That's what Trader Joe's recently asked its customers in the 14th annual Trader Joe's Customer Choice Awards, which ranks the retailer's most popular items in nine different categories. This year, TJ's removed five longstanding contenders that won several times in multiple categories over the last 13 years. The specific products — which include Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken, Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets, Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar and Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo — are all celebrated in its Product Hall of Fame.
As for the results of the Customer Choice Awards, TJ's determined its nine winners based on votes from more than 18,000 customers. Here's the complete list of all the products and their respective categories:
The slightly spicy and tangy rolled chips, which are reminiscent of Takis, rightfully took home the top prize as TJ's best available product. Made from stone ground corn masa, the chips can be enjoyed as a stand-alone snack or alongside guacamole and hummus.
Runner-ups include TJ's Hashbrowns, Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings, Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend and pack of 4 Chocolate Croissants.
The chips also won the #1 Snack category. Trailing behind are TJ's Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers, Organic Corn Chip Dippers, World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs and Crunchy Curls.
Made from three simple ingredients — 100% Honeycrisp apple juice, water, and lots of carbonation — TJ's Sparkling Honeycrisp Apple Juice Beverage is a crisp and refreshing drink that's perfect as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Runner-ups include TJ's seasonal Triple Ginger Brew, Sparkling Peach Black Tea with Peach Juice, seasonal Sparkling Cranberry & Ginger Beverage and Non-Dairy Brown Sugar Oat Creamer.
Inspired by a classic British ploughman's lunch pairing of cheese and chutney (a sweet/savory condiment originating in India), TJ's Cheddar with Caramelized Onions is best enjoyed on crackers and rustic bread or in burgers and grilled cheese.
Other top-ranked TJ's cheeses include its Syrah Soaked Toscano, seasonal Baked Lemon Ricotta, Blueberry & Vanilla Chèvre and various brands of Brie.
It's no surprise that this TJ's staple secured the award for best entree after countless fans raved about the frozen meal on Reddit. The complete entree features fragrant Basmati rice and tender chicken chunks, coated in a satisfying curry made with crushed tomatoes, cream, onions, garlic, ginger and butter!
The runner-ups in the category include TJ's Chicken Tikka Masala (another popular pick on Reddit), Kung Pao Chicken, seasonal Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese and BBQ Teriyaki Chicken.
Trader Joe's seasonal scented candles are made with a paraben-free, soy-wax blend that's infused with fragrances and hand-poured into a lidded tin. The candles come in various scents, including Peony Blossom, Cedar Balsam, Honeycrisp Apple, Vanilla Pumpkin, and more.
Trailing behind the scented candles are TJ's Daily Facial Sunscreen, Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Cream, Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo & Conditioner and Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask.
You simply can't go wrong with Trader Joe's bananas! Whether your heart craves organic bananas or conventional bananas, TJ's prized produce are both affordable (the former is 25¢ each while the latter is 19¢ each) and tasty!
The runner-ups in the produce category include TJ's Teeny Tiny Avocados, Honeycrisp Apples, Brussels Sprouts and Organic Carrots of Many Colors.
This Trader Joe's handheld frozen dessert is lined with rich chocolate and filled with creamy ice cream — like Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Coffee Bean, Chocolate and more — that's then dipped in a chocolatey coating. A seasonal variation of the dessert is lined with chocolate, filled with Pumpkin Ginger ice cream and dipped in a white confectionary coating.
Runner-ups include TJ's Danish Kringle, Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches, Chocolate Lava Cakes and Brookie.
TJ's Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto is made with kale, cashew butter, and basil that's mixed together with olive oil, lemon juice, and water, then seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. The final condiment can be enjoyed as a spread, a sauce, a dip or, even, a marinade!
Other top contenders in the category include TJ's Vegetable Fried Rice, Beefless Bulgogi, Palak Paneer (a fan-favorite on Reddit!) and Cauliflower Gnocchi.
