Trader Joe’s Staff Revealed Shoppers’ Favorite Products

On the latest episode of the Inside Trader Joe’s podcast, co-hosts Matt Sloan and Tara Miller explored the question: Are many of us curious about what Trader Joe’s items shoppers are obsessed with right now? To get a real-time look inside the baskets of TJ’s fans, they called on JayJay, the manager of Trader Joe’s in Studio City, California.

JayJay took to the aisles, chatting with shoppers about what they were stocking up on. While staples like peanut butter, produce, and yogurt made the list, we’re here to talk about the Trader Joe’s-exclusive products that customers can’t get enough of. Here’s a breakdown of some beloved TJ’s items you can add to your cart.

1. Mushroom & Black Truffle Flatbread

This fancy flatbread is a favorite for a customer named Nora. Found in the frozen section, it features a savory truffle sauce, whole milk mozzarella cheese, wild mushrooms, and truffles. Whether served as an appetizer or the main dish, it’s a treat for mushroom lovers and truffle enthusiasts.

2. Cheese & Green Chile Tamales

Also a fan-favorite for Nora, these vegetarian tamales bring melty Monterey Jack cheese, spicy green chiles, and red chile purée wrapped in flavorful corn masa. Ready in just four minutes, they make a quick meal that pairs perfectly with a side salad.

3. Italian Truffle Cheese

Another hit with Nora is that this cheese combines the creamy richness of pasteurized cow’s milk with the bold flavors of truffle oil and earthy black truffles sourced from Umbria, Italy. It shines on a cheese board but is equally fantastic in pasta, omelets, or potato dishes.

4. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

When Nora craves something sweet, she reaches for Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. These bite-sized treats have a rich dark chocolate exterior with smooth peanut butter. They’re perfect for snacking or adding to brownies and cookies.

5. Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s Sandwich Cookies

With fall in full swing, Nora also grabs the Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s Sandwich Cookies. These seasonal treats are coated in pumpkin-spiced yogurt and topped with sea salt, creating the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

6. Holiday Round Challah

Trader Joe’s shopper Joaquin recommends the Holiday Round Challah when grilling with family. This honey-sweetened bread typically enjoyed during Jewish holidays, can be used as a rich hamburger bun or transformed into delicious French toast for breakfast.

7. Peanut Butter with Honey & Crunchy Almond Butter

For Yoaquin and his family, Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter with Honey and crunchy almond butter are essential pantry items. This nut butter works well on toast or sandwiches and adds a creamy, protein-packed boost to smoothies, oats, or baked goods.

8. Honey Roasted Peanuts

Yoaquin also swears by Trader Joe’s Honey Roasted Peanuts. Sweetened with honey and perfectly crunchy, these peanuts are a portable snack you’ll want to reach for repeatedly.

9. Organic Chicken Grill Pack

Grilling enthusiasts like Joaquin love the Organic Chicken Grill Pack. It includes two split chicken breasts and four drumsticks from organic, free-range chickens. It’s a solid choice when hosting a barbecue or cooking for a crowd.

10. Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

Trader Joe’s Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips are a hit with Xander, a teen shopper who loves spicy snacks. Packed with tangy chili and lime flavors, these crunchy chips are a nationwide favorite for a reason.

11. Pico de Gallo Salsa Mild

Christine pairs her tortilla chips with Trader Joe’s Pico de Gallo Salsa. Made with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and a splash of lemon juice, this mild salsa is not just for chips—it’s great on tacos, eggs, and grilled fish.

12. Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack

When craving a savory snack, Christine reaches for the Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack. Sourced from Korean seaweed farms, these seaweed sheets are dipped in tempura batter and fried to crispy perfection, with a togarashi-inspired seasoning blend adding an extra kick of umami.

13. Mandarin Orange Chicken

A favorite for Martin and his kids, Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is a long-standing crowd-pleaser. The juicy, breaded chicken is coated in a sweet, spicy orange sauce, making it the ultimate easy dinner. Pro tip: use an air fryer or oven before finishing it in a skillet for the crispest results.

14. String Cheese

Tamara, a shopper with young children, always picks up String Cheese at Trader Joe’s. A Wisconsin family-owned company makes this mild mozzarella-style snack perfect for kids and cheese lovers.

15. Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese

Tamara’s cheesy cravings don’t stop at string cheese. She also enjoys Trader Joe’s Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese, which can be prepared in under 10 minutes. The rich, creamy sauce coats every bite of macaroni, and for an extra boost, try adding butter or pairing it with steamed broccoli.

16. Mini Vegetable Samosas

Another go-to for Tamara is the Mini Vegetable Samosas. These triangular pockets are filled with a flavorful mix of peas, carrots, potatoes, lentils, onions, and Indian spices. Their flaky Phyllo-like dough makes them an irresistible savory snack.

17. Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix

When fall cravings hit, Tamara turns to Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix. Made with dried pumpkin flakes, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this mix is endlessly customizable. Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to elevate your pumpkin treats to the next level.

Conclusion:

While customers shared their top picks, it’s worth mentioning that Trader Joe’s also has a cult following among professional chefs. Some chef-approved items include the Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix, a seasonal staple in many homes and kitchens.

Whether you’re hunting for quick snacks, seasonal specialties, or delicious meals, Trader Joe’s never disappoints with its vast array of products. From Nora’s truffle-packed flatbreads to Yoaquin’s favorite nut butter, these customer favorites offer something for everyone, making your next Trader Joe’s run even more exciting!