Trader Joe’s Top Foods, Drinks & Snacks of the Year (According to Fans)

A popular grocery retailer recently announced the winners of its annual customer awards, with thousands of shoppers voting for their all-time favorites.

Top picks included fan-favorite classics, standout new arrivals, and a seasonal beverage that continues to be a yearly favorite.

Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings ($3.49)

• The Crown Jewel: After reaching the #2 spot last year, these have officially risen to the #1 Overall position.

• Why they won: They deliver an authentic restaurant-quality xiao long bao experience with savory pork and bright ginger in a rich broth, all nestled in a tender wrapper.

• The Competition: These beat out the seasonal Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese (2nd), Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings (3rd), Sourdough Bread (4th), and Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice (5th).

Protein Pancakes ($3.79)

• The New Product Royalty: This brand-new hit won the top spot for its ability to make breakfast both convenient and nutritious.

• Why they won: These fluffy flapjacks pack 20 grams of protein per four-pack (from cottage cheese and egg whites) and take only 15 seconds in the microwave.

• The Competition: This was a tough race, finishing ahead of Sour Strawberry Belts (2nd), Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips (3rd), Hot Honey Popcorn (4th), and Ketchup Flavored Lattice Potato Chips (5th).

Spiced Cider ($4.49)

• The Hall-of-Famer: This seasonal favorite has won so many times that it is officially being retired into the Trader Joe’s Hall of Fame.

• Why they won: It’s 100% juice squeezed from U.S. apples with no added sugar, brewed with seasonal spices for the ultimate autumnal warmth.

• The Competition: It outpaced the classic Apple Juice (2nd), Triple Ginger Brew (3rd), Sparkling Lemonade (4th), and 100% Tangerine Juice (5th).

Goat Cheese ($2.99)

• The G.O.A.T.: A perennial favorite that remains the top pick in the cheese case for its value and versatility.

• Why they won: Fans love the creamy, tangy profile of TJ’s various chèvre options, making it a staple for everything from boards to salads.

• The Competition: Notable runners-up included the Syrah Soaked Toscano Cheese Spread & Dip (2nd), Cheese Shopping Bag (3rd), Saint André Triple Crème Brie (4th), and English Cheddar with Caramelized Onions (5th).

Teeny Tiny Avocados ($3.99)

• Small But Mighty: Winning the top produce spot more than five times, these are also heading to the Product Hall of Fame.

• Why they won: The six-count bag provides the perfect single-serving size, so you never have to worry about storing a browning half-avocado.

• The Competition: They beat out Gone Bananas! (2nd), Blueberries (3rd), Honeycrisp Apples (4th), and Organic Persian Cucumbers (5th).

Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice ($4.49)

• The Lunch & Dinner King: For the second year in a row, this authentic Indian meal took the top spot in its category.

• Why they won: With tender chicken in a silky tomato-and-onion sauce, it’s a high-quality meal that goes from the freezer to the table in just 10 minutes.

• The Competition: It was followed by Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings (2nd), Chicken Tikka Masala (3rd), Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese (4th), and Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings (5th).

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip ($3.79)

• The Appetizer All-Star: This veggie-packed dip remains the definitive winner for those looking for a rich, cheesy snack.

• Why they won: It’s a classic mix of spinach, artichokes, Swiss, and Parmesan that makes eating your vegetables feel like a treat.

• The Competition: Runners-up included Jalapeño & Cream Cheese Crispy Wontons (2nd), Vegetable Bird’s Nests (3rd), Parmesan Pastry Pups (4th), and Greek Spanakopita (5th).

Hashbrowns ($2.99)

• The Breakfast Champion: These shredded potato patties dominated the Breakfast and Brunch category.

• Why they won: They are considered the ultimate convenience food—filling, delicious, and just as good on their own as they are with eggs and bacon.

• The Competition: These stayed ahead of Chocolate Croissants (2nd), Dutch Griddle Cakes (3rd), 4 Almond Croissants (4th), and Protein Pancakes (5th).

Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips ($2.99)

• The Snack Specialist: A massive fan-favorite that managed to take the #1 Snack crown this year.

• Why they won: Fans are obsessed with the savory, garlicky punch and the high-quality Irish potatoes used for the perfect crunch.

• The Competition: These beat out Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers (2nd), Ridge Cut Horseradish & Chives Chips (3rd), Patio Chips (4th), and World’s Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs (5th).

Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches ($4.99)

• The Sweetest Victory: Living up to their name, these earned the #1 spot for the Sweet Treat category.

• Why they won: The combination of chewy chocolate chip cookies and creamy vanilla ice cream, rolled in even more chocolate chips, is unbeatable.

• The Competition: They finished on top of the Almond Danish Kringle Pastry (2nd), Chocolate Hold the Cone! (3rd), Chocolate Chip Hold the Cone! (4th), and Mint Chip Ice Cream (5th).

Brazil Nut Body Butter ($5.99)

• The Non-Food Icon: This seasonal powerhouse swept the Bath, Body & Home category yet again.

• Why they won: Customers compare this high-quality, tropical-scented cream to luxury products that cost significantly more.

• The Competition: It led the pack over Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream (2nd), Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40 (3rd), Coconut Body Butter (4th), and the Cedar Balsam Scented Candle (5th).