Trader Joe’s is certainly home to many delicious items. In fact, the internet is always buzzing over a tasty new condiment, dessert, or frozen meal. But with such a wide range of products on the shelves, not everything can be a hit with everyone. It’s only natural that some items are going to fail the taste test. Sometimes, users take to the Trader Joe’s subreddit to get the scoop on some of the worst-tasting TJ’s foods out there.
Below, we’re rounding up just a handful of the worst offenders on Trader Joe’s shelves, according to the good people of Reddit: Ranch Dressing, Watermelon Jerky, Cajun Alfredo Sauce, Dill Pickle Peanuts, and Greek Spirals.
1. Ranch Dressing
As a midwestern girl, ranch dressing is sacred to me. I also think it's hard to come by some truly bad ranch. But based on the comments on this Reddit post, I'm not taking my chances on the Trader Joe's variety. One comment states, "Their ranch dressing is seriously the worst thing I have ever eaten. I will sound like a broken record repeating this to save as many people as I can from buying it."
Many chimed in to disgust their own disgust. "Yes, thank you, their ranch dressing is AWFUL," someone confirmed.
Another comment warned that it "tastes like melted vanilla ice cream with dill."
"You’ve described it exactly how it tastes. I couldn’t find the right combinations of words to describe the depth of how terrible it is," one person confirmed. Gross!
2. Watermelon Jerky
I like my jerky made from beef, thank you very much. Okay, okay—there are a lot of decent fruit jerkies out there. But according to these Reddit users, the Watermelon Jerky from Trader Joe's isn't one of them.
"The watermelon jerky tasted like fish to me and made me gag," someone wrote.
A lot of people agreed, calling it "gnarly," "the worst thing I've tasted from TJ's," and "disgusting."
"It tasted like rotten watermelon," someone said.
One comment in particular takes the cake: "It made me want to cry."
Spare yourselves! Enjoy some healthy fresh fruit instead.
3. Cajun Alfredo Sauce
I love Cajun food, and I love Alfredo sauce, but Trader Joe's superfans warn against this combo. "The Cajun Alfredo sauce is a hate crime against both South Louisiana & Italy," one comment says.
"Yeah that got returned for me lol. Horrid stuff," someone responded.
In another Reddit post inquiring about the quality of this sauce, most reviews shared the same sentiment, with descriptors ranging from "disappointing" to "terrible."
We'll keep this one out of our pasta recipes, then.
4. Dill Pickle Peanuts
Trader Joe's typically puts out some delicious dill pickle-flavored products. And if you're a fan of pickles and of nuts, Dill Pickle Peanuts definitely don't sound too bad! Unfortunately, though, commenters warn that this snack falls flat.
"The Dill Pickle Peanuts, hands down the worst thing I've ever tried from TJs," reads one comment.
"This was my reply—so absolutely gross, by far the worst thing I’ve ever tried from there," someone replied. And let it be known that this comment isn't coming from pickle haters! "I love all the pickle things normally," they said.
If that's not enough to keep you away, maybe this comment will be: "My husband said these were like what he imagines a urinal cake would taste like. I completely agree."
In another Reddit thread, someone went as far as calling these "vile."
As tempted as I am, I'll probably skip this one.
5. Greek Cheese Spirals
Another Reddit post, which stated: "I want to try the absolute worst food item Trader Joe's sells. What is it?" compiled a few of the same responses. However, Redditors also shared some new warnings in the thread. One person advised against TJ's Greek Cheese Spirals.
Although we think Trader Joe's normally nails the international cuisine, it sounds like this Greek offering falls flat. "Took one bite and had to throw it away," the comment laments. "The dough was flavorless and not crunchy and the cheese has a strong smoked flavor. I was so excited for it too, I bought it as the main appetizer for the superbowl."
Another person concurred: "Surprisingly bad." Heard! We'll keep it out of our carts.
