The No. 1 Snack You Need to Try From Trader Joe’s, According to Customers

When it comes to the endless aisles of treats and frozen meals at Trader Joe’s, everyone has their favorites. There are likely certain snacks you already keep in stock in your household — I’ll never pass up the Chips in a Pickle — but a comprehensive view of the beloved chain’s offerings can introduce you to items you didn’t know should be on your radar.

Luckily, Trader Joe’s just revealed the results of its 16th Customer Choice Awards, an annual customer survey ranking the absolute best products in 11 categories, including snacks, beverages, desserts, and dinner picks. 

The grocery chain has been sharing the rankings for its most-beloved products since 2005, and there are a few items that keep reappearing on the list year after year. But the country’s second-most popular grocery store is known for constantly developing new creations, so you’ll spot some of those as well. The chain likewise reserves its overwhelmingly popular picks, like the Mandarin Orange Chicken and Soy Chorizo, for the all-time Product Hall of Fame, to avoid any consistent category sweeps — products that win the Customer Choice Awards several times can become eligible for the Hall of Fame. 

Between whimsical takes on everyday snacks to unexpected appetizers, even our editors are no stranger to a fantastic Trader Joe’s find or two. Keep reading to feel more justified in your household’s top picks, and perhaps even walk away with a new favorite.

Overall Winner: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

Industry pros and seasoned shoppers might not be surprised by this snack’s stellar ranking, as the tangy chip (which was first introduced in 2018) grabbed the top spot on last year’s list, too. It’s followed by the Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings, seasonal Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese, Kimbap, and Vegetable Fried Rice.

New: Cashel Blue Cheese Irish Potato Chips

Blue cheese is often considered polarizing, but these limited-edition chips still stole the show among other emerging products. Runners-up include the French Onion Popcorn, Garlic Gondolas, Strawberry Hold the Cone!, and Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos. 

Beverage: Spiced Cider

This seasonal winter drink, fantastic alone or stirred into a holiday cocktail, stood out within the beverage category. The Triple Ginger Brew and Villa Italia Italian Blood Orange Soda followed as runners-up, which sound like options that would work well for sipping year-round.

Cheese: Goat Cheese

Trader Joe’s quips that this $2.99 log of cheese is the G.O.A.T., but we’ll let you be the judge. It’s simple, fresh, and can be used in everything from salads to pasta. The English Farmhouse Cheddar with Caramelized Onions and a limited-run Syrah-Soaked Toscano Cheese Spread & Dip also received top marks, so there’s a perfect cheese for every taste.

Produce: Teeny Tiny Avocados

Budget-savvy shoppers and solo diners already know this six-count bag of mini avocados is an excellent hack for reducing food waste. Honorable mentions in the category go to the grocery store’s bananas, honeycrisp apples, organic Persian cucumbers, and blueberries. 

Appetizer: Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Anyone searching for an easy Super Bowl snack is in luck, because shoppers crowned the microwavable Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip as the chain’s top appetizer — simply heat it up, then serve with some sturdy crackers and crudités. If you prefer a creamy, green dip that’s chilled, our editors have also ranked the Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip as one of the chain’s best bites. 

Breakfast & Brunch: Hash Browns

TikTok users report that these thick hash brown slabs are especially easy to heat up in an air fryer, and they’re incredibly versatile for brunch bowls, egg sandwiches, and savory toasts. Recognition for other excellent early-morning options was given to the frozen chocolate croissants and Dutch Griddle Cakes. 

Lunch & Dinner: Butter Chicken With Basmati Rice

At less than $4.50 for a box, the store’s take on chicken in a creamy spiced tomato sauce is a favorite for both its price and full flavor profile. This is yet another returning winner, which isn’t surprising considering it makes weeknight dinners a breeze. It’s followed by a handful of other popular frozen meals, like the perpetually sold-out Kimbap. 

Snack: Chili & Lime Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

Sound familiar? These spicy rolled chips secured the top spot for snack foods too, so it’s no surprise they were recently inducted into the Product Hall of Fame. They’re followed by the World’s Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs, Organic Corn Chip Dippers, limited-edition Horseradish & Chives Ridge-Cut Potato Chips, and the Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers. It’s pretty clear that TJ’s customers love their corn chips.

Sweet Treat: Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

Shoppers said these chocolate chip-covered ice cream sandwiches were their go-to for dessert. The treat features vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies, with a coating of miniature chocolate chips on the outside, so it’s safe to say chocolate lovers will be happy. Other of-note desserts include the limited-edition Almond Kringle and viral tins of Jingle Jangle. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the Hall of Fame member and eternally beloved peanut butter cups were excluded from these rankings.