This article has been updated since its initial publish date to include more items from the chain.
What’s not to love about Trader Joe’s? With so many unique, delicious snacks, frozen foods, and seasonings to choose from, it’s no wonder this grocery store has developed somewhat of a cult following. However, we can’t all be happy with everything they have to offer.
A few of the products you’ll find on their shelves are straight up bizarre—and while many of them will surprise you with how tasty they are, others simply fall flat in the flavor department. Below, we’ve put together a list of some of Trader Joes’ fanatics least favorite items in their favorite store. From “gummy” sushi to “bland” cereal, here are a few groceries you’re better off leaving on the shelf:
1. Pre-Made Sushi
Let's be honest: We could've predicted this one. Buying pre-made sushi from the grocery store is always risky (Costco customers seem to agree that the wholesale store's sushi also misses the mark), but still, we have high hopes for TJ's, and this product doesn't meet the store's standards. Trader Joe's fans at Real Simple describes the rice as "way too sweet" and the fish as "gummy at best." Say it ain't so! You're simply better off ordering takeout or trying your hand at rolling up some sushi at home.
2. Cauliflower Pizza Crust
While cauliflower pizza may be a great way to enjoy one of your favorite foods guilt-free, Trader Joe's shoppers recommend looking somewhere else for a good crust. On one hand, it's definitely one of the healthier options out there, coming in at just 80 calories. But unfortunately, it falls flat in the flavor department. Real Simple describes it as "gross and soggy," which is definitely not what we're in the mood for when we're craving pizza. They suggest opting for the Broccoli and Kale Crust for some better flavor.
3. Original Joe's O's Cereal
Typically, we love some good Trader Joe's cereal. Their granola? Delicious. Honey O's? Sign us up! But when it comes to the original, unflavored Joe's O's Cereal, we have to agree with the writers at Real Simple, who describe the OG version as having a "stale, dry texture and excessively bland flavor." Flavored Joe's O's, however, are perfectly tasty, so take your pick and succumb to the sugar content. We won't tell anyone.
4. Philly Cheesesteak Bao Buns
Trader Joe's is known for their superb frozen food section—the gnocchi! The macaroni and cheese! The Chicken Tikka Masala! However, with such a wide variety of cuisine, they're bound to miss the mark at some point. And miss the mark they did with the Philly Cheesesteak Bao Buns. We have to be honest: This combo doesn't sound great in the first place, and according to Real Simple, there's no reason to test that assumption. Luckily, TJ's has other, tastier dumplings on their repertoire to choose from.
5. Vitamins
According to Betty Gold of Real Simple, buying bottles of vitamins and supplements can be pricey, regardless of the store you purchase them from. However, she notes that Trader Joe's may be more expensive than other options. As an example, a 100-count bottle of vitamin B pills costs $5.99 at Trader Joe's but only $4.75 at Walgreens. To save money, Gold recommends looking for sales, coupons, or discounts at drugstores, Target, or local health food stores instead.
6. Wraps and Sandwiches
Gold also advises against the wraps and sandwiches section at Trader Joe's. While not necessarily due to taste, she writes for Real Simple that the reason is often consumers buying these wraps under the false belief that they are a healthy choice. However, Gold asserts that they are far from it. "The Turkey Club, Tarragon Chicken Salad, and Italian Style wraps all come in with around 700 calories and are packed with cold cuts and plenty of sodium," she writes.
In addition, CBS News reported that the Trader Joe's Turkey Pesto Sandwich packs in a calorie count that rivals that of a Big Mac, and boasts a whopping 1,900 milligrams of sodium. Shockingly, this single sandwich nearly surpasses the USDA's recommended daily sodium intake limit.
Instead, Gold recommends opting for the chain's Super Burrito.
In contrast to the Turkey Pesto sandwich, the Trader Joe's Super Burrito presents a much healthier alternative. Rich in quinoa, the burrito is fortified with sweet potatoes and kale, delivering an optimal dose of nutrients.
Good to know!
7. Brioche rolls
Trader Joe's certainly has bread galore. From sweet baked treats to simple sandwich bread, there's a lot to choose from. However, shoppers say you can narrow your options down by skipping the Brioche Rolls, because they tend to spoil quite quickly. In fact, Real Simple notes, that some have noticed mold after just one day. Yikes! Guess they're best left on the shelves.
8. Milk (including oat milk)
This one is mostly a matter of price, although some have also complained that Trader Joe's milk spoils faster than other brands. Ultimately, though, shoppers have noticed that TJ's milk, especially their organic and non-dairy milk is a bit more expensive than varieties you can find elsewhere. This is a break from the norm for the grocery store, as they're typically known for having some of the lowest prices around. However, in the case of milks, you're likely better off shopping at Whole Foods or your local run-of-the-mill grocer. (But let's be real: the Maple Oat Beverage is to die for, so sometimes the price is worth it).
