Wirecutter's Guide to Shopping at Trader Joe's

Trader Joe’s is more than a grocery store; it’s a cultural phenomenon with a fiercely loyal fan base. But with shelves full of ever-changing products, which ones are actually worth the hype?

 

In this episode, associate staff writer Antara Sinha on the kitchen team shares Wirecutter’s picks for the 18 best Trader Joe’s items, explains how TJ’s keeps prices low, and reveals why your favorite snack might disappear forever. She also gives insider tips on navigating seasonal drops and finding alternatives at local markets.

 

This episode covers:

• What’s actually worth buying at Trader Joe’s: After tasting over 70 snacks, frozen meals, and pantry staples, Antara Sinha shares Wirecutter’s top 18 picks—and why they stand out in a sea of seasonal gimmicks.
• How Trader Joe’s keeps prices low: Learn how the chain uses white-labeling and avoids slotting fees to make you feel like you’re getting gourmet products at bargain prices.
• Why your favorite item disappears without warning: We reveal the business strategy behind sudden product discontinuations (and how to spot them coming).
• The secret behind TJ’s cult following: Explore how the store’s “treasure hunt” vibe, quirky packaging, and rotating seasonal drops make grocery shopping feel like an event.
• How to stock up and find dupes: Insider tips on when to buy multiples, how to track seasonal launches, and what to do if your favorite Trader Joe's snack vanishes.

 

Products we recommend:

• A delicious rice roll from the freezer aisle: Trader Joe’s Kimbap
• A zingy, zesty tortilla chip reminiscent of Taki’s: Trader Joe’s Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
• A crowd-pleasing cheddar: Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese
• A plush cake for a birthday or any day: Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Ganache Mini Sheet Cake

 

Read about all the products Antara and the team liked best: 18 Best Trader Joe’s Foods: Our Favorite Things

 

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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