While Trader Joe’s is known for their unique pre-made frozen meals and extensive flower selection, some of the grocery store chain’s house-brand products just aren’t worth the buy. Some dedicated TJ’s fans have taken it upon themselves to “warn” us about which items we should leave behind on our next shopping trip.
1. Beef Pho Soup
This Vietnamese-inspired pre-made noodle dish might be one of the least-liked items at the Californian-based grocery store. One Reddit user said they bought it once "took one bite and trashed it." Another user commented on the chain titled, "Beef Pho Soup – would not buy again" saying: "Worse than any instant ramen."
I myself have fallen victim to the convenience of this frozen soup and I would not buy it again.
2. Meat
There is little talk surrounding TJ's "fresh" items because most people go to the store to stock up on their favorite snacks and quick meals. However, if you frequent the outside perimeter of the store, you might be paying more money than you need to when you buy meat.
"I never buy red meat at Trader Joe's," one Reddit user said. "It's one of the most expensive things to buy."
The store's Organic Ground Beef 85/15 is $7.49/pound compared to $6.36/pound at Walmart. TJ's Choice Premium Angus Beef Flank Steak is $14.99/pound compared to $11.99/pound at Target.
3. Most TJ's Gummy Candy (Except For The Scandinavian Swimmers, Of Course)
Everyone knows the Scandinavian Swimmers are a TJ's must-buy, but have you ever had any of their other gummy candy? Users flooded the comments of a Trader Joe's candy drawer rating video, saying "the sour scandinavian swimmers are their only good candy imo."
The creator's original video was captioned "i would never call myself a picky eater but this mightve changed me into one." Another user added under the post, "I love TJ's but their gummy candies are SO disappointing 0/10."
4. Pre-Sliced Bread
While Trader Joe's has an extensive selection of baked goods, some customers complain that their pre-sliced bread is often "stale" and "flavorless." One Reddit user shared that when they bought bread from the popular grocery store it "has gone moldy within 1-2 days of purchase." Another user added, "TJ's bakery goods are always a firm pass for me."
Other users shared that a simple fix for this common issue is to put the loaves in the fridge or freezer when you get your groceries home.
5. Ground Coffee
One TikTok creator took to their platform to share that "every [TJ's] ground coffee flavor" they have ever tried has been "burnt tasting" and "bitter." Users in the comments shared their thoughts, one commenter agreed saying: "Bad coffee for sure."
One commenter suggested the Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate for a tastier cup of joe from TJ's.
6. Produce
Trader Joe's customers seem to share a similar concern about the store's produce as they do with the bread offered. While fruit freshness depends on the season, some Reddit users said they "never buy produce from TJ's" under a post where a customer's berries went moldy after just one day.
However, some users added that if you go into the store with a picture of your molded fruit, they should issue a refund to remedy the issue.
7. Organic Mayonnaise
Mayo is already an acquired taste and when you eat anything but Hellman's, you are taking a risk (in my humble opinion). Trader Joe's customers are still upset that the company discontinued their "real" mayonnaise. The store now carries Organic Mayonnaise that "is not as good" according to one Reddit user. The user even shared they would rather make their mayo than eat TJ's organic spread.
8. TJ's Cereal
There is an unspoken "rule" when it comes to Trader Joe’s – you will almost always need to stop at a second store on the way home for some of the basics you missed out on. While some customers like some of the cereals offered (like the Vanilla Almond Clusters), most of the cereals seem to fall a little short.
"I got the Cinnamon Toast Crunch and it tasted like cinnamon toast cardboard," one Reddit user said in a Trader Joe’s thread.
A TikTok creator made a comedic video about the store's cereal selection. One commenter added that the "worst part about Trader Joes is having to go to a regular grocery store after shopping."
9. Frozen Kimchi And Tofu Soup
Last (but certainly not least), another Asian-inspired frozen soup dish made the list of what to avoid from TJ's endless selection of unique frozen meals. A creator took to TikTok to share what a Trader Joe's employee labeled as one of the "worst-selling items." Upon trying the soup, he rated it a 2/10 because of "overcooked" kimchi and sugar that was "messing up everything."
