Get All Access for $5/mo

These Are the 9 Best Trader Joe's Products, According to Customers — Plus Why Some Former Winners No Longer Top the List More than 18,000 responses rolled in, ranking items across nine categories.

By Amanda Breen Edited by Jessica Thomas

Michael Nagle | Getty Images

If you were to spend the rest of your life on a deserted island, which Trader Joe's products would you take with you?

The grocery store chain asked its customers that question in its 14th annual survey ranking its most popular products across nine categories — and more than 18,000 responses followed, according to a post published by the company.

Founded by Joe Coulombe in Pasadena, California in 1967, Trader Joe's now counts more than 500 stores across the U.S., per VinePair, and continues to maintain its Tiki aesthetic and customer-centric reputation.

Related: Trader Joe's is Renaming International Products After Petition Calls Out Racist Branding

This year, five items that won many times over in previous rankings were transitioned to the Product Hall of Fame, which includes fan favorites like Mandarin Orange Chicken, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and Soy Chorizo.

Check out the top product in each category below, along with the four runners-up in voting order:

No. 1 overall (and No. 1 in the snack category): Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

Runners-up:

2. TJ's Hashbrowns
3. Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
4. Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
5. 4 Chocolate Croissants

No. 1 beverage: Sparkling Honeycrisp Apple Juice Beverage

Runners-up:

2. Triple Ginger Brew (seasonal)
3. Sparkling Peach Black Tea with Peach Juice
4. Sparkling Cranberry & Ginger Beverage (seasonal)
5. Non-Dairy Brown Sugar Oat Creamer

No. 1 cheese: Cheddar with Caramelized Onions

Runners-up:

2. Syrah Soaked Toscano
3. Baked Lemon Ricotta (seasonal)
4. Blueberry & Vanilla Chèvre
5. Brie (various)

No. 1 entree: Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

Runners-up:

2. Chicken Tikka Masala
3. Kung Pao Chicken
4. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese (seasonal)
5. BBQ Teriyaki Chicken

No. 1 household: Scented candles

Runners-up:

2. Daily Facial Sunscreen
3. Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Cream
4. Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo & Conditioner
5. Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask

No. 1 produce: Bananas

Runners-up:

2. Teeny Tiny Avocados
3. Honeycrisp Apples
4. Brussels Sprouts
5. Organic Carrots of Many Colors

No. 1 snack: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

Runners-up:

2. Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers
3. Organic Corn Chip Dippers
4. World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs
5. Crunchy Curls

No. 1 sweet/dessert: Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones

Runners-up:

2. Danish Kringle (various)
3. Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches
4. Chocolate Lava Cakes
5. Brookie

No. 1 vegan/vegetarian: Kale & Cashew Pesto

Runners-up:

2. Vegetable Fried Rice
3. Beefless Bulgogi
4. Palak Paneer
5. Cauliflower Gnocchi

Related: The Secret to Trader Joe's Success? Embracing This Japanese Business Strategy

Amanda Breen

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Features Writer

Amanda Breen is a senior features writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate of Barnard College and received an MFA in writing at Columbia University, where she was a news fellow for the School of the Arts.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Growing a Business

How to Spot Trends and Anticipate Market Shifts Before Your Competition

Discover how to identify disruptive trends before your competitors by mastering the art of anticipating market shifts. Learn strategies for staying ahead and gaining a competitive edge in business.

Leadership

As a Leader, Take These 5 Steps to Bridge the Gap Between Innovation and Execution

Companies that want to turn ideas into action must align their people and listen to their customers.

Business News

Macy's CEO Confirms Employee Made Accounting Errors Worth $151 Million, Though Not for 'Personal Gain'

The company announced its third-quarter earnings Wednesday after a delay.

Business News

Apple Is Adding ChatGPT to iPhones This Week. Here's How It Works.

ChatGPT will take over questions that Siri can't answer.

Franchise

McDonald's Announces the Return of the Snack Wrap in 2025 — Here's What to Expect From Its Comeback

The decision comes after years of persistent customer demand for the portable snack, which debuted nearly two decades ago.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.