Trader Joe’s is renowned for its unique offerings and quirky products, but not every item has been a hit with customers—or employees. From bizarre flavor combinations to products that missed the mark, employees have seen it all. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most notorious items ever sold at Trader Joe’s, as recounted by those who work behind the scenes. Whether you’re a loyal fan or a curious shopper, keep reading to discover which products have left a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons.
1. Ketchup Sprinkles
One of the most popular responses on a Reddit discussion on the topic was Ketchup Sprinkles. According to employees Ketchup Flavored Sprinkle Seasoning Blend "doesn't even sound good in theory," and another chimed in to say that their coworkers were trying to decipher what use anyone might have for it.
"Someone suggested it might work for backpacking, but honestly, I think I'd steal some fast food individual serving packages rather than use that. If I want ketchup—I'll use ketchup."
2. Watermelon Jerky
Similarly popular among employees in terms of the worst item at Trader Joe's is the Watermelon Jerky. "Easily the worst," one person commented, receiving 81 upvotes.
"The texture was just...wrong," one person agreed, and another added, "just nasty!"
"I second this, AWFUL!" said a fourth, and a fifth said, "Smelled and tasted like wet hay!" Safe to say we'll be staying away!
3. Cinna-Dragons
A gummy candy that's not unlike a Hot Tamale or a shot of Fireball in taste, this was another unpopular item among employees. "The cinna-dragons are my nemesis," one employee wrote. "Just like, I already don't like cinnamon candy that much but they are so gooey and that artificial fireball cinnamon taste..." They added a few barf emojis, too, for good measure.
"These stuck to my teeth so horribly," another agreed. "I hate them too."
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4. Omelets
The Omelets at Trader Joe's are no longer available for purchase, but according to employees, it's for good reason. "The omelets are awful," one wrote. "They might be the worst thing we have ever carried. 4 thin egg circles folded in half with American cheese inside. Disgusting."
"I vaguely remember these," another wrote. "I feel like they were only on shelves for like a month before being discontinued—they were that bad."
5. Beef Pho
This Vietnamese-inspired pre-made noodle dish might be one of the least-liked items at the 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," added another.
6. Pickle-Flavored Hard Seltzer
One employee felt pretty strongly about this one, writing on Reddit, "I'm surprised the pickle hard seltzer isn't getting more upvotes. Almost immediately recalled due to it smelling like a rancid egg fart and tasting almost as bad."
"This pickle stuff is going too far and needs to stop," another agreed. Perhaps pickle-flavored things can end with food?
7. Vegan Shepherd's Pie
Another item that was mentioned a few times is the Vegan Shepherd's Pie. "I tried it with my vegan coworker," one employee tried. "I told her she deserved better and made her a delicious homemade one."
A second comment reads, "This one was literally uneatable—not only did I throw it away, but I didn't eat dinner that night because I lost my appetite all together."
8. Protein Cheese Bites
"Those protein cheese bites," one employee wrote on Reddit. "They are the worst product I've ever had at my store. It tastes so bland and it's not worth the macros in my opinion." Fortunately, these are also on the discontinued-without-plans-to-come-back list, because another employee had an even worse review: "These were so bad, I tried to feed them to my dog, and even he didn't want it. And he eats poop!"
9. Pickle Peanuts
Another pickle item made it's way onto this list, but at least this one is a food and not a beverage. Although, according to employees, it might've been just as bad. "Honestly those pickle peanuts taste like straight up bleach," one Reddit user shared.
And another seconded this notion, writing, "As a pickle person, those pickle peanuts are a disgrace to pickle people."
10. Mushroom Mochi
Of all the items on this list, this one is perhaps the one we have the most questions about. When ordering a sweet dough pocket of creamy ice cream, why would anyone ever want it to be mushroom flavored? The reviews from employees are as expected: "the Mushroom Mochi was inedible," one person wrote.
"Honestly, I have no words," another said. "I refused to stock these—I literally made my coworker do it because I would be able to live with myself if I encouraged anyone to eat these."
11. Vegan Mac & Cheese
And finally, unfortunately another vegan item has made the list. Sometimes, you just can't make a vegan version of something taste as good as the original, and Mac & Cheese is one of those things. "That vegan mac we sold for a while," one employee wrote. "Awful noodles in yellowish water with no flavor whatsoever."
Another added, "and that hint of coconut flavor really hammers home that I-just-barfed-in-my-mouth taste." We'll be sticking with Annie's, thank you very much!
