Head to a Trader Joe’s location in many cities, and the odds are high you may even encounter a line to get in the door. The nautical-themed grocery chain is beloved for good reason — its offerings are both affordable and consistently delicious — and it has a reputation for delivering especially exciting options in the snack department.
Browse up and down the product-packed aisles, and you’re bound to walk away with an unplanned treat or two. It’s also likely that you’ve seen some of its most popular snacks on social media, where shoppers often rave about their favorite items. But several of the store’s famous snacks are so widely acclaimed that I’ve wondered: Do they live up to the hype?
I tasted my way through Trader Joe’s most popular snacks to determine what’s worth stashing on your desk. From salty morsels to sweet treats, I’m pleased to report that these five items live up to the online fanfare.
Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
Food & Wine / Trader Joe’s
These bite-sized treats are a favorite of Trader Joe’s crew members and Food & Wine editors alike, and the flavor combination is a tried-and-true classic. Each Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nugget is roughly the size of a quarter and nails all of my weekday snacking criteria in one bite, supplying a hit of salt that contrasts with a creamy peanut butter center and a satisfying crunch.
These simple morsels are primed for pairing with a mid-afternoon latte or providing a quick boost of energy at the end of the workday, but they’d also be at home among bowls of party snacks. To add to their perfection, TJ’s sells 16-ounce bags — which include around 15 servings — of the salty treats for just $2.69.
Chile & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
Food & Wine / Trader Joe’s
If you’re on the market for a snack with bold flavor, the Chile & Lime Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips need to be on your radar. These savory chips are equal parts tangy and spicy, without being so hot you can’t enjoy a whole bag of them.
These have been a favorite of mine for a while, and I’m definitely not alone; they’ve even been inducted into the Trader Joe’s product hall of fame. I usually keep a bag in the pantry as a quick snack, but they’re also great when crushed over a burrito bowl for some extra flavor and texture.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Food & Wine / Trader Joe’s
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups already disappear quickly in my house, so I was beyond thrilled to sink my teeth into Trader Joe’s dark chocolate version. Here’s the rundown: a thick shell of dark chocolate coats a dollop of peanut butter, providing a balance of rich, sweet, and bitter flavors. Trader Joe’s says the center is created from slow-roasted Virginia peanuts, which lends a depth of nutty flavor that some other peanut butter cups don’t quite nail.
World’s Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs
Food & Wine / Trader Joe’s
Texture is what really sets this savory snack apart. True to their name, the World’s Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs are airy and feather-light, while still providing a lightly crisp bite. Unlike many competitors, they’re seasoned with powder made from real cheddar cheese, giving them a more subtle and authentic cheesy flavor. They’re the kind of snack you’ll keep grabbing more handfuls of, and they pair well with lunch options ranging from sandwiches to tomato soup.
Ridge Cut Potato Chips With Salt & Pepper
Food & Wine / Trader Joe’s
Biting into well-made ridge cut potato chips is like tasting pure nostalgia; they take me back to pool parties and packed lunches. These classic potato chips are thick and crunchy — with just the right amount of requisite grease — with the addition of black pepper for a little more earthiness and spice.
This flavor does tend to sell-out often, so make sure you grab several bags when you see it in stores — and if you can’t find it, the plain sea salt version is excellent too. You could pair either flavor with a creamy dip, or I love sneaking them into a smoked turkey sandwich.
