Trader Joe’s is notorious for discontinuing products, so much so that superfans will stockpile enough peppermint Hold the Cones to last years (seriously). Even then, some products never return, leaving Trader Joe’s shoppers feeling sad … and a bit resentful. In two popular Reddit threads, superfans shared their favorite discontinued items that they’re still upset about. We’ve made a list of the most popular products from those threads, but don’t hesitate to add your own in the comments.
Related: Here’s Why Trader Joe’s Sells Out of Your Favorite Products So Quickly
Belgian Chocolate Pudding
While Change.org campaigns are usually reserved to pressure Congress or corporations, Trader Joe’s fans felt strongly enough about the retailer’s discontinued chocolate pudding that they started their own petition. Superfans are just as impassioned on Reddit, where the discontinued pudding received the most upvotes in this thread.
Related: Best Store-Bought Desserts from Trader Joe’s
Gorgonzola Crackers
Redditors reminisced about the chain’s gorgonzola crackers, which one superfan said were “perfection” when paired with the store’s tomato bisque.
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.Frozen Mashed Potatoes
After this frozen favorite went out of stock in 2021, Redditors speculated that the manufacturer simply stopped producing private-label versions of its mashed potatoes. Superfans lamented the departure, though one shopper notes that other grocery stores sell similar Grown in Idaho-brand frozen mashed potatoes.
Sweet Corn Tamales
Redditors say that while Trader Joe’s still offers corn tamales, the original sweet corn variety was far superior. “I forgot about those tamales. Man, those were delicious,” one superfan commented.
Pumpernickel Pretzels
Alas, Trader Joe’s has axed the pumpernickel pretzels. But shoppers shouldn’t despair, as multiple superfans speculate that the retailer’s pretzels were just rebranded Utz pumpernickel sticks, which are available at other grocery stores.
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Eggplant Cutlets
Vegetarians went crazy for these breaded eggplant cutlets, which one Redditor says were perfect for a quick and convenient eggplant parm. “I’ve made my own from scratch but they are So. Much. Work,” one superfan wrote, adding a sad face emoticon.
Middle East-Style Feast
This pre-packaged favorite came with stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and two salads. While you won’t be able to pick it up in stores anymore, Redditors have shared copycat recipes of the lentil salad in the past.
Related: ‘5 Items or Less:’ Trader Joe’s Recipes From an Instagram Favorite
Ketchup-Flavored Spud Crunchies
These fry-shaped potato chips debuted in 2019, only to be discontinued two years later. One Redditor suggested the Filipino snack Pik-Nik as a ketchup-flavored alternative.
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Spicy Spinach Pizza
Only true Trader Joe’s heads will remember these thin, flatbread-like pizzas, which were discontinued years ago. “They got me through college and I crave them,” a Redditor shared.
Arrabbiata Sauce
Redditors mourned the loss of this spicy pasta sauce, which Trader Joe’s discontinued earlier this year. “Omg noooo! I didn’t even realize they discontinued the (arrabbiata) sauce until this comment! I wish I knew! I would’ve stocked up,” one disappointed Redditor commented.
Cultured Salted Butter
Everything seems more cultured in France — and that includes the butter. That’s because the French add live active cultures to their butter cream, giving the final product a distinct tang that’s hard to find stateside. That is, until Trader Joe’s started importing cultured butter from Brittany, France. Alas, the fan-favorite grocery staple was short-lived, joining the ranks of dearly departed Trader Joe’s products at the end of 2022.
Chocolate Chip Cocoa Meringues
Crunchy, light, and filled with semi-sweet chocolate, these elegant treats were a cocoa lover’s dream.
Chocolate Hummus
We can, um, guess why Trader Joe’s might have discontinued this product. Chocolate and hummus? Not exactly a match made in heaven. Still, some fans swear this mashup of garbanzo beans and cocoa was a tasty and not-so-unhealthy snack. “I realize this is a controversial choice, but I actually loved the chocolate hummus. It was such a nice treat with fruit!” one Redditor writes.
Dark Morello Cherries
These now-discontinued sour cherries made “the best cherry pies,” according to one Redditor. But Trader Joe’s superfans shouldn’t be too broken up, as Aldi carries a nearly identical product.
Bibimbap Bowl
This microwavable, all-inclusive meal — even the bowl is included! — was a hit with Trader Joe’s fans thanks to its spicy sauce. One superfan reports that they occasionally see it pop up in their Facebook group, so it’s possible that it’s still available in some regions. Don’t hesitate if you get a chance to try it.
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