Whether you’re scooping with tortilla chips or drizzling over tacos, Trader Joe’s salsas offer a wide range of flavors, textures, and heat levels. But not all are worthy of a spot on your grocery list. We tasted and ranked 13 popular TJ’s salsas—from the too-sweet and too-bland to the bold and crave-worthy. Here’s how they stack up.
13. Trader Joe’s Pineapple Salsa $2.99/12 oz
This fruity salsa promises tropical vibes with chunks of pineapple, but it leans more sweet than savory.
Why It Ranked Low
Too sugary for most salsa lovers, it lacks the depth and spice that makes salsa truly satisfying.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 30
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 7g
- Sodium 140mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 6g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Pineapple, crushed tomatoes, sugar, jalapeños, vinegar, salt, lime juice concentrate, garlic.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled with chips or spoon over grilled chicken for a sweet twist.
12. Trader Joe’s Hot Pico De Gallo Salsa $3.99/12 oz
Made fresh in-store, this pico de gallo brings chunky texture and bold jalapeño heat.
Why It Ranked Low
The heat is sharp but lacks balance, overpowering the other ingredients.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 5
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 1g
- Sodium 110mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Best enjoyed fresh—use within a few days. Pairs well with tacos and burritos.
11. Trader Joe’s Mango Pineapple Pico De Gallo Salsa $3.99/12 oz
A tropical twist on traditional pico, featuring diced mango and pineapple.
Why It Ranked Here
Fun and refreshing, but the sweetness may clash with savory dishes.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 10
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 3g
- Sodium 80mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Tomato, yellow onion, mango, pineapple, jalapeño peppers, lime juice, cilantro, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Great as a topping for grilled fish or shrimp tacos.
10. Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar Salsa $3.49/13 oz
A chunky bean and corn salsa with southwestern flair.
Why It Ranked Here
Hearty and colorful, but leans more salad than salsa in flavor profile.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 25
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 6g
- Sodium 125mg
- Dietary Fiber 1g
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 1g
Ingredients
Black beans, corn, red bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, vinegar, jalapeños, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Serve cold as a dip or mix with quinoa for a quick salad.
9. Trader Joe’s Pepita Salsa $3.49/12 oz
A creamy, nutty salsa made with pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and roasted peppers.
Why It Ranked Here
Unique and smooth, but the mild spice and earthy flavor aren’t for everyone.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 30
- Fat 2.5g
- Carbs 2g
- Sodium 180mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar <1g
- Protein <1g
Ingredients
Tomatoes, onions, red bell pepper puree (red bell peppers, citric acid), dry roasted pepitas, concentrated crushed tomatoes, red bell peppers, expeller pressed canola oil, water, distilled white vinegar, sea salt, cilantro, garlic, onion powder, lime juice concentrate, spices, chipotle powder.
Preparation Instructions
Use as a spread for sandwiches or a dip for tortilla chips.
8. Trader Joe’s Corn And Chile Tomato-Less Salsa $3.49/13.75 oz
This sweet-savory salsa skips the tomatoes and features corn and chile peppers.
Why It Ranked Here
Unexpectedly delicious but more of a relish than a classic salsa.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 40
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 9g
- Sodium 110mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 7g
- Protein 1g
Ingredients
Corn, sugar, onions, red bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, distilled vinegar, crushed red pepper, black pepper, coriander seed, mustard seed, salt, guar gum.
Preparation Instructions
Serve on tacos, burgers, or mix into rice bowls.
7. Trader Joe’s Fat Free Chunky Salsa $1.99/16 oz
A classic, no-frills tomato-based salsa with a chunky texture.
Why It Ranked Here
Dependable and low-calorie, but lacks the complexity of higher-ranking salsas.
Nutritional Factsds
- Calories 10
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 2g
- Sodium 125mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, vinegar, garlic, salt, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Perfect for topping eggs or scooping with chips.
6. Trader Joe’s Salsa Autentica $2.29/12 oz
A smooth, restaurant-style red salsa with a smoky undertone.
Why It Ranked Here
Versatile and tasty, especially for the price—just a bit watery.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 10
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 2g
- Sodium 160mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Tomatoes, chiles de arbol, vinegar, garlic, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Ideal as a base for chilaquiles or enchilada sauce.
5. Trader Joe’s Organic Thick & Chunky Salsa $2.99/16 oz
A hearty, organic option with visible chunks of tomato and peppers.
Why It Ranked Here
Great flavor and texture balance—perfect for everyday snacking.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 10
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 2g
- Sodium 135mg
- Dietary Fiber <1g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Organic diced tomatoes (organic tomatoes, organic tomato juice, citric acid [acidifier], calcium chloride), water, organic jalapeño peppers, organic tomato paste, organic onions, organic distilled vinegar, organic dehydrated onion, salt, organic cayenne pepper, organic dehydrated garlic.
Preparation Instructions
Refrigerate after opening. Serve chilled.
4. Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde $2.29/12 oz
A tangy green salsa made from tomatillos and green chiles.
Why It Ranked High
Bright, tart, and packs a punch—great for drizzling on just about anything.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 10
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 2g
- Sodium 140mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Tomatillos, green chile peppers, onions, vinegar, garlic, cilantro, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Use on enchiladas, grilled meats, or eggs.
3. Wright’s of Texas Fresh Green Habanero Salsa $3.69/12 oz
Not your average salsa—this fresh habanero blend brings serious heat.
Why It Made Top 3
Bold, citrusy, and fiery—it’s the salsa for spice lovers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 15
- Fat 1g
- Carbs 2g
- Sodium 75mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Habanero peppers, tomatillos, garlic, onion, cilantro, vinegar, lime juice.
Preparation Instructions
Use sparingly—excellent as a marinade or taco topper.
2. Trader Joe’s Medium Salsa Especial $2.99/12 oz
A chunky, roasted tomato-based salsa that balances flavor and fire.
Why It’s a Favorite
It checks all the boxes—texture, heat, flavor, and affordability.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 10
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 2g
- Sodium 150mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Roasted tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, garlic, vinegar, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Pairs well with chips, quesadillas, or grilled chicken.
1. Trader Joe’s Hatch Valley Salsa $2.99/12 oz
This salsa features Hatch green chiles from New Mexico—known for their smoky, rich flavor.
Why It’s #1
It’s smoky, balanced, and deeply flavorful without overwhelming heat. A cult favorite for a reason.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 10
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 2g
- Sodium 140mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Hatch chiles, tomatoes, onions, garlic, vinegar, lime juice, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Top grilled meats, mix into guacamole, or serve with tortilla chips.
Final Thoughts
From fruity salsas to fiery habanero blends, Trader Joe’s has something for every salsa lover. Whether you crave smoky, spicy, or tangy flavors, this ranking will help you dip into the best TJ’s has to offer—starting from the bottom and working your way to the boldest, most addictive jar on the shelf.
