Trader Joe’s provides an array of beloved products that have become household staples, like the well-known Mandarin Orange Chicken and their classic can of corn. Yet, beyond these fan-favorites, Trader Joe’s is constantly evolving, introducing new items that celebrate seasonal flavors or tap into current trends. Unfortunately, this quest for novelty often leads to the unexpected disappearance of beloved items, leaving fans in a state of confusion when their favorites vanish from the shelves without any warning.
For many dedicated customers, the absence of certain products creates a sense of nostalgia. Numerous shoppers have taken to online forums like Reddit to reminisce about what they miss most. One particular thread asked Trader Joe’s enthusiasts, “What’s an item you’ll never forgive Trader Joe’s for discontinuing?” This sparked a conversation, accumulating over 5,000 comments, with participants fondly recalling past favorites. One user noted, “Makes me miss things I didn’t even know existed.” It’s a sentiment many can relate to in this context.
Here are nine discontinued Trader Joe’s products that fans still yearn for, whether they were taken off the shelves recently or two decades ago.
9 Trader Joe’s Products That Should Make a Comeback, According to Reddit
Sweet & Savory Tomato Spread
A heartfelt plea from one shopper expressed a deep desire for the Sweet & Savory Tomato Spread, which was available a couple of years ago. “I seriously need this back, please, please, pretty please,” they shared, lamenting the lack of a suitable replacement at a comparable price.
Another fan echoed this sentiment, stating, “I miss this dang jam every single day.” It’s easy to see how a product can become a staple for so many.
Yogurt Stars
Another cherished item included the “yogurt frosted stars with raspberry, blueberry, and vanilla frosting.” One Redditor reminised, saying they “miss them so much,” a feeling echoed by another who admitted, “I crave them all the time.” These frosting-covered delights haven’t been available since 2016, but their memory persists.
Chocolate Sunflower Seed Drops
The chocolate-covered sunflower seeds garnered significant attention on Reddit, with one passionate fan humorously lamenting, “May whomever made the choice [to discontinue them] step on Legos every day while barefoot.” The intensity of loyalty for these snacks is truly something.
Another person was reminded of their deliciousness, saying that the seeds are “one of the items I’m terribly sad are gone.” Nostalgia has a powerful way of reminding us of our favorites.
Goat Cheese Pizza
One user shared a photo of what was once an early 2000s gem: a ready-made Goat Cheese Pizza featuring mozzarella, Asiago, Romano, and smoked provolone cheese with garlic and basil over a red sauce. “This was the absolute best thing at Trader Joe’s,” one response declared, demonstrating the lasting impact of this fan-favorite.
Another contributor remarked, “I feel like the last time I had this was 2008, and I’m still mad about it.” Clearly, the love for this pizza runs deep.
Honey Butter Chips
While Trader Joe’s continues to offer a variety of chips, such as the beloved Blue Cheese Irish Potato Chips, one shopper stated they “desperately miss the Honey Butter Chips.” They reflected, “Probably my favorite chip they’ve ever done. All these years later, I still think about them…” It’s a testament to how impactful flavors can linger in our memory long after they’re gone.
“It was the best chip flavor I ever ate in my life and have never tasted a flavor quite like it in anything else,” added another chip enthusiast. The call for a return reflects the signature taste that defined these snacks.
Pappa al Pomodoro
Trader Joe’s is known for its mouthwatering soups, and one Redditor specifically missed the Pappa al Pomodoro frozen tomato soup, which included a slice of rustic bread. This Tuscan delight has left a lasting mark on its fans, with one stating, “That is without a doubt the best tomato soup I’ve ever found in a store.” It’s hard to compete with such a strong endorsement.
Another shopper expressed ongoing hope, sharing, “I still look every time I’m in TJ’s in case by some miracle it comes back.” Such longing speaks volumes about the impact of flavors.
Sea Salt Brownie Petites
Among the most cherished desserts from Trader Joe’s were the Sea Salt Brownie Petites. These mini bites offered a perfectly balanced sweet and salty snack that many adored. One user stated, “The little sea salt fudgy brownie bites,” were unforgettable. Many shared a similar feeling, saying, “I yearn for them.” Such strong emotions show the depth of connection to food.
“I still can’t believe it’s gone!” echoed another reader, who insisted that the brownie dessert “was a staple in my life for like 20 years.” Here’s a clear example of how deeply food can intertwine with our memories.
Danish Pancakes
Among Trader Joe’s selection of breakfast items, one cherished choice was the Danish Pancakes, or Aebleskivers, discontinued since 2016. These fluffy spherical delights were “my favorite quick breakfast,” like one fan reminisced, who especially loved them with their morning coffee.
Another user noted, “I still get choked up about it as there is no equivalent in the market that I am aware of.” This captures the sentiment of so many who feel an empty space in their mornings without these pancakes.
Gummy Tummies
One of the most frequently mentioned products is the bag of Gummy Tummies. Shaped like penguins, these gummy treats offered a soft center bursting with fruity flavors.
“Gummy Tummies! God they were so good,” one shopper remarked. They also shared that they “couldn’t buy them often” because “I’d inevitably eat them all in one sitting.” The passionate connection many have to them speaks volumes.
“Every time I walk into a Trader Joe’s, I am reminded about how those delicious gummies were vigorously ripped from my very own arms,” lamented another Redditor. “If a genie were to grant me one wish and one wish only…I would tell the genie that I wish for Trader Joe’s to return the gummy penguins to their shelves and never take them off again.” The deep desire for a comeback is clear.
