Trader Joe’s is a pretty universally loved grocery store. In addition to some of the lowest prices around when it comes to produce and everyday essentials, this quirky chain is also stocked with some of the most unique food items you won’t find anywhere else, from delicious ice creams to innovative frozen foods. However, with such a wide selection, it’s only natural for TJ’s to miss the mark every now and then.
Not every item can be a best-selling or best-tasting one—even at Trader Joe’s. And if you’re a frequent shopper at the store, it helps to know which options are better left on the shelf. Luckily, the Trader Joe’s subreddit offers a wealth of knowledge (and opinions). One poster on r/TraderJoes asked fellow Redditors to chime in on “the most disgusting thing you’ve had from TJ’s,” and people did not hold back. Check out a few of the worst options out there, straight from the mouths (er, keyboards) of shoppers, below.
Redditors weigh in on worst Trader Joe's items
After having a less-than-favorable experience with "disgusting" Trader Joe's Saucy Scallops and Mushrooms—which they described as "the scallops with mushroom peas and cheese sauce thing," Reddit user BeansNWings94 took to the Trader Joe's subreddit to ask others which products they hate. Although they had never previously been disappointed in a TJ's product, it seems they're not alone in being let down by at least one food from the beloved store.
1. Watermelon Jerky
One person aired their grievances with one specific dried fruit: "The watermelon jerky tasted like fish to me and made me gag."
Others chimed in to echo that this product is "gnarly," "tasted like rotten watermelon," and is even a "#1 TJ's most hated item." Um, noted!
2. Ranch Dressing
And although Trader Joe's usually nails it in the condiment department (you haven't lived 'till you've tried their Creamy Vegan Dill Dressing, if you ask us), many people have a bone to pick with Joe for his ranch dressing. "Their ranch dressing is seriously the worst thing I have ever eaten," one comment reads. "I will sound like a broken record repeating this to save as many people as I can from buying it."
"It’s an atrocity to ranch everywhere," another agreed.
3. Pho
It seems the Pho is another public enemy. According to one commenter, it "tasted like dirty water." Gross!
Someone else begged the question: "How can this abomination stay on the shelves for so long?" Guess we'll skip that next time we're craving a good soup...
4. Honey Walnut Shrimp
Plus, while we tend to love many of the frozen foods at Trader Joe's, not all of them can be as tasty as the rest. It seems such is the case with their frozen Honey Walnut Shrimp. "The sauce was so bad. I ended up just eating the shrimp plain," reads one comment.
"The sauce is atrocious," another agreed.
5. Garlic Sauce Thai Noodle Bowls
Then there's the Garlic Sauce Thai Noodle Bowls, which one shopper calls "HORRID."
Another agreed that these are the "worst thing hands down that have tried from TJs. Couldn’t stomach them, in the trash can they went."
Someone else pointed out that "All of the noodle bowls were a disappointment," so your best bet may just be to stay away from those in general.
5. Peanuts In A Pickle
Finally, we have to call out thePeanuts In A Pickle. Trader Joe's frequently offers a range of pickle-flavored delicacies, and it seems these missed the mark by quite a bit. Someone said that they're "hands down the worst thing I've ever tried from TJs."
Other commenters concurred: "So absolutely gross, by far the worst thing I’ve ever tried from there and I love all the pickle things normally," one wrote. Alright, alright, we'll stick to our beloved honey sesame cashews instead!
Okay, enough negativity—if you're looking for a palette cleanser, why not add some of these new spring items to your cart?
READ MORE: Trader Joe’s Just Added A New Cheese Bread To Stores And Fans Say It’s The ‘Best Ever’
