Trader Joe’s surveyed its customers about their go-to TJ’s products for its 15th annual Customer Choice Awards, asking them to rate their top items in several different food and beverage categories to determine everyone’s favorites for breakfast, dinner, dessert, and everything in between. And this year, we have a brand-new overall winner.
After calculating the responses, the California-based grocer determined that the all-around No. 1 product was … Chili and Lime Flavored Rolled Tortilla Chips. Whether it’s their satisfying crunch, the just-hot-enough seasoning blend, or the fact that they’re $2.99 per bag —or a combination of all of the above — these rolled chips bested everything else on Trader Joe’s shelves and in its freezers to come out on top. The runners-up in the Best Overall Category were Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings, the Korean Kimbap rice rolls, Steamed Pork and Ginger Soup Dumplings, and Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.
Personally, we always scroll down to see what the top-ranked cheese is, and this year’s Customer Choice Award winner was the goat cheese — which Trader Joe’s serves up in several different ways — followed by the limited-edition Syrah Soaked Toscano Cheese Spread & Dip, the eternally classic Burrata, Toscano Cheese with Black Pepper, and the savory English Farmhouse Cheddar with Caramelized Onions. (If you’re wondering where the Unexpected Cheddar is on the list, it’s no longer in contention for an annual award after being moved to the Trader Joe’s Product Hall of Fame, along with other GOAT-level offerings like Mandarin Orange Chicken, Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets, and Soy Chorizo.)
As for some of this year’s other awards, the top Breakfast was “the humble hashbrown,” as TJ’s described it, followed by the Chocolate Croissants and Almond Croissants, in that order. Butter Chicken took the top spot in the Lunch and Dinner category, followed by Chicken Tikka Masala and the Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings. (And the fact that the Paneer Tikka didn’t get a mention is an egregious oversight, right up there with the Academy failing to give “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig the Oscar nomination she TRULY DESERVED.)
Ice cream ruled in the dessert category, with the Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches being rated the No.1 Sweet Treat, as it squeaked past Mint Chip Ice Cream and Hold the Cone! Chocolate Chip. The top three appetizers were Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Mac and Cheese Bites, and Parmesan Pastry Pups, and the big winner in the Produce section were those hard-to-beat $0.19-cent bananas. Finally, Trader Joe’s seasonal Apple Cider edged past the French Market Sparkling Lemonade and the pleasantly spicy Triple Ginger Brew.
Next year is your year, Paneer Tikka. We just know it.
FAQs
Chili and Lime Flavored Rolled Tortilla Chips. Whether it's their satisfying crunch, the just-hot-enough seasoning blend, or the fact that they're $2.99 per bag — or a combination of all of the above — these rolled chips bested everything else on Trader Joe's shelves and in its freezers to come out on top.
What is the most sold item at Trader Joe's? ›
The #1 Overall award went to Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips.
What is the obsession with Trader Joe's? ›
Trader Joe's discloses its prices and generally keeps them uniform between stores. The seasonal products are a fun treat to look forward to. The employees make the shopping experience so much more pleasant.
Why Costco and Trader Joe's stop selling your favorite food? ›
Both Costco and Trader Joe's limit the number of items that they sell. Therefore, they closely monitor sales and discontinue items that are not selling as well as they would like.
Why is Trader Joe's so hyped? ›
The eclectic and retail-fan-favorite Trader Joe's is well-known to its loyalists for its quirky culture and low prices on a unique selection of food items. The store doesn't carry many branded items, but it does offer a wide variety of interesting products (especially frozen ones) in the Trader Joe's label.
What is Trader Joe's famous for? ›
From its focus on sustainability and customer service to its affordable pricing and liberal position on refunds, Trader Joe's is one of the most popular grocery store chains in the United States for a reason.
How much does the average person spend at Trader Joe's? ›
Now when it comes to average spending, Americans are dishing out about $66.00 every time they go to Trader Joe's. Arkansas residents spend the most at $80.50 per trip, and Utahns spend the least at just over $53.00 per visit.
What is hidden in Trader Joe's? ›
In most cases, the missing animals differ across stores to maintain variety and deliver new experiences. And, if you see a lobster, it's not a coincidence. “In addition to a stuffed animal, most Trader Joe's also hide a plastic lobster,” Russo adds. So, be on the lookout!
What is the controversy with Trader Joe's? ›
The NLRB alleges Trader Joe's illegally fired a union worker, posted false information about the union, unlawfully interrogated union workers, threatened to freeze workers' wages if they unionized, gave union workers worse retirement benefits and forced workers to attend unlawful “captive audience” meetings to hear the ...
What are Trader Joe's weaknesses? ›
Limited product variety: One weakness of Trader Joe's is its limited product variety compared to other grocery store chains. While the company is known for its curated selection of unique and innovative products, its offerings may only meet the needs of some customers.
Through our Neighborhood Shares program it's been our long-running policy to donate 100% of products that go unsold but are safe for consumption to local food banks & other non-profit food recovery partners.
Why is everyone so nice at Trader Joe's? ›
“It is an unspoken expectation to be nice to our customers. We hire exceptionally nice people, so we don't feel the need to train them to be friendly,” Rachel Levine said. Madison Valdez added to this idea, “We go above and beyond with our customers to make sure they find whatever they need.”
Why is Trader Joe's so addictive? ›
When you go into a large grocery store you have so many choices… Too many for most people to make an informed decision. Trader Joe's pares that down for you so it makes it easier to navigate the store. Another big thing that attracts people is that they cater to special diets, from gluten free to vegetarian to kosher.
Who is Trader Joe's biggest competitor? ›
Top 10 Trader Joe's competitors
- Walmart.
- Bravo Supermarkets.
- CJ Express.
- DealsOfAmerica.com.
- HEB Grocery.
- Kroger.
- Pete's Market.
- Target.
The chain's busiest location is its 72nd & Broadway store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Does Aldi own Trader Joe's? ›
Aldi Nord also owns the Trader Joe's grocery chain in the United States which operates separately from the group. Aldi Süd owns the Winn-Dixie and Harveys supermarket chains in the southern United States.
What is top pay at Trader Joe's? ›
Traders Joe Salary in California
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay |
|---|
| Top Earners | $108,559 | $9,046 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,600 | $8,883 |
| Average | $82,311 | $6,859 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,000 | $2,916 |
Top 10 Trader Joe's competitors
- Walmart.
- Bravo Supermarkets.
- CJ Express.
- DealsOfAmerica.com.
- HEB Grocery.
- Kroger.
- Pete's Market.
- Target.
Mandarin orange chicken
It's been winning the hearts of shoppers since its release in 2004, earning multiple of the chain's Customer Choice Awards and finally snagging a long-overdue spot in the Trader Joe's Hall of Fame in January of 2023.
