On the latest episode of Inside Trader Joe’s podcast, co-hosts Matt Sloan and Tara Miller set out to discover the most popular Trader Joe’s products that customers are raving about.
To get an insider’s view, they turned to JayJay, the captain (manager) of the Trader Joe’s in Studio City, California. JayJay walked the aisles, asking shoppers what they were buying and which products they were most excited to stock up on for the upcoming holiday season.
Here’s a rundown of the products Trader Joe’s shoppers can’t get enough of right now.
Mushroom & Black Truffle Flatbread
One of the top choices mentioned by a shopper named Nora is the Mushroom & Black Truffle Flatbread. Found in the frozen aisle, this upscale flatbread is topped with a rich truffle sauce, whole milk mozzarella cheese, truffles, and wild mushrooms. It’s a versatile dish serving a satisfying appetizer and a light main course. This one is a must-try if you’re a fan of earthy, savory flavors.
Cheese & Green Chile Tamales
Nora also gave high marks to Trader Joe’s Cheese & Green Chile Tamales. These vegetarian tamales are filled with Monterey Jack cheese, spicy green chiles, and a flavorful red chile purée, all wrapped in corn masa and steamed inside a corn husk. Ready in just four minutes, these tamales make a quick, cheesy meal that pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad.
Italian Truffle Cheese
Nora swears by Trader Joe’s Italian Truffle Cheese if you’re looking for a standout cheese. This luxurious cheese is made from pasteurized cow’s milk and is infused with truffle oil and earthy black truffles from Italy’s Umbria region. It’s an excellent addition to any cheese board but also shines in omelets, pasta, and alongside roasted potatoes.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Regarding snacking, Nora isn’t alone in her love for Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. These bite-sized treats, made with creamy peanut butter encased in rich dark chocolate, have been a fan favorite for years. Whether enjoyed alone or mixed into brownies and cookies, they are a perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth.
Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s Sandwich Cookies
Nora can’t resist the Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s Sandwich Cookies for a seasonal treat. These cookies feature a pumpkin-flavored filling covered in a spiced yogurt coating and sprinkled with sea salt. These cookies are perfect for fall and add a sweet and spicy twist to any snack or dessert moment.
Holiday Round Challah
Trader Joe’s shopper Yoaquin has a different favorite—Holiday Round Challah. This honey-sweetened bread is a staple for Jewish holidays and Shabbat dinners, but Joaquin uses it for a weekend barbecue. He suggests trying it as a more flavorful hamburger bun or making decadent French toast.
Peanut Butter with Honey
Yoaquin’s snack game is strong, with Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter with Honey at the top of his list. This blend adds a touch of sweetness to the creamy peanut butter, making it perfect for toast, smoothies, and baked goods. It’s also a protein-packed addition to breakfast bowls like overnight oats.
Honey Roasted Peanuts
For a quick and portable snack, Yoaquin loves Honey-Roasted Peanuts. The perfect combination of sweet and salty, these peanuts are lightly coated in honey and offer a crunch that’s hard to resist.
Organic Chicken Grill Pack
With plans to fire up the grill, Yoaquin also stocks up on the Organic Chicken Grill Pack. This pack includes two split breasts with ribs and four drumsticks, all from free-range, vegetarian-fed chickens. It’s perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
A Trader Joe’s staple for Xander, a teen shopper, is the Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips. Packed with tangy spice, these chips are a customer favorite. They’re crunchy, bold, and perfect for snacking.
Pico de Gallo Salsa Mild
For those who need a dip to pair with their chips, shopper Christine recommends Trader Joe’s Pico de Gallo Salsa Mild. This salsa is ideal for dipping or adding to tacos, eggs, and grilled fish, made with fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lemon juice.
Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack
When craving something savory, Christine reaches for the Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack. Harvested from Korea, these seaweed sheets are dipped in tempura batter and fried to crispy perfection. A spicy seasoning blend inspired by togarashi makes them even more addictive.
Mandarin Orange Chicken
Martin, another customer, praises the ever-popular Mandarin Orange Chicken. This frozen favorite features juicy chicken chunks coated in crispy breading and tossed in a sweet, tangy orange sauce. Whether you use an air fryer or oven, this dish is quick, easy, and always a hit, especially with kids.
String Cheese
Tamara, a shopper with a young child, always grabs Trader Joe’s String Cheese. Made by a family-owned cheese company in Wisconsin, these mild mozzarella sticks are a kid-friendly snack perfect for lunchboxes or on-the-go nibbling.
Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese
Another favorite of Tamara’s is the Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese. This boxed product is ready in under 10 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The macaroni is coated in an ultra-cheesy sauce made with paprika and annatto for added flavor. Tamara recommends adding butter and serving it with steamed broccoli for an extra twist.
Mini Vegetable Samosas
Tamara is also a fan of the Mini Vegetable Samosas. These bite-sized pastries are filled with a curry-spiced mixture of peas, carrots, potatoes, lentils, and onions, all wrapped in a flaky, multi-layered dough. These samosas are a flavorful choice for appetizers or a quick snack.
Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix
Tamara turns to the Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix for all things pumpkin. This boxed mix, made with pumpkin flakes, cinnamon, and nutmeg, yields delicious pumpkin-flavored pastries. The mix is easily customizable, so add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to take it to the next level.
From savory flatbreads and tamales to sweet peanut butter cups and seasonal pumpkin treats, Trader Joe’s continues to offer a variety of items that cater to every taste. Whether you’re a fan of quick meals or love experimenting with new snacks, these popular products are worth adding to your cart on your next shopping trip.
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