After graduating its perennial product winners into a Hall of Fame, Trader Joe’s unveiled the winners of its 14th Annual Customer Choice Awards on the latest episode of Inside Trader Joe’s. I’ll be interested to hear if you’re as surprised as I was about the new Overall best! Without further ado, here’s the full list of winners.
Favorite Beverage: Sparkling Honeycrisp Apple Juice Beverage
Sparkling Honeycrisp Apple Juice Beverage was actually my beverage pick this year, too! While it came in larger individual cans this year versus the boxed 4 pack, it was as great as ever.
Favorite Cheese: English Cheddar with Caramelized Onions
I have to admit, I haven’t tried Trader Joe’s Cheddar with Caramelized Onions. I’m not sure I’d be a big fan of cheddar and onions together. Just me. A lot of times I use my vote in these awards to make sure TJ’s knows that some of us love the seasonal cheeses. So I voted for Pave Fromage.
Favorite Health and Beauty/Household: Scented candles
Every season’s got a scented candle or two, so it’s no surprise that they came out on top in the Health & Beauty/Household category. According to the TJ’s podcast, the facial sunscreen that keeps going in and out of stock came in a close second.
Favorite Produce: Bananas
Really? As the sign in my store says, the price hasn’t changed in 20 years, but of all the produce items? That’s….bananas. I know produce quality varies regionally, so maybe that explains the choice….but I look at all the bagged salads, all the grape varieties people get excited about…and I just can’t figure it out. Personally, I voted for the honeynut squash (they look like mini butternut).
Favorite Sweets and Desserts: Mini Hold the Cone Ice Cream Cones
Maybe I’m less of an outlier in these awards than I thought. All the flavors of Hold the Cone are great. Vanilla. Chocolate. Chocolate Chip. Pumpkin Ginger. Peppermint. Coffee. The non-dairy version is great, too. Fingers crossed that they give us strawberry sometime (hint, hint).
Favorite Vegan: Kale Cashew and Basil Pesto
Although I voted for the Vegan Spinach and Cashew Ravioli, for $3.99 this pesto is a great value.
Favorite Entree: Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice
Although it seems like the Indian frozen entrees have had some portion issues in the last year, it’s great to see a new winner in the entree category.
Favorite Snack & OVERALL: Chili and Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
I wasn’t surprised Trader Joe’s riff on Taki’s came in as top snack with Elote Corn Chip Dippers right behind it in second. But I was surprised it took best overall! Ya’ll love them that much?! I might have to grab some for Super Bowl this year.
You can check out my top 6 TJ’s products for 2022 here. They don’t line up with these categories, it’s just a listing of the things I loved best last year.
Past customer choice awards:
13th Annual Customer Choice Awards
12th Annual Customer Choice Awards
11th annual Customer Choice Awards
10th Annual Customer Choice Awards
