Trader Joe’s is known for delivering store-brand versions of popular foods that often taste just as good — or even better — than the originals. Here are 11 must-try copycats that outperform the name brands.
1. Joe-Joe’s Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies $2.99/20 oz
Trader Joe’s Joe-Joe’s are their version of the iconic Oreo cookie — chocolate wafers with a creamy vanilla center. But these fan-favorites go beyond imitation, with a slightly less processed taste and a nostalgic crunch that makes them hard to resist.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Dietary Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Unbleached enriched flour, powdered sugar, palm oil, cocoa processed with alkali, cane sugar, leavening agents, salt, soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavor.
Preparation Instructions
No prep needed. Enjoy as-is, dunk in milk, or crush into ice cream for a cookies-and-cream treat.
2. Parmesan Pastry Pups $4.99/10.5 oz
Elevate your appetizer game with these gourmet pigs in a blanket. Each Parmesan Pastry Pup features an all-beef mini frank wrapped in buttery puff pastry and sprinkled with Parmesan for a savory, flaky bite.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 19g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Dietary Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Enriched wheat flour (wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), butter (cream, natural flavors), water, Parmesan cheese (milk, cheese culture, salt, microbial rennet), sea salt, garlic powder, paprika color (paprika, rosemary extract), dried chives, beef, water, sea salt, honey, spices, celery powder, cane syrup, natural flavors, paprika.
Contains: Milk, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with spicy mustard or ketchup.
3. World’s Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs $2.69/7 oz
These addictively airy corn puffs are generously coated in tangy white cheddar, delivering major Pirate’s Booty vibes — but at a lower price and with more crunch-per-bite satisfaction.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 20
- Sodium: 250mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Cornmeal, sunflower oil, cheddar seasoning (cheese, whey, buttermilk, spices), salt, lactic acid, citric acid.
Preparation Instructions
No prep necessary. Perfect for snacking on-the-go or as a lunchbox treat.
4. Fig Cookies $2.49/10 oz
Soft-baked and stuffed with real fig filling, Trader Joe’s Fig Cookies are a classic thr owback — but with simpler ingredients and a moist, chewy texture that’s even better than name-brand Newtons.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 3.5g
- Carbs: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Unbleached wheat flour, fig paste, cane sugar, agave, palm oil, tapioca syrup, natural flavors, baking soda, soy lecithin.
Preparation Instructions
No heating needed. Serve with tea or crumble over Greek yogurt for a fiber-rich breakfast bowl.
5. Blueberry Lemonade Sparkling Water $3.49/12 fl oz
This zero-calorie sparkling water offers the perfect blend of bright lemon and sweet blueberry. It’s crisp, fizzy, and totally refreshing — a worthy alternative to Waterloo or LaCroix.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 0
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Carbonated water, natural flavors (blueberry and lemon).
Preparation Instructions
Chill and enjoy as-is, or pour over ice with a lemon wedge and fresh berries for a mocktail twist.
6. Organic Corn Chip Dippers $2.79/9.75 oz
Shaped like mini scoops and made with organic corn, these dippers are Trader Joe’s answer to Fritos Scoops. They’re sturdy, salty, and the perfect base for salsa, guacamole, or chili.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Organic ground yellow corn, organic sunflower oil, sea salt.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to serve. Use them to scoop hearty dips or crush and sprinkle over taco salads.
7. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups $5.99/16 oz
Step aside, Reese’s — these dark chocolate peanut butter cups are richer, smoother, and far more satisfying. With high-quality ingredients and a just-right balance of dark chocolate and salty-sweet peanut butter, they’re an elevated twist on a nostalgic favorite.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Semi-sweet chocolate (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, chocolate liquor processed with alkali, milkfat, soy lecithin [emulsifier], natural flavor), peanut butter (peanuts), sugar, palm kernel oil, lactose, salt, palm oil, soy lecithin (emulsifier).
Contains: Peanut, milk, soy.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy straight from the container, chilled for extra snap, or chopped into brownies, ice cream, or cookie dough.
8. Organic Spicy Honey Sauce $2.99/8 oz
If you love Mike’s Hot Honey, this organic version from Trader Joe’s might just win you over. It combines golden organic honey with a gentle chili heat, perfect for drizzling over fried chicken, pizza, or even roasted veggies.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 70
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 17g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Organic honey, organic distilled white vinegar, organic natural chili pepper flavor.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well before use. Drizzle over dishes or mix into marinades for a sweet-spicy punch.
9. Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream $3.99/32 oz
Forget overpriced pints — this bold coffee ice cream packs real espresso flavor into every creamy spoonful. A fan-favorite at Trader Joe’s, it’s the perfect fix for caffeine lovers and ice cream enthusiasts alike.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 36g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 32g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Cream, skim milk, sugar, egg yolks, coffee extract, stabilizers (guar gum, carrageenan).
Preparation Instructions
Serve as-is or top with chocolate shavings and crushed espresso beans for a fancy dessert.
10. Honey O’s Cereal $2.69/13.5 oz
This tasty Trader Joe’s version of Honey Nut Cheerios delivers a slightly crunchier texture and sweet honey flavor kids and adults love. Bonus: it’s made without artificial flavors or preservatives.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 2.0g
- Carbs: 34g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Whole grain oat flour, cane sugar, cornstarch, brown cane sugar, honey, sea salt, trisodium phosphate, baking soda, molasses, vitamin and mineral blend (ferric orthophosphate, niacinamide, zinc oxide, thiamine mononitrate, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid), mixed tocopherols (to preserve), natural flavor, wheat starch.
Preparation Instructions
Pour into a bowl with milk or pack dry as a snack for on-the-go munching.
11. Organic Hummus $2.99 /8 oz
Creamy, tangy, and made with organic ingredients, this classic hummus rivals Sabra’s version — and may even taste fresher. It’s perfect for pairing with veggies, pita chips, or using as a sandwich spread.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 3g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Organic fresh steamed chickpeas, water, organic sesame tahini, blend of oils (organic sunflower oil, organic extra virgin olive oil), sea salt, organic garlic, citric acid, organic cumin, organic guar gum.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled. Stir before serving if separation occurs. Enjoy as a dip or mix into bowls and wraps.
Conclusion
Why pay more for name brands when Trader Joe’s versions hit the mark? These 11 dupes prove you can save money without sacrificing flavor.
