Trader Joe’s die hard fans and customers have revealed their favorite products for 2023. For the 14th year, Trader Joe’s released their Customer Choice Awards. They asked shoppers to pick their favorite item across nine categories: overall, beverage, cheese, entrée, household, produce, snack, sweet/dessert, and vegan/vegetarian. Surprisingly, the viral sensation Mandarin Orange Chicken, was not on the list! Here’s the most popular products that Trader Joe’s customers love.

You won’t find the Mandarin Orange Chicken on this list because TJ retired it. Five other products that made the list in previous years have also excluded. The Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets, Unexpected Cheddar, and Soy Chorizo are also living in retirement. To find their answers on their most popular products, Trader Joe’s asked shoppers the important question:

If you were to spend the rest of your life on a deserted island, which nine Trader Joe’s products would you take with you?

The company had over 18,000 customers respond! Here’s what made their favorite list. You can find these products at the Tampa or St. Pete Trader Joe’s location.

[Source: Fox 13 News]

 

  • Best Overall: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

    These spicy little scrolls made from stone ground corn masa that is cut, rolled, and fried to a captivating crunchiness—then generously dusted with hot chili & lime flavored seasoning.

    Runner up:

    TJ’s Hashbrowns
    Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
    Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend – We use this on EVERYTHING (no pun intended)
    4 Chocolate Croissants

  • Best Beverage: Sparkling Honeycrisp Apple Juice Beverage (Seasonal)

    This is a three-ingredient blend of 100% Honeycrisp apple juice, water, and bubbles. Too bad it’s not on the shelf year-round.

    Runner Up:

    Triple Ginger Brew (seasonal)
    Sparkling Peach Black Tea with Peach Juice
    Sparkling Cranberry & Ginger Beverage (seasonal)
    Non-Dairy Brown Sugar Oat Creamer

  • Best Cheese: Cheddar with Caramelized Onions

    This full-bodied English cheddar is mixed with onion marmalade for a memorable, sweet-savory bite.

    Runners Up:

    Syrah Soaked Toscano
    Baked Lemon Ricotta (seasonal)
    Blueberry & Vanilla Chèvre
    Brie (various)

  • Best Entrée: Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

    Trader Joe’s has the best pre-made meals around. This is an authentic Indian recipe that’s mildly spiced and partnered with delicate, fragrant grains of Basmati rice.

    Runners Up:

    Chicken Tikka Masala
    Kung Pao Chicken
    Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese (seasonal)
    BBQ Teriyaki Chicken

  • Best Household Item: Scented Candles

    Who doesn’t love a scented candle? Trader Joe’s Scented Candles are made with a paraben-free, soy-wax blend imbued with sweet fragrance and hand-poured into a portable lidded tin. They burn for up to 20 hours and have the best seasonal scents!

    Runners Up:

    Daily Facial Sunscreen
    Ultra-Moisturizng Hand Cream
    Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo & Conditioner
    Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask

  • Best Produce: Bananas

    Trader Joe’s Organic Bananas are an incredible value at 25¢ each, every day!

    Runners Up:

    Teeny Tiny Avocados
    Honeycrisp Apples
    Brussels Sprouts
    Organic Carrots of Many Colors

  • Best Snack: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

    We already told you how delicious this snack is!  It’s perfect for picnics, beach days, work breaks, movie watching, and anything in between.

    Runners Up:

    Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers
    Organic Corn Chip Dippers
    World’s Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs – OUR FAVORITE
    Crunchy Curls

     

  • Best Sweet/Dessert: Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones

    Each crunchy cone is lined with smooth chocolate and filled with creamy ice cream—then dipped in a rich, chocolatey coating.

    Runners Up:

    Danish Kringle (various)
    Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches
    Chocolate Lava Cakes
    Brookie

  • Best Vegan/Vegetarian: Kale & Cashew Pesto

    The most simple pesto recipe that’s perfect for any vegan. Made with kale, cashew and basil. Add garlic to give it a little more flavor, or lemon juice to brighten it up.

    Runners Up:

    Vegetable Fried Rice
    Beefless Bulgogi
    Palak Paneer
    Cauliflower Gnocchi

Get The QYK Country Connections Newsletter

Enjoy the latest Country music & entertainment news, Tampa/St. Pete happenings, plus exclusive contests, games, and more.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.