Brian Nagele
We’ve all been there; you finally find a cracker, tasty meal, or treat that you could eat in one sitting, only to return to the store and find the item discontinued.
What makes Trader Joe’s unique from other grocery stores (aside from cheery employees in Hawaiian shirts) is their constant vast selection of diverse and intriguing food items.
Of course, not every item can be a smash hit with customers. Also, as Trader Joe’s continues releasing new foods, not every popular product can stay on the shelves. Even our favorites are subject to suddenly disappearing.
In this article, we’ll take a look at several tasty Trader Joe’s discontinued items from freezer meals, desserts, teas, and more.
Arrabiata Sauce
In early 2022, Trader Joe’s announced they would discontinue their Arrabiata sauce — a fan favorite.
Many customers felt disappointed hearing this news, as they could no longer grab the spicy, garlic-forward tomato sauce off the shelves.
Thankfully, Trader Joe’s has a multitude of other tasty pasta sauces to choose from.
Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookies
What’s better than one chocolate chip cookie? Two glued together with a fudge filling.
Although customers loved these delicious Trader Joe’s chocolate chip sandwich cookies, the company still decided to discontinue them in 2021.
No one knows why Trader Joe’s stopped selling these cookies, and many people (myself included) beg the store to bring them back from the list of Trader Joe’s discontinued items.
They were one of my favorite Trader Joe’s snacks!
Eggplant Cutlets
Trader Joe’s eggplant cutlets were an excellent vegetarian substitute for the meaty chicken cutlet.
I thought they were a savory and convenient choice, as they came sliced and breaded.
However, this did not stop the company from discontinuing them in 2019.
Now, you must search the frozen section at other grocery stores for an adequate alternative.
Hatch Chile Chicken Wraps
These hatch chile chicken wraps look similar to something you would find at fast food places like Taco Bell but with much more flavor, especially when heated in the oven.
Unfortunately, these wraps did not last. Trader Joe’s introduced and removed them from the shelves in 2021.
Honey Butter Potato Chips
In my opinion, Trader Joe’s honey butter potato chips were the perfect combination of savory and sweet.
Many other fans of the product would agree, but its unique flavor profile ultimately led to its demise.
The company discontinued this salty snack in 2018 due to a lack of sales.
Matcha Joe-Joe’s
Trader Joe’s originally released these Matcha Joe-Joe’s in 2017, to the delight of their matcha-loving customers.
I loved the subtle green tea flavor in the cream between the two cookies.
Although this product quickly became a staple in many shopping carts, Trader Joe’s decided to discontinue the cookies in 2019.
Red Refresh Herbal Tea
The first section I visit at Trader Joe’s is their tea aisle. They have quite an extensive collection, from chai to green tea.
Now customers have one less option to pick from, as Trader Joe’s recently discontinued their Red Refresh herbal tea, a blend of hibiscus, peppermint, lemongrass, and orange peel.
Salted Caramel Gelato
In 2014, Trader Joe’s added salted caramel gelato to their roster of delicious ice cream flavors.
Customers loved this ultra-creamy dessert and were understandably outraged when the company discontinued it several years ago without reason.
I loved the silky texture of this gelato and its salty-sweet balance.
Speculoos Cookie Butter Cheesecake
Trader Joe’s cookie butter spread is one of their most sought-after products.
Over the years, the brand produced a few adjacent items, including this Speculoos Cookie Butter cheesecake.
I enjoyed this cheesecake’s cinnamon cookie crust and smooth filling.
Ultimately, Trader Joe’s decided to discontinue this product, much to my dismay.
Trader Joe’s Spicy Cheese Crunchies
In early 2022, Trader Joe’s stopped producing Spicy Cheese Crunchies, leaving customers without their favorite Flamin’ Hot Cheeto knock-off snack.
I was never a fan of Cheetos, but I occasionally enjoyed the Trader Joe’s version.
Fans of all things cheese and spice definitely miss this savory treat.
Black Bean Dip
Trader Joe’s chipotle black bean dip recently got the axe.
I loved the smokiness and richness of this dip and thought it paired well with Trader Joe’s assortment of tortilla chips.
Luckily, there are several copycat recipes to try and recreate this dip in your own kitchen.
Cheese and Garlic Croutons
Trader Joe’s cheese and garlic croutons used to be the perfect way to add extra crunch to your salad or soup before the company discontinued them in 2022.
I loved their authentic garlic flavor.
Thankfully, this item is simple to recreate at home by toasting bread coated in butter, parmesan, and garlic.
Dill Pickle Hummus
Trader Joe’s announced this uniquely-flavored product in 2020, and customers were skeptical at first.
However, they soon began loving this tangy chickpea and dill dip. I enjoyed the dip as a sandwich spread.
Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s still decided to remove their dill pickle hummus from the shelves shortly after launching it.
Chile Relleno
In 2019, Trader Joe’s said goodbye to their Chile Relleno ready-made meal.
This spicier take on stuffed peppers used poblano peppers filled with cheese and salsa.
I liked that it did not contain any meat, making it vegetarian-friendly.
Customers have no idea why Trader Joe’s discontinued such a delicious meal.
Gazpacho
There’s one less soup to choose from at Trader Joe’s.
Unsurprisingly, the brand’s organic roasted tomatillo gazpacho is unavailable for purchase, and many customers did not enjoy its taste, requesting that Trader Joe’s bring back its previous (and discontinued) gazpacho.
As of now, Trader Joe’s does not offer any gazpacho.
Island Salsa
It appears as though Trader Joe’s no longer offers their Island salsa.
This salsa was sweet and spicy, and I appreciated its bright pineapple and mango flavors.
I and others enjoyed this product incorporated into meals and as a snack alongside tortilla chips.
Trader Joe’s has not made an official announcement, but many customers notice the Island salsa absent from shelves.
Tofu Edamame Nuggets
Trader Joe’s discontinued their tofu edamame nuggets several years ago, which caused an uproar from customers.
Some edamame lovers even started petitions and collecting signatures to convince the company to change its mind.
Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s never brought back these tasty nuggets, leaving fans of their nuggets struggling to find an alternative that is equally as good.
Roasted Gorgonzola Crackers
For unknown reasons, Trader Joe’s discontinued their beloved roasted gorgonzola crackers in 2021.
These oven-baked chips had a buttery, and cheesy flavor people raved about.
I personally loved them as a side with sandwiches, and I also like to dip them into hummus or a steaming bowl of tomato soup.
Truffle Mac and Cheese
Trader Joe’s truffle mac and cheese featured Cavatappi pasta covered in a creamy truffle sauce.
Truffle is quite the luxurious flavor to include in a microwavable dish, but its elevated taste far surpasses a ready-made meal.
While many voiced their appreciation for this food, Trader Joe’s ultimately decided to discontinue it.
Instant Miso Soup
Throughout its shelf life, Trader Joe’s instant miso soup received mixed reviews.
Customers could not decide whether they enjoyed its umami taste, and I liked it as a base, adding veggies, hot sauce, and egg.
Regardless, Trader Joe’s discontinued this food item in-store and online.
Roasted Coconut Chips
Alongside the brand’s vast tea section, Trader Joe’s also holds a large selection of dried fruits and nuts.
You used to be able to find items like roasted coconut chips there, but not anymore.
Trader Joe’s discontinued this product in 2021. I liked using the coconut on top of my oatmeal each morning.
Woven Wheat Wafers
Woven wheat wafers— maybe not the most appetizing name, but these Trader Joe’s crackers were an excellent dupe for Triscuits.
I loved their salty taste and crisp texture; they were the perfect cracker for cheese pairing.
These wafers joined the list of Trader Joe’s discontinued items sometime in 2018.
Trader Joe’s d/c’d their GLUTEN FREE BEER years ago. Have not been able to find anything near comparable. For those suffering from celiac disease (MANY) it was disheartening and a loss of sometime special! I had trouble finding it at Trader Joe’s because it would FLY off the shelves!! What a great service it would be to those of us on mandatory diet restrictions if the same GF beer reappeared!! Why are popular, well sold products removed from inventory?
I miss the Cashew Butter Cashews. Sweet amd salty cashew butter the covers a cashew. Genius and one day, poof gone. For us suffering from gluten intolerance, we can’t have much. But goodness don’t take away yet more of what we love.
I just got some on 10/15/2023 in Orange County CA
You are missing The Bay Blend Dark Roast coffee which has been discontinued, which was a big favorite of my wife and I.
Some of my favorites I cannot get anymore at my Trader Joe’s:
Frozen Organic Pizza Crust
Enchanted Crackers
Frozen Vegetable Burritos
Vegetarian Baked Beans
I hear Trader Joe’s no longer sells their Organic Completely Cacao Chips. Apparently a raw ingredient shortage. Very sad about this.
Over the past 12 months, some of my go-to staples have disappeared from yur shelves and I have been told are discontinued. They include:
Chicken lime burgers
Soyccotash frozen mixed vegetables
Guava passionfruit yogurt
I hope these will be reinstated soon.
I’m so disappointed that Trader Joe’s has discontinued their Organic Balsamic & Fig Dressing. After TJ’s discontinued my favorite Pear and Champagne Dressing several years ago, Balsamic & Fig became my new favorite. So frustrating!! Other discontinued faves were Low Fat Almond Granola and Feta and Yogurt Spreadable Cheese.
Annie’s makes a Basalmic and Fig that tastes identical to Trader Joe’s . I am also disappointed that this dressing has been discontinued. It is my favorite dressing and Annie’s is way more expensive
We miss the Asian spicy peanut dressing!
I am so upset! Nothing else tastes the same. I kept going back thinking they were just out of stock, but after a few weeks, I now think it’s discontinued. Why though when it was so popular they couldn’t keep it on the shelf.
Omg me tooo!!! It really needs to make a comeback!!
They discontinued their frozen Palak Paneer due to too much lead in the product. I wish they had just fixed the problem.
I also miss the soy & flax tortilla chips. First they discontinued the spicy (best) version, then the plain. No low-carb tortilla chip options anymore.
Also recently discontinued: artichoke antipasto
I miss the spicy peanut vinaigrette, the rice mac & cheese and now they are going to discontinue the flax tortilla chips 🙁
Their Grand st. location no longer Carries chicken in the can which was so healthy, no nitrates…they told me it was a shipping problem but I don’t understand it’s their brand…and tasty…too bad.
The Brown Rice Medley (dry rice mix) was also discontinued. ???????????? not a week goes by that I don’t feel anger and sadness. This was the ONLY brown rice on the market in the USA that “opens” or softens on the same timing as regular white rice. That makes it the Only brown rice option that can be mixed together and cooked with white rice. The rice also comes out soft but not sticky, perfectly consistent with other rices common in Latin, north, and South Americas.
Agree!!!
I miss the frozen pizza crusts (though they still have unbaked dough), and the graham cracker squares that came in a box.
I miss the Oriental Noodle Salad. Another long gone item is the individual sized Spinach Pizzas.
I love their Hot & Sweet Chili Jam, but it’s now a “seasonal” item — and I missed the window to buy it last season, so I have to wait till this fall to have another crack at it. Grr: There are other chili jams and jellies on the market, but theirs has the best texture and flavor.
My favorite item in the store was the chocolate chocolate chip meringue cookies, which were always popular and many times sold out. These were endorsed by Weight Watchers as a great sweet snack alternative. Trader Joe’s discontinued these in summer 2022. Meanwhile, the vanilla flavor (the only other one offered during non seasonal times) sits on the shelves. Just don’t understand some decisions.
Why oh why did you discontinue your Chocolate Covered Blueberries and you Hot Fudge Sauce. Both were my favorites!!! Miss them so much.
Spicy Asian Peanut Dressing. My salad game died when they discontinued this ever popular tasty salad game changer. No one knows why; but we can only hope TJ’s brings it back. Soon!!!
Agreed! I heated the Spicy Asian Peanut Dressing and added it to my spinach salad at the last minute. Everybody loved it! Anyone know of a reasonable substitute? I also miss the coconut chips, the flax chips, the flaxseed bread, and the Gorgonzola crackers, just to mention a few. Oh, and the seasonal pistachio & pomegranate crisps and the strawberry jalapeño crisps didn’t appear this year in my store . I was always motivated to stock up on these. Why does Trader Joe’s keep disappointing customers this way? I have fewer and fewer reasons to shop there.
I am still not over the loss of their white bean hummus. That is what got me into hummus 15 years ago!
I miss the Spicy Humus
Miss the mini Raboli’s, the meringues with the mini-chocolate chips, the black bean dip.
I’m missing the white Modena vinegar I’m a diabetic and I used it instead of balsamic vinegar as the white had no added sugar please bring it back please ???? ????
Trader Joe’s Virtuoso SPF 15 Spearmint Lip Balm is completely out at my store. Has it been discontinued?
tell me whyyyy just why they discontinued their threader joes steamed chicken and vegetable soup dumplings but not their pork ones!!!! i’m so sad i didn’t get to try their chicken ones i heard they were really good:(((((
I miss the pumpernickel pretzels, dog food and eggplant cutlets!!
Chocolate Chip Sandwitch Cookies were my most favorite cookie ever. Miss them terribly, and hope the Chicken Pot Pies are back soon. They are the best!
We fell in love with their Maple Vinaigrette recently and then it disappeared. Apparently it is ‘seasonal’ but is definitely worthy of being a year-round favorite! Please bring it back! Also, the small bags of kettle korn that disappeared a couple of years ago were the best – even though they were the lower calorie option, they tasted much better than the ones in the big bag that are the only ones available any more! And why is Tres Leches Cake seasonal? Please make it year-round!
Most recently, the Vegtable Birds Nest. Why? Why? Why? Bring them back!
Yeah! me too! what the heck guys!
Why did you discontinue individual frozen crustless quiche who else imports it. I have searched everywhere please help me locate this product
I have been finding a lot of similar items elsewhere. Hot tip TJ fans: eggplant cutlets can be found at ALDIs. The arrabiata sauce was great as well. Rao’s, which I’ve found at Costco and World Market, can be kicked up by recipes for arrabiata that can enrich and spice up the Rao’s. It seems like a poor business model, getting rid of fan favorites. I increasingly shop elsewhere as I am also trying to cut out all the processed food which TJs carries a lot of.
I’m so upset that matcha flavored almond beverage was discontinued. It was the perfect accompaniment to matcha green tea. I would froth it and make a matcha latte. I have been unsuccessful in finding a non-dairy replacement.
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Seems the crackers in the long white box disappeared
I miss the little white chocolate macadamia cookies. Seems like they have been gone since 2007.
Unsweetened Ice Tea, Oyster Crackers, Asian Peanut dressing. – WTF?
I miss TJ’s Red jalapeno sauce, spinach pizzas, lip balm, woven wheats, salsa beans, rose Italian dressing, chicken noodle soup, lentil soup, the original bbq sauce
Interesting! You can add Butternut Squash Soup to the list. Available in large quantities for years and quickly sold off the shelf. Then no longer available. Store personnel say the supplier stopped offering it. Not worth finding another supplier?
I haven’t been able to get the mushroom fettuccine for ages! It’s my go-to weeknight meal. (The mushroom ravioli is still available but pales in comparison)
Others that have disappeared and are greatly miss:
Arabbiata sauce
Chicken Lime burgers
Cinnamon pita chips
Reduced fat pita chips
Multigrain pita chips
Plantain croutons
Island salsa
Mini pretzel bread
Cheese and chili mini-quiche
Broccoli and cheddar mini quiche
Pablano and cheese tamale 2-pack
Penguin gummy candies
Chocolate covered almond toffee balls
Chocolate covered pretzel thins
Tahini-free hummus
This is just off the top of my head because these are things I used to buy every time I went. I leave now with only two bags when I used to leave with 5.
I hope nobody has the same taste as me because every time I find something I love they get rid of it. I’ve heard they want to keep it fresh, and always have you trying new things, but it makes me just not shop there like I used to.
Your mushroom risotto was delicious really miss it. Would buy 4 or 5 boxes every time we would go to one of your stores. Please bring it back.
Missing so many items:
Spinach tortilla wraps. No one else’s are as good
European Chocolate yogurt. Dark chocolate yogurt!
Salmon pot stickers
Belgian Butter
TJ chapstick
So many staples!!
I heard the organic pineapple chunks are being discontinued…is this true?
I would have bought a case of the Artichoke Antipasto if I knew it was going to be discontinued. It isn’t even in the list, but I loved it and turned several people into fans of this item. Bummer
I miss the original kettle cooked olive oil potato chips. The chips changed! The company that makes them for Trader Joe’s , changed! They ingredients are listed, are the same as on the old bag. The supplier/maker is different. The chips are salter, covered and filled with oil in those never had before bumps. Color is different. Not a thicker crunchy light colored and light oil flavor anymore. I liked the shape of the original chips and how light an oiliness it had. The crunch is so very very different. Painful at times when snapped in my mouth. I used to eat the chips by the bagful in 3 days, I barely ate 2 handfuls and started feeling sick… The company says nothing changed. I want to know, If nothing changed then why do they look different, taste different, have bumps all over instead of smooth, and why is the bag so full of oil. Also, why did the bag colors change? I had to find a napkin asap or something to wipe my hand with, after 1st chip. Very unhappy with the loss of the only potato chips we as a family were purchasing. We no longer eat potato chips because the ones we liked the most are no longer.
Not all changes are for the better. In this case it might be. Why? 1 less junk food for I and my family to consume..
It’s hard to find low- no sodium options that actually taste good and now it’s next to impossible! No more marinara,fire roasted salsa, butternut squash soup, tomato soup…UGH
Bring back the Olive Fougasse Bread!! Pretty please with olives on top ????
The cinnamon Graham crackers are not the same as 3 months ago. Too thick and not as much cinnamon taste.
Just found out Trader Joe’s is discontinuing Ajika Georgian seasoning blend.. it was a perfect mix of heat and spice.. very disappointed!!
MUSHROOM TURNOVERS, MY BELOVED.
The Thai tuna in green curry and tuna in red panang packets were phenomenal. Also, the chicken and roasted beet salad. The really good eggplant parmesan they used to have. The ketchup french fry chips. Eggplant hummus. I could go on and on.