"Trader Joe’s has long been the go-to grocery store, gaining fame for its iconic products that we all adore. From cauliflower gnocchi to cookie butter to frozen orange chicken, these staples have earned a permanent spot in countless pantries and freezers. However, sticking to these popular items means you might miss out on the many underrated gems that are just as amazing. As someone who not only spends a lot of time exploring Trader Joe’s aisles for groceries but also frequently writes about these products for The Everygirl, I like to consider myself an expert in discovering the lesser-known hits on their shelves. If you want to spice up your cart and find your next TJ’s obsession, read on for 15 underrated Trader Joe’s products worth trying.
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1. Chickpea Kale and Crispy Red Rice Salad
This chickpea salad is my most recent Trader Joe’s obsession. It is so delicious and makes a perfect lunch for on-the-go or WFH days when you want to skip cooking. Packed with protein and crispy red rice for extra crunch, this chickpea salad is a steal at just $4.99.
2. 5 Cheese Greek Spiral
I discovered this product when ranking Trader Joe’s frozen appetizers, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. It’s my favorite appetizer to grab when guests come over and I need something for us to snack on before dinner. It’s so buttery and flaky that it’s hard to believe it came from the freezer section.
3. Burrata Filling “Stracciatella”
I recently discovered this product and can’t believe I ever lived without it. I’ve been known to eat it straight from the tub with a spoon while standing in front of the fridge because I’m so obsessed. This creamy burrata filling is also fantastic as a dollop on top of a pasta dinner. If Trader Joe’s ever discontinues this, I don’t know what I’d do.
4. Dark Chocolate Orange Sticks
I never thought I would enjoy a dark chocolate-covered orange gummy, but these are so tasty. They’ve become my go-to sweet treat when I can’t decide between chocolate or fruity candy, and they always hit the spot.
5. Spicy Honey Sauce
This spicy honey is so incredible that I sometimes wonder if I’m using it to enhance my food or if the meal is just a vessel for me to enjoy excessive amounts of spicy honey. I put this chili-infused honey on everything, including avocado toast, pizza, and charcuterie boards. It’s also fantastic drizzled over the 5 Cheese Greek Spiral.
6. Sweet Potato Gnocchi
We’ve all heard of Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi, but this sweet potato version is seriously underhyped. The butter and sage add fantastic flavor, making this gnocchi taste like a fancy, homemade dish.
7. Lentil Vegetable Soup
As someone who usually prefers creamy potato soups, I was skeptical when a friend recommended Trader Joe’s canned lentil soup. However, I’ve quickly become a convert. It’s hard to believe this soup is from a can because it tastes so good. It’s a great pantry staple for those nights when you just can’t be bothered to cook.
8. Chocolate Croissants
These chocolate croissants rank among my top three favorite Trader Joe’s products and make for a delicious breakfast treat. They taste as if they were freshly baked from a French bakery rather than coming from the frozen aisle. Just remember to set them out the night before baking to let them rise.
9. Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit
If you’re hesitant to buy bagged salads because you’re concerned they won’t meet your standards, this Trader Joe’s option will prove you wrong. The combination of arugula, carrots, almonds, and Parmesan cheese feels way fancier than your average bagged greens, and the lemony basil vinaigrette adds a perfectly tangy finishing touch.
10. Greek Chickpeas with Parsley & Cumin
I absolutely love chickpeas and often add them to salads and bowls for an extra dose of protein. These Greek-seasoned chickpeas are far superior to plain ones. They come perfectly seasoned with lemon juice, parsley, salt, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper, so they are packed with flavor and require no effort on your part.
11. Tangerine Cream Bars
Orange creamsicles are one of my favorite desserts, especially during the summer. These tangerine ones are a fun twist on a childhood classic and make a yummy treat for a hot summer afternoon.
12. Soft Licorice Twists
You either love or hate licorice, so if you’re not a fan, these probably aren’t for you. However, if you’re obsessed with licorice, these are a must-try. The strawberry flavor is a classic, but you can also find a black licorice version and a variety pack with mango, green apple, and raspberry flavors.
13. Olive Tapenade
This is another Trader Joe’s product that I use very often. I eat it on top of bowls at least five times a week, add it to salads for extra flavor, and dip veggies in it as well. I’m convinced you could put it on almost anything, and it would still taste amazing.
14. PB&J Bar
I’m a breakfast bar enthusiast, and these PB&J bars are one of my top choices. They make the perfect filling snack or quick breakfast, and their taste brings me back to the good old days when peanut butter and jelly were my daily lunch.
15. Cacio e Pepe Puffs
These Cacio e Pepe Puffs are such an addicting snack that I’ve gone through the whole bag in one sitting on multiple occasions. If you’re tired of basic flavors like sour cream and onion or plain cheddar, the delicious, peppery taste of these will win you over. The puff texture is so satisfying that I find myself craving them around the clock.
Lauren Blue, Lifestyle Staff Writer
As a Lifestyle Staff Writer for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of home decor, delicious recipes, hobbies, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Instagram for beautiful homes to feature on the site.