It’s been 50 years, almost to the day, since Trader Joe’s opened its first location in Pasadena, California on Arroyo Parkway. The grocery chain has since ballooned to a tiny empire, maintaining 467 locations spread over 41 states. The company’s gone all out to mark its semicentennial, offering in-store product tastings and giveaways this weekend.
Last week, the chain devoted its Fearless Flyer newsletter to a list of some of its favorite products throughout this five-decade history. The company polled its “Customers and Crew” (both constituencies are, for some reason, capitalized within the Trader Joe’s style guide) to compile this list, reaching back through its library of products.
Read this list, if anything, as a small snapshot into the way the chain has sustained itself through this past half-century and built on its brand ethos, rolling out products at the nexus between innovation and affordability. The list is quarantined into separate categories—beverages, produce and flowers, refrigerated products, “supplements and such,” et cetera—and accompanied by abridged histories of each product. Some categories, like bakery, are sparse, with merely one entry; others, like snacks & sweets, are comparatively bountiful.
It’s a list of “about 50,” Fearless Flyer claims; I count 56. Conspicuous by its absence? Cauliflower pizza crust, that revered frozen staple. I bet you'll spot many more of your favorites that didn't make the list. Tough luck. There's always 2067.
Bakery
Beverages
- Brewed Ginger Beer
- Cold Pressed Matcha Green Tea Lemonade
- Organic French Roast Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
- Organic Tea & Lemonade
- Red Refresh Herbal Tea
- Unsweetened Golden Oolong Tea
Cheese
Frozen
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Gluten Free Cheese Pizza
- Hold the Cone!
- Mandarin Orange Chicken
- Mango & Sticky Rice Spring Rolls
- Premium Wild Salmon Burgers
- Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches
Grocery
- Corn & Chile Salsa
- Green Dragon Hot Sauce
- Organic Midnight Moo
- Organic Purple Maize Flakes
- Organic Sriracha & Roasted Garlic BBQ Sauce
- Organic Toaster Pastries
- Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Seasoning Salt
Produce & Flowers
Refrigerated Products
- All Natural Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Thighs
- Bruschetta Sauce
- Carne Asade Autentica
- Mediterranean Hummus
- Mozzarella & Tomato Salad
- Spatchcocked Chicken
- Whole Milk Mango Kefir
Snacks & Sweets
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
- Dress Circle Crispy Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Everything Pretzel Slims
- Five Seed Almond Bars
- Gochujang Almonds
- Just Mango Slices
- Organic Corn Chips
- Peanut Butter Pretzels
- Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips
- Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn
- Sea Salt & Sugar Dark Chocolate Almonds
- Triple Ginger Snaps
Supplements & Such
Wine & Beer
- Drive Thru Red Dry Hopped Red Ale
- Secco Mango Mangocini
- TJ's Grand Reserve Chardonnay Santa Lucia
- TJ's Highland Single Malt Scotch Bourbon
- TJ's Petit Reserve Meritage Paso Robles 2014
- Wish Flower White Wine
Spy anything that didn't make the list? Make your voice heard in the comments.
On Black & Highly Flavored, co-hosts Derek Kirk and Tamara Celeste shine a light on the need-to-know movers and shakers of our food & beverage industry.
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Written by: Mayukh Sen
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82 Comments
Nance
August 28, 2017
Since I'm a 3+ hr. drive from any T.J.'s :( , I don't stock up on perishables. My favorite shampoo is their Tea Tree Tingle. It's so aromatic that I'd bet it could be used to banish lice.
Tracy B.
August 28, 2017
I miss the small thin spinach pizzas that used to be in the deli section where pizza dough now lives. You jsut added some leftovers and cheese and you had pizza in 5 minutes!
Robin
September 12, 2021
I know it was pathetically lazy to like this, but for a while they carried precooked frozen plain pasta...when one is exhausted, recuperating, elder etc, no need to wrestle with big heavy pots of water and risk of burns...wish they'd bring that back...
Bee
August 27, 2017
Huh. I don't know what it means that not ONE single item that I buy from Trader Joe's is listed. ~shrug~ All I can say is, "Thank Goodness that they carry other items to entice me and have me continue to drive 180 miles round trip to buy 3 months worth of their products before I repeat the drive when I run out! LOL I am bonkers over their frozen meals, especially Thai and Indian. LOVE their Coconut Yogurt and the Watermelon Beverage Drink. So many other items to list, but why bother? I just know that they fill an important void in the Grocery World of Dullness and Same-same choices.
Robin
September 12, 2021
wow...that's a schlep! I drive 1.5 hours to get to the nearest Wegmans LOL! Not to worry my favorites are not listed either, but I will not mention them for fear they will run out!
kittyfood
August 26, 2017
I have been shopping at Trader Joe's for 40 years, starting with the original store in Pasadena and later at stores in Phoenix and now, hallelujah, in the New Orleans area. I was surprised to find that the only product on the list that I buy regularly is the chocolate sea salt almonds, although the peanut butter pretzels are also a classic. Most of the products mentioned have been introduced quite recently. My favorites have always included olive oil and cheese, the selections of which vary over time. The Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar is a staple in our house, as well as the Dark Chocolate Honey Grahams, and I always buy the plain whole milk greek yogurt. My husband loves the organic ketchup. The lure of TJ's is the discovery of new products as well as finding the basics. Many times we have come to love a TJ's product only to have it discontinued (it looks like the green chile chicken burritos have now joined this group). I advise people that if they find something they like they should buy a lot of it, for two reasons: Either it will be shown to be a good seller and TJ's will continue to stock it, or if it disappears, at least you will have your own supply for a while.
Lisa S.
August 25, 2017
I can't get enough of the chocolate covered marshmallows. And I eat the Multigrain Blend of Vegetables (frozen( almost every day- I add different protein to it and stir fry it all up- so delicious- and every bite is a bit different!!
Martha E.
August 25, 2017
The pumpkin shaped truffles are a fantastic fall/Thanksgiving treat and a superb little hostess gift. Very reasonably priced, but get them early they sell out quickly. LOVE this store
Deb
August 25, 2017
Hands down the best is the 1.7 lb bars of Belgium chocolate. Dark with almonds is my favorite.
Jane F.
August 24, 2017
Isn't Trader Joe's owned by the same company that owns Aldi's? A German company if I am not mistaken. I do not get to shop there often as my closest one is more than an hour away. however, always love the experience.
susan R.
August 24, 2017
So upset that their Jumbo Black Raisins were discontinued (they were unbelievable), also love their Dried Peaches, The Raisin Pecan Crackers, The no guilt pita chips, Fire Roasted Corn (frozen) great for corn bread, Roasted Red Pepper Soup (Surprised that didnt make it), Corn BREAD mix is a must!!) My dog loves their peanut butter treats and their Pecan Praline Granola
Robin
September 12, 2021
You REALLY like your raisins...have to tell you that my mom is having a GI tract issue that hospice people are concerned about and I made it clear I prefer to deal with it by diet. So we have tried Maida Heatter's bran muffins with success and also chocolate covered raisins (imagine those jumbo ones you spoke of!...they should do that and bring them back. Mom even with dementia can't be fooled...she is sucking the chocolate off and spitting the raisins out!
CarolynJ
August 24, 2017
Their Chicken Cesar Salad and Edamame Kale salad are my weekly staples. I know for a fact that their Chicken Cesar is a best seller because TJ employees have told me so. I also go for nuts, dried apricots (and other dried fruit), and high quality olive oil.
Paula
August 26, 2017
Absolutely agree about the Chicken Cesar Salad! It's to die for! My other favs are the Organic Jalapeno Limeade and "Just the Clusters" Almond and Ginger cereal. I could live in that store! :-)
Nancy
August 24, 2017
Did anyone else discover the 3-pack of salt body scrubs last Christmas??? Favorite was the ylang-ylang, which smelled heavenly. REALLY hope it comes back this Christmas!!! And the chocolate dipped Joe-Joes…
kittyfood
August 26, 2017
Oh yes, those chocolate dipped candy cane Joe-Joes! We only allow ourselves one box of those each season (along with several boxes of the non-dipped candy cane Joe-Joes!).
Ellen
August 24, 2017
I would be devastated if they discontinued the Israeli feta. I love their avocados, hot smoked wild salmon, Belgian endive (could be fresher), Modena vinegar, buffalo butter. organic Kalamata olives.
Mb
August 24, 2017
I completely agree....the Pastures of Eden Israeli feta is sublime.....and out of stock this week at my TJ's....sent me into a small panic....
Robin
September 12, 2021
Noticed last night it seems the wild smoked salmon has gone up in price, but I can't imagine still where you'd find that for less!
Gwen
August 24, 2017
Yes the feta from Israel and the dark chocolate peanut butter, salted caramel truffles! besides all the other stuff that's been mentioned. Our Trader Joe's is about a 40 minute drive away so I don't get this stuff often :-(
Carolyn C.
August 24, 2017
None of our favorites made the list, i.e.,German Breakfast Sausage, discontinued; Soya Creamer; Chicken Verda; multi vit w/antioxidants, discontinued; Herbs de Provence; Smoke; Golden BBQ Sauce; Coal; and so many more
Inge B.
August 24, 2017
there is much more than that! don't bother to go on their website and write to them. You get this cute little robot response that they did get your e-mail and then you never hear from them again! My biggest pet peeve!
kittyfood
August 26, 2017
I once got a real response when the dark chocolate sea salt almonds disappeared for a few months. I wrote a desperate plea and received assurance that they would reappear, and eventually they did.
Crystal
August 24, 2017
Thanks for all the suggestions ! I am looking forward to my next trip. I Always keep a back up jar of their Roasted Garlic and Onion Jam. It is wonderful on all kinds of things. We use it on different sandwich wraps, cheese and crackers or veggie trays with cream cheese, grilled chicken, roast beef, etc, etc......
JoAnne L.
August 24, 2017
LOVE their Organic Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce and their Brown Rice Pasta! Also a huge fan of their Organic Reduced Sugar Apricot Preserves!
Rebecca R.
August 24, 2017
The feta from Israel!!! green and yellow pkg - AWESOME, whole grain baguette, beets in vinaigrette, roasted sliced almonds(more like julienne)
Cindy
August 24, 2017
Love, love love the Rosemary and Raisin crackers, wonderful with goat cheese for an easy app! Also, the frozen spinach dip (my mom always asks me where I got it), the red shrimp from Argentina are the BEST, I don't buy anything else, and so reasonable! Agree with the dark chocolate PB cups and would add the caramel sea salt chocolate bar. Seasonal Candy Cane green tea is amazing and was a Godsend to my friend who was undergoing chemo a few years ago-the ONLY thing that would help her nausea!! Love TJ's!! Plus the staff is amazing!!!
scoot87501
August 24, 2017
Some years ago when they dropped the Muffaletta in jars they broke my heart!!!!!
scapwell
August 24, 2017
You'll be pleased to know they have this again. I bought a jar just last month and it was wonderful!
Richard B.
August 24, 2017
Really??!! The Muffaletta was our FAVORITE. I hope they have it at our TJ's in Central NY (learned once that west coast/east coast products can be different).
eirroc
August 24, 2017
I'm also in central ny. Recently can no longer get my light champagne vinaigrette. They said "problems with manufacturer" but to me that's code for discontinued. We have a smaller selection here than many TJs I've been to. Hope another one opens soon; 40 mins each way is so far.
scapwell
August 25, 2017
I found it at one of the TJ's in Austin. But they all *mostly* have similar stock, yeah? I've noted little difference between this one, the ones I've shopped at in Oregon, as well as in Phoenix. :) Here's hoping they have it up in NY!
Natalie R.
August 24, 2017
Mochi nuggets are my latest addiction! They taste like buttered popcorn, but have an even more addicting texture and incredible crunch. mmmm.
Candy C.
August 24, 2017
I have so many favorites, but, dark chocolate covered raspberry jelly candy tops the list. They don't carry it any more, but it was so good! And I Love their low fat string cheese. It's the best!
SophieL
August 24, 2017
My favorites: wild sockeye smoked salmon, dark chocolate cocoa nibs, kerrygold unsalted butter, tangerine juice, diced prosciutto, rack of lamb, peanut butter pretzels, frozen roasted corn, blue cheese stuffed green olives, corn and chili salsa, seeded baguette, wild arugula, and the list goes on...
SophieL
August 24, 2017
Forgot to add: candied pecans, hand-made tortillas, peppermint joe-joes, heirloom multi-colored cherry tomatoes. And I just wrote down a list of the other favorites mentioned here and heading to TJs now!
Robin
September 12, 2021
Oh goody! although maybe the walnuts are healthier I was shopping for ingredients for a waldorf chicken salad and succumbed to the candied pecans which were less expensive last night!
Shannon
August 24, 2017
Usually a seasonal fave, the Sipping Chocolate. Can't wait until it's back!! And I miss the sweet potato rounds, made it easy to measure single servings for nutrition plan ratios. But the sipping chocolate is amazing.
Robin
September 12, 2021
A locally owned bakery/cafe here is doing "frozen hot chocolate" I wonder how the sipping chocolate would be that way. I thought they put it in a blender with ice and made a slushie out of it, but because of what someone said a few weeks ago, I think they just pour the hot chocolate over ice!
sandy L.
August 24, 2017
Ciabatta rolls are amazing. Heat at 350 for a few minutes - chewy, crusty, delicious! Dolma also fantastic.
Inge B.
August 24, 2017
Love Trader Joe's! shop there most of the time! The only problem I have, that they suddenly discontinue items that I buy there all the time! They used to have this great frozen pastry dough! it's gone! several wonderful cheeses! gone! that red spinach! gone too! that wonderful hot sauce with no sodium...yes, you guessed it! And please, bring this Tuscan whole wheat bread back....
Teresa W.
August 24, 2017
Their mango tea bags make an amazing cup of iced tea! Plus their melatonin is the best for taking every night to help sleep (plus TJs taste the best of any we've ever tried).
Judith P.
August 24, 2017
Well, I would have to add their frozen croissants that you allow to proof overnight--almond; chocolate; plain mini's; their cold-pressed watermelon juice; extra-sharp New York cheddar; Korean scallion pancakes; frozen baby peas; pork pot-stickers; braided challah (best French toast ever!); lime popsicles (haven't seen in a while); they used to carry one-ounce bars of Valrhona chocolate--perfect for pot de crème! Spanish extra-virgin olive oil; dishwasher cubes work better than the "big brands" I used to buy at chain grocery stores; Kerrygold unsalted butter for less than a king's ransom; blood-orange Italian soda; pineapple juice in cool little cans; prosciutto. thanks, Trader Joe's!
kathy F.
August 24, 2017
Humus is the best anywhere. If we ever get a TJ's in Huntsville Al I'll be
first in line!
first in line!
CM
August 22, 2017
Soy creamer, potato and lentil curls, frozen tamales, goat cheese medallions, Pound Plus chocolate bars, shelf stable whipping cream, Everything But the Bagel seasoning blend, honey oatmeal soap, Speculoos cookies, and more!
creamtea
August 22, 2017
South African Smoke spice blend (seasonal and available NOW--grab it while you can)
the ice cream bonbons
The Single Origin baking chocolate available around the hoidays
Any seasonal small-batch specialty coffee beans (in the sealed bags--not the regular blends)
the shredded fresh cabbage for instant slaw
the ice cream bonbons
The Single Origin baking chocolate available around the hoidays
Any seasonal small-batch specialty coffee beans (in the sealed bags--not the regular blends)
the shredded fresh cabbage for instant slaw
Teresa F.
August 22, 2017
Seedy little cookies. Sesame seeds, honey (I think) and cranberries are in there along with other goodies. I loved those things and can't find them anywhere.
Robin
September 12, 2021
Don't blame me if you get hooked, but there's some place south, maybe Georgia or one of he Carolinas, and there is a cookie company...escaping my brain right now...darn it...Bird's? But they make a sesame cookie and I think they are also known as Bene Wafers...I think I tried TJ's and they were very similar....
Robin
September 12, 2021
Looked it up, per my other comment, I was right, but spelled it wrong..it's BYRD's.
garlic&lemon
August 21, 2017
I can't believe that 2 buck Chuck did not make the list (Red and White)! Maybe it is only a best seller in California. I did my internship in a clinic in Pasadena in 1987, so I visited the Arroyo Seco store quite often for frozen lunch entrees or snacks for meetings. I didn't know anyone who didn't eat wasabi peas, tamari almonds, peanut butter pretzels, or dried mango from TJ. They were the first to sell whole coffee beans from lots of different countries.
BerryBaby
August 21, 2017
I've been shopping at Trader Joe's for years and from this list have only bought the puffed pastry. Frozen French Onion soup, Kung Poa Chicken, chicken Pot Pie, lasagna, one Pound Plus 72% Dark Chocolate bars, dried strawberries, fresh wedge cut of Parmesan cheese, wedge of swiss cheese, canned diced tomatoes, frozen peas and the list goes on!
Great store and friendly employees.
Great store and friendly employees.
Jeannie S.
August 21, 2017
I miss their Pepper jelly. It was the best! They decided to not carry it anymore. :(
melissa
August 21, 2017
they used to have frozen soy nuggets that i lived on, but then they changed the formula! the peanut butter preztels are a guilty pleasure of mine too. i am glad to see the gingersnaps on the list. their molasses cookies from the bakery section are great too.
ErinM724
August 21, 2017
Are you talking about the ones that had whole edamame beans in them? They were SO GOOD!
Chocolate B.
August 21, 2017
I so miss TJ's Chocolate Ganache Torte. When I had to fix a meal at the last minute for unexpected guests, I would trot down to T.J.'s and snatch one of them up. If time allowed, I would fancy them up with drizzled white chocolate. Shoot. Now I'm missing those tortes more than ever.
Mckenzie
August 21, 2017
Cauliflower rice!! I use it weekly for grain bowls – my TJ's is often out of it, it's so popular.
HalfPint
August 21, 2017
Yeah, I would like to add to the list:
-TJ's Sipping Chocolate Mix which is seasonal, I think.
-Puff Pastry (it's actually made with butter!)
-Whole Milk Plain Greek-Style yogurt. Tastes like I'm in Europe.
-Parmesan Pastry Pups
-TJ's Sipping Chocolate Mix which is seasonal, I think.
-Puff Pastry (it's actually made with butter!)
-Whole Milk Plain Greek-Style yogurt. Tastes like I'm in Europe.
-Parmesan Pastry Pups
hardlikearmour
August 22, 2017
Their jars of tart cherries are really good and affordable. Great for cherry pie or cobbler.
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