Trader Joe's has once again celebrated its customers' top picks with the announcement of the 16th Annual Customer Choice Awards. The much-anticipated results were revealed on the Inside Trader Joe's podcast, where Matt Sloan and Tara Miller, two of Trader Joe's dedicated employees, shared the highlights. This year, the Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips claimed the top spot in the snack category, earning a place in the Trader Joe's Product Hall of Fame for winning this accolade five times. Consequently, these chips will no longer be eligible for future Customer Choice Awards.
The awards serve as a platform to showcase customers' favorite products from the past year across several categories. Sloan emphasized the importance of the awards:
“One of the purposes of the Customer Choice Awards is to pass along recommendations so that everyone can try the favorites.” – Sloan
The selection process, spearheaded by Sloan and Miller, aims to highlight new and exciting products that have captured shoppers' attention and taste buds. With the same winners potentially overshadowing fresh finds, Sloan commented on the necessity of recognizing novel items:
“If we had the same winners over and over … then the awards wouldn't call attention to any things we haven't already saluted.” – Sloan
This year's awards introduced a new category: favorite new products. The Cashel Blue Cheese Irish Potato Chips emerged victorious in this segment, showcasing Trader Joe’s knack for creating irresistible snacks. Introduced in November 2024, these chips have become a testament to the brand’s ability to innovate and delight its customers. Sloan described them as:
“These chips are from an Irish chip making factory using Irish-grown potatoes and an Irish-made blue cheese, and those sound both alluring and maybe not for everybody.” – Sloan
Despite their unique flavor profile, Sloan acknowledged their widespread appeal:
“But I have heard overwhelmingly positive feedback about these chips, which is really, really good because we love this chip maker.” – Sloan
The sweet treat category saw Mandarin Orange Chicken claim top honors, although it now joins the ranks of products no longer eligible to compete for future awards. This decision aligns with Trader Joe’s policy of retiring products to the Product Hall of Fame once they have secured five wins. This prestigious list now includes Mandarin Orange Chicken, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut Butter-Filled Pretzel Nuggets, Unexpected Cheddar, and Soy Chorizo.
In the cheese category, "goat cheese" was crowned as the favorite. However, customers’ votes did not specify a particular type of goat cheese. Sloan offered insight into what customers might have meant:
“I think what is meant by ‘goat cheese’ is fresh goat cheese.” – Sloan
He further clarified:
“That spreadable, somewhat crumbly cheese, but not necessarily goat Gouda.” – Sloan
Meanwhile, in the beauty aisle category, Brazil Nut Body Butter took home the award despite not being available in stores at present. This reflects Trader Joe's commitment to unique product offerings that resonate with shoppers even after they've left shelves.
The awards also provide an opportunity for Trader Joe's to address emerging trends and demands within their product lineup. As Miller noted:
“We saw a need, and we worked with our suppliers to find a way to fill that need.” – Miller
Beyond snacks and cheeses, Trader Joe’s continues to impress with its offerings across various categories. Among them are delectable ice cream sandwiches that have left a lasting impression on Miller:
“They are the best ice cream sandwiches I've ever had in my entire life.” – Miller
Leave a Reply