Trader Joe’s Just Revealed the Winners of Its 17th Annual Customer Choice Awards

There’s truly no place like Trader Joe’s. When I walk inside, I immediately feel like I'm living in a child’s version of what adult life looks like. It’s colorful, stressful, and overstimulating, but the aisles are packed with every food and flavor combination I could imagine. 

Whenever I reach up to the top shelf for a bag of my beloved World’s Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs, I think of my childhood self. That girl loved eating croutons dipped in ranch dressing and spoonfuls of hot cocoa straight from the pouch. I was a snack connoisseur waiting to thrive. 

Understandably, Trader Joe’s became an obsession once I reached adulthood. Indian, Mexican, French, and Italian-inspired delicacies mingle with Boursin cheese and cold brew concentrate and tofu. I keep my freezer and pantry stocked with so many Trader Joe’s goodies. Every year, I look forward to seeing which of them will be crowned as champions.  

This is the 17th annual Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards. I’ve highlighted a few of my favorite categories and included a list of the other winners at the bottom. Consider this your grocery list for the week!

Overall Winner: Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings 

The coziest, most delicious way to warm up a winter meal. It’s no wonder that soup dumplings took home the top prize—this frozen dinner was actually the runner-up last year! Savory pork and spicy ginger combine into one delectable bite. Keep a stash in the freezer for your next sick day and thank me later.

Best New Item: Protein Pancakes

Of course the protein craze has hit Trader Joe’s! Not only are these gluten-free, but they’re fully cooked and ready to eat. They pack a whopping 20 grams of protein per package, and are a great base for any toppings that you want. Might I suggest some peanut butter and berries?

Best Cheese: Goat Cheese

I love the Trader Joe’s goat cheese because it’s consistently in stock and reliably creamy. Sometimes I find other brands to be too dry, but this version walks the line perfectly between creamy and crumbly. I love using it to top a baked sweet potato or swirl into pasta dishes. Plus, a little goat cheese is a great way to elevate any charcuterie board.

Best Snack: Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips

I am so glad these chips continue to receive their due! If you haven’t tried them, you need to because they are unbelievably tasty. Potatoes, garlic, and butter—what’s not to like? Last year, they took home the award for Best New Item, and that was a great start. Now they’re on their way to a dynasty!

Here are the rest of the winners:

Best Beverage: Spiced Cider
Best Produce: Teeny Tiny Avocados
Best Appetizer: Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Best Breakfast & Brunch: Hashbrowns
Best Lunch & Dinner: Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice
Best Bath, Body, & Home: Brazil Nut Body Butter
Best Sweet Treat: Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

You can find all of the runners-up on the TJ's website, too.