Trader Joe’s Just Announced Their Product Hall of Fame—See Which Items Made the List

There’s no denying that Trader Joe’s has some beloved items. And when certain items get discontinued, fans of said products truly mourn. Personally, I still miss the eggplant cutlets and creamy polenta from the frozen section—why, oh why are they gone?! And does anyone know where the frozen saag paneer is these days? I can’t find them at any store! You might feel similarly about certain products of Trader Joe’s shopping trips past, I know I’m not the only one.

But back to those beloved, cult-favorite items. The retailer has just announced their first class of honorees in the newly-created Trader Joe’s Product Hall of Fame. And the announcement was made in conjunction with the voting rollout for their annual Customer Choice Awards. The five products in the Hall of Fame are now officially “retired” from the awards and out of contention—each one has been at least a five-time winner of their respective categories, so they’re officially getting icon status.

If you’re a Trader Joe’s fan, you can probably place some good bets on which ones made the list (yes, orange chicken is included). Take a look below at the new honorees.

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken

Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Introduced at Trader Joe’s: January 2004

Awards Won: Favorite Overall, Best Entree

Of course, this bestseller made the list. It’s the perfect easy dinner that tastes exactly like the orange chicken from your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Introduced at Trader Joe’s: August 2010

Awards Won: Best Desserts/Sweets

The rich dark chocolate flavor really enhances the peanut butter profile in these favorite sweets.

Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets

Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Introduced at Trader Joe’s: December 1992

Awards Won: Best Snack

The pretzel nuggets have been around for over 30 years, so they’re pretty much a timeless classic now. 

Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar

Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Introduced at Trader Joe’s: August 2011

Awards Won: Best Cheese

Perfect for your charcuterie board, baked pastas, or even on a sandwich, this unique cheddar (it tastes like an aged Parmesan) has been a crowd favorite since its debut. It’s so popular Trader Joe’s even made some spinoffs—a cheese spread version and a shredded version.

Trade Joe’s Soy Chorizo

Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Introduced at Trader Joe’s: August 2011

Awards Won: Best Vegan/Vegetarian

Even non-vegetarians and non-vegans love the soy chorizo. It’s packed with so much flavor you really can’t tell that it’s meatless. Put it in tacos, eggs, nachos, burritos, and more. The possibilities are endless.

Read the Current Issue Here!

Get one year of Sunset—and all kinds of bonuses—for just $29.95. Subscribe now!