17 Underrated Trader Joe’s Snacks You Definitely Need To Try

Trader Joe’s has become a beloved grocery destination for its unique and affordable products. While everyone knows the classics like Cookie Butter and Everything But the Bagel seasoning, there’s a treasure trove of underappreciated snacks hiding on those quirky shelves.
I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the aisles to bring you these 17 underrated gems you absolutely need to add to your cart on your next TJ’s run.
1. Watermelon Freeze-Dried Candies

Sweet, tangy, and impossibly light, these watermelon wonders disappear from shelves faster than summer vacation. For just $3.99, you’re getting concentrated watermelon flavor that explodes with each crispy bite.
I once brought these to a beach picnic and became instantly popular! The freeze-drying process intensifies the natural sweetness while creating that satisfying crunch you can’t stop munching on.
2. Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

Forget everything you thought you knew about ice cream sandwiches. These mini marvels sandwich thick, creamy vanilla ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies that somehow stay perfectly chewy even when frozen.
The balance of textures is what makes these truly sublime – soft cookies yield to rich, smooth ice cream. Widely hailed as the best ice cream sandwich money can buy, they’re the perfect two-bite indulgence.
3. Coconut Flavored Almonds

Whole almonds encased in a crisp, sweet coconut shell create a tropical twist on your average nut. The contrast between the crunchy coconut coating and the hearty almond inside is utterly addictive.
These little treasures rarely make it past 24 hours in my pantry! Reddit fans claim similar experiences, with empty bags appearing mysteriously quickly.
The subtle sweetness makes them perfect for afternoon snacking when you want something satisfying but not overly indulgent.
4. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

While not entirely unknown, these cups deserve a spot for consistently outshining the name-brand competition. The ratio of dark chocolate to creamy peanut butter achieves perfect harmony – not too sweet, not too bitter.
They’re smaller than the orange-packaged alternative, making portion control easier (theoretically). I keep mine in the freezer for an extra-firm texture that extends the enjoyment time of each bite.
Forum posters consistently rank these as their #1 TJ’s guilty pleasure.
5. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese

What starts as sharp cheddar transforms into something with distinct parmesan notes – hence the “unexpected” twist! This cheese has developed a cult following for good reason.
Last weekend, I served it on a cheese board, and guests couldn’t stop asking about it. The complex flavor profile makes it perfect for snacking with crackers or melted into grilled cheese sandwiches.
Tasting Table ranked it their top cheese pick, and I wholeheartedly agree.
6. Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snacks

Imagine paper-thin sheets of seaweed encased in a whisper of tempura batter with a kick of heat. These addictively crispy bites deliver an umami punch that satisfies savory cravings without weighing you down.
The heat level is perfect – present but not overwhelming. Ranked #2 in Tasting Table’s top 50 TJ’s items, these unique snacks bridge the gap between healthy and indulgent.
I’ve converted even the most seaweed-skeptical friends with these crunchy delights.
7. Plantain Chips

Sliced just right and fried to golden perfection, these gluten-free chips offer a sweeter alternative to potato chips with a satisfying crunch. The natural sweetness of plantains balances beautifully with just the right amount of salt.
They’re sturdy enough for dipping yet delicate enough to enjoy alone. Reddit users consistently list these as must-buy items, and EatingWell agrees.
I find them particularly irresistible paired with TJ’s guacamole for a simple but impressive appetizer.
8. Unsweetened Coconut Chips

Forget those sugar-laden coconut flakes! These pure, crunchy coconut chips deliver tropical flavor without the added sweetness. Their substantial texture makes them satisfying to munch on straight from the bag.
The versatility is what keeps me coming back – they’re equally at home in trail mix, sprinkled on smoothie bowls, or toasted with a bit of sea salt for a savory twist. Nutrition editors praise them as a pantry staple for good reason.
My latest obsession? Dipping them in dark chocolate for a homemade treat.
9. Tandoori Naan (Frozen)

Warm, chewy flatbread that goes from freezer to table in minutes? Yes, please! These frozen naan crisps up beautifully on the outside while staying tender inside, rivaling what you’d get at your favorite Indian restaurant.
During my last dinner party, guests couldn’t believe it came from the freezer section. I’ve used it for everything from makeshift pizzas to sandwich wraps.
EatingWell calls it “better than homemade,” and I have to agree – it’s consistently perfect with zero effort.
10. Mini Pretzel Twists

Sometimes the simplest snacks are the most satisfying. These perfectly salted mini twists have the ideal crunch-to-salt ratio that makes them dangerously munchable.
Their small size makes them perfect for mixing with nuts and chocolate for an impromptu party mix. I recently discovered they’re amazing dipped in TJ’s pub cheese!
Named in AllRecipes’ top-5 July picks, these humble pretzels prove that classics become classics for a reason.
11. Strawberry & Watermelon Marshmallows

Fluffy, fruity, and far from ordinary – these pink pillows of joy taste like summer in candy form. Unlike traditional marshmallows, these actually deliver genuine fruit flavor that’s reminiscent of fresh strawberries and juicy watermelon.
They’re softer than regular marshmallows and melt beautifully when toasted. The first time I used them for s’mores, my niece declared them “the best thing ever invented.”
AllRecipes featured them in their summer snacks roundup, but I think they’re delightful year-round.
12. Mini Everything Bagel Sandwich Crackers

Imagine the perfect bagel with cream cheese, shrunk down and transformed into a portable, crunchy snack. These little wonders feature crisp crackers coated in that famous everything seasoning with a creamy filling that perfectly mimics cream cheese.
The first time I tried these, I immediately went back for a second box! They’re substantial enough to curb hunger but light enough to snack on guilt-free. Topping Tasting Table’s popularity list, they’re frequently sold out – grab them when you see them!
13. Korean Style Bibim-Guksu

Cold noodles with a kick! This refrigerated snack features chewy noodles in a spicy gochujang dressing that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
Ready to eat straight from the package, it’s my go-to desk lunch when I need something satisfying but don’t have time to prep. The portion size is just right for a filling snack or light meal.
AllRecipes highlighted this as their hot new pick under $5, and the value-to-deliciousness ratio is indeed impressive.
14. Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets

The snack that launched a thousand imitations! These bite-sized pretzel shells filled with creamy peanut butter strike the perfect balance between salty and sweet, crunchy and smooth.
I keep a container at my desk for emergency snacking situations. They’re substantial enough to be satisfying but small enough that you can mindlessly munch during marathon work sessions.
Reddit users consistently name these as their ultimate TJ’s purchase, and I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t love them.
15. Mochi Rice Nuggets

Not to be confused with sweet mochi ice cream, these savory nuggets feature crispy, puffed rice with that distinctive chewy mochi center. The textural contrast is what makes these so addictive – crunchy outside, chewy inside.
I love seasoning them with TJ’s furikake or chili lime seasoning for extra flavor. They’re substantial enough to satisfy hunger but light enough to snack on without feeling weighed down.
Tasting Table highlighted these as a hidden gem, and they’re now a permanent fixture in my snack rotation.
16. British-Style Crumpets

Honeycombed with tiny holes perfect for catching melted butter, these traditional English treats are a revelation when toasted. They develop a crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, chewy interior, unlike any other bread product.
Saturday mornings at my house now involve these toasted golden-brown and topped with jam. The Takeout recommended them as a hidden gem, and they truly are!
Beyond breakfast, they make excellent bases for mini pizzas or savory toppings when you want something more substantial than a cracker.
17. Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

Move over, Takis! These rolled tortilla chips pack serious flavor with a perfect balance of tangy lime, moderate heat, and savory corn base. The cylindrical shape holds more seasoning than flat chips, ensuring flavor in every bite.
I brought these to a game night, and they vanished within minutes. The heat builds gradually rather than overwhelming your taste buds immediately. They’re substantial enough to stand up to dips but flavorful enough to enjoy solo.
My spice-averse friends even find these addictive – the lime tempers the heat beautifully.