People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (2024)

    Stock up on these hidden gems.

    by Krysten PeckBuzzFeed Staff

    We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us all about their favorite underrated Trader Joe's products. Here's what they recommended...

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (2)

    Andrew Richard/BuzzFeed

    1. Everything but the Bagel Seasoning Blend

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (3)

    buzzfeed.com

    This stuff is amazing on everything! —amandat4da3e0f07

    2. French Roast Coffee

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (4)

    traderjoes.com / Via traderjoes.com

    We drive an hour just for their French Roast coffee. It's so full in flavor and such a delicious coffee.

    jordanc33

    3. Roasted Vegetable Multi-Grain Lasagna

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (5)

    traderjoes.com / Via traderjoes.com

    Their vegetable lasagna is so good! We always make sure we have one in the freezer, so when we don't feel like making dinner, it's our perfect go-to meal. It doesn't even taste like you're eating vegetables! It tastes so amazing; like a flavor explosion in your mouth.

    moorere

    4. Chocolate Mousse Cakes

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (6)

    traderjoes.com / Via traderjoes.com

    The mini chocolate mousse cake are amazing. They have different shapes, colors, and decorations for different seasons (Halloween = pumpkins), and they are always so fresh. Six barely last a day in my house.

    meigp

    5. Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (7)

    traderjoes.com

    Their hazelnut shortbread cookies are life changing. My family will go through a full box in two days; they are irresistible.

    jbl64

    6. Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (8)

    traderjoes.com

    I have to get them every time and they never last past the first day!

    doreenleej

    8. A Midsummer Night's Cream Aloe Lotion

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (10)

    buzzfeed.com

    I can't live without Trader Joe's A Midsummer Night's Cream aloe lotion! The formula is so hydrating and the scent is heavenly without being perfume-y.

    erinmadelineannr

    9. Balsamic Glaze

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (11)

    traderjoes.com

    I use it on everything; it's sweeter than regular balsamic.

    smwolfie3

    10. Low-Fat Chocolate Cats Cookies For People

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (12)

    traderjoes.com

    The name is a mouthful, but they have been my favorite Trader Joe's product for a long time. They're chocolatey and not too sweet. Plus, you get a bunch in a serving. They're a little crunchier than I usually like cookies to be, but dipping them in milk makes them perfect.

    rachy95

    11. Japanese Style Fried Rice

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (13)

    buzzfeed.com

    This rice is my favorite food to get at Trader Joe's, and I get it every time I go in. I eat the entire bag in one sitting. Don't judge.

    oliveroxy

    12. Spinach Tortellini

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (14)

    traderjoes.com

    These are amazingly good. It's super inexpensive, and you get a couple of meals out of one container. You can put sauce on it, but it's good with just butter and a little Parmesan cheese.

    lyssabear

    13. Unsweetened Organic Açai Purée Packets

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (15)

    traderjoes.com

    Definitely their açai packs! They're organic, unsweetened, and crazy inexpensive — just $4 for a pack of four! As someone who loves açai bowls, it's super hard to find such good quality for anything less than $8+ dollars. So this is quite the find! Usually have to go digging in the frozen fruit department for these gems, but trust me, it's worth it!

    madisaurus

    14. Coconut Body Butter

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (16)

    traderjoes.com

    I've been buying two at a time for years now because I'm so afraid that one day it won't be there anymore.

    chelsear493e074a6

    15. Toasted Coconut Pancake Mix

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (17)

    traderjoes.com / Via traderjoes.com

    The pancake mix is to die for! You just add a little bit of water and voilà! Some of the best pancakes you'll ever have. I've made these several times when friends and family visit, and I am showered with compliments. No one can believe it came from a box!

    jaelync46b36e355

    16. Green Plant Juice Blend

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (18)

    traderjoes.com

    Definitely the green plant juice blend. It looks like pond slime but after one sip, you'll definitely want more. So fruity and delicious!

    malenam41bf5eb81

    17. Organic Sriracha and Roasted Garlic BBQ Sauce

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (19)

    instagram: @traderjoeslist / Via instagram.com

    This sauce is BOMB. I put this $#!& on everything!

    —Kyle Montplaisir, Facebook

    18. Crispy Crunchy Mochi Rice Nuggets

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (20)

    traderjoes.com

    They are crunchy little rice bits that are indescribably delicious and completely addicting. I am 100% guilty of eating an entire bag in one sitting.

    addiem4c4539572

    19. Chicken Tikka Masala

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (21)

    instagram: @whatsgoodattraderjoes / Via instagram.com

    I could eat it for the rest of my life! The creamy sauce in it is soooo good. A great lunch option: Just pop it in the microwave for four minutes and you're ready. It's pretty cheap too at $3.49. Plus if you're vegan, there's a vegan version!

    beabagin

    20. Organic Argan Oil

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (22)

    traderjoes.com

    Guys please, PLEASE buy TJ's Argan oil! I used Josie Maran's forever and this is the SAME THING except it only costs $7! Please make it popular so it won't be discontinued. I use it on my hair, face, body, nails, and lips.

    nikkibeaverhausen

    21. Wild King Salmon Jerky

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (23)

    traderjoes.com

    Their salmon jerky! I got it for a hike on Mount Fuji. I don't eat red meat but wanted some protein, and this was the only thing I could think of. By the time we got to the summit, I ended up having to share all three bags with strangers because they couldn't get enough.

    sheenlavigne

    22. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (24)

    traderjoes.com

    I want to take a bath in this cheese. If woman and cheese could marry, this would be the one I'd spend my life with. How do I describe something so delectable and indescribable? I'll try, but it will pale in comparison. It's a very, very sharp cheddar with a distinct taste of Parmesan — it's awesome on everything. I love it on pasta, pizza, salads, sandwiches, everything. It's easily the most amazing thing I have ever put in my mouth.

    punkergirl510

    23. Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (25)

    buzzfeed.com

    I use this as a base for so many dishes: Ground beef and quinoa skillet, tortellini soup... it's the bomb!

    christinaz44867af88

    24. Chocolate Brooklyn Babka

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (26)

    traderjoes.com

    It's wonderfully sticky and chocolatey without being too sweet. I don't eat pastries too often, but I love this babka with a cup of coffee.

    rickm16

    25. Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (27)

    traderjoes.com

    These patties are LIFE. They're definitely not a meat replacement, but they make a darn good burger substitute. Also, they make amazing stupid fast tacos. Cook 'em up, crumble 'em up, put 'em on some toasted tortillas, and cover with cheese. – Sarah Cate, Facebook

    26. Gluten-Free Crispy Crunchy Ginger Chunk Cookies

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (28)

    traderjoes.com

    The ginger cookies, not the ginger snaps. I'm on a super restrictive diet, and these are gluten free and still really yummy!

    littlemisstraveller

    27. Lemon Curd

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (29)

    buzzfeed.com

    Everyone talks about Trader Joe's, but for some reason, NO ONE is talking about their lemon curd! In one word: AMAZING! The perfect morning condiment and complement to toasted french bread. Think of lemon meringue pie but in a delicious spread form: To die for.

    emmac419a05901

    28. Cookie Butter Sandwich Cookies

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (30)

    buzzfeed.com

    These cookies are the best thing I have ever had. I almost ate the whole box the other day.

    jamesons

    29. Vanilla Almond Spiced Chai

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (31)

    instagram: @traderjoeslist / Via instagram.com

    Non-dairy, plus it has 16 grams of protein!! Perfect for breakfast.

    zoej485b9fb45

    30. Soy Chorizo

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (32)

    buzzfeed.com

    The vegan soy chorizo is fan-friggin-tastic! Even my meat eating husband likes it. —tess63110

    31. Sumatra Coffee Brownies

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (33)

    Instagram: @whatsgoodattraderjoes / Via instagram.com

    The Sumatra coffee brownies are the BEST store bought brownies I ever had. They are beyond fudgy, and they taste like heaven when warmed and topped with ice cream. I will go to Trader Joe's just for them.

    alwayshope123

    32. Chinese Style Pork Buns

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (34)

    traderjoes.com

    The pork buns are amazing!!! The dough is light, fluffy, and sweet, while the pork is crunchy and slightly salty. It's amazing.

    abigails4299324fa

    33. Pizza Dough

    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (35)

    traderjoes.com

    Their pizza dough! So great for a quick dinner- just roll it out and add your pizza toppings. Friends and family will also think you're fancy for making "homemade" pizza. Bonus: It's vegan.

    plantpowered93

    Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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    People Are Obsessed With These 33 Underrated Trader Joe's Products (2024)

    FAQs

    What is Trader Joe's biggest seller? ›

    Best Overall Trader Joe's Item: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips. When it comes to Trader Joe's products, there's one that shoppers believe is a cut above the rest—snack category winner Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips.

    What is so special about Trader Joe's? ›

    We buy direct from suppliers whenever possible, we bargain hard to get the best price, and then pass the savings on to you. We buy in volume and contract early to get the best prices. If an item doesn't pull its weight in our stores, it goes away, making room for another innovative new product.

    Why does Trader Joe's discontinue so many products? ›

    First off, the stores tend to be smaller than their competitors. “We just physically don't have room to carry things that aren't popular, as disappointing as that is to hear and experience,” said Matt Sloan, one of the hosts of the company's podcast.

    Is it true you can try anything at Trader Joe's? ›

    While you can't walk into your neighborhood grocery store and sample anything you want, that kind of behavior is actually encouraged at Trader Joe's. TJ's employees have permission to open any ready-to-eat item in the store, which means you're able to taste-test hundreds of products without buying them first.

    Who is Trader Joe's main competitor? ›

    Trader Joe's competitors include H E B, Whole Foods Market, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market and NatureBox. Trader Joe's ranks 2nd in Product Quality Score on Comparably vs its competitors.

    What is Trader Joe's most popular in 2024? ›

    Trader Joe's Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice. Last year's winner has landed on top again. The dish has chunks of chicken in a mild curry and a side of Basmati rice. Runners Up: Chicken Tikka Masala (2nd), Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings (3rd), Vegetable Fried Rice (4th), Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings (5th).

    What is Trader Joe's sister company? ›

    A tale of two Aldis

    For those who are stunned to learn Trader Joe's isn't just an Aldi subsidiary but that there are two Aldis, let's take a step back. CNBC explains Aldi was originally founded as a suburban German corner store which brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht inherited after World War II.

    What are Trader Joe's weaknesses? ›

    Another weakness is the limited products they offer. Customers may be unable to find everything on their grocery list because of Trader Joe's small variety of products in their stores. This can be undesirable to customers who want a single store to provide them with everything on their grocery list.

    What did Trader Joe's used to be called? ›

    The company began in 1958 as a Greater Los Angeles area chain known as Pronto Market convenience stores. Coulombe felt the original Pronto Markets were too similar to 7-Eleven, which he described as the "800-pound gorilla of convenience stores", and was concerned that the competition would be too heavy.

    What is the controversy with Trader Joe's? ›

    The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union has accused Trader Joe's of “union busting” since Pronto was opened in the company's former wine shop, which closed in 2022 and prompted complaints from the labor group.

    Why does Trader Joe's go bad so fast? ›

    “While I do not personally have experience with Trader Joe's speed of mold growth, it is possible that it grows more quickly, and I make this assumption based on the significantly lower amount of preservatives present in TJ's breads and other food products,” says registered dietitian Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD.

    What is Trader Joe's being sued over? ›

    The Trader Joe's case combined five lawsuits involving 17 law firms. It alleged undisclosed levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic, another heavy metal, in eight dark chocolate bars, citing the Consumer Reports study and "independent laboratory" testing.

    What do Trader Joe's call their employees? ›

    Instead of calling their workers employees, Trader Joe's has nautical titles for positions. crew members are entry-level workers. Merchants are crew members who've received recognition for stellar customer service.

    What is the hidden prize at Trader Joe's? ›

    At most stores, the employees hide a stuffed animal somewhere among the shelves and stacks in the store. It's the perfect way to distract kids during a shopping trip. If your kiddo finds the stuffed animal, bring it to one of the employees for a special reward. The stores usually offer a sweet piece of candy!

    Does every Trader Joes have a hidden thing? ›

    If you're like us, and you didn't know, Trader Joe's actually hides stuffed animals all around its stores.

    What is the busiest Trader Joes store? ›

    Most locations averaged between 10,000 and 15,000 sq ft (1,400 m2). California has the largest number of stores with 193 open in the state. The chain's busiest location is its 72nd & Broadway store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

    What is the unique selling proposition of Trader Joe's? ›

    Developing Your Unique Selling Proposition

    For example, Trader Joe's created an experience for their customers that no one else could replicate. They had unique products at low prices and customer service that was unlike anything else in the industry. To develop your own USP, think outside the box.

    What makes Trader Joes stand out? ›

    Reasonable Prices

    Since the significant majority of products for sale at Trader Joe's is from the chain's private label, the prices are pretty competitive. Costco is known for its $5 rotisserie chicken, and Trader Joe's is known for its affordable fancy cheeses, wine, dips, and more.

    What did Trader Joe's originally sell? ›

    The original store had a typical convenience shop assortment of groceries, along with discounted magazines, books, socks and hosiery, records and photo finishing. The big draw, however, was the alcohol selection. The original Trader Joe's in Pasadena, California. It opened in 1967.

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