This story has been updated since it was originally published to include additional items
There’s certainly no shortage of great products at Trader Joe’s. From all the pumpkin-flavored items that hit the shelves in the fall to all the kitchen staples you can get year-round, it’s never hard to find a reason to stop by your neighborhood TJ’s—and it’s also never hard to leave with ten items you never intended on throwing into your cart. However, in addition to all the viral foods we know and love, there are a few superfan-approved options that may be slipping under your radar.
There’s a lot of talk about over-rated Trader Joe’s products, but what about the under-rated ones? One user in the Trader Joe’s subreddit recently raised that question. “What do you think is the most under-rated TJ product?” they wrote, noting that their own faves include cucumber tzatziki, dark chocolate raisins, and sour cream and onion cheese puffs. Trader Joe’s fans flooded the comments with their own lesser-known recommendations. Below, we’ve rounded up a few of the ones that many agreed on, from frozen garlic to sparkling water.
1. Frozen Garlic Cubes
Don't you hate when your garlic goes bad, or when chopping it up takes ages? If you cook frequently, garlic is probably a staple in your kitchen. But unfortunately, buying this ingredient in bulk can backfire if you don't go through it fast enough. Plus, mincing can be a real nightmare. But jarred garlic doesn't taste nearly as good as the fresh variety. That's where frozen garlic cubes come in handy.
"FROZEN GARLIC CUBES!" one person wrote. "For me, these were a 'best thing since sliced bread' magic moment. I didn't know how much I wanted them in my life until I had them. You just pop a cube or two of garlic straight from freezer into your pan when cooking, and, bam, easy garlic. No chopping, peeling, etc and tastes soooo much better than the jarred stuff. Game changer, really." Sign us up!
Plus, as one person noted, TJ's version is "so much cheaper than everywhere [else]." Just keep your eyes peeled for 'em, cause they come in "small little packages" that are "super easy to miss."
2. High-Protein Tofu Blocks
Plant-based protein is where it's at! And it doesn't get much better than tofu. According to one commenter, Trader Joe's High-Protein Tofu Blocks should definitely be on your radar.
"I don't hear these mentioned much, but they are extra firm and have very little excess water content," they wrote. "Love the protein content and the taste. When you brown them it has a bit of a nutty taste even with just salt and pepper. Throw in some garlic, ginger, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a bunch of veggies, and you have a full meal for two plus leftovers." Sounds incredible!
"It really is the best!" another person agreed. "I love all kinds of tofu, and they all have their uses and ways to prepare, but this is the one that is just the easiest to work with for everyday needs. If I just want some quick noodles with tofu and vegetables, it’s so easy to cube it and put it in the air fryer for a little crisp." We're definitely taking notes.
3. Seltzer Water
Okay, maybe seltzer water isn't the most glamorous of beverages Trader Joe's has to offer, but it's certainly a low-sugar way to enjoy a tasty drink when you want something a little more elevated than tap water. Hey, sometimes basic is best! Trader Joe's offers this drink at an unbeatable price.
"Maybe not the most exciting TJ’s product, but their flavors are tasty and it’s the cheapest grocery store variety by far!"
The best flavor is up for debate, but we're pretty convinced by one comment that says: "Cranberry clementine dude. It’s so good."
4. Frozen Hash Browns
If you take your breakfast seriously, you know the power of a great hash brown. Whether you're eating it as a side with your eggs or putting it right on a burrito or sandwich, a good hash brown can be euphoric. Shoppers agree that Trader Joe's variety is definitely one to try.
"Pop those babies in the air fryer for a few minutes and then use it as the base for avocado toast instead of bread … life changing!" one person wrote. "Cheap, easy to heat up, and tasty!" another agreed.
And if you're looking for something extra-fancy, follow the footsteps of another Redditor: "I cut them in smaller pieces, deep fry and top them with creme fraiche and caviar." So innovative.
5. Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce
Pasta night? If you don't have time to whip up a homemade sauce, look no further than Trader Joe's Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce. In one Reddit thread, shoppers couldn't stop singing its praises. "For the price, you really can’t beat the Tomato Basil marinara sauce. Tasty enough alone but easy to add flavor to if you wanted," one comment noted. "Agreed, it’s my favorite jarred sauce and it’s so cheap," someone else agreed.
Complete with tomato puree, tomatoes, oil, salt, garlic, onions, and Italian spices, this slightly chunky sauce is ultra-simple but so delicious.
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6. Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes
Craving Taiwanese? This frozen item from TJ's can take the taste of your favorite restaurant right to your own kitchen. And although the product hasn't gotten much buzz, superfans swear by it. They're perfect for sandwiches or as a side.
Try 'em out for breakfast, as one commenter suggests: "I make mine for breakfast. Eggs, sriracha garlic chili paste and kewpie mayo." Another Redditor gave a stamp of approval, confirming: "This is the way!"
7. Sparkling Watermelon Juice
Don't sleep on the bev aisle at TJ's! There are so many delicious, refreshing options to choose from—including a few that haven't quite gotten their time in the spotlight. That includes the Sparkling Watermelon Juice, which many shoppers can't get enough of. "I have literally never tasted a better beverage and NO ONE talks about it," wrote one fan. "All the flavors are bangin’ but this one is especially good," someone else praised.
Unfortunately, this drink is only available for a limited time during the warmer months. Fingers crossed we'll see it on shelves again this summer!
8. Enchilada Sauce
When your cravings for a Mexican meal roll around but you don't want to put too much work into making your own enchilada sauce, have no fear: Trader Joe's has you covered, as usual. Their sauce, which is made with chili powder, cumin, garlic, and cayenne pepper sauce is a little spicy, a little tangy, all delicious, and totally TJ's-shopper-approved. One comment calls it "so, so good for store bought."
In fact, many believe that although this sauce may not get the most buzz, it's one of the best store-bought options around. "TJ’S enchilada sauce has ruined every other store bought sauce for me! It’s so good!" someone wrote. Well, we're convinced—where do we sign?!
So, what do you think? Are these items going to work their way into your cart next time you stop at Trader Joe's, or will you stick with the classic bestsellers?
READ MORE: 5 Items You Should Never Buy At Trader Joe’s, According To Superfans
