The Snack Aisle Showdown
Trader Joe’s snacks are half the reason people go in for oat milk and leave with a cart full of things they didn’t plan on. Some of these bites get nonstop praise. Others barely get a nod, even though they’ve been quietly carrying the snack aisle for years. So, first, let’s take a look at ten Trader Joe’s snacks that might be getting a little too much love.
Pretzel Sticks Delicate Flavor of Baked-In Honey - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
1. World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs
These corn puffs may sound intriguing with their lofty name, but once you take a bite, the puffiness quickly becomes more about air than flavor. They don’t have the cheddar flavor you might expect. Also, the lightness of the puff can leave you munching endlessly without feeling fulfilled.
White Cheddar Corn Puffs# The Beer Review Guy by Jerry Fort the Beer Review Guy
2. Cauliflower Gnocchi
Although hailed as a gluten-free alternative, these gnocchi fall short on texture and flavor. Many claim they end up soggy, defeating the purpose of a comforting bite. For the calories, you could enjoy a more filling, authentic gnocchi elsewhere.
Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi Air fryer Method~ Is it good?? by Ms. Ming, Ph.D.
3. Joe-Joe’s Cookies
A wannabe Oreo with lackluster results, Joe-Joe’s cookie part tends to be dry, which makes it difficult to enjoy the whole experience of a sandwich cookie. While the filling has a creamy sweetness, it’s not nearly as rich and smooth as that of the Oreo.
Joe-Joe’s Chocolate Vanilla Creme Sandwich Cookies Review (Trader Joe’s) by MisterStubstep
4. Jingle Jangle
This mix, packed with chocolate, candy-coated pieces, and pretzels, fails to balance. Instead of feeling like a delightful holiday indulgence, it feels like a sugar bomb in every bite. The pretzels get lost in the mix, and the chocolate isn’t rich enough to shine through.
JINGLE JANGLE CHOCOLATE PARTY TREATS ASMR EATING SOUNDS by ASMRTheChew
5. Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream
For fans of matcha, this ice cream might seem like the perfect dessert. However, many find the flavor too subtle and the texture icy rather than creamy. It’s an acquired taste that may not impress those seeking indulgence in their frozen treats.
NEW TRADER JOE’S STRAWBERRY OAT & MATCHA GREEN TEA ICE CREAM REVIEW by GlenRok Eats
6. Mini Vegetable Samosas
These mini samosas tend to disappoint when it comes to texture and taste. While the convenience is there, the lack of depth in flavor and crispiness makes these less desirable than other savory snacks you could find in the freezer section.
🇮🇳 Mini Vegetable Samosas - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
7. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
The butternut squash doesn’t add much depth to the dish and may even seem out of place among the cheese. The result is a mac and cheese that feels lacking, not quite rich enough to be indulgent, nor bright enough to be exciting.
HOW TO MAKE butternut squash Mac & cheese! Trader Joe’s Copycat Fall Recipe by Moribyan
8. Vegan Jackfruit Cakes
Jackfruit itself is a versatile fruit, but when it's cooked into these cakes, the texture often becomes too mushy, and the flavor isn’t as vibrant as you'd hope. Instead of the satisfying crunch, these cakes lack the depth that jackfruit can deliver in other dishes.
Trader Joe's Honest Review Vegan Jackfruit Cakes by Beetin Genes
9. Everything But The Bagel Nut Duo
This snack, meant to combine the beloved bagel seasoning with nuts, doesn’t quite live up to the idea. Some nuts are overly coated, while others lack the seasoning entirely. If you're craving the seasoning’s full impact, you might end up disappointed with the flavor balance.
TRADER JOES EVERYTHING BUT THE BAGEL NUT REVIEW by Love and Junk Food
10. Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup gets more praise than it earns. The texture feels too thin, the tomato flavor comes across as sweet and artificial, and the roasted pepper barely adds anything. Lastly, it leans heavily on convenience and branding, not genuine depth or comfort.
Now, here are the underrated champs that deserve their own fan club.
1. Coconut Flavored Almonds
These almonds, coated in a sweet and crunchy coconut shell, offer a tropical twist to your usual snack routine. They strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, which makes them a satisfying choice when you need a quick energy boost without the guilt.
Trying NEW Holiday Items from Trader Joe's (Taste Test + Honest Review) by Sweet Simple Vegan
2. Rice Cracker Medley
Rice Cracker Medley is a treasure trove of crunchy goodness. The mix includes both plain and seasoned crackers, along with spicy peas and a touch of seaweed for extra flavor. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it deserves more love.
3. Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you haven’t tried Trader Joe’s buffalo chicken dip, you’re missing out. It’s a rich, creamy dip with just the right amount of heat, perfectly complementing the savory chicken. It’s great with crackers, chips, or even veggie sticks for a hearty snack.
1460. Trader Joes Buffalo Style Chicken Dip taste test review by Old Coot
4. Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds
The combination of dark chocolate and sea salt is nothing short of magical, and these almonds deliver it best. The richness of dark chocolate balances the slight bitterness of the cocoa with sea salt. Together, they create a snack that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Ep 021424 Trader Joe's Chocolate Almonds by King Moe Show
5. Lemon Zest Madeleine Cookies
These buttery, lemon-scented madeleines are delicate little treats that deserve more attention. Their fluffy texture and subtle sweetness make them a light dessert. Plus, the bright lemon zest adds just the right touch of citrus to balance the richness of the butter.
🇫🇷 Madeleine Cookies (Ep. #100) - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
6. Gone Banana Bites
Gone Banana Bites offers slices of banana dipped in smooth dark chocolate. They’re the kind of snack that feels wholesome yet indulgent, which is ideal for those moments when you want something sweet but not over-the-top.
Trader Joe's Gone Bananas Review - Midnight Snack by Midnight Snack
7. Marcona Almonds (Rosemary & Truffle)
Marcona almonds, roasted with rosemary and truffle, bring a gourmet twist to your snacking experience. These uniquely flavored almonds are subtly fragrant, making them a refined snack for those who appreciate balanced flavors.
Trying *New* Items at Trader Joe's (Holiday Edition) by Sweet Simple Vegan
8. Peas & Carrots Sour Gummy Candies
With a unique flavor and chewy texture, these gummies are a great alternative to the usual sugary, overly sweet options out there. They stand out in the crowded world of sweet treats, as their tartness brings a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
🇫🇷 Peas & Carrots Sour Gummy Candies - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
9. Pretzel Sticks
Honey wheat pretzel sticks are often overshadowed by more exotic snacks, but their simplicity is their strength. They’re crunchy, lightly sweet, and salted. So, whether you're pairing them with a dip or enjoying them on their own, these pretzel sticks hit all the right notes.
Pretzel Sticks Delicate Flavor of Baked-In Honey - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
10. Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bars
Packed with roasted peanuts, raisins, and a dash of sweetness, Rainbow’s End Trail Mix Bars are an excellent snack for those looking for something filling yet light. They give you a mix of protein and natural sugars to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
Rainbow’s End Trail Mix Bars - Trader Joe’s Product Review by The Tiny Reviewer
