New York
CNN
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Trader Joe’s asked customers a simple question: If you were to spend the rest of your life on a desert island, which nine Trader Joe’s products would you take with you?
More than 18,000 shoppers responded to its 14th annual survey, which breaks down the most popular items in grocery stores into nine different categories.
This year there are a few caveats: Five products that have won multiple awards in the past (think Orange Chicken and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups) are being eliminated and replaced by its Product Hall of Fame.
The first Trader Joe’s opened in 1967 in Pasadena, California. Its founder, Joe Coulombe (yes, Joe is a real person), was a convenience store owner who wanted to open a grocery chain to appeal to a niche, well-educated, well-travelled consumer. This idea led him to create a beloved grocery empire.
Here’s what customers voted for their favorite products, from cheeses to entrees.
Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Tortilla Chips, nachos swept this year’s competition to claim the first prize. Runner-ups include Hash Browns, Chicken Soup Dumplings, Bagels with Sesame Relish, and Chocolate Croissants.
Check out all-time favorites from Trader Joe’s Hall of Fame
These crisps also won the vote for the most popular snack category. Customers are also fans of Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers, Organic Corn Chip Dippers, World’s Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs, and Crunchy Curls, all of which are on the list.
Sparkling Honeycrisp Apple Juice is a fan-favorite drink, even though it’s seasonal. This canned drink is a simple three-ingredient blend of apple juice, water, and sparkling air.
Below are Triple Ginger Brew, Sparkling Peach Black Tea with Peach Juice, Cranberry Ginger Sparkling Drink, and Non-Dairy Brown Sugar Oat Creamer.
Now that Hall of Famer Unexpected Cheddar is no longer a ballot option, the shop’s caramelized onion cheddar takes top honors.
See the full list of Customer Choice Award winners
Runners-up include Syrah-soaked Toscano, seasonal grilled lemon ricotta, blueberry and herb cheese and its variety of brie.
Trader Joe’s Butter Chicken replaces the long-standing Orange Chicken—Spiced Chicken in Tomato Cream Sauce and Basmati Rice.
Indian cuisine is very popular with Trader Joe’s customers. The runner-up was Chicken Tikka Masala, followed by Kung Pao Chicken, Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese and BBQ Teriyaki Chicken.
Seasonal candles win out in this category. Its seasonal scents include Peony Blossom, Cedar Balsam, Honeycrisp Apple and Vanilla Pumpkin.
Runners-up: Daily face sunscreen, ultra-hydrating hand cream, tea tree tingling shampoo and conditioner, and shea butter and coconut oil hair mask.
Unsurprisingly, customers chose bananas as their top choice. The chain is known for offering organic bananas for 25 cents and regular bananas for 19 cents. The following selections are Teeny Tiny Avocados, Honeycrisp Apples, Brussels Sprouts and Organic Carrots in various colors.
Small and crunchy Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones won best dessert, followed by Danish Kringle, Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches, Chocolate Lava Cakes and Brookie.
Among the many vegan and vegan options, the vegan kale, cashew and basil pesto topped the list. Vegetable Fried Rice, No Beef Bulgogi, Palak Paneer, Cauliflower Gnocchi followed.
