At EatingWellwe love Trader Joe’s. From their delicious tomatoes to their tasty underrated cheeses, we could walk up and down the aisles of our local TJ’s ten times over without getting bored.
But is this cult-favorite grocery chain perfect? Of course not, and there are some products at the store that we tried once and would never buy again. In fact, there are several items that many customers agree are not worth buying.
In a recent Reddit thread, hundreds of Trader Joe’s shoppers shared their thoughts on the worst products at Trader Joe’s. Snacks, pasta and frozen dinner mains are among the 7 foods under fire for being “horrendous.” Here’s what you should think twice about buying—plus what to do if you don’t like a Trader Joe’s product that you try.
7 Worst Products At Trader Joe’s, According to Customers
1. Buttermilk Ranch Dressing—or Any of Their Bottled Salad Dressings
What started this whole Reddit thread was a user saying they wish they checked the platform before buying Trader Joe’s Ranch Dressing.
“I rarely find something at TJs I don’t like, but this was awful,” Reddit user @biketheplanet writes. “At first, I thought I didn’t shake it enough because it was watery for ranch. Then, I took a bite of my salad and thought it had gone bad. It was sour, and not in a good buttermilk kind of way. Lo and behold, I looked on Reddit and saw that I was not the only one.”
Apparently it’s not just the ranch that sucks. Some say the Green Goddess Salad Dressing is terrible and that their salad dressings in general have been “losers.” In our opinion, we love homemade dressings so much more than bottled. It’s so easy to make a beautiful dressing at home and they often only require a few ingredients.
2. Everything but the Bagel Chips
While the Everything but the Bagel seasoning is a fan-favorite at the chain, their Everything but the Bagel Seasoned Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips are a bust.
One customer writes that the chips are “unsettling,” and another said that the chips were “disappointing” because the garlic flavor was “totally overwhelming and didn’t taste like everything bagels whatsoever.”
If you’re looking for a different snack to try, the Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips, which are one of the best products at Trader Joe’s, according to fans.
3. Cauliflower Gnocchi
“The cauliflower gnocchi tasted like play-doh to me,” Reddit user @AppUnwrapper1 wrote about the frozen potato dumplings. Another customer agreed, saying that “this was the fan fave that I did not care for at all.”
The Cauliflower Gnocchi receives mixed reviews, but there is a consensus: the texture may be a bit off if you follow the package instructions for microwaving or boiling. But if you have this frozen good on hand, try air or pan frying them for a crispy outside and fluffy inside.
4. Orange Chicken
Over the years, Trader Joe’s shoppers have noticed that the brand’s Orange Chicken just isn’t the same anymore.
“The sauce [has] definitely changed,” a customer complains. “I haven’t tried it in a few years. I bought it recently and ate it the other night. The sauce has a bitter flavor now it’s not as sweet as Panda Express.”
There are a lot of notes in the thread about how the sauce is “bitter” and that the aftertaste is “nasty,” and there are even complaints that the chicken itself is “stringy and difficult to chew.” And EatingWell editor Leah Goggins agrees that there’s a clear quality difference, saying that there’s too much breading on each piece.
Luckily, just published a new Orange Chicken & Broccoli Skillet recipe that you’re going to want to try if you used to be a fan of this Trader Joe’s staple.
5. Pre-Packaged Sushi
While some shoppers note that they didn’t even know Trader Joe’s sold ready-to-eat sushi, the ones that have tried it exclaim that it’s “SO BAD.”
“I thought out of all the store pre-packaged sushi I had tried, TJ was the worst I ever had,” Reddit commenter @Chocolatefix weighs in. Many replied in agreement, saying that “it’s awful” and “my brain refused to believe it could be that bad.”
Reviewers say that the texture of the rice is “horrid,” so it may be better to try the Trader Joe’s rice rolls in the frozen aisle instead—especially their kimbap.
6. Hearts of Palm Pasta
Remember when the Hearts of Palm Pasta was going viral? This lead TJ fans to their local store to try it—and many were disappointed.
“When it first came out it was all the rage and, of course, completely unavailable,” a customer writes. “Finally got some and it was one of the worst tasting products I’d ever purchased in my life…not just TJ’s, but anywhere. It did not resemble pasta in any way, shape or form, and tasted like crunchy weeds. It’s my nominee for worst product ever.”
“That stuff made me gag,” “sour and vile” and “it was awful” were also written about the Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta. Note to self: maybe just stick to zucchini noodles for veggie-fied pasta dishes.
7. Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
“I really don’t understand this one,” a Reddit user writes about the Trader Joe’s Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate. “People must buy it but it’s so bad.”
A couple customers agreed. One wrote that it’s “revolting,” and an EatingWell editor also has a similar opinion. When asked about the product, registered dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD noted that the cold brew concentrate is “honestly so bad.” So this product isn’t worth the shortcut—just make your cold brew at home for the best taste.
What to Do When You Dislike a Trader Joe’s Product You Bought
While it was fun to read these relatable comments, you may be wondering: “What do I do if I hate the way a Trader Joe’s product tastes? Do I just throw it away?”
No, don’t just throw it away! The customers in this Reddit thread are urging you to instead gather your receipt and return the product to your local TJ’s for a full refund. In fact, if the product has a Trader Joe’s label, you don’t even need a receipt (I mean, where else would you have bought it, right?). Just return the product and be honest about the taste. The chain encourages the feedback and won’t skimp on a refund.
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