Trader Joe’s Just Announced Their Most Popular Products of 2022

The votes are tallied. The red carpet is ready. And Ryan Seacrest is, well, too costly to hire for the ceremony. In the latest episode of the Inside Trader Joe’s podcast, hosts Tara Miller and Matt Sloan announced the winners of its 14th Annual Customer Choice Awards, highlighting the most popular products across eight categories, plus the overall winner. 

We knew there’d be several new winners this year. (The grocer broke the news earlier this month that five standout products would be retired from the competition.) And we couldn’t wait to see which newcomers would step into the spotlight. There are so many stellar items to choose from! 

This year’s Favorite Overall winner is actually a dupe of a beloved snack: Chili and Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips. The popular corn chip is such a roll-away hit, it actually won twice — and is the only item to do so. There are several other first-time winners and even a few repeats. All are high on our list of items to snag during future TJ’s trips. Let’s take a look!

This fruity bubbly beat out the two-time winner (Non-Dairy Oat Beverage), oh-so-close runner-up (Triple Ginger Brew) and every other beverage (bottled water, juice, seltzer, wine, beer, etc.) to claim the top spot. While it’s a seasonal product (aka not available year-round), Tara says, “it will probably still be available in some quantities in most stores” right now. If not, “it will be back next fall.” So mark your calendars!

With the retirement of Unexpected Cheddar, we knew a new favorite block (or wedge) was coming. The only question was which one would it be? (There are no wrong answers!) Turns out, we didn’t need to look too far from last year’s runner-up to find our 2022 winner: With its “sweeter French onion soup flavor,” the English Cheddar with Caramelized Onions earned the most votes in this coveted category. 

Move over Mandarin Orange Chicken. One of the winningest products in TJ’s history is making way for a new entrée — and it’s also a freezer find. Once again, the hosts tap friend and crew member Alex to help make the announcement. But this year, instead of walking us through a from-scratch recipe, he graciously demonstrates how to prepare this frozen meal in the microwave: Open package. Puncture plastic film with a fork. Heat for seven minutes. Ta-da!

The first of just two repeat winners on this year’s list, these creamy, crunchy miniature ice cream cones are the runaway favorites in 2023. Which flavor? All of them! “Every time we bring in a new flavor, it just disappears,” says Tara. “I’ve yet to encounter a flavor of Hold The Cones! that I don’t like.” 

Out of the fruit and veggie-full options, people found this winner to be the most ap-peeling. Known for their good value and quality, TJ’s bananas (both the conventional and organic) have been a staple in our carts for years. You probably have a bunch on your counter or in your freezer right now, or plan to nab some on your next grocery run. Banana bread, after all, spans all seasons.

The bright pink bags have been a welcome addition to the snack aisle since launching in 2018. They even “caused a lot of stir on social media this year,” says Tara after someone started a rumor that the product had been discontinued. (It hasn’t! It was just out of stock at the time.) And with Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels out of the running, these copycat chips are reaping the awards. Not only did they win “by a large margin,” they racked up two titles this year: Favorite Overall and Favorite Snack. 

The race between the top five contenders in this category was pretty close, according to Tara. (Long-time fan favorite, Soy Chorizo was also retired from the competition.) In the end, this vibrant green tub of vegan pesto placed first. A delicious shortcut to countless dishes, it has a “wonderful springtime green, energetic flavor,” says Matt. You can find it in the refrigerator case with other dips and sauces.

Though the Daily Facial Sunscreen made quite a splash when it launched last summer, people can’t seem to get enough of these scented candles. These tiny tins won “by a margin of more than two to one,” says Tara. (They also took the top spot in 2021.) Whether you want to evoke summer nostalgia or lean into some of fall’s most prominent flavors, there’s a scent for the occasion.

What’s your favorite thing to buy from Trader Joe’s? Let us know in the comments!