Your Spring Guide to Trader Joe’s: What to Grab (and What to Pass On)

Spring has arrived, and so have the latest Trader Joe’s finds! From fresh flavors to limited-time offerings, this guide will help you decide what to grab and what to skip for the season

Worth Stocking Up On

1. Sweet Ripe Plantains $2.49/16 oz

These plantains are naturally sweet and perfect for frying or baking. Their rich flavor makes them a great side dish or snack, especially when paired with savory dips or as a topping for rice.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 130
• Fats: 2.0g
• Carbs: 28g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 1g

Ingredients

Plantains, palm oil.

Preparation Instructions

Peel, slice, and fry in a little oil for crispy plantain chips, or bake for a healthier option.

2. Pizza Party Potato Chips $2.69/6 oz

If you love pizza, these chips are a must-try. With the classic pizza flavors of tomato, mozzarella, and spices, they offer a crunchy snack that’s as satisfying as the real thing.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 140
• Fats: 7g
• Carbs: 17g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 2g

Ingredients

• potatoes
• vegetable oil (sunflower oil and/or canola oil)
• cheese & garlic seasoning (whey, hard grating cheese [milk, cheese culture, milk protein, salt, microbial enzyme, lipase, cellulose, water, calcium chloride], buttermilk powder, salt, whey solids, dehydrated garlic, yeast extract, cane sugar, spices, calcium lactate, citric acid [acidulant])
• pizza sauce seasoning (tomato powder, sea salt, garlic, yeast extract, cane sugar, annatto extract [color], natural flavor [including celery seed oil], spices, citric acid [acidulant])
• vegetarian pepperoni style seasoning (sea salt, cane sugar, yeast extract, garlic powder, beet powder, maltodextrin, onion powder, spices [black pepper, red pepper], natural flavor, paprika, lactic acid, annatto extract [color])
• contains milk.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy right out of the bag for a savory snack.

3. Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips $2.99/5.5 oz

These rich, savory chips are coated in a delightful garlic butter flavor, giving them a unique twist on your regular snack. With a crispy texture and bold taste, they’re sure to become your new go-to snack.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 140
• Fats: 9g
• Carbs: 16g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 2g

Ingredients

• Potatoes, sunflower oil, lactose, garlic, salt, sugar, yeast extract, onion, buttermilk powder, butter powder (butter [cream, salt], skim milk powder, trisodium phosphate, trisodium citrate), mushroom extract, natural flavor, parsley, lemon juice powder (maltodextrin, lemon juice), citric acid (acidulant). Contains milk.

Preparation Instructions

Ready to eat straight from the bag.

4. Hot Honey Mustard Dressing $3.99/12 Fl oz

A tangy, spicy twist on traditional honey mustard dressing. Perfect for drizzling on salads, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables, this zesty dressing adds a flavorful kick to any dish.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 140
• Fats: 13g
• Carbs: 6g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: <1g

Ingredients

• Canola oil, Dijon mustard (distilled vinegar, water, mustard seed, sea salt, white wine, citric acid [acidulant], turmeric [color], spices), honey, water, lemon juice, brown sugar, crushed red pepper, salt, cultured dextrose (to preserve), cayenne pepper, xanthan gum.

Preparation Instructions

Shake well before use. Drizzle over salads or use as a dipping sauce.

5. Shrimp Noodle Rolls $3.99/9.88 oz

These shrimp-filled rolls are a delicious combination of shrimp and delicate rice noodles, perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. Whether steamed or microwaved, they’re an easy meal with a hint of Asian-inspired flavor.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 120
• Fats: 3.0g
• Carbs: 19g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Dietary Fiber: <1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 3g

Ingredients

• Dim sum style noodle (water, potato starch, rice flour, tapioca starch, soybean oil, cornstarch, salt). Filling (seasoned mixed vegetables [carrot, jicama, onion, shallot, soybean oil, wheat flour, ginger, garlic, coriander leaf, spring onion, sugar, tapioca starch, soy sauce {water, soybean, wheat flour, salt}, black pepper, salt], marinated shrimp [cooked shrimp {shrimp, water, salt, sodium bicarbonate, citric acid (acidifier), sodium citrate}, garlic, sugar, soybean oil, shallot, salt, paprika oleoresin {color}]). Contains soy, wheat, shrimp. May contain sesame.

Preparation Instructions

Steam or microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

6. Organic Spaghetti Triangoletti $1.99/1 lb

This unique pasta shape is a fun twist on traditional spaghetti, with triangle-shaped strands that catch sauces in a new way. Perfect for springtime pasta dishes, it pairs well with fresh, light sauces.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 200
• Fats: 0.5g
• Carbs: 40g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 7g

Ingredients

Organic durum wheat semolina.

Preparation Instructions

Cook in boiling water for 8-10 minutes. Drain and serve with your favorite sauce.

7. Tofu Sheets $2.99/6.35 oz

Tofu sheets are an excellent alternative to traditional wraps and offer a chewy texture that’s perfect for adding to sushi rolls or stir-fries. They absorb flavors beautifully and work well in both savory and sweet dishes.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 150
• Fats: 7g
• Carbs: 6g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 15g

Ingredients

Water, soybeans.

Preparation Instructions

Use in stir-fries, soups, or as a wrap for your favorite fillings.

8. Italian Confetti Almonds $4.49/6 oz

These colorful, roasted almonds are coated in a sweet, lightly spiced seasoning that brings a burst of flavor to your snacking routine. They make a great addition to a cheese board or a healthy snack on the go.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 150
• Fats: 7g
• Carbs: 19g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Dietary Fiber: <1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Sugar, almond, rice starch, maltodextrin, gum arabic, natural flavor, calcium carbonate (color). Contains almond. May contain peanut, cashew, hazelnut, pecan, pistachio, walnut.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy straight from the package.

9. Honey Roasted Macadamia Nuts & Roasted & Salted Cashews $4.99/8 oz

A sweet and savory snack mix featuring honey-roasted macadamia nuts paired with roasted and salted cashews. It’s the perfect balance of rich flavors and crunch.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 180
• Fats: 13g
• Carbs: 11g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 4g

Ingredients

• Roasted and salted cashews (cashews, sunflower oil, salt), honey roasted macadamia nuts (macadamia nuts, cane sugar, honey, tapioca starch, sunflower oil, honey powder [honey, tapioca starch], salt, xanthan gum, natural flavor). Contains cashew, macadamia nut. May contain milk, soy, sesame, wheat, peanut, almond, Brazil nut, coconut, hazelnut, pecan, pistachio.

Preparation Instructions

Ready to enjoy right out of the bag.

Worth a Quick Taste

1. Passion Fruit Meringue Tartelettes $4.99/7.05 oz

These mini tarts feature a tangy passion fruit curd topped with a light, airy meringue. They offer a refreshing, tropical twist on a traditional dessert and are perfect for when you crave something sweet and zesty.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 320
• Fats: 15g
• Carbs: 44g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 31g
• Protein: 3g

Ingredients

• Passion fruit puree, sugar, wheat flour, powdered sugar (sugar, cornstarch), cultured butter (cream, lactic acid starter culture), concentrated butter (anhydrous milk fat), glaze (glucose syrup [wheat], sugar, water, pectin, sodium alginate, citric acid [acidifier]), water, apricot (apricot, ascorbic acid [to maintain color], citric acid [acidifier]), egg white, cream (cream, carrageenan), egg, pectin, almond flour, salt, egg white powder, xanthan gum. Contains milk, egg, wheat, almond. May contain soy, coconut, hazelnut, pistachio.

Preparation Instructions

Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

2. Vegetable Dumplings $3.99/10.58 oz

These dumplings are packed with a flavorful mix of vegetables, making them a perfect vegetarian option for a light lunch or snack. The soft, chewy dumpling wrappers pair well with the savory veggie filling.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 120
• Fats: 3.0g
• Carbs: 22g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: <1g

Ingredients

• Water, chives, wheat starch, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tapioca starch, cabbage, potato starch, soybean oil, sugar, modified tapioca starch, white sesame seeds, mirin (glucose, water, sweet rice, rice), salt, garlic, soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat, salt), sesame oil, ginger, yeast extract, white pepper. Contains soy, sesame, wheat.

Preparation Instructions

Steam or pan-fry for 6-7 minutes until heated through. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

3. Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels $5.49/10 oz

A decadent treat with rich, smooth caramel centers wrapped in dark chocolate. Perfect for those who love the contrast of sweet and slightly bitter flavors.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 90
• Fats: 4.5g
• Carbs: 13g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Dietary Fiber: <1g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: <1g

Ingredients

• Caramel (corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk [milk, sugar], heavy cream, butter [sweet cream, salt], invert sugar syrup, brown sugar, sugar, salt, soy lecithin [emulsifier], vanilla extract [water, ethyl alcohol, vanilla bean extractives]), dark chocolate (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin [emulsifier], natural vanilla flavor). Contains milk, soy. May contain egg, wheat.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy right out of the bag as a sweet snack or after a meal.

4. Handheld Chicken Pot Pies $4.49/9 oz

These handheld chicken pot pies are a comfort food classic, with flaky pastry and a creamy chicken filling. They’re the perfect solution for a quick, hearty snack when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 570
• Fats: 22g
• Carbs: 37g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 14g

Ingredients

• Crust (unbleached enriched flour [wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], palm shortening, water, beef suet, sugar, salt). Filling (water, boneless skinless chicken thigh, boneless skinless chicken breast with rib meat, diced potato, diced onion, diced celery, nonfat dry milk, palm shortening, unbleached enriched flour [wheat flour, malted barley, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], peas, diced carrots, chicken base [roasted chicken, salt, yeast extract, natural flavors, turmeric{color}], dehydrated garlic, salt, thyme, white pepper). Contains milk, wheat.

Preparation Instructions

Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.

5. Calamansi & Mango Sorbet $3.79/1 Pint

A refreshing and tropical sorbet that combines the tartness of calamansi (a citrus fruit from the Philippines) with the sweetness of mango. This frozen treat is a perfect palate cleanser or summer dessert.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 160
• Fats: 0g
• Carbs: 40g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Dietary Fiber: <1g
• Sugar: 35g
• Protein: 0g

Ingredients

• Water, cane sugar, calamansi puree, mango puree, maltodextrin, contains 0.5% or less of pectin, guar gum, citric acid (acidulant).

Preparation Instructions

Serve straight from the freezer for the best creamy texture.

6. Celebration Cake Mini Pretzels $2.99/7 oz

These mini pretzels are covered in a sweet, colorful glaze, perfect for any celebration or snack craving. Their festive appearance makes them a fun treat for spring parties or gatherings.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 150
• Fats: 6g
• Carbs: 21g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Dietary Fiber: <1g
• Sugar: 14g
• Protein: 2g

Ingredients

• White candy coating (sugar, palm kernel oil, palm oil, whey powder, nonfat milk powder, soy lecithin [emulsifier], natural flavors), pretzels (unbleached enriched flour [wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], malted barley flour, salt, soybean oil), yogurt flavored coating (sugar, palm kernel oil, whey powder, nonfat dry milk, yogurt powder [nonfat milk, lactic acid], soy lecithin [emulsifier], vanilla extract [water, ethyl alcohol, vanilla bean extractives]), rainbow nonpareils (sugar, cornstarch, maltodextrin, lemon juice, color added [spirulina extract, paprika oleoresin, turmeric, vegetable juice], carnauba wax). Contains milk, soy, wheat. May contain egg, peanut, almond, cashew, coconut, pecan.

Preparation Instructions

Ready to eat, just open the bag and enjoy.

7. Chocolate Coffee Flavored Granola $3.99/12 oz

A perfect breakfast or snack for coffee lovers. This granola blends the flavors of rich chocolate and coffee with a crunchy texture, making it a delightful addition to yogurt, smoothies, or just as a standalone snack.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 260
• Fats: 8g
• Carbs: 42g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 5g

Ingredients

• Rolled oats, cane sugar, canola oil, rice flour, cocoa powder processed with alkali, oat flour, dark chocolate (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, dextrose, soy lecithin [emulsifier], vanilla extract [water, ethyl alcohol, vanilla bean extractives]), honey, coffee extract, salt, natural flavor, barley malt extract, mixed tocopherols (to preserve). Contains soy. May contain sesame, wheat, almond, Brazil nut, cashew, coconut, hazelnut, pecan, walnut.

Preparation Instructions

Serve with milk or yogurt, or enjoy by the handful.

8. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs $4.29/12 oz

A flavorful blend of chicken and pineapple in a savory teriyaki glaze. These meatballs offer a sweet and tangy twist on a classic dish, making them a great choice for dinner or a snack.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 160
• Fats: 9g
• Carbs: 8g
• Sodium: 440mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 13g

Ingredients

• Chicken, dried pineapple (pineapple, sugar, citric acid [acidifier]), contains 2% or less of tamari soy sauce powder (tamari soy sauce [soybeans, salt], maltodextrin, salt), mirin sweet cooking rice wine (water, sugar, rice, ethyl alcohol, salt, lactic acid), caramelized onions, sea salt, sugar, vinegar powder, pineapple juice concentrate, black pepper, ground ginger, garlic powder, rosemary extract (to preserve). Contains soy.

Preparation Instructions

Heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

9. Shrimp Scampi $8.99/13 oz

This dish features shrimp in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, perfect for pairing with pasta or enjoying on its own. It’s a quick and easy way to bring restaurant-quality seafood to your table.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 330
• Fats: 31g
• Carbs: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 11g

Ingredients

• Raw shrimp (shrimp, salt), sauce (milkfat, water, extra virgin olive oil, garlic puree, cooking wine [white wine, salt], seasoning [salt, garlic powder, dried onions, spices, dried parsley, yeast extract, dehydrated red bell peppers, Romano cheese {cultured milk, salt, microbial enzyme}, maltodextrin, natural flavors, caramel color, citric acid {acidulant}, butter flavoring blend {butter (cream), buttermilk solids, natural flavor}, paprika oleoresin {color}, annatto extract {color}, turmeric oleoresin {color}], modified food starch, food starches [potato starch and/or rice starch], cheese concentrate [Romano cheese {pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme}, water, salt], lemon juice concentrate, butter flavoring blend [maltodextrin, enzyme modified butter oil, salt, dried butter {cream}, guar gum, sodium bicarbonate, annatto extract {color}, turmeric {color}], gum arabic, black pepper, crushed red pepper, xanthan gum). Contains milk, shrimp.

Preparation Instructions

Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked. Serve with your favorite pasta.

Not Worth the Spend

1. Organic Sri Lankan Curry & Seasoned Rice With Cashews $3.99/13.23 oz

While the concept of a Sri Lankan-inspired curry with seasoned rice and cashews sounds promising, this dish falls flat in flavor and texture, lacking the depth you’d expect from such a vibrant cuisine.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 610
• Fats: 38g
• Carbs: 58g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 11g

Ingredients

• Organic cooked seasoned rice packet (organic rice, water, organic parsley, organic curry leaves, organic natural flavor, organic coconut oil, organic black pepper, organic cumin seed, organic cinnamon, organic turmeric powder, organic cardamom, sea salt). Organic sauce packet (organic coconut milk, water, organic onions, organic garlic, organic ginger, organic coriander, organic cumin seed, organic curry leaves, organic turmeric powder, sea salt, organic cinnamon, organic black pepper, organic cardamom). Organic cashew packet (organic cashews). Contains cashew, coconut.

Preparation Instructions

Microwave for 2-3 minutes or heat on the stove for 5 minutes.

2. Sugared Rice Cracker Stars $1.99/6.35 oz

These star-shaped rice crackers with a sugary coating may sound fun, but their overly sweet taste and lack of substance leave much to be desired. If you’re looking for a satisfying snack, these don’t hit the mark.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 110
• Fats: 0g
• Carbs: 25g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 1g

Ingredients

• Rice, sugar, soy sauce (water, soybeans, rice, salt), honey, maltodextrin, tapioca starch. Contains soy.

Preparation Instructions

Ready to eat right out of the bag.

3. Bon Bon Cookies $3.99/6 oz

These chocolate-filled cookies may look tempting, but the flavor is too one-dimensional, with the cookie itself being a bit too dry. While they’re a sweet treat, they won’t win you over as an everyday indulgence.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 170
• Fats: 10g
• Carbs: 16g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 13g
• Protein: 1g

Ingredients

• Dark chocolate (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat, soy lecithin [emulsifier], natural vanilla flavor), sugar, vegetable oil (palm kernel oil, palm oil, coconut oil, canola oil), wheat flour, cocoa powder processed with alkali, whey, cocoa nibs, dried coconut, whole milk powder, invert sugar syrup, eggs, salt, natural flavor, leavening agent (sodium bicarbonate, sodium acid pyrophosphate). Contains milk, egg, soy, wheat, coconut. May contain almond, hazelnut.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy right out of the package.

4. Seville Orange Marmalade $2.99/7.57 oz

While marmalade can be a delicious spread, the overly bitter taste of this Seville Orange variety may not be for everyone. If you’re a fan of sweeter jams or jellies, this one might not suit your taste buds.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 35
• Fats: 0g
• Carbs: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 0g

Ingredients

• Sugar, Seville oranges (orange, orange peel), apple juice from concentrate (water, apple juice concentrate), pectin, lemon juice concentrate.

Preparation Instructions

Spread on toast or use as a glaze for meats.

5. Cheesy Bagels $3.49/12 oz

These bagels sound great, but they are far too greasy and heavy, with the cheese topping being overwhelming. They lack the lightness and flavor balance that makes bagels enjoyable.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 210
• Fats: 2.5g
• Carbs: 40g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 8g

Ingredients

• Unbleached enriched flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, Asiago cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme), sugar, contains 2% or less of salt, cultured wheat flour (to preserve), yellow corn meal, yeast, inactive dried yeast, enzymes, ascorbic acid (dough conditioner), sesame seed flour. Contains milk, sesame, wheat.

Preparation Instructions

Toast or bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.

6. Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches $4.99/9.47 Fl oz

These macarons might sound decadent, but the macarons are chewy, and the ice cream inside doesn’t hold up well, making for a messy and underwhelming dessert experience.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 210
• Fats: 12g
• Carbs: 26g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Macaron shells (sugar, almond flour), ice cream (cream, sugar, egg yolks).

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy straight from the package, but be aware of the texture issues.

7. Lemon Poppy Seed Buns $4.49/7.4 oz

While these buns are sweet and citrusy, the texture is a bit too dense for most people’s tastes, and the flavor doesn’t pack the punch expected from lemon poppy seed treats.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 390
• Fats: 17g
• Carbs: 53g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 6g

Ingredients

• Wheat flour, sugar, water, palm oil, canola oil, yeast, contains 2% or less of skim milk powder, poppy seed, modified potato starch, lemon peel, egg white, whey powder, egg powder, orange pulp, egg yolk, dextrose, salt, wheat gluten, lemon puree concentrate, modified tapioca starch, pectin, lime puree concentrate, citric acid (acidifier), mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, disodium diphosphate, citrus fiber, sodium carbonate, glucose-fructose syrup, coconut oil, rapeseed lecithin, corn flour, natural flavor, sodium alginate, sunflower lecithin, trisodium citrate, glucose syrup, orange puree concentrate, tricalcium citrate, ascorbic acid (to preserve), beta-carotene (color), gum tragacanth, milk protein isolate, ascorbic acid (dough conditioner), enzyme, vitamin A palmitate, riboflavin (color). Contains milk, egg, wheat. May contain almond, hazelnut, walnut, coconut.

Preparation Instructions

Best enjoyed warm, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.

8. Tom Yum Seasoned Snack Mix $3.49/5.29 oz

While the Tom Yum flavor profile sounds intriguing, the seasoning is too overpowering and artificial, making it a challenging snack to enjoy for many. The balance of flavors is off, leaving a less-than-satisfying aftertaste.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 160
• Fats: 9g
• Carbs: 14g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 4g

Ingredients

• Cashews, fried fava beans (fava beans, salt, palm olein), dried cooked sticky rice, fried green peas (green peas, palm olein, sodium bicarbonate), tom yum seasoning (cane sugar, salt, chili powder, spice blend [galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, shallot, chili pepper], yeast extract, lime juice powder [lime juice, maltodextrin, ascorbic acid {to maintain color}], soy sauce powder [soybean, wheat, maltodextrin, salt], fried chili powder [chili powder, garlic oil, onion oil, coconut oil, sesame oil], paprika oleoresin, beta-carotene [color]), rice bran oil, fried shallots (shallots, palm oil, cornstarch), lemongrass, watermelon juice, cane sugar, coconut milk, sesame seeds, salt, kaffir lime leaf, chili pepper. Contains soy, sesame, wheat, coconut, cashew.

Preparation Instructions

Ready to eat straight out of the bag.

9. Artichoke Bottoms $2.99/14 oz

While artichokes are a beloved vegetable, these artichoke bottoms can feel a bit bland and underwhelming, even when seasoned. They lack the natural sweetness and complexity found in fresh artichokes.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 40
• Fats: 0g
• Carbs: 0g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Artichoke bottoms, water, salt, citric acid.

Preparation Instructions

Drain and rinse before using. Can be eaten cold or heated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

10. Teensy Candy Bars $2.99/7 oz

While these mini candy bars seem like a great snack, the chocolate-to-filling ratio isn’t quite right, and the flavors feel a bit generic compared to other candy options. They might be cute, but they don’t quite hit the sweet spot.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories per serving: 170
• Fats: 9g
• Carbs: 19g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Dietary Fiber: <1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 3g

Ingredients

• Sugar, peanuts, glucose syrup (wheat, corn), cocoa butter, whole milk powder, palm oil, unsweetened chocolate, skim milk, invert sugar, barley malt extract, lactose, whey, salt, dried egg whites, soy lecithin (emulsifier), dextrose, natural flavors. Contains milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanut. May contain almond, Brazil nut, cashew, coconut, hazelnut, macadamia nut, pecan, pistachio, shea nut, walnut.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy straight from the bag, no prep needed.

Conclusion

Trader Joe’s offers plenty of exciting options this spring, but not every product is worth your cash. Use this guide to make smarter shopping choices and enjoy the best of what the season has to offer!