These Are the Most Popular Trader Joe's Items of the Year, According to Customers

The grocery store chain is back with their 10th-annual Customer Choice Awards where shoppers vote for their can't-live-without products. This year, there are some returning favorites — along with a few surprise newcomers.
By Ana Calderone
January 17, 2019 04:16 PM

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FAVORITE OVERALL

Credit: Trader Joe's

Mandarin Orange Chicken

Trader Joe's fans are so in love with the tangy frozen chicken that it claimed the top spot again for the third year in a row.

Runners Up:

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Everything But The Bagel Seasoning

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Unexpected Cheddar

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FAVORITE APPETIZER

Credit: Trader Joe's

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

This category was a tough race. Customers told Trader Joe's they liked "all the frozen apps—too hard to choose just one!"

Runners Up:

Spanakopita

Pastry Bites with Feta & Caramelized Onions

Vegetable Bird's Nests

Parmesan Pastry Pups

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FAVORITE BAKED GOOD

Credit: Trader Joe's

Danish Kringle

The popular pastry is a seasonal holiday item at TJ's, so when customers get their hands on one, they cherish it. "Other pastries are traitorous imposters!" they said.

Runners Up:

Sliced French Brioche

Chocolate Brooklyn Babka

Sliced Sourdough Bread

Vegan Banana Bread

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FAVORITE BEVERAGE

Credit: Trader Joe's

Sparkling Mineral Waters

These refreshing bottles of bubbly come in flavors like grapefruit, raspberry lime, green apple and berry.

Runners Up:

Triple Ginger Brew

Spiced Cider

Charles Shaw Wines

Brewed Ginger Beer

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FAVORITE CANDY

Credit: Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Customers can't get enough of the store's spin on a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.

Runners Up:

Scandinavian Swimmers

Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar Dark Chocolate Almonds

Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels

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FAVORITE CHEESE

Credit: Trader Joe's

Unexpected Cheddar Cheese

"Unexpected Cheddar will go down in history!" shoppers said of this cheddar-parmesan mashup, which also took the top prize for favorite cheese last year.

Runners Up:

Coastal Syrah Toscano

French Brie

Cheddar with Caramelized Onions

Triple Crème Brie

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FAVORITE CONDIMENT

Credit: Trader Joe's

Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend

This fan-favorite spice mix brought joy to carb-lovers everywhere who wanted to incorporate the bagel flavor into everything they ate.

Runners Up:

Blue Cheese Mustard (seasonal)

Green Dragon Hot Sauce

Organic Ketchup

Sweet Chili Sauce

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FAVORITE DESSERT

Credit: Trader Joe's

Hold The Cone! Mini Vanilla Ice Cream Cones

We're not sure if it's the nostalgia-factor at work, or just how cute they are, but these mini treats were a hit in 2018.

Runners Up:

Macaron Variés

Gone Bananas

Chocolate Lava Cakes

Key Lime Pie

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FAVORITE ENTRÉE

Credit: Trader Joe's

Mandarin Orange Chicken

Oh, you thought a product could only win once? Nope. Manadrin Orange Chicken was so popular that it claimed two spots.

Runners Up:

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Chicken Tikka Masala

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Kung Pao Chicken

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FAVORITE HOME, BATH, AND BEAUTY

Credit: Trader Joe's

Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo

Trader Joe's has a full line of beauty products made with tea tree oil, including this shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

Runners Up:

Rose Water Facial Toner

Coconut Body Butter

Honey Mango Shave Cream

Organic Argan Oil

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FAVORITE MEAL ON THE GO

Credit: Trader Joe's

Black Bean & Jack Cheese Burrito

This Mexican staple was not only a hit with shoppers, but it's also a favorite among Trader Joe's workers.

Runners Up:

Rainbow Wrap

Chicken Tikka Masala

Tofu Spring Rolls

Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad

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FAVORITE MEAT

Credit: Trader Joe's

Carne Asada Autentica

"Carne Asada is a BBQ champ!" say customers.

Runners Up:

Lemon Rosemary Spatchcocked Chicken

Chicken Shawarma Thighs

Applewood Smoked Bacon

Turkey Meatballs

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FAVORITE PRODUCE

Credit: Trader Joe's

Teeny Tiny Avocados

These little guys are the perfect size so no slice of avocado goes uneaten before going bad.

Runners Up:

Bananas

Avocados

Shaved Brussels Sprouts

Honeycrisp Apples

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FAVORITE SNACK

Credit: Trader Joe's

Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels

Introducing another consecutive champ. The pretzel bites have beaten out the competition three years in a row.

Runners Up:

Roasted Plantain Chips

Organic Corn Chip Dippers

World's Puffiest White Cheddar

Bamba

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FAVORITE VEGAN/VEGETARIAN

Credit: Trader Joe's

Soy Chorizo

Try the meatless favorite in tacos, breakfast burritos or chili.

Runners Up:

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto

Vegan Tikka Masala

Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers

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FAVORITE SEASONAL

Credit: Trader Joe's

Candy Cane Joe-Joe's

A PEOPLE staffer bakes these holiday cookies inside chocolate chip cookie dough for an extra-special surprise.

Runners Up:

Chocolate Covered Candy Cane Joe-Joe's

Jingle Jangle

Mini Mint Stars

Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix

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By Ana Calderone