Trader Joe’s has a pretty stellar lineup of groceries, from refrigerator staples to seasonal favorites, but some products simply outshine the others. It’s no secret that the Mandarin Orange Chicken, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, and Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips—the winner of the store’s Customer Choice Awards—are must-buys at Trader Joe’s. But what about the products that aren’t included in the yearly round-up but are still just as good? Despite receiving little attention online, fans believe some TJ’s products are the best in the store, and they took to Reddit to share their favorite, most underrated Trader Joe’s groceries.
7 Underrated Fan-Favorite Products at Trader Joe’s
Meyer Lemon Cookie Thins
Allrecipes / Trader Joe’s
The discussion started on Reddit when user wavinsnail asked, “What’s your favorite product that doesn’t get as much love as you think it should?” Quickly followed by their personal prefecrence: “I think their cookie thins are one of the best things that [Trader Joe’s] makes.” According to the original poster, the Meyer Lemon Cookie Thins are “so addicting.” The treat supposedly isn’t too sweet and has a genuine citrus flavor that doesn’t taste artificial. What’s more, it’s loved for its thin, crispy texture with delicately scalloped edges,
Giant Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce
Allrecipes / Trader Joe’s
One Redditor recommended “the giant baked beans,” mentioning that “they are insanely good.” Several others quickly agreed, with one user noting that they “always stock up” on the cannellini beans, which are canned in a tomato sauce seasoned with onion, parsley, and dill.
“I always walked by them until my friend recommended,” another person continued. “They don’t taste like traditional baked beans at all. Totally addicting.” Best of all, they can be served and enjoyed straight out of the can.
Aussie-Style Chocolate Crème Sandwich Cookies
Allrecipes / Trader Joe’s
Reddit user SeverusBaker said Trader Joe’s Aussie-style sandwich cookies (aka TJ’s Tim Tam lookalikes) are their favorite underrated product. “Love these—don’t understand why others don’t talk about them,” they raved.
“These cookies are so dangerous,” another shopper responded, who also loves the crunchy and airy chocolate-dipped crème-filled sandwich cookies. “I tell myself I won’t eat the whole box in two days, and then it happens without fail.”
Panko Breaded Tilapia Fillets
“The panko-crusted tilapia is one of the best, most useful TJ’s products of all time, and it is a travesty that it is not as well known and regarded as the orange chicken,” wrote one shopper before adding, “I feel way too passionate about this.”
Another Reddit user agreed that the tilapia is ‘great’ in the comments, and recommended pairing the frozen fish with tartar sauce on a TJ’s hamburger bun. “My wife, who was obsessed with McD’s fish sandwich, now has these instead.”
Organic Fair Trade Shade Grown Ethiopian Coffee
Allrecipes / Trader Joe’s
“I never see anything about the Organic Fair Trade Shade Grown Ethiopian Coffee Beans that’s truly the best coffee I have ever found,” wrote one shopper, who loves the rich taste of the medium-dark roast. “Everyone I serve it to wants to know what it is.”
Mini Vegetable Samosas
Allrecipes / Trader Joe’s
“Veggie samosas for days,” wrote one shopper who admits they would cross state lines for their favorite underrated product. “I lived in Vermont, I used to literally drive 1.5 hours to the nearest TJ’s and practically buy them out.”
If you eat meat, one user recommends “the chicken samosas! [They’re] so good.” One thing to note is that the Chicken Tikka Samosas come and go, so be sure to grab them if you see them in stores.
Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
“I’m surprised the [Spaghetti] Cacio e Pepe doesn’t get talked about as much as I thought it would!” wrote one shopper. “It’s so good!” The two-ingredient sauce is creamy and flavorful, pairing well with a variety of pasta dishes as well as alongside chicken, veggies, and even potatoes.
Another user chimed in, calling the underrated pasta dish one of their favorites and saying that it’s “Great to have on hand in the freezer.” Or, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to make your own dish, TJ’s also has a jarred Cacio e Pepe Pasta Sauce that shoppers love, as well.
