea salt, smoked flavor, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder).

Preparation Instructions

Ready to eat—store in a cool, dry place for freshness.

WORST: Beef Pho Soup $3.49/13.23 oz

This refrigerated soup aims to replicate traditional Vietnamese pho with noodles, broth, and beef slices.

Why It Deserves This Rank

The broth is watery, the noodles are mushy, and the beef lacks flavor—nowhere near authentic pho quality.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 220
• Total Fat 4.5g
• Carbs 34g
• Sodium 860mg
• Dietary Fiber 1g
• Sugars <1g
• Protein 13g

Ingredients

• Water, cooked rice noodles (water, rice), cooked seasoned beef, water & binder product (beef, water, soy sauce [water, soybeans, salt], cornstarch, salt, spices), bean sprouts, onions, green onions, beef base concentrate (roasted beef, salt, beef stock, caramel color, natural flavor, beef fat, potato flour, cane sugar, paprika, spices), fish sauce (anchovies, sea salt), cilantro, Thai basil, cornstarch, yeast extract, onion powder, salt, spices.
• Contains: Soy, anchovy.

Preparation Instructions

Microwave in container for 3–4 minutes or heat on stovetop until warmed through.

BEST: Soy Chorizo $2.99/12 oz

This plant-based sausage alternative is packed with bold, spicy Mexican-style seasonings.

Why It Deserves This Rank

It’s incredibly flavorful, versatile, and one of Trader Joe’s most beloved vegetarian products.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 130
• Total Fat 7g
• Carbs 8g
• Sodium 660mg
• Dietary Fiber 5g
• Sugars 1g
• Protein 8g

Ingredients

• Water, textured soy protein, soybean oil, paprika (for color), sea salt, distilled white vinegar. Contains 2% or less of: cultured dextrose (to preserve), maltodextrin, caramel color, spices, dried red pepper, garlic powder.
• Contains: Soy.

Preparation Instructions

Remove casing before cooking. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes.

WORST: Cookie Butter $3.99/14.1 oz

A creamy spread made from crushed speculoos cookies and sweet spices.

Why It Deserves This Rank

Delicious in small amounts, but overly sweet, with a gritty texture—and easy to overeat.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 170
• Total Fat 11g
• Carbs 6g
• Sodium 55mg
• Dietary Fiber 0g
• Sugars 11g
• Protein 1g

Ingredients

• Speculoos cookies (wheat flour [wheat flour, malted wheat flour], caramelized sugar, vegetable oil blend [palm oil, canola oil, citric acid and lemon juice concentrate {to preserve}], cane sugar, soy flour, contains 2% or less of: invert sugar syrup, wheat gluten, sodium bicarbonate, cinnamon, nutmeg), vegetable oil blend (canola oil, palm oil, citric acid [to preserve]), sugar, canola lecithin.
• Contains: Soy, wheat.
• May contain traces of: Milk, egg, almond, hazelnut.

Preparation Instructions

Spread on toast or use in baking. Best used sparingly.

BEST: Peanut Butter Protein Granola $3.99/12 oz

A crunchy, nutty granola made with oats, peanut butter, and added pea protein for a protein-packed snack or breakfast.

Why It Deserves This Rank

It’s hearty, filling, and has a strong peanut butter flavor that satisfies without being too sweet.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 260
• Total Fat 12g
• Carbs 29g
• Sodium 160mg
• Dietary Fiber 3g
• Sugars 9g
• Protein 11g

Ingredients

• Rolled oats, peanuts, peanut butter, cane sugar, pea protein crisps (pea protein, rice flour), brown rice syrup, water, canola oil, pea protein, oat syrup solids, natural flavors, sea salt, mixed tocopherols (vitamin E for freshness).
• Contains: Peanuts.
• May contain traces of: Milk, wheat, almond, Brazil nut, cashew, coconut, hazelnut, macadamia nut, pecan, pistachio, walnut.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy with milk or yogurt, or sprinkle over smoothie bowls.

WORST: Everything But The Bagel Seasoning Blend $1.99/2.3 oz

A blend of sesame seeds, sea salt, garlic, and onion meant to mimic the flavors of an everything bagel.

Why It Deserves This Rank

Once hyped everywhere, the novelty has worn off. It’s too salty and can overpower dishes easily.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 5
• Total Fat 0g
• Carbs 0g
• Sodium 80mg
• Dietary Fiber 0g
• Sugars 0g
• Protein 0g

Ingredients

• Sesame seeds, sea salt flakes, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds.
• Contains: Sesame.

Preparation Instructions

Use sparingly on avocado toast, eggs, or bagels. A little goes a long way.

BEST: Yuzu Hot Sauce $4.99/ 5 oz

A bright and citrusy hot sauce made with yuzu—a fragrant Japanese citrus fruit—paired with spicy chili peppers.

Why It Deserves This Rank

It adds a unique, tangy kick to everything from rice bowls to tacos. A small dash delivers big flavor.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 0
• Total Fat 0g
• Carbs 0g
• Sodium 75mg
• Dietary Fiber 0g
• Sugars 0g
• Protein 0g

Ingredients

• Yuzu juice, chili peppers, vinegar, salt, garlic, water.

Preparation Instructions

Shake well before use. Drizzle over seafood, noodles, or roasted veggies.

WORST: Strawberry Non-Dairy Oat Frozen Dessert $3.99/1 Pint

This plant-based dessert uses an oat milk base and is flavored with strawberry puree and swirl.

Why It Deserves This Rank

The texture is icy and chalky, with minimal strawberry flavor. It leaves a bitter oat aftertaste.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 260
• Total Fat 10g
• Carbs 39g
• Sodium 105mg
• Dietary Fiber 5g
• Sugars 20g
• Protein 1g

Ingredients

• Oat base (water, oats), tapioca syrup, coconut oil, dextrose, invert sugar, chicory root extract (inulin), agave syrup, almond brittle (cane sugar, almonds), candied strawberries (strawberries, glucose syrup, sugar), maltodextrin, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, pink salt, sunflower lecithin, color added (red beet juice, annatto extract, citric acid [to maintain color]), pea protein concentrate, carob bean gum, natural flavor.
• Contains: Almond, coconut.

Preparation Instructions

Best when thawed slightly before scooping—but still unlikely to win you over.

BEST: Frozen Garlic Naan $2.29/8.8 oz

Soft and fluffy Indian-style flatbread topped with roasted garlic and herbs, found in Trader Joe’s freezer section.

Why It Deserves This Rank

Restaurant-quality taste right out of your freezer. It bakes up perfectly in minutes and complements any curry or dip.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 250
• Total Fat 7g
• Carbs 39g
• Sodium 480mg
• Dietary Fiber 2g
• Sugars 2g
• Protein 7g

Ingredients

• Enriched wheat flour, water, garlic, yogurt, canola oil, sugar, salt, yeast, cilantro.

Preparation Instructions

Heat in a 400°F oven for 1–2 minutes or toast in a dry skillet until warm and lightly crisped.

WORST: Sriracha Sauce $3.99/7 oz

Trader Joe’s take on the iconic chili garlic hot sauce with a slightly thinner consistency and mild heat level.

Why It Deserves This Rank

It’s a letdown for fans of the original—less heat, less flavor, and an odd aftertaste.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories 140
• Total Fat 7g
• Carbs 6g
• Sodium 440mg
• Dietary Fiber 1g
• Sugars 2g
• Protein 15g

Ingredients

• Tofu (water, soybeans, magnesium chloride, calcium sulfate), sriracha chili sauce (red chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, salt, spice), water, chili flakes, cornstarch.
• Contains: Soy.

Preparation Instructions

Use as a condiment or cooking ingredient—but you may want to reach for a different brand.

Conclusion

Trader Joe’s is full of surprises—some absolutely worth the hype, others… not so much. From snack aisle wins like Thai Lime and Chili Cashews to flavorless flops like their Sriracha Sauce, this guide should help you steer your cart in the right direction. Whether you’re a loyal fan or a curious newcomer, let this list be your cheat sheet for what to toss in your basket—and what to leave behind.