Trader Joe’s recently released the winners of its 17th Annual Customer Choice Awards, once again crowning longtime favorites such as Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip and Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice.
And while some products have been longtime winners, such as Spiced Cider and Hashbrowns, others placed first for the first time, including Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings and Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips.
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Below is a further breakdown of the winning products, including its calorie and protein content. Price is not included, as there are variations among stores.
#1 Overall: Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings

This frozen tray of six xiao long bao placed second last year, snagging the top spot this year ahead of runner up Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese and Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings. Soup dumplings have been particularly popular on social media in recent years, with many creators posting soup dumpling muckbangs.
One container of Trader Joe’s Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings has 270 calories with 14 grams of protein.
#1 New Item: Protein Pancakes

It’s no surprise that a protein-laden item would snag a #1 spot, as the increased use of GLP-1s and emphasis on high-protein diets are increasingly popular. Four gluten-free, ready-to-eat pancakes come in a pack. Eat the whole stack for 220 calories and 20 grams of protein.
Other notable new launches this year include the Sour Strawberry Candy Belts, Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips and Hot Honey Popcorn. Last year was the first year Trader Joe’s added this category, ranking Cashel Blue Cheese Irish Potato Chips as number one.
#1 Beverage: Spiced Cider

This seasonal Spiced Cider, made with 100% apple juice and no added sugar, has now won the beverage category more than five times. It beat out other seasonal beverages such as Triple Ginger Brew and Sparkling Lemonade as well as year-round offerings including Apple Juice and 100% Tangerine Juice.
Spiced Cider now heads to the Product Hall of Fame and will not be in the running for future Customer Choice Awards.
#1 Cheese: Goat Cheese

For the third consecutive year, Goat Cheese tops the charts for the cheese category, beating Syrah Soaked Toscano Cheese Spread & Dip, Saint Andre Triple Creme Brie and English Cheddar with Caramelized Onions, which held the #1 spot during the 14th Annual Customer Choice Awards.
Trader Joe’s Goat Cheese is 80 calories with 5 grams of protein for 1 ounce.
#1 Produce: Teeny Tiny Avocados

Like Trader Joe’s Spiced Cider, the Teeny Tiny Avocados have placed #1 more than five times and is now in the Hall of Fame. Runners-up include blueberries, Honeycrisp apples and organic persian cucumbers.
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#1 Appetizer: Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

It comes as no surprise that the Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip took first place in the appetizer category, maintaining its record for three consecutive years. It’s rich, creamy, decadent and caloric — just two tablespoons is 40 calories and 2 grams of protein.
#1 Breakfast & Brunch: Hashbrowns

These crispy potato patties continue to prove popular, also placing first for the last two years in the breakfast and brunch category. One pack comes with 10 frozen hashbrowns, which can be heated in a skillet or oven. Runners-up include Chocolate Croissants and Dutch Griddle Cakes.
#1 Lunch & Dinner: Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

For the fourth year in a row, Trader Joe’s frozen Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice placed first in a category. One container is 400 calories with 24 grams of protein.
#1 Snack: Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips

Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips snagged the top snack spot, followed by Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers, Ridge Cut Potato Chips Seasoned with Horseradish & Chives, Patio Potato Chips and World’s Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs.
One ounce of the Garlic butter Irish Potato Chips, or 13 chips, is 140 calories with 2 grams of protein.
#1 Sweet Treat: Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

This is the third consecutive year these chocolate chip cookie-vanilla ice cream sandwiches (rolled in mini chocolate chips) topped the charts. With four sandwiches per box, it’s a decadent treat at 370 calories with 5 grams of protein per sandwich. Other ice cream treats that it beat out include both the chocolate and chocolate chip versions of Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones and Mint Chip Ice Cream.
Product Hall of Fame
Below are Trader Joe’s products that have won first place so many times that they’ve been taken out of the running for future Customer Choice Awards.
- Teeny Tiny Avocados – new this year
- Spiced Cider – new this year
- Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
- Mandarin Orange Chicken
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
- Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
- Unexpected Cheddar
- Soy Chorizo