“If you were to spend the rest of your life on a deserted island, which nine Trader Joe’s products would you take with you?”
For the 14th year, Trader Joe’s asked its customers to respond to the above question. The answers roll up into its Customer Choice Awards for 2023.
From head-scratcher picks like bananas (Best Produce) to highly accurate selections like "Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones" (Best Dessert), Trader Joe’s ranked the No. 1 favorite and four runner-ups in eight product categories.
The best overall product for 2023? The finger-licking, often out-of-stock and only-slightly-less-intense-than-Takis "Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips."
Before panicking, TJ’s fans should be aware that the beloved grocery store chain moved five longtime winners to their inaugural Product Hall of Fame, including the ever-popular Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets and inimitable Soy Chorizo.
Scan the list below for the full slate of this year's winners, inaugural hall-of-famers and some new ideas to add to your shopping list.
Trader Joe’s Customer Favorites for 2023
Runners-Up
2. TJ's Hashbrowns
3. Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
4. Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
5. Four Chocolate Croissants
#1 Beverage
Sparkling Honeycrisp Apple Juice Beverage (seasonal)
Runners-Up
2. Triple Ginger Brew (seasonal)
3. Sparkling Peach Black Tea With Peach Juice
4. Sparkling Cranberry & Ginger Beverage (seasonal)
5. Non-Dairy Brown Sugar Oat Creamer
Runners-Up
2. Syrah Soaked Toscano
3. Baked Lemon Ricotta (seasonal)
4. Blueberry & Vanilla Chèvre
5. Brie (various)
Runners-Up
2. Chicken Tikka Masala
3. Kung Pao Chicken
4. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese (seasonal)
5. BBQ Teriyaki Chicken
#1 Health and Beauty Aids/Household
Scented Candles
Runners-Up
2. Daily Facial Sunscreen
3. Ultra-Moisturizng Hand Cream
4. Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo & Conditioner
5. Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask
#1 Produce: Bananas
Runners-Up
2. Teeny Tiny Avocados
3. Honeycrisp Apples
4. Brussels Sprouts
5. Organic Carrots of Many Colors
Runners-Up
2. Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers
3. Organic Corn Chip Dippers
4. World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs
5. Crunchy Curls
Runners-Up
2. Danish Kringle (various)
3. Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches
4. Chocolate Lava Cakes
5. Brookie
Runners-Up
2. Vegetable Fried Rice
3. Beefless Bulgogi
4. Palak Paneer
5. Cauliflower Gnocchi