Trader Joe’s shelves are always buzzing with fan-favorite finds, but which products actually live up to the hype? This week, I put 10 of the most popular Trader Joe’s items to the test—from frozen meals and snacks to bakery treats and dips. Here’s my no-holds-barred review of what’s worth tossing in your cart—and what you might want to skip.
Trader Joe’s Grecian Style Eggplant $2.99/9.9 Oz
Trader Joe’s Grecian Style Eggplant with Tomatoes is a pantry staple perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Packed with tender eggplant in a garlicky, sweet-spiced tomato sauce with onions and red peppers, it’s ready to serve straight from the can—warm or room temp. Vegan and gluten-free, it suits most diets while delivering bold Mediterranean flavor.
This versatile find shines as a canapé topping with feta, a warm dip with pita, or a quick pasta sauce with a splash of pasta water. With just one can and a few staples, you can whip up an elegant dish in minutes.
Trader Joe’s Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips $2.99/5.5 Oz
Trader Joe’s Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips are a must-try snack that’s quickly become a fan favorite—and for good reason.
Made from crinkle-cut Irish potatoes and flavored with rich butter and garlic, these chips offer a bold, savory twist reminiscent of Irish mashed potato dishes. The crispy texture and standout flavor make them irresistible solo or as the crunchy layer in a hearty sandwich. They also hold up well to dips like caramelized onion.
Whether you’re snacking or sandwich-stacking, you’ll wish you grabbed more than one bag of this limited-time treasure.
Trader Joe’s Chocolate Brooklyn Babka $5.99/18 Oz
Trader Joe’s Chocolate Brooklyn Babka has been a staple on grocery lists for years—and for good reason.
This rich, moist brioche loaf is swirled with generous ribbons of dark chocolate, creating the perfect balance of soft bread and melty sweetness. It’s sold unsliced in the bakery section and can be enjoyed any time—straight from the package, toasted with butter, dunked in coffee, or even turned into indulgent French toast.
For dessert lovers, a warm slice topped with vanilla ice cream is pure bliss. It’s a year-round favorite you’ll want to keep stocked.
Trader Joe’s Organic Margarita Mixer $3.99/32 fl Oz
Trader Joe’s new Organic Margarita Mixer is a standout seasonal find just in time for Cinco de Mayo.
Made with organic lime juice, agave, simple syrup, and salt, it delivers a fresh, citrusy flavor without artificial aftertaste. While not a full replacement for homemade margaritas, it’s a convenient and well-balanced option—especially for quick cocktails or large batches at gatherings. At just $3.99, it’s an affordable, no-fuss solution that pairs well with Trader Joe’s tequila or club soda for a mocktail.
It may lack the complexity of fresh juice, but it’s a pantry-worthy backup for warm-weather sipping.
Trader Joe’s Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup $2.49/15 Oz
Trader Joe’s Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup pantry staple beloved for its comforting flavor, convenience, and nostalgia.
Packed with lentils, carrots, potatoes, and green beans, this vegan-friendly soup delivers 12 grams of protein and a savory taste that feels both nourishing and homey. Quick to prepare with a pull-tab lid and just two minutes in the microwave, it became a weekly go-to during college dorm life. For an easy dinner, it pairs perfectly with baguette slices or veggie samosas.
Beyond the taste, it’s a sentimental favorite tied to cherished Sunday grocery trips with the writer’s dad.
Trader Joe’s Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs $4.29/12 Oz
Trader Joe’s new Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs weeknight hero.
Each 12-ounce pack includes 24 gluten-free, fully cooked meatballs bursting with sweet pineapple, caramelized onion, and ginger. They’re quick to heat and delicious on their own or with sauces like teriyaki, barbecue, or even marinara. Versatile enough for dinners, school lunches, or party appetizers, they’ve earned rave reviews—even from picky teens.
Perfect in a sandwich, served with rice, or tossed in a crockpot for potlucks, these bold, juicy meatballs are flavorful, convenient, and satisfying, making them a repeat purchase and a crowd-pleasing favorite in any home.
Trader Joe’s Sparkling Watermelon Juice $3.99/8.45 Fl Oz
Trader Joe’s Sparkling Watermelon Juice is a seasonal must-have that captures summer in a can.
Made with real watermelon juice and just three other ingredients—carbon dioxide, citric acid, and ascorbic acid—it’s crisp, refreshing, and free of added sugar. Each pack includes four 8.5-ounce cans, perfect for sipping straight, pouring over ice, or mixing into a mocktail or cocktail.
Its fizzy, fruity flavor makes it a standout treat for warm days, whether you’re lounging at home or hosting friends. Affordable, vibrant, and easy to enjoy, this sparkling juice is the perfect way to toast to summer.
Trader Joe’s Sour Strawberry Candy Belts $3.49/10 Oz
Trader Joe’s new Sour Strawberry Candy Belts are causing a social media frenzy, with fans declaring them better than the beloved Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers.
Priced at $3.49 for a 10-ounce box, these vegan treats are made with natural flavors and fruit- and vegetable-derived colors by a Turkish supplier. Reviewers love the easy-to-open packaging and bold sour flavor.
Instagram users have shared their anticipation, while TikTok reviewers rave about the taste—some even calling them “so good I could cry.” With such hype, it seems this tangy newcomer may have officially dethroned TJ’s reigning candy favorite.
Trader Joe’s Cuban-Style Citrus Garlic Bowl $3.99/11 oz
Trader Joe’s Cuban-Style Citrus Garlic Bowl is a freezer favorite that delivers big flavor and convenience.
This 11-ounce single-serving meal features turmeric rice, chicken, sweet plantains, black beans, and red peppers, all seasoned with garlic, citrus, onion, and cilantro. It’s quick to prepare—just three minutes in the microwave—and makes for a satisfying lunch or easy dinner.
Inspired by authentic Cuban flavors, it’s a comforting, tangy meal that appeals to both adults and teens. Whether you’re working through a busy day or feeding the family on a budget, this bowl is a delicious and affordable go-to freezer staple.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s continues to deliver unique flavors, creative pairings, and wallet-friendly prices—but not every item is a slam dunk. A few of these buzzy picks blew me away, while others left me underwhelmed. As always, it pays to know what’s truly worth the hype before your next haul.
