The 14 Most Popular Trader Joe's Products Of 2016

The 14 Most Popular Trader Joe's Products Of 2016
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For Bon Appetit, by Alyse Whitney.

Courtesy of Trader Joe's

If there was an award for going to Trader Joe’s for one thing and walking out with a cart full of random frozen appetizers, I’d have a mantel full of them. Unfortunately, the only awards that Joe — Trader José, Giotto, Baker Josef, Ming (?!), whatever his real name is — gives out are the Customer Choice Awards, ranking TJ’s fan-favorite items. The 2016 results are in, and there may be a huge upset because Cookie Butter is no longer No. 1.

Favorite Overall: Mandarin Orange Chicken

Courtesy of Trader Joe's

The only thing that can dethrone Cookie Butter is better-than-takeout orange chicken. You don't have to deep-fry it to get it super crispy and it even tastes good as leftovers. It may be magic.

Favorite Bakery: Soft Pretzel Stick

Big enough for a sandwich, but also small enough to just dunk into a skillet of queso and go to town.

Favorite Candy: Dark Chocolate PB Cups

Courtesy of Trader Joe's

The darker, more mysterious version of Reese's.

Favorite Beverage: Spiced Cider

The top drink two years running, beating out good ol' Two-Buck Chuck.

Favorite Cheese: Unexpected Cheddar

Courtesy of Trader Joe's

You could call this Parm-Cheddar hybrid The Big Cheese if you want to. And there's plenty more great Trader Joe's cheese where that came from.

Favorite Coffee: Cold Brew Coffee

Courtesy of Trader Joe's

Proving that it's not weird to drink iced coffee year-'round. They also released a French Roast version this year, which is my personal favorite...

Favorite Produce: Bananas

Yep, bananas beat out cauliflower rice.

Favorite Meat(less): Soy Chorizo

Courtesy of Trader Joe's

Soy protein takes many forms, but this spiced-up version is the most popular chameleon move.

Favorite Condiment: Organic Ketchup

The other condiments just can't ketchup to this classic.

Favorite Salad: Wild Arugula

Courtesy of Trader Joe's

Not the tame arugula your mother told you to use.

Favorite Snack: Peanut Butter Pretzels

Courtesy of Trader Joe's

FYI, they also make a chocolate-coated version that is like a saltier version of the PB cups.

Favorite Frozen: Mandarin Orange Chicken

Back at it again with the orange chicken.

Favorite Pumpkin: Pumpkin Butter

Courtesy of Trader Joe's

One of approximately 823 pumpkin products at Trader Joe's.

Favorite Home/Bath: Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo

Don't eat this.

In one expert's opinion, these are the best cheeses at Trader Joe's.

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