The 62 Foods Trader Joe's Customers Loved The Most In 2018
Glad to see you love Trader Joe's so much that you found this slideshow. Find the most recent list of Trader Joe's most popular items from 2019's rankings here.
Trader Joe's has released their 10th annual Customer Choice Awards winners, and this year it's a doozy. Sixty-three different foods and beverages have made the cut. Some of them are new items and some are longtime cult favorites that totally save weeknight dinners — and all of them are items that Trader Joe's customers can't get enough of.
You may recognize TJ's frozen mandarin orange chicken, peanut butter-filled pretzels and Unexpected Cheddar from previous lists, and while we always buy those Trader Joe's items, this year we're excited to try things like blue cheese mustard, chocolate Brooklyn babka, rainbow rolls, and more. We have included every food-related award on the list — including the runners-up, because sometimes you just need to see what your overall favorite was up against.
So the next time you're at Trader Joe's doing some grocery shopping (or snacking on samples), be sure to grab the 62 foods Trader Joe's customers love the most.
Applewood Smoked Bacon
Trader Joe's meat eaters love their applewood smoked bacon. The meat is smoked over real applewood chips for hours, according to Trader Joe's site. It also has no added nitrates except those naturally occurring in celery powder and sea salt!
Avocados
TJ's customers are big fans of their creamy dreamy avocados. Whether you're buying organic or regular, you can't lose — they're a fan favorite and you should eat one every day.
Bamba
Bamba started out as an Israeli snack, but now it's finally made its way to the U.S., where it flies off the shelves at Trader Joe's. The peanut butter puff snack is light and airy — a peanut butter lover's dream.
Bananas
Make sure to grab a bunch of bananas the next time you're at Trader Joe's. They're a customer favorite and famously cost just 19 cents each.
Black Bean and Jack Cheese Burrito
Whether you're enjoying a black bean and jack cheese burrito for breakfast, lunch or dinner, it's hailed as pretty much one of the best TJ meal options of all time. According to Trader Joe's website, crew members refer to this frozen burrito as the "Crewritto," as it's the "holy grail" of lunches for crew members. It's this year's "favorite meal on the go."
Blue Cheese Mustard
They might be two flavors you would have never expected together, but Trader Joe's blue cheese mustard is a customer favorite for just how tasty the unexpected combination is. The combination of Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, rBST-free blue cheese, sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and spices make up this condiment that's recommended on pretzels, chicken nuggets, and sandwiches. It could even be good on pizza!
Carne Asada Autentica
This carne asada is muy autentica! It's this year's "favorite meat." It's thinly sliced sirloin beef pre-marinated in a blend of citrus juice, pepper, onions, garlic, and other spices. According to TraderJoesfan.com, it's the best carne asada they've ever tried.
Cauliflower Gnocchi
Customers rave about TJ's cauliflower gnocchi because it's a great gluten-free (as well as sugar-, dairy- and egg-free) pasta option. They can be boiled, microwaved, or even sautéed for a crispier option. They're a healthy Trader Joe's dinner hack!
Charles Shaw Wines
Known popularly as "Two-Buck Chuck," these Charles Shaw wines are über popular for how cheap they are and for their wide variety. They're made from California grapes and currently include everything from cabernet sauvignon to pinot grigio.
Cheddar With Caramelized Onions
This mild English cheddar is chock-full of savory-sweet onions that give it a flavorful punch. According to one reviewer, it pairs well with Champagne!
Chicken Shawarma Thighs
These boneless, skinless chicken thighs are seasoned with a shawarma spice marinade that includes onion, garlic, sea salt, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and parsley. It's great grilled or baked and doused with hummus and tzatziki.
Chicken Tikka Masala
If you're looking for a tasty frozen option, Trader Joe's customers seem to flock to their chicken tikka masala. The classic Indian dish features chunks of chicken in a creamy, mildly spicy curry sauce. Plus, at $3.49 it's less than your Indian takeout order.
Chocolate Brooklyn Babka
While it may not be as authentic as babka from a New York bakery, TJ's chocolate Brooklyn babka is sweet, flaky, and a little crunchy — like every good babka should be.
Chocolate Lava Cakes
There's nothing as exciting as the moment your fork touches a decadent chocolate lava cake and breaks open the gooey center filled with chocolate ganache. If you're not "Iron Chef" material in the kitchen, just thaw this Trader Joe's frozen cake; it's definitely impress-your-family material. It looks homemade, and tastes like something you'd be served dining at a fine restaurant.
Coastal Syrah Toscano
A reviewer called this wine "perfectly loveable." Another said it "might be the best Coastal that Trader Joe's has."
Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Trader Joe's customers picked creamy spinach and artichoke dip as their favorite appetizer. A classic party appetizer and one frequently bought pre-made, the spinach and artichoke dip scored reasonably well on The Daily Meal's taste test in regard to presentation and taste, described glowingly as "creamy," "buttery," and "mild."
Danish Kringle
The Danish Kringle is Trader Joe's "favorite bakery item" overall. Kringles are from Denmark and are buttery flaky pastries filled with different flavors. TJ's makes theirs almond flavored. People love it.
Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds
TJ's dark chocolate covered almonds come in the perfect container to scoop some in your hand and pop them in your mouth. The chocolate is creamy and delicious, the almonds are crunchy. It's a tasty snacking experience.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
TJ's "favorite candy" is like Reese's cups but smaller and better for you. Plus, these dark chocolate peanut butter cups come in a tub, so you can eat them all day long.
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels
Customers rave over how gooey the caramel is in these things. The chocolate has also been described as "glossy, with a nice snap." Plus, a bunch come in the box.
Everything but the Bagel Seasoning
This cult-favorite seasoning is TJ's "favorite condiment" this year. It's all the flavor of an everything bagel, but now you can enjoy it on anything. It's especially tasty in rice, noodle dishes, and even chili. Remember to clean out your spice rack every now and again to make room!
French Brie
TJ customers know that they can enjoy the taste of French Brie from this American supermarket chain. This cheese is imported from eastern France, made with 60 percent butterfat and is sold for about $8.99 per pound. ("Cool French Girl" outfit not included.)
Gone Bananas
The best part of these banana bites is that you may eat just a handful without committing to the entire length of a frozen chocolate banana. They're snackable, chocolate-y, and a great frozen dessert for kids.
Green Dragon Hot Sauce
While it may not be the world's hottest hot sauces, "You simply can't beat Trader Joe's products, and this green hot sauce is at the top of my condiment list," raved a reviewer.
Hold the Cone! Mini Vanilla Ice Cream Cones
Nothing is cuter than tiny dessert! That's why these sweeties were voted favorite dessert. These mini vanilla ice cream cones are a fan favorite because they satiate your sweet tooth without being too much. Plus, they're so darn adorable.
Honeycrisp Apples
Trader Joe's customers love Honeycrisp apples. You can find them in the produce aisle.
Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto
This vegan and dairy-free pesto is made with cashew butter instead of Parmesan cheese. TJ's recommends it on a sandwich or in a wrap.
Key Lime Pie
Trader Joe's frozen key lime pie is enjoyed by customers who want their summer-y dessert year-round. It's tart but not too tart, and the crust is perfectly flaky. Never had key lime pie? It's the most iconic food from Florida!
Kung Pao Chicken
TJ's frozen section is a real weeknight dinner hero. Customers love their frozen kung pao chicken and the fact that they don't have to order delivery to get their fix of Chinese food.
Lemon Rosemary Spatchcocked Chicken
This convenient whole chicken is butterflied, brined, and pre-seasoned. Plus, it's sold as two-and-a-half or 3-pound birds to feed the entire family (or just your roommate situation).
Macaron Variés
Trader Joe's customers who are feeling trés French love to indulge in this variety of French macaroons. The sweets come in six different flavors with two of each in the box.
Mandarin Orange Chicken
Trader Joe's mandarin orange chicken won for "favorite overall" and "favorite entrée." Again, a great option for when you're tired of takeout but want your fix of Chinese food. TJ's mandarin orange chicken is easy and simple to make.
Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad
TJ customers are big fans of the supermarket chain's Mediterranean style orzo pasta salad. Studded with crumbled feta, red onion, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, it's best enjoyed as lunch, dinner, or even a side dish!
Organic Chip Dippers
They're not Fritos. Trader Joe's organic chip dippers are made with only three ingredients: organic corn, organic sunflower oil, and salt. They're the perfect shape for dipping, so grab some guac and salsa!
Organic Ketchup
Trader Joe's ketchup is a little more tomato-y than Heinz, and a fan-favorite with ketchup fans and Trader Joe's shoppers.
Parmesan Pastry Pups
These tiny pigs in a blanket scored high in eat-ability and fifth out of 10 on The Daily Meal's taste test, thanks to their puffed-up pastry that was oh-so neatly rolled around a tiny frankfurter. However, these scored ninth on taste and were described as greasy galore by more than half of the taste testers. Others thought the beef tasted fake, and some thought these simply needed more Parmesan cheese. So if you're looking for style over substance, these may be a good appetizer for you. Trader Joe's customers seem to love them, regardless.
Pastry Bites With Feta and Caramelized Onions
"This is one of those combos like peanut butter and jelly in which its ingenious inventor should get the Nobel Prize for Food Discoveries or some such prestigious award," wrote the food blog What's Good at Trader Joe's? A ringing endorsement indeed!
Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
They're peanut butter-filled pretzels. What's not to love? They're this year's "favorite snack."
Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers
These veggie burgers have the added health benefit of quinoa. They're hearty and Southwestern and easy to throw in the microwave or on a skillet.
Rainbow Wrap
If you're looking for a vegan wrap at Trader Joe's, check out their rainbow roll. Customers love the combination of spinach, sweet potato, beets and hummus.
Roasted Plantain Chips
In the mood for potato chips but not potatoes? TJ fans love their roasted plantain chips because they're smoky, salty, tasty banana chips that will quench your snack craving.
Scandinavian Swimmers
They're like gummy bears, but better. Trader Joe's Scandinavian Swimmers come in sea life shapes and are naturally flavored. They're $3 for a pack, too. However, they're not the most popular candy in any state.
Sea Salt and Turbinado Sugar Dark Chocolate Almonds
Unlike TJ's regular chocolate covered almonds, these are covered in chocolate, sea salt, and turbinado sugar. "I am so addicted to these things. They are delicious," wrote one reviewer.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts
Trader Joe's customers love their shaved Brussels sprouts because it's the perfect green vegetable for a salad when you're sick of lettuce or popped into a roasted vegetable mélange or as part of a pasta. These sprouts are not too thick, not too thin, and highly nutritious. Luckily, we know 25 salad recipes you can make and eat all week long.
Sliced French Brioche
Trader Joe's has an excellent selection of bakery breads. Their sliced French brioche is excellent for sandwiches and toasts!
Sliced Sourdough Bread
If you can't get your hands on decent sourdough, check out this sliced version from Trader Joe's. Customers love it.
Soy Chorizo
Perfect for vegetarians, this soy chorizo is full of Mexican spices and according to Trader Joe's website, goes great in burritos, tacos, rice, chili, potato hash, and even queso fundido. It's this year's "favorite vegan/vegetarian" option.
Spanakopita
Trader Joe's frozen spanakopita is flakey, buttery, and cheesy. Exactly the way spanakopita is supposed to be. They're super easy to make, too. They might not be the healthiest frozen dinner though.
Sparkling Mineral Waters
TJ's sparkling mineral waters come in a variety of flavors. They won customers' "favorite beverage" at the supermarket chain.
Spiced Cider
This autumnal beverage is a customer favorite for how cozy-making it is. The comforting spicy flavors are good cold or hot. Drink it out of a mug for maximum coziness!
Sweet Chili Sauce
TJ's sweet chili sauce is the perfect condiment for any sort of fried appetizer, rice, or noodles. It's sweet with a tiny kick.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Trader Joe's customers really enjoy their alternative gnocchi. These sweet potato guys are just as pillowy but sweeter than regular potato gnocchi. They're one of the best pastas at Trader Joe's.
Teeny Tiny Avocados
Another cool, quirky Trader Joe's feature: They sell teeny tiny avocados! They're this year's favorite produce. So whether you're using a recipe that calls for only a little avocado or just don't like avocado too much and have to use it — Trader Joe's teeny tiny avocados are your best call.
Tofu Spring Rolls
TJ customer's frequently grab lunch and snacks in the supermarket's refrigerated section. One of their favorites is the tofu spring rolls.
Triple Creme Brie
Decadent and imported, Trader Joe's triple creme Brie is a customer-favorite cheese item. If you needed a push, here are 17 reasons you should eat more cheese.
Triple Ginger Brew
This cool refreshing beverage is a customer favorite at Trader Joe's. It's non-alcoholic and lightly carbonated and will settle your stomach if needed.
Turkey Meatballs
Pop TJ's frozen turkey meatballs into a pasta dish or a slow cooker to make a very tasty meaty addition to your meals.
Unexpected Cheddar
It may be unexpected just how sharp this cheddar is, but it's not unexpected that this cheese item is once again on the list of foods Trader Joe's customers love the most. It's the 10th annual Customer Choice awards' "favorite cheese" yet again.
Vegan Banana Bread
This sweet and soft banana bread also happens to be vegan, so it can be enjoyed by many.
Vegan Tikka Masala
Trader Joe's has a killer frozen Indian food selection overall; however, customers love their frozen vegan tikka masala best. It's saucy and a little spicy.
Vegetable Bird’s Nests
Bake these spiralized zucchini, carrot, onion, and spinach combinations for a tasty vegetarian starter. It's not tempura, but it's not not tempura.
World’s Puffiest Corn Puffs
Crunchy corn puffs rolled in different flavors are a customer favorite at Trader Joe's. Did you know they're allegedly the world's puffiest? Here are 20 more things you didn't know about Trader Joe's snacks.
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