The 12 Best Trader Joe’s Products of 2023, According to Food Editors

Our top picks from our favorite grocery store.

It’s no secret that Simply Recipes' editorial team loves Trader Joe’s. From their reliable assortment of evergreen products to creative seasonal items, Trader Joe’s is a treasure trove for anyone looking for both everyday staples and unique goodies.

Trader Joe’s is dedicated to releasing new products every. single. season. So you can imagine our excitement as seasons start to turn—think the popular Mariah Carey sound bite “it’s tiimmeeeee” playing on repeat before each release. It’s fair to say that they keep us on our toes with anticipation.

As the year comes to an end, our team reflected on our favorite Trader Joe's products released in 2023. Here are our top 12 picks:

1. Chromatic Celebration Cake & Baking Mix

Launched in early 2023, this baking mix is Trader Joe’s version of confetti cake—a simple white cake with loads of sprinkles—and even includes the frosting and decorating ingredients.

"Though I rarely buy boxed cake mix, as a former pastry cook, I whole-heartedly endorse Trader Joe's new Chromatic Celebration Cake & Baking Mix. One morning when my whole family woke up feeling extra grumpy, I let my eight-year-old have a slice of this cake for breakfast. Bad mom move? Perhaps. But I swear I saw him do a little shimmy before he got into the car for school. My day got instantly brighter, and clearly his did too—so it was worth it." —Myo Quinn, Senior Editor

2. Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Pearls

Perfect for snacking, charcuterie boards, or topping your salads, it was a joyous day when Trader Joe’s finally released their version of little mozzarella cheese pearls.

Our summer intern Abby Notarnicola was especially excited. "My family constantly craves antipasti, so I am always looking for high-quality, fresh mozzarella. Thanks to Trader Joe’s, I can look no further! TJ's new pearled mozzarella is the perfect size to mix into pasta, and I plan to eat them with a spread of bread, olive oil, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil—a staple in my household. I’ll also be fixing up mini-caprese sandwiches, using the pearls instead of sliced mozzarella." —Abby Notarnicola, News & Features Summer Intern

3. Organic Trofie Pasta

Adding to their Italian pasta assortment, in early 2023 Trader Joe’s released Organic Trofie Pasta (pronounced tro-fee-eh), a fun corkscrew-shaped pasta originating in the Liguria region of Italy.

“Traditionally, trofie is served with pesto—the sauce gets stuck in the gaps between the spirals. I'd gladly eat it with any sauce, and I have. I toss it with brown butter, black pepper, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, simply with a jarred sauce, or just olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Dinner makes it to the table in under 15 minutes, and my family falls silent over our bowls as we shove pasta into our mouths. Name a quicker, more satisfying meal. I can't!" —Myo

4. Dutch Griddle Cakes

Look no further for a super easy, super delicious, super fluffy breakfast item than the Trader Joe’s Dutch Griddle Cakes. “Throw out your pancake mix, because after one bite of these Griddle Cakes you won't want to go through the hassle of flipping pancakes on a Sunday morning. Just stick these in the toaster for a few minutes and you have pillowy, flavorful cakes that would be great on their own, smothered in syrup, or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich. I haven't tried that...but now I'm going to!” —Brooke Schuldt, Associate Social Director

Heads up: These griddle cakes are pretty popular and are currently sold out in select stores for the rest of the year. If you are lucky and manage to get your hands on one, you know you’ve hit the jackpot!

5. Mini Cheeseburgers

Released in the summer, these Trader Joe’s Mini Cheeseburgers instantly took social media and Reddit by storm, so I had to try them. They are exactly as Trader Joe’s markets them: “scrumptious, slider-sized Cheeseburgers, each made with a juicy, savory-seasoned, fully-cooked beef patty topped with a slice of Cheddar and a dollop of tangy burger sauce, all sandwiched between two halves of a sweet, tender, Hawaiian-style Aloha Roll.”

While yummy on their own, I’m excited to try some of Trader Joe’s suggested toppings: Aioli Garlic Mustard, a bit of their Organic Coleslaw, or even barbecue sauce. Mmm-mm, my stomach says it’s time for another trip to Trader Joe’s!

6. Crunchy Chili Onion Hummus

Trader Joe’s upped their hummus game with a novel flavor combination: Crunchy Chili Onion Hummus. It really speaks to the chili crisp lover in all of us.

“WHAAAAAAAT! is the only fitting reaction to this new TJ's product. It's a genius combination of two popular Trader Joe's products: Crunchy Chili Onion and hummus. Not too spicy, the right amount of crunchy, and perfectly creamy, it's an ideal dip for sturdy pita chips, fresh radishes, and celery sticks." —Myo

7. Gnocchi Alla Romana

This is Trader Joe’s riff on Gnocchi Alla Romana, an Italian casserole that layers semolina dough and Parmesan. “Before you see the word gnocchi and get the wrong idea, this is a very Italian use of the word and not those little dumpling-y pasta. However, they are totally delicious. The muffin-shaped semolina gnocchi are tender and flavorful, thanks to eggs and cheese. They're super comforting and especially good alongside a saucy meat.” —Laurel Randolph, Recipe Editor

8. Vegan Poke

A no-meat/no-fish alternative to a popular dish, Trader Joe’s Vegan Poke introduces its customers to an equally delicious option. "As a poke lover, I am happy to announce this vegan poke (no fish in sight) is just as satisfying. The 'poke' is roasted beets that look and feel like raw tuna—how creative! They are marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil and packed in a round plastic container like hummus. It’s so delicious, that all poke restaurants should make it an option for vegans." —Abby

9. Kimbap

Let's be honest, how many of you were able to snag Trader Joe's Kimbap when it was initially released? I sure couldn't. This popular Korean lunch and travel food has been flying off the shelves faster than suppliers could deliver it, and rightfully so.

"I live in Central Virginia and often travel two hours to Northern Virginia to eat kimbap. (Myung Ga Gimbap makes the best.) Though I could technically make it at home, it's time-consuming. My local store isn't limiting how many you can buy, so I've been stocking up. (Sorry, everyone!) They're delicious and only take two minutes to heat up." —Myo

10. Double Chocolate Croissants

Loved the viral Trader Joe's Chocolate Croissants? Then you don't want to miss out on the Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Croissant.

“I didn't think Trader Joe's could make anything better than their original croissant, but the Double Chocolate version is fantastic. It is just as flakey and buttery as the plain version but with extra chocolatey flavor. I'm not sure if the French would like it, but it is my go-to if I am looking for a little extra luxury to add to my breakfast routine.” —Brooke

11. Organic Dried Ataulfo Mango Slices

This is an IYKYK (if-you-know-you-know) product. Trader Joe's Organic Dried Ataulfo Mango Slices represent the best of mango season. Featuring one of the sweetest mango varieties, these slices are the perfect sweet-loving snackers!

"My oldest son, who loves mango, can't get enough of this snack. I used to buy Organic Dried Mango Unsulfured & Unsweetened, but he claims the dried ataulfo mangos are sweeter (without added sugar) and have a stronger mango flavor." —Myo

12. Herbes de Provence Triangles

Recently released, the Herbes de Provence Triangles are quickly becoming one of my go-to snacks. Smothered in a herbes de Provence spice blend, these crunchy puff pastry triangles are perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a flavorful addition to your end-of-year charcuterie boards. If you love the flavors of herbes de Provence, I highly recommend you try this.

Read the original article on Simply Recipes.