Trader Joe’s Customer Favorites for 2015

Trader Joe’s Customer Favorite Products

For the past several years now, Trader Joe’s has put together a list of customer’s favorite products. I always like checking out these lists because one of the biggest questions people have about Trader Joe’s is what on earth to buy there?!

So, I printed out a list and brought my mom with me as she was visiting from out of town and had never been to Trader Joe’s. It was helpful for her to see what other people like, and I also think it’s helpful to see what the products actually look like so you don’t go cross-eyed trying to find something specific.

Here’s this year’s list of Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Award Winners. Do you agree? Which of these items are your favorites?

Favorite Overall: Cookie Butter

Trader Joe’s cookie butter comes in two different varieties – crunchy and creamy. It’s priced at $3.69 per jar.

Other nominees in this category:

• Mandarin Orange Chicken (this will show up later in the list)
• The Trader Joe’s Crew
• Joe’s Diner Mac ‘n Cheese
• Unexpected Cheddar Cheese (this will show up later in the list)

Favorite Bakery: Sourdough Bread

There are several different varieties of sourdough bread, but the winner overall is this sliced sourdough bread for $2.99 for a 24-oz loaf.

Other nominees in this category:

• Almond Kringle (seasonal)
• Chocolate Babka (seasonal)
• Soft Pretzel Stick
• Ciabatta Rolls

Favorite Beverage: Spiced Cider

Trader Joe’s spiced cider is a seasonal beverage, but when it’s available it’s very popular. Drink it as-is or warm it up. It’s $2.99 for a 64-oz bottle.

Other nominees in this category::

• Charles Shaw Wines (a.k.a. 2-Buck or 3-Buck Chuck)
• Non-Dairy Almond Beverage
• Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
• Winter Wassail (seasonal)

Favorite Candy: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

These. Are. Delicious. And sooooooooooo not good for you, but they are a fun indulgence. Pick up a 16-oz tub for $4.29 or the smaller “snack size” packages for $0.99. (PS – The “snack size” package actually has 3 full servings in it, so try not to eat it all yourself!)

Other nominees in this category:

• Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar Dark Chocolate Almonds (these almost hopped into my cart this trip)
• Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels
• Mini Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
• English Toffee

Favorite Cheese: Unexpected Cheddar Cheese

What makes this cheese “unexpected”? I’m not sure, to be honest, but maybe it’s the fact that it doesn’t totally taste like cheddar? The label states “tastes like an aged premium cheddar with hints of parmesan,” so there you go. It’s priced at $3.99 for 7 oz.

Other nominees in this category:

• Double Cream Brie
• Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions
• Creamy Toscano Cheese Soaked in Syrah
• Cranberry Chevre (seasonal)

Favorite Condiment: Organic Ketchup

I took a peek at the ingredients list and they are very simple – no high fructose corn syrup or anything like that (of course). I think it’s reasonably priced at $1.99 for 24 oz.

Other nominees in this category:

• Green Dragon Hot Sauce
• Sweet Chili Sauce
• Sriracha and Roasted Garlic BBQ Sauce
• Dijon Mustard with White Wine

Favorite Frozen: Mandarin Orange Chicken

My family (kids and adults alike) loooooooooooves this stuff. I usually cook up two bags for my family so we can have leftovers. There’s a vegetable fried rice near this product in the store that pairs nicely with it. Each 12 oz bag is priced at $4.99.

Other nominees in this category:

• Joe’s Diner Mac ‘n Cheese
• 4 Chocolate Croissants
• Extra Fine French Green Beans
• Chicken Tikka Masala

Favorite Meat/Meatless: Soy Chorizo

I have to admit that I’ve never had chorizo, and I’m not a vegetarian or vegan, so I need some help here. What do you make with this? It’s priced at $1.99 for 12 oz.

Other nominees in this category:

• Chicken Sausage
• Uncured Apple Smoked Bacon
• Meatless Meatballs
• Traditional Carnitas

Favorite Produce: Bananas

My moms group toured our local Trader Joe’s a few months ago, and our tour guide told us that this was the #1 top-selling item at our local store. The workers need to refill it every hour! These bananas are priced at $0.19 each instead of buy the pound as Trader Joe’s registers do not have scales to weigh items.

Other nominees in this category:

• Avocados
• Honey Crisp Apples
• Brussels Sprouts (I love these!)
• Haricots Verts

Favorite Salad: Organic Arugula

Mix this yummy-looking arugula into your green salad for some extra nutrients. It’s priced at $2.49 for 7 oz.

Other nominees in this category:

• Baby Spinach
• Butter Lettuce
• Caesar Salad Kit
• Harvest Blend with Baby Kale, Pumpkin Seeds, Pumpkin Cornbread Croutons & Pumpkin Vinaigrette (seasonal)

Favorite Snack: World’s Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs

These looked so good and very kid-friendly. They’re $1.99 for a 7-oz bag.

Other nominees in this category:

• Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips
• Organic Corn Chip Dippers
• Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels (also quite delicious!)
• Olive Oil Popcorn

Favorite Pumpkin: Organic Pumpkin

Yes, my store still had organic pumpkin available! It’s a seasonal item and is around for the fall/winter while supplies last. Pick up a 15-oz can for $1.99.

Other nominees in this category:

• Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix (seasonal)
• Pumpkin Butter (seasonal)
• Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix (seasonal)
• Pumpkin Ice Cream (seasonal)

For more Trader Joe’s insider information, be sure to check out our list of 15 Best Bargains at Trader Joe’s!