The 2026 Trader Joe's Customer Choice Awards are officially out, and if you’ve ever wandered the aisles wondering if something in your cart is as good as everyone claims, this list is your validation.

These are the products shoppers across the country reached for again and again, voting them all the way to the top by people who clearly know their way around a Trader Joe's location somewhere.

STEAMED PORK AND GINGER SOUP DUMPLINGS

Taking the number one spot overall is the Steamed Pork and Ginger Soup Dumplings. They climbed up from last year’s second place, and people say that once you’ve tried them, it’s hard to disagree.

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Each little dumpling is filled with savory pork, a pop of ginger, and that magical moment when the broth spills out with the first bite. It’s comfort food, freezer section edition, and Trader Joe’s fans are clearly obsessed.


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NEW CATEGORY WINNER - PROTEIN PANCAKES

One of the biggest new standouts for 2026 is Protein Pancakes, which took the top spot in the New category. These are fluffy, lightly sweet, and somehow pack 20 grams of protein without tasting like a science experiment. My kids are ALL into protein pancakes. Fifteen seconds in the microwave and breakfast is handled, which explains why shoppers wasted no time making them a favorite.

Other newcomers: Hot Honey Popcorn, Sour Strawberry Candy Belts, Ketchup-flavored Lattice Potato Chips, and Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips also made a strong showing.

BEST BEVERAGES - SPICED CIDER HITS THE SPOT (Seasonal)

The Spiced Cider once again claimed the number one spot among beverages, practically cementing its place as a Trader Joe’s legend. Made from U.S. apples with warm seasonal spices and no added sugar, it’s the kind of drink that makes you want to wear a sweater even if it’s still warm outside.

Other favorite beverages: Apple Juice, Triple Ginger Brew, Sparkling Lemonade, and 100% Tangerine Juice followed closely behind.

FAVORITE CHEESE- YOU ARE THE G.O.A.T

In the cheese case, Goat Cheese proved it’s still the GOAT. Its creamy, tangy flavor earned it the top cheese honor, beating out Syrah Soaked Toscano Cheese Spread & Dip, Cheese Shopping Bag, Saint Andre Triple Creme Brie, and English Cheddar with Caramelized Onions.

PRODUCE- SMALL BUT MIGHTY

Teeny Tiny Avocados continue their reign in the produce department. Perfectly sized, they’ve won this category so many times they’re basically royalty.

Coming in as runners-up were Gone Bananas!, blueberries, Honeycrisp Apples, and Organic Persian Cucumbers.

APPETIZERS ANYONE?

For appetizers, Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip claimed first place, which probably surprised no one. It’s rich, cheesy, and just vegetable-heavy enough to make us all feel better about grabbing another chip.

Other nominees included Jalapeno & Cream Cheese Crispy Wontons, Vegetable Bird's Nests with Soy Dipping Sauce, Parmesan Pastry Pups, and Greek Spanikopita.

BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH - GIMME THOSE 'BROWNS

Hashbrowns dominated the Breakfast and Brunch category, followed by Chocolate Croissants, Dutch Griddle Cakes, 4 Almond Croissants, and Protein Pancakes.

LUNCH AND DINNER

I'm not surprised that Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice took first place. It's my number one choice for a lunch or dinner meal. It was followed closely by Steamed Pork & Ginger Dumplings, Chicken Tikka Masala, Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese, and Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings.

BATH, BODY & HOME - GIMME THAT BODY BUTTER

Outside the food aisles, Brazil Nut Body Butter once again proved that Trader Joe’s beauty section is not to be underestimated.

Other top products included Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream, Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF40, Coconut Body Butter, and Cedar Balsam Scented Candles.

SNACK ATTACK

Those gnarly Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips officially took the snack crown. Just saying those words together makes me crave them right now!

Following close behind were: Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers, Ridge Cut Potato Chips, Horseradish & Chives, Patio Potato Chips, and World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs.

DESSERTS - WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM

When it came time for sweet treats, Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches earned their name, with chewy cookies, vanilla ice cream, and plenty of chocolate chips sealing the deal.

Close seconds: Almond Danish Kringle Pastry, Chocolate Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones, Chocolate Hold The Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones and mint-chip ice cream also made everyone's mouths water.

NEWCOMBERS DELIGHT - A LIST OF PERFECTION FOR NEWBIES

Some of these winners are seasonal, so timing matters, but this list is basically a shopping guide straight from fellow Trader Joe’s fans.

Whether you’re loyal to the classics or ready to try something new, consider this your excuse to grab a cart and make your first run to Trader Joe's and see for yourself what the Trader Joe's buzz is all about.

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