19 Trader Joe’s Items Shoppers Regretted Buying in 2025
Written by
Gabrielle Olya
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
From seasonal items to year-round favorites, Trader Joe’s offers a variety of items that are beloved by shoppers — but not all of its groceries are a hit. Fan account @traderjoeslist asked its followers to rate new, returning and seasonal items each week, and it recently released a list of the items with the lowest scores of 2025.
Before you fill your cart, see which Trader Joe’s items shoppers say aren’t worth the hype.
Hot Honey Fudge: Too Spicy for Sweet Tooths
- Price: $2.99
- Approval rating: 11%
Shoppers did not enjoy this seasonal summer item that combines traditional English fudge with the flavors of floral honey and hot chili pepper extract.
Turkish-Inspired Stuffed Eggplant: Complex but Unpopular
- Price: $7.99
- Approval rating: 27%
Trader Joe’s ready-made entrees usually hit the mark, but shoppers rated this stuffed eggplant dish a miss. The complex dish comprises an eggplant that is roasted with olive oil and stuffed with seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, tomato, green pepper and a unique blend of herbs and spices that includes smoked paprika and mint.
Crispy Dried Watermelon: A Snack That Missed the Mark
- Price: N/A
- Approval rating: 27%
Some fruits are just not meant to be dried, and watermelon is one of them. Shoppers panned Trader Joe’s vacuum-dried watermelon slices.
Organic Sri Lankan Curry & Rice: Convenience Without Flavor
- Price: $3.99
- Approval rating: 30%
This all-in-one curry kit contains a packet of wild Sri Lankan rice, a packet of creamy coconut curry sauce and a packet of roasted cashews. While it may seem like a convenient and easy meal option, shoppers say to skip this one.
Fiesta Salad With Shrimp: A Desk Lunch Disappointment
- Price: $6.99
- Approval rating: 31%
Trader Joe’s attempted to jazz up the sad desk lunch with its Fiesta Salad, but it fell flat for many tasters. The salad is made with romaine lettuce, seasoned black beans, roasted corn kernels, tortilla strips, pico de gallo, shrimp and a creamy poblano dressing.
Gingerbread Dude Cookie: Seasonal Treat That Fell Flat
- Price: N/A
- Approval rating: 33%
It’s unclear why shoppers disliked this seasonal item so much, but it’s no longer available, so you won’t have to find out.
Skipjack Tuna Fillets: A Fishy Fail
- Price: N/A
- Approval rating: 33%
While you can still find Trader Joe’s Wild Skipjack Tuna in stores, these unpopular fillets are no longer for sale.
Apizza Gouda Cheese: Pizza-Inspired Cheese Gone Wrong
- Price: N/A
- Approval rating: 38%
The cheese selection alone is often enough of a reason to pay a visit to Trader Joe’s. The grocery chain carries both classic and inventive varieties — but not every cheese creation is a hit. Shoppers weren’t a fan of this pizza-inspired Gouda that incorporated flavors of marinara tomatoes, oregano and garlic.
Strawberry & Watermelon Marshmallows: Fruity but Forgettable
- Price: N/A
- Approval rating: 38%
This fruity sweet treat was voted a pass by the majority of shoppers.
Chao Tôm: A Miss on Authentic Taste
- Price: $5.49
- Approval rating: 38%
Trader Joe’s version of this classic Vietnamese dish was voted a miss. It consists of minced, fried and seasoned shrimp and vegetables, wrapped around a chewy section of sugarcane.
Sweetheart White Stilton Cheese: Sweet and Savory Clash
- Price: N/A
- Approval rating: 40%
Trader Joe’s attempted to effectively combine sweet and savory with this seasonal cheese offering, but it just didn’t work. This Stilton cheese was stuffed with chocolate pieces, caramel-flavored fudge pieces and dried cherries.
Organic Creamy Mushroom Soup: Vegan-Friendly but Bland
- Price: N/A
- Approval rating: 40%
It’s hard to make a creamy soup vegan-friendly yet tasty, and Trader Joe’s failed at that mission with this attempt at a vegan and gluten-free creamy mushroom soup.
Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing & Dip: Too Strong for Most Fans
- Price: $4.99
- Approval rating: 42%
Blue cheese can be polarizing, so it’s not too surprising that many Trader Joe’s shoppers panned this rich dressing that doubles as a dipping sauce.
Tomato Leaf Scented Candle: A Trend That Didn’t Translate
- Price: N/A
- Approval rating: 42%
Tomato leaf-scented home goods were really having a moment in 2025, but shoppers weren’t a fan of Trader Joe’s take on the trend.
3-Cheese Pasta With Eggplant: A Sicilian Dish That Fell Short
- Price: $4.49
- Approval rating: 44%
Trader Joe’s version of the traditional Sicilian dish “Pasta alla Norma” combines penne pasta, vegetables, tomato sauce, mozzarella, provolone and hard-grating cheeses. While it sounds like a winning combo, it failed to please shoppers.
Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy: Missed the Holiday Flavor
- Price: N/A
- Approval rating: 44%
Trader Joe’s is a haven for shoppers with gluten intolerance, but this turkey gravy was not one of its best gluten-free offerings.
Lemon Stuffed Olives: A Twist That Didn’t Work
- Price: $2.99
- Approval rating: 44%
This limited-time stuffed olive option was new for 2025 — but based on shopper responses, it may not make a return.
Vanilla Bean Whipped Sweet Potatoes: Too Sweet for Savory Fans
- Price: $5.99
- Approval rating: 45%
This not-so-popular heat-and-serve side combines sweet potatoes, heavy cream, sea salt, nutmeg, brown sugar, vanilla bean paste and bits of vanilla bean seeds.
Apple Overnight Oats: A Flavor That Didn’t Hit the Spot
- Price: $1.99
- Approval rating: 45%
Many of Trader Joe’s overnight oats flavors have been loved by shoppers, but voters said to pass on the apple version.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
More From GOBankingRates
