What You Should Definitely Buy From Trader Joe’s (And What You Should Skip)

When it comes to the grocery chain Trader Joe’s, people are a bit obsessed with it. The supermarket is known far and wide for its health-conscious, penny-pinching offerings, and it’s fast become one of the most popular places for food-shopping. Offering a wide variety of natural, delicious products that are actually affordable, it’s cultivated a very loyal customer base.

Trader Joe’s loyalists are quite passionate about the store’s beloved items and many online forums and discussions will recommend some of the most beloved products. Unfortunately, there are times when some of the biggest fan-favorite items end up getting discontinued, much to the dismay of the customers. Try not to get too upset when you see what items Trader Joe’s no longer carries…

Discontinued: Cioppino Seafood Stew

Trader Joe’s Cioppino Seafood Stew became a quick hit with Trader Joe’s fans. The original soup was invented in San Francisco by an Italian-American fisherman named Cioppino, who would add a number of things to it, including onions, olive oil, wine, garlic, and seafood caught from the Pacific.

The grocery store version would be close to the fisherman’s original recipe, coming with scallops, clams, cod, mussels, and shrimp. The 1-pound bag was a steal for $6 for those looking for a delicacy on a budget before it was discontinued.

Discontinued: Chicken Chile Verde Burritos

Burritos are great when you don’t have time for an entire meal, though they’re not always the healthiest option. The Chicken Chile Verde Burritos that combined dark and white mean in a flour tortilla were a delicious contribution to the freezer aisle.

Despite the heavy amount of sodium (over 2,000 mg) that was found in each burrito, Trader Joe’s shoppers loved this tasty treat nevertheless. While it’s possible to get other frozen burritos these days, unfortunately, the Chicken Chile Verde Burritos are a distant memory.

Discontinued: Cookie Butter Cheesecake

One of the most popular Trader Joe’s items in the store’s history has always been the cookie butter. Naturally, when they made a vanilla cheesecake with this cookie crust base and cookie butter on top, it was an even bigger hit.

The bargain price of $7 for this delectable cheesecake was even more popular. Much to customers’ dismay, Trader Joe’s discontinued the product, but TJ loyalists will recommend buying some plain cheesecake and add some cookie butter on top to try resurrect this beloved product.

Despite the fact that the Trader Joe’s unique offerings and friendly staff draw us in, be aware that not every deal found on Trader Joe’s’ shelves is a good one. Make your next shopping list with confidence, knowing that we’ve done the legwork to reveal those perfect products that you can add to your cart, as well as those to steer clear of…

Buy: Wine

A glass of red or white with dinner is a perfectly appointed accompaniment to a delicious meal. There’s no need to break the bank for your before and after dinner beverages, as Trader Joe’s offers a number of delicious wine offerings at a fraction of liquor store prices.

The grocery chain is now quite famous for their “Two Buck Chuck,” which was ranked among their best-selling deals since the concept debuted in 2002.  Sadly, since that time, the “Two” has actually gone up to “Three,” which is still way more affordable than most bottles of your favorite Merlot or Chardonnay.

Skip: Prepackaged Sushi

Sushi fans can be quite picky fish fanatics. Everything from seaweed wraps to rice to sockeye salmon must be impeccably combined to ensure maximum flavor and freshness with none of the nonsense that pre-made sushi can embody.

Sorry, TJ’s, prepackaged sushi is not exactly your forte. Rice can be over-the-top sweet, with gummy fish accompaniment that is anything but comforting. Not to mention the imitation crab and lobster used in favor of being cost-conscious. Sure, you want to save some dough, but maybe splurge on the Japanese teppanyaki grill that is right around the corner.

 Buy: Frozen Fruit

Smoothies, desserts, pies, and munching for the sake of experiencing cold sweetness. Having frozen fruit on hand makes all sweet things possible. Trader Joe’s offers an impressive array of ordinary and tropical fruits to cater to every preference.

By far, Trader Joe’s organic mixed berry blend is a crowd favorite. The organic mix contains strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, and has a sweet, delicious flavor that lends itself well to all kinds of sweet treats.

Skip: Joe-Joe’s

Most of us have one memory or another of dunking delicious cookies in milk. Crunchy, chocolate goodness is delightfully enhanced by the cool and refreshing glass of milk.  It might seem that Joe Joe’s would be a comparable snacking option to Oreos or other cookies we love, but they disappoint many.

Appearance is the only thing that these two cookies have in common. While Oreos have the remarkable ability to assimilate and soak up our favorite beverages, Joe Joe’s leave us hanging in a sea of crumby, crumbly chaos. Stick with the name brand for best results.

Buy: Fresh Fruit

We live in a day and age where fresh produce variety is abundant all-year-long. Regardless of your season, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for at a fair price, even if it is shipped halfway across the world to land on shelves.

Fruit at Trader Joe’s is every bit as fresh as those found on big-box chain store shelves, with prices being a bit lower in most cases. They are perfect for adding to your list, so there’s no need to make a second stop when filling your weekly shopping needs.

Skip: Bread And Baked Goods

Seasonal offerings like Danish Kringle and French eclairs may be convenient if you’re going for a one-stop experience, but it’s best to avoid bread and baked goods at Trader Joe’s. These tasty treats look tantalizing in their cellophane packaging, but we can’t guarantee anything beyond a pretty appearance.

With freshness not necessarily guaranteed, it’s best to sail past this aisle in favor of your favorite local bakery. TJ has plenty of other advantages, but there’s something about the same-day freshness and a delectable smell you can’t get anywhere else outside of a bakery.

Buy: Cheese

The applications for a flavorful cheese are nearly endless. Whether you go for gooey pizza topping, melted goodness on your favorite sandwich, and as an accompaniment to your favorite wine, no cheesy option disappoints.

Luckily, Trader Joe’s offers an array of artisan cheeses for pennies on the dollar. From sharp-aged cheddar to Brie so smooth it melts in your mouth, you’re likely to find something to fit every taste. Pick up a “Two Buck Chuck” on the way out for a flavorful night.

Skip: Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala

Grab-and-go frozen dinners are among the more popular items found on grocery store shelves. Most families take advantage of this convenience weekly, as managing work, school, and extra-curricular schedules all time from kitchen preparation.

Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala may taste good, but the harmful combination of canola oil and corn syrup can really put a damper on your efforts to eat clean. If you’re still craving Indian fare, opt instead for one of the many curry sauces found on TJ shelves.

Buy: Organic Tricolor Quinoa

Ancient grains are fast making a comeback in healthy, delicious cuisine. People are swapping out traditional pasta in favor of products such as bulgur, faro, and quinoa. While they do require some getting used to, you can create dishes that are every bit as flavorful as your favorite gluten-packed options.

Trader Joe’s quinoa is particularly sensational with its colorful red, white and black presentation. Whip some up in your Instant Pot in under 11 minutes, and you’ll be amping up your nutrition as you discover a delightful new taste sensation.

Skip: Milk

Milk is something that is definitely regarded as a staple in most households. Whether your persuasion is dairy, almond, oat, or coconut, the offerings may be many, but this section of Trader Joe’s grocery stores isn’t known for its freshness guarantee.

Many shoppers report too-soon spoilage and expiration dates that are past their prime. This could be due to a storage mistake on the part of store managers, or the grocery store may be due for a conversation with their dairy products provider.

Buy: Vegetables

This one is really important for the fall and winter months when farmer’s markets are closed for seasonal business. Trader Joe’s is a solid option for quality vegetables at competitive prices. Stick to root vegetables such as onions, potatoes, carrots and squash for best results.

Pre-wrapped varieties of cucumbers, tomatoes, and other veggies cannot necessarily be freshness-guaranteed, though prices for all produce are statistically lower than that found in big chain stores. Purchase for tonight’s stir fry or crudité with confidence.

Skip: Meat and Seafood

One of the staples of a well-balanced diet in terms of protein, meat and seafood take center stage for many meals, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Before picking up that fryer on sale for $3.99, consider another option to meet your protein requirements.

Pre-packaged meat and seafood are not processed in-house, so very little is known about the integrity or quality of these products. Of course, if you’re in a hurry, several acceptable options exist for you. It’s kind of hard to turn down an opportunity to purchase bacon, isn’t it?

Buy: Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is all the rage right now, and for good reason. Power-packed with protein, it delivers all the delicious flavor of yogurt without excess carbs and sugar. Perfect for those on the keto/paleo train, several varieties line the shelves for you to peruse.

Trader Joe’s brand nonfat plain Greek yogurt packs an impressive 270 mg of potassium, 22 grams of protein, and 20 percent of your daily requirements of calcium, all with less than 6 grams of sugar slowing you down. This tasty and delicious snack will keep you going for hours.

Skip: Pasta And Rice

With all the ancient grain and sprouted grain options on the shelves, it’s easy to pass on the processed pasta and rice that line the shelves at Trader Joe’s. Not only is the quantity not really worth the price, but you’re also likely to find more variety at your local grocery chain without the austere tag.

Why not try your spaghetti with a lentil-based pasta, or consider spooning your mother’s marinara over a meaty blend of super seeds and grains? You won’t even miss twirling it around your fork once you get a mouthful of explosive flavor.

Buy: Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels

Snacking is one of those things many of us simply have to do. With it being such a necessity for many, finding a few more healthy options would be in order for keeping our waistlines in check. Fortunately, Trader Joe’s has several delicious and nutritious snacking options to stave off hunger.

One popular snack that took off shortly after Trader Joe’s launch was their Peanut-Butter Filed Pretzels. A mixture of salty pretzel surrounded by creamy peanut butter blends seamlessly to form snacking perfection in every bite.

 Skip: Spices

Savvy cooks, beware. You’ll likely have to season that Thanksgiving turkey elsewhere, especially if you are a discriminating consumer of nature’s best spices. Trader Joe’s offers an adequate selection of spices, but they don’t all measure up when it comes to flavor, freshness, and quantity.

Spice blends at TJ’s aren’t abundant. If you find yourself in need of an Italian blend, Cajun for that jambalaya or some fresh basil, you’re likely to come up short. Those who need the basics like paprika, cinnamon, salt and pepper can usually find what they’re looking for.

Buy: Chicken Soup Dumplings

Comfort food is grand, isn’t it? Pastas, soups, and breads all rank near the top of the charts when we think about good food that fills our bodies and souls with love. Trader Joe’s has a number of offerings that fits the bill, including the Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings.

Delightful bursts of soup are packed into each dumpling. These steamy, flavorful delights are every bit as good as those you can get in your favorite Chinatown hole-in-the-wall, and they microwave in mere seconds, so you can satisfy those cravings even faster.

 Skip: Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Who are we kidding? Loyal pizza lovers favor a chewy, charred crust topped with their favorite tomato sauce and cheese when plowing through their favorite toppings, and it’s getting increasingly harder for keto dieters and low-carb enthusiasts to enjoy a good slice from time to time.

As much as we’d like to say that Trader Joe’s has solved the low-carb delicious pizza issue, their cauliflower pizza crust comes up short. They have plenty of great dough options (on our list, don’t worry), but disappointed customers have called this one “gross and soggy.” Focus on the array of toppings, and you might just make your way through a serving. 

Buy: Wraps and Sandwiches

While it’s tempting to stroll through the deli section and grab a sandwich to stave off hunger, do yourself a favor and steer clear of this section in TJ’s. While some of their customized options taste great, you are giving up health in favor of flavor.

Take the turkey club and tarragon chicken salad, for instance. Each of these chewy powerhouses comes loaded with 700+ calories and a fair amount of sodium.  If you’re feeling peckish while shopping, peruse the produce for some healthier options.

Skip: Brioche Rolls

We’ve mentioned that the bakery section at Trader Joe’s doesn’t have a stellar reputation when it comes to freshness. They can offer some specialized pastries and artisan breads, but you never know what you’re going to get when it comes to taste and freshness.

Similar to the milk section of the store, many customers report that the Brioche rolls are outstanding within the first 24 hours of creation. A day later, the pillowy, buttery softness starts to fade, and some report the appearance of mold growth.

Buy: Nuts and Dried Fruit

Nuts and dried fruit are the perfect delicious, nutritious snack for a quick afternoon pick-me-up. Easy to combine, store, and pack for the day, the combinations of crunch and flavor are nearly endless, and are limited only to your unique taste preferences.

Prepackaged trail mixes are also abundant on their shelves, great for a quick grab-and-go between meals. Beware of added sugars, however, as you may get socked with extra carbs. The nuttier, the better for those wanting to limit sugar content.

Skip: Philly Cheesesteak Bao Buns

Bao buns, are delicious, as are the iconic Philly cheesesteaks that many clamor for each year when visiting the City of Brotherly Love. While each can stand on its own for savory taste and flavor, there’s a reason no one ever thought to combine the two.

East does NOT meet West when combining to form the Loaded Philly Cheesesteak Bao Buns, particularly because they don’t hold up well to extreme fluctuations in temperature. You’re better off going for a couple of packages of the frozen Gyoza dumplings instead.

Buy: Diner Mac ‘N Cheese

Move over, Kraft Mac ‘n’ Cheese, you’ve been replaced. Not even comparable to the dry, lackadaisical nature of its boxed cousins, TJ’s Diner Mac ‘N Cheese is so good you’ll risk burning the roof of your mouth for a mouthful of gooey goodness.

Salty, fatty, cheesy comfort cozies up to your taste buds, and as you eagerly wait for it to cool down after a spin in the microwave, you might find yourself salivating at the anticipation of cheddar, Havarti, gouda, and Swiss-inspired bliss.

Skip: Original Joe’s O’s Cereal

Two types of people live in this world, those who consider themselves cereal enthusiasts, and those who avoid milk-soaked bowls at all cost. If you fancy yourself a discriminating consumer of cereal, you’ve likely been disappointed by Original Joe’s O’s cereal.

Meant to be a charming take on the famous breakfast staple, Cheerios, shoppers have said that the Trader Joe’s version is unflavored and bland. That’s without even mentioning the mealy texture that cannot be softened by any amount of milk. Spend your dough on some Crisp Rice for more satisfying crunch and flavor to start your mornings. 

Buy: Everything But The Bagel Seasoning

Let’s be honest. One of the reasons we go for that “everything” bagel is the awesome combination of seasonings that goes into making its distinctive flavor. Onion, garlic, pepper, and sea salt symbiotically combine to become the perfect combination of savory and delicious.

This perfect seasoning found on TJ shelves is ideal for avocado toast, scrambled eggs, or even a two-by-four, if you want to test its capabilities. This seasoning has been flying off shelves since the opening of the grocery chain, and one couple took selling it to the next level. They reportedly made $30,000 selling the seasoning online.

Skip: Paper Products

Who wants to extend their shopping experience by stopping at several stores as you head home from a hard day’s work? One of the reasons that major convenience chains have exploded in recent years is they offer one-stop-shopping for those of us who don’t have time to poke around for the best deal.

While it may be tempting to grab a package of toilet paper when doing your weekly TJ shopping, you won’t be getting the best bang for your buck. $3.99 is a fair price, but the quality of these rolls is less than satisfactory. It would be worth your time to pick up paper products at Target for better bargains.

Buy: Flowers and Plants

Many of us know that adding a bit of greenery or floral color to our living spaces can have a positive impact on body, mind, and soul. There’s something healing about the sight and smell of your favorite blooms as they brighten up your home.

This is one area where Trader Joe’s does not disappoint. Seasonal bouquets, succulents, and small green houseplants light up one corner of the store with such charming appeal that we find ourselves drawn to the beautiful, affordable options, even if we don’t fancy ourselves with a green thumb.

Skip: Vitamins

Vitamins cost a pretty penny no matter where you get them, and their efficacy and absorbent nature is not necessarily known unless you do a bit of leg work on your end. More and more Americans are turning to supplementation to reduce the effects of poor diet and excess stress while improving their health.

Unfortunately, you’ll be spending even more of your hard-earned money at Trader Joe’s. A modest bottle of vitamin B supplement sells for a whopping $5.99 on the shelves, with brand name vitamins going for less at pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS. Our advice? Shop elsewhere for supplements.

Buy: Japanese Fried Rice

Trader Joe’s founders do not have Asian heritage as a credit to their name, but they know good fried rice when they taste it. While there is no substitute for freshly prepared, a close second is found in the frozen section at TJ’s.

Lightly oiled rice is power packed with delicious edamame, carrots, tofu, and a secret weapon. Hijiki seaweed adds depth to an already complex flavor profile, giving authentic Japanese taste in frozen convenience form.

Buy: Ancient Grains

Ancient grains have taken center stage for health-conscious individuals who wish to improve heart health, BMI, and a host of other health issues. Not only are they tasty, but they are also a delicious alternative to other grains that may cause inflammation.

Choose from buckwheat, amaranth, farro or many others, and know that you’re getting a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. One popular option is the super seed & ancient grain blend, containing buckwheat, millet, chia, flax, quinoa, hemp, and amaranth for the bargain price of $4.49.

Skip: Trade Joe’s Shepherd’s Pie

We all crave a little Old English comfort food from time to time, and shepherd’s pie fits the bill. Creamy mashed potatoes form a delectable crust under which a combination of flavorful meats, vegetables, and savory sauce wait to be discovered.

Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s comes up quite short when crafting a frozen version of this traditional dish, leaving many die-hard TJ fans disappointed. Users reported less-than-complimentary descriptions of the dish, one citing that “it was completely flavorless mush, and I ended up giving it to my dog.”

Buy: Cookie Butter

Cookie butter, where have you been all our lives? We all love cookies, but whoever conceived the idea of placing all that tasty sweetness into spreadable form is absolute genius. Sweet teeth everywhere pay homage to you.

Cookie butter is now an iconic staple on Trader Joe’s shelves, with supplies consistently selling out in many stores. Now declared Trader Joe’s most popular item, it remains a strong contender for the most versatile dessert item on the shelves. Grab a spoon and dig in.

Skip: Prepackaged Salads

Many people are trying to eat better these days. Whether it’s the need to clean things up after quarantine or simply to follow current market trends, we are reaching for salads and soups more often than burgers and fries.

Too bad Trader Joe’s hasn’t prioritized and taken advantage of this opportunity to join the wellness revolution. Their salads come up dreadfully short when it comes to freshness, flavor, and expiration dates. Steer clear of the funky greens and slimy meats, and head to the produce aisle for something less questionable.

Buy: Pizza Dough

Pizza dough is not a kitchen endeavor that everyone wishes to undertake. Despite being the fact that it’s incredibly time-consuming, the ingredients are few and it’s relatively simple to make. Many grocers offer pre-packaged dough to give us more time to pick out our favorite sauces and toppings for a weeknight meal.

Trader Joe’s has done a remarkable job of crafting an artisan pizza dough that you can grab and go at the store, passing it off as Grandma’s recipe once you get it to the table. This game-changer offers lazy cooks everywhere a chance to create pizzas, calzones, and breadsticks in half the time.

Skip: Frozen Rice

Rice purists staunchly maintain the belief that it should be cooked a certain way. Traditional methods of boiling and steaming work best, and taste is most definitely affected by preparation methods such as soaking, steaming, boiling, and adding your favorite toppings.

Frozen rice for dinner works if you’re pinched for time, but Trader Joe’s brand of frozen rice is ridiculously expensive. With convenience being a major factor in its appearance on shelves, it’s no wonder that three individually wrapped packages of brown rice cost nearly $4. Are you really that short on time?

Buy: Dark Chocolate Almonds

Some things in life are better experienced together. Peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk, and now we can add almonds and dark chocolate to this mix. Trader Joe’s has the market cornered on a nutritious and delicious snack with their sea salt and turbinado sugar dark chocolate almonds.

Snack away and know that you have found something “mostly” heart healthy. Crunchy, nutty almonds are coated with thick dark chocolate and sprinkled with a combination of sea salt and turbinado sugar for a texture and flavor explosion unlike any you have experienced before.

Skip: Birthday Cake Popcorn

Popcorn in itself is a healthy, whole grain snack. When we get down to the business of coating it with all kinds of gooey, chewy madness, it becomes less and less appealing to many. A little drizzle of caramel or chocolate here and there is fine, but this is where the art deco should end.

Trader Joe’s Birthday Cake popcorn is an assault on healthy popcorn snacking. Sickeningly sweet coating is so thick that you can hardly tell that fluffy white goodness is disguised underneath. Some report a distinctly artificial taste to the sweetness that is simply too much. Our advice? Choose a savory cheddar option instead.

Buy: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

What is it about the magical combination of chocolate and peanut butter that keeps us coming back for more? Health-conscious consumers, you can even justify this purchase, for heart-healthy dark chocolate envelops creamy, peanutty explosions of flavor.

This snack is one of the reasons why Trader Joe’s is well known for their snack foods. With pint-sized bites being your only option, the only danger is consuming way too many of them before dinnertime. Even delicious snacking should be done in moderation.