The Most Overhyped Items at Trader Joe’s, According to Our Editors

Before I begin, I just want to state that I love Trader Joe’s. Frankly, who doesn’t? So many of their shockingly tasty frozen meals, yummy snacks, and holiday staples have a cult following, and for good reason. But, just like any other store or shop, there are some items that just don’t quite hit the mark for me. As it turns out, many of our staffers (and non-staffers, ask your friends!) had one or two items that they expected more from. So, we gathered up some of our editors’ least favorite items. Take our word for it and swap these out of your cart, or taste for yourself and let us know what you think!

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Cauliflower gnocchi is one of the TJ’s staples that people couldn’t stop talking about in 2020. It’s remained popular since then, but many of our editors aren’t so keen on it. “It’s too chewy,” says our Senior Home Editor, Hannah Baker. I’d have to agree!

Lemon Poppy Seed Buns

These cute Danish pastries are popular, but Senior Food Editor Sam Leffler says they don’t hit quite right. “They can be a bit dry and something about the lemon flavor is just off,” she says.

Classic Greek Salad

Managing Editor Tara Cox takes issue with all of the Trader Joe’s boxed salads (with the exception of the Mexicali, which she likes). “I always think they’re going to be great, but when I eat one, I feel like flavor, crunch, and creativity have been turned down a few notches,” she says. “How can a Greek salad be bland? The salmon Caesar have no zip? There’s just no satisfaction.”

Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream

It’s hard to find things to dislike about cookie butter, but the texture of this ice cream is problematic, says our Creative Director, Phoebe Flynn Rich. It’s buttery and creamy, but a bit one-note. “It’s lacking something crunchy,” she says.

Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

“They’re not spicy enough and too lime-y,” says our Senior Special Projects Editor, Leah Lopez Cardenas. (Many other customers disagree, apparently.) She prefers Takis, a chip with a similar flavor profile sold in most grocery stores.

Unexpected Cheddar

Despite the name, this cheddar is actually kind of standard and very expected. “I like cheddar that has cheese crystals in it, and this one is so boring,” says our Executive Editor, Lisa Freedman.

Pearled Couscous

“The texture is weird,” says our Lifestyle Editor, Ria Bhagwat. She made it once and was surprised by how bland it was. Needless to say, she hasn’t purchased since.

California Roll

This may not be a total shocker, but our Senior Features Editor, Melissa Matthews, says the sushi is definitely a must-skip. “The rice was so hard,” she says. “It’s just not worth eating.”