Everything but the Meals: Top 10 Trader Joe’s Snacks, Ranked

Trader Joe’s meals are nothing but elite. From ready-made mac and cheese to microwaveable chicken tikka masala, Trader Joe’s has both range and quality to die for. Seasonal items like Honeycrisp Apple Scented Candles and Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s Sandwich Cookies are often too fleeting, yet impeccably designed to create a dedicated customer base coming back each year. Though the spotlight has primarily been on their innovative, convenient, and inexpensive frozen meals, Trader Joe’s snacks are equally worthy of recognition. Read on for ten of my personal pantry staple TJ’s snacks!

10. Mochi Ice Cream

A classic, with perfectly pliant mochi wrapped around velvety smooth ice cream. Updated with seasonal flavors too!

9. Scandinavian Swimmers

I sensed that I would get hate for not including this popular candy on a snack list. I personally prefer this to the Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers, as the sour dusting overwhelms the sweet gummy.

8. Crunchy Chili Onion

This is not strictly a snack, but it can be if you’re brave enough. I, for one, will eat this straight out of the can with a pair of chopsticks — which I understand is not a universal experience, but I am choosing to bring awareness to it regardless. This topping elevates many a microwave meal, from ramen to leftover pizza. Don’t believe me? Prove me wrong!

7. Lemon Bars

Jammy, zesty, and tart, these frozen lemon bars are a delicacy with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. The texture is exquisite, pairing the gooey lemon with buttery shortbread. This uniquely versatile treat can be enjoyed both frozen and heated!

6. Greek Strawberry Vanilla Yogurt

Yes, this is just plain yogurt, yet there’s something in the ingredients that makes them so satisfyingly creamy and sweet. These yogurt snacks are perfect as a quick on-the-go snack or breakfast for any late risers rushing to their 9 a.m., and the fruit chunks are delightfully fragrant.

5. Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars

The perfect snacking size, this seasonal holiday offering thrives in the not-too-sweet spot. As a neutral party in the mint chocolate chip debate, the mint flavor is refreshing without being overpowering.

4. Mini (Almost) Everything Bagel Sandwich Crackers

Contrary to the mouthful of a name, these crackers are cute and petite. I was wary of this wordy snack at first, but it was pleasantly cracker-forward, with a sour, cream cheese-adjacent filling. Despite their size, these pack a punch: As promised, each cracker tastes just like an everything bagel with cream cheese.

3. Dark Chocolate Bark with Almond, Pretzel & Sea Salt

This delicious snack displaces dark chocolate peanut butter cups for their complexity of flavor and combination of deep chocolate and crunchy, salty pretzels — a better take on the classic.

2. Organic Cacio e Pepe Puffs

Light and airy, the Cacio e Pepe puffs are dangerously addictive. Reminiscent of the shape of Pirate’s Booty, these puffs have a subtle and savory flavor.

1. White Truffle / Everything but the Bagel Seasoned Potato Chips

These two, though wildly different, are tied for first as similar chip products and some of the best snacks Trader Joe’s has to offer. While the heavily seasoned everything bagel chips deliver a strong, garlicky flavor on a crunchy, thick kettle chip, the white truffle chips are thin, delicate, and finely powdered with aromatic truffle. They provide very distinctive flavors but are equally delicious, perfect for late-night snacking or movie nights.

—Staff writer Emma E. Chan can be reached at emma.chan@thecrimson.com.