We Ranked Every Trader Joe’s Beer—Here’s the Best One

Trader Joe’s beer selection may be small compared to your average liquor store, but it’s big on character and value. Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, or crisp lagers, this budget-friendly lineup has something for everyone. We tasted and ranked 11 of the most widely available Trader Joe’s beers—from worst to best—to help you decide what deserves a spot in your cart.

1. Stockyard Oatmeal Stout $5.99/12 oz

A rich, dark stout with roasted malt and smooth oatmeal undertones. Great for cool evenings or pairing with dessert.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 180 per bottle
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Carbs 20g
  • Sodium 10mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 2g
  • Protein 2g

Ingredients

Water, Barley Malt, Oats, Hops, Yeast

Preparation Instructions

Best served chilled in a pint glass. Pair with chocolate cake or sharp cheese.

2. Boatswain Hazy IPA $4.99/12 fl oz

A hazy IPA bursting with tropical fruit and citrus notes. Bold but balanced for IPA lovers.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 190 per can
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Carbs 22g
  • Sodium 15mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 3g
  • Protein 1g

Ingredients

Water, Barley, Wheat, Hops, Yeast

Preparation Instructions

Serve cold. Excellent with grilled meats or spicy tacos.

3. Henry Hotspur’s Hard Pressed for Cider $7.99/12 fl oz

A crisp, refreshing cider made from fermented apples. Light, sweet, and easy to drink.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 150 per bottle
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Carbs 16g
  • Sodium 5mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 14g
  • Protein 0g

Ingredients

Fermented Apple Juice, Water, Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors

Preparation Instructions

Serve chilled or over ice. Perfect with cheese plates or pork dishes.

4. Josephsbrau Hefeweizen $5.99/12 fl oz

A traditional German-style wheat beer with banana and clove notes. Smooth and slightly sweet.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 170 per bottle
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Carbs 18g
  • Sodium 12mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 2g
  • Protein 1g

Ingredients

Water, Wheat Malt, Barley Malt, Hops, Yeast

Preparation Instructions

Serve in a tall glass with a slice of orange. Great with grilled sausages or soft pretzels.

5. Boatswain Double IPA (Twin Screw Steamer) $4.99/12 oz

High on bitterness and ABV, this double IPA offers intense hops with a malty backbone.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 220 per can
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Carbs 24g
  • Sodium 18mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 4g
  • Protein 1g

Ingredients

Water, Barley, Hops, Yeast

Preparation Instructions

Serve cold. Great for seasoned IPA fans; pairs well with rich BBQ or sharp cheeses.

6. Drive Thru Red Dry Hopped Red Ale $6.49/12 oz

A unique red ale dry-hopped for added aroma. Malty yet balanced with a slight hop bite.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 180 per bottle
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Carbs 19g
  • Sodium 10mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 2g
  • Protein 1g

Ingredients

Water, Barley Malt, Hops, Yeast

Preparation Instructions

Chill before serving. Excellent with burgers, fries, or grilled veggies.

7. Trader Jose Dark $5.49/12 oz

A darker, maltier cousin to Trader Jose Light. Slightly sweet with roasted grain notes.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 170 per bottle
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Carbs 20g
  • Sodium 10mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 2g
  • Protein 1g

Ingredients

Water, Barley Malt, Hops, Yeast

Preparation Instructions

Serve chilled. Pairs nicely with tacos al pastor or carne asada.

8. Trader Jose Light $5.49/12 oz

A crisp, easy-drinking light beer with a subtle malt flavor. Best for casual sipping.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 110 per bottle
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Carbs 8g
  • Sodium 5mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 1g
  • Protein 0g

Ingredients

Water, Barley Malt, Hops, Yeast

Preparation Instructions

Chill and serve with lime. Ideal for nachos or grilled chicken.

9. Trader Jose $5.49/12 oz

Trader Joe’s take on a classic Mexican-style lager. Light, refreshing, and very drinkable.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 140 per bottle
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Carbs 12g
  • Sodium 5mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 1g
  • Protein 1g

Ingredients

Water, Barley Malt, Hops, Yeast

Preparation Instructions

Serve cold with lime. Great with fish tacos or spicy chips and guac.

10. Simpler Times Lager $7.49/12 fl oz

An ultra-affordable lager with grainy malt flavor and moderate bitterness. A basic crowd-pleaser.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 150 per can
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Carbs 13g
  • Sodium 7mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 1g
  • Protein 1g

Ingredients

Water, Barley Malt, Corn, Hops, Yeast

Preparation Instructions

Serve cold. Works with pizza, hot dogs, or simple snack foods.

11. Boatswain American IPA $4.99/12 oz

A traditional West Coast-style IPA that’s big on bitterness but lacks balance. Best for hop-heads on a budget.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 180 per can
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Carbs 20g
  • Sodium 15mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 2g
  • Protein 1g

Ingredients

Water, Barley Malt, Hops, Yeast

Preparation Instructions

Serve very cold. May pair well with spicy or fried food to offset bitterness.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s beer selection might not rival your local craft brewery, but it delivers big on value, variety, and personality. Whether you’re sipping the rich and roasty Stockyard Oatmeal Stout or cooling off with the tropical kick of Boatswain Hazy IPA, there’s a brew here for every kind of beer drinker. At these prices, there’s no reason not to taste your way down the list. Cheers to finding your next go-to TJ’s beer!

 

 

 

 

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