
Trader Joe’s is known for affordable staples, but prices and taste can vary by product. However, some items earn the top spots for value and flavor, according to TJ super fans.
According to the 17th Annual Customer Choice Awards Winners, here are Trader Joe’s top five items under five dollars the middle class needs to buy — and what makes them worth it.

Steamed Pork and Ginger Soup Dumplings
- Price: $3.49
Ginger lovers who crave a kick of pungent, spicy heat can’t ask for a better-tasting dumpling. Trader Joe’s six-ounce steamed pork and ginger soup dumplings are perfect as an appetizer, in soup or as a main dish when you’re craving a light meal. Just heat in the microwave for two minutes.
See Next: 12 Costco Deals for 2026 To Grab as Soon as Possible
Read This: 6 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

Protein Pancakes
- Price: $3.79
Trader Joe’s protein pancakes give you a dose of 20 grams of protein to get you going in the morning– or any time of day. They’re ideal for folks with wheat allergies, since they’re gluten-free. A real inflation-fighter at less than four dollars.

Teeny Tiny Avocados
- Price: $3.99
Sometimes good things come in small packages. These teeny tiny avocados are Hass avocados with a yummy, buttery flavor, available in the perfect-sized package and price. Eat just one with a sprinkle of salt — or toss a couple into a salad or your favorite tacos. Less than four dollars for a bag of six at Trader Joe’s.

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Price: $3.79
This sumptuous dip (yes, we’ve tasted it) has the ideal blend of spinach and artichoke flavor mixed with fresh herbs and spices. Serve creamy spinach and artichoke dip from Trader Joe’s with everything from tortilla chips to pita bread or crackers paired with apple slices. It’s a hit when you’re hosting a dinner with friends and family — and no one will know you didn’t make it yourself when served in a bowl.

Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Price: $4.99
Trader Joe’s sublime ice cream sandwiches are a unique blend of cookies and vanilla ice cream, rolled in semi-sweet chocolate chips –not your typical ice cream sandwich found in most grocery store freezers. Prepared to kosher standards.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
More From GOBankingRates
- 5 Luxurious Winter Clothing Items You Can Find at Costco for Less
- 6 Little Luxuries You Can Buy at Dollar Tree in February
- 9 Low-Effort Ways to Make Passive Income (You Can Start This Week)
- 3 Reasons Retired Boomers Shouldn't Give Their Kids a Living Inheritance (And 2 Reasons They Should)
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Trader Joe’s Items Under $5 the Middle Class Needs To Buy, According to Superfans