Trader Joe’s offers a wide range of unique and flavorful grocery items, but choosing the best can be overwhelming. My top picks include the Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch for spice lovers, the Everything but The Bagel Seasoning for seasoning enthusiasts, and the Sesame Sticks for snack fans. Each stands out for their versatility and flavor profile, yet they also come with tradeoffs like spiciness, salt content, or packaging size. Whether you want a fiery condiment, a savory seasoning, or a crunchy snack, this guide helps you weigh options based on your preferences and needs.
Get kitchen gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch is ideal for adding heat and flavor, though it may be too spicy for sensitive palates.
- The Everything but The Bagel Seasoning is a versatile pantry staple, but its salt content might be a concern for some.
- Sesame Sticks offer great value and crunch, but they can be quite salty and are not suitable for sesame allergies.
- Trail mix crackers provide a unique savory-sweet snack, though they are calorie-dense and contain nuts and cheese.
- Size and packaging are important; smaller seasoning bottles may require frequent repurchasing, while larger snacks offer better value.
| Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch, 6 Ounce |  | Best for spice lovers seeking a versatile condiment | Size: 6 Ounce | Pack: 1 | Ingredients: Chili, onion, oil, salt | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trader Joe’s Everything but The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend 2.3 Oz (2-Bottle) |  | Best for seasoning versatility and flavor enhancement | Net Weight: 2.3 oz per bottle | Quantity: 2 bottles | Ingredients: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion, sea salt | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trader Joe’s Sesame Sticks, 16 oz |  | Best for crunchy snack lovers seeking value | Weight: 16 oz | Pack: 1 | Ingredients: Sesame seeds, wheat flour, salt | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trader Joe’s Trail Mix Crackers with Mung Beans, Seeds, Cashews, Raisins & Cheese – 4.5oz (128g) Set of 4 |  | Best for wholesome, on-the-go snacking with variety | Weight: 4.5oz per pack | Quantity: Set of 4 | Ingredients: Mung beans, cashews, cheese, raisins, seeds | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trader Joe’s Everything but The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend 2.3 oz |  | Another versatile seasoning for flavoring many dishes | Product Type: Grocery | Item Package Weight: 0.5 Lbs | Net Weight: 2.3 oz | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| trader joe s grocerie | Shelf Life | Ingredients | Vegan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunc | 6-12 months | Chili, onion, oil, salt | Yes |
| Trader Joe’s Everything but Th | 1 year | Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion, sea salt | Yes |
| Trader Joe’s Sesame Sticks | 6 months | Sesame seeds, wheat flour, salt | Yes |
| Trader Joe’s Trail Mix Cracker | 6 months | Mung beans, cashews, cheese, raisins, seeds | — |
| Trader Joe’s Everything but Th | 1 year | — | Yes |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch, 6 Ounce
Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch stands out for its fiery, savory flavor that elevates dishes like rice bowls, tacos, or salads. Compared with other condiments, its spicy kick is particularly pronounced, making it ideal for those who want to add heat without fuss. However, its spiciness could overwhelm sensitive taste buds, and there’s limited info on ingredients, which might concern health-conscious buyers. The 6-ounce jar offers convenient usage, but heavy spice fans might find themselves needing more quickly.
Pros:- Adds a spicy and savory flavor to dishes
- Convenient 6-ounce jar
- Very versatile for multiple cuisines
Cons:- May be too spicy for sensitive palates
- Limited information on ingredients
- Can be overpowering if used excessively
Best for: Spice enthusiasts and those looking to add a bold flavor punch
Not ideal for: People sensitive to heat or seeking mild condiments
- Size:6 Ounce
- Pack:1
- Ingredients:Chili, onion, oil, salt
- Shelf Life:6-12 months
- Calories:Approx. 15 per teaspoon
- Vegan:Yes
Our verdict“A flavorful, spicy condiment perfect for heat lovers who want versatility, but not for those seeking mild flavors.”
Trader Joe’s Everything but The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend 2.3 Oz (2-Bottle)
This seasoning blend combines sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic and onion, and sea salt flakes, making it a go-to for elevating a variety of dishes. Compared with plain salt or single-flavor seasonings, it provides a complex, crunchy flavor that enhances everything from bagels to grilled meats. Its primary tradeoff is salt content, which might be a concern for low-sodium diets. The two 2.3-ounce bottles are handy for frequent use but could require replenishing quickly if you cook often.
Pros:- Highly versatile for many dishes
- Flavorful blend of seeds and spices
- Enhances both savory and snack foods
Cons:- Contains salt, not suitable for low-sodium diets
- Limited size, may require frequent repurchase
- Might be too intense for very delicate dishes
Best for: Home cooks wanting a multi-purpose, flavorful seasoning
Not ideal for: Those on low-sodium or salt-restricted diets
- Net Weight:2.3 oz per bottle
- Quantity:2 bottles
- Ingredients:Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion, sea salt
- Vegan:Yes
- Shelf Life:1 year
- Country of Origin:United States
Our verdict“A flavorful, multi-use seasoning blend that adds crunch and aroma to everyday cooking, best for those who don’t need to limit salt intake.”
Trader Joe’s Sesame Sticks, 16 oz
Trader Joe’s Sesame Sticks deliver a satisfying crunch with a savory sesame flavor, offered in a generous 16-ounce package. Compared to smaller snack packs, this large size offers excellent value for frequent snackers or families. The sticks are great for sharing or munching on the go. Their main drawback is that they can be quite salty, which may not suit everyone, especially those monitoring sodium intake. Also, since they contain sesame seeds, they are unsuitable for individuals with sesame allergies.
Pros:- Crunchy and flavorful sesame seeds
- Large 16 oz package offers good value
- Great for sharing or on-the-go snacking
Cons:- May be too salty for some
- Contains sesame seeds, allergen concern
- Not suitable for gluten-free diets
Best for: Snack lovers who want a crunchy, flavorful treat at a good price
Not ideal for: People with sesame allergies or low-sodium diets
- Weight:16 oz
- Pack:1
- Ingredients:Sesame seeds, wheat flour, salt
- Shelf Life:6 months
- Vegan:Yes
- Allergens:Sesame, wheat
Our verdict“A crunchy, flavorful snack that offers great value, ideal for sesame seed lovers but not suited for allergy-sensitive or low-sodium diets.”
Trader Joe’s Trail Mix Crackers with Mung Beans, Seeds, Cashews, Raisins & Cheese – 4.5oz (128g) Set of 4
This set of trail mix crackers combines mung beans, seeds, cashews, raisins, and cheese into a savory, protein-packed snack. Compared with simple crackers, these offer a complex flavor profile with both savory and sweet elements, making them appealing for busy days or travel. The main tradeoff is their calorie density, since nuts and cheese add richness; they also contain allergens like nuts and dairy, which could be a concern. The 4-pack design makes them convenient for sharing or stocking up.
Pros:- Contains wholesome ingredients like mung beans and cashews
- Convenient set of four packs
- Flavorful savory-sweet combination
Cons:- High in calories due to nuts and cheese
- Contains nuts and dairy, allergen risk
- May not appeal to those preferring simple snacks
Best for: Active individuals seeking a flavorful, nutrient-rich snack
Not ideal for: Those with nut or dairy allergies or on calorie-restricted diets
- Weight:4.5oz per pack
- Quantity:Set of 4
- Ingredients:Mung beans, cashews, cheese, raisins, seeds
- Shelf Life:6 months
- Calories:Approx. 150 per pack
- Allergens:Nuts, dairy
Our verdict“A nutritious, flavorful snack pack perfect for active lifestyles but not suitable for nut or dairy-sensitive individuals.”
Trader Joe’s Everything but The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend 2.3 oz
This popular seasoning is a staple for many Trader Joe’s fans. Its blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic and onion, and sea salt flakes makes it perfect for topping bagels, eggs, or roasted vegetables. Compared with the two-bottle version, this smaller 2.3 oz size is more convenient for occasional use but may require frequent repurchasing if you use it often. Its flavor profile is similar to the larger version, but salt content could be a concern for some.
Pros:- Versatile for many dishes
- Contains a flavorful, crunchy blend of seeds and spices
- Adds a savory, crunchy layer to foods
Cons:- Limited to 2.3 oz size
- May be too salty for some tastes
- Requiring frequent repurchase for heavy use
Best for: Those looking to enhance dishes with a savory, crunchy topping
Not ideal for: People seeking low-sodium options or larger quantities
- Product Type:Grocery
- Item Package Weight:0.5 Lbs
- Net Weight:2.3 oz
- Country of Origin:United States
- Shelf Life:1 year
- Vegan:Yes
Our verdict“A highly versatile seasoning blend that’s great for enhancing many dishes, but its small size and salt content are tradeoffs for frequent use.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on flavor versatility, value for money, and unique qualities that align with popular Trader Joe’s offerings. We compared product ingredients, size options, and customer reviews to find items that stand out in taste, convenience, and overall appeal. We also considered dietary concerns like sodium, allergens, and suitability for different diets. The goal was to identify products that serve various consumer needs—whether for spice, seasoning, snacks, or specialty ingredients—while offering balanced tradeoffs.
| trader joe s grocerie | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunc | Chili, onion, oil, salt |
| Trader Joe’s Everything but Th | Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion, sea salt |
| Trader Joe’s Sesame Sticks | Sesame seeds, wheat flour, salt |
| Trader Joe’s Trail Mix Cracker | Mung beans, cashews, cheese, raisins, seeds |
| Trader Joe’s Everything but Th | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing 4 Best Trader Joe S Groceries
Choosing the right Trader Joe’s groceries depends on what you prioritize—whether it’s flavor, versatility, health considerations, or value. Understanding the role each product plays in your kitchen or snack stash helps tailor your purchases. This guide highlights key factors to consider, including ingredient quality, packaging, dietary needs, and how often you’re likely to use each item.
Flavor and Versatility
Products like the Everything but The Bagel Seasoning excel in versatility, enhancing a wide range of dishes with a crunchy, savory boost. Meanwhile, items like the Chili Onion Crunch are more specialized, offering bold heat that suits spice lovers. Consider whether you want a multipurpose seasoning or a flavor enhancer for specific dishes.
Size and Packaging
Large packages like the Sesame Sticks provide value for frequent snackers, while smaller bottles of seasoning are better suited for occasional cooks. Think about your usage frequency and storage space—larger sizes often mean better value but require more upfront investment.
Dietary and Health Factors
If low sodium or allergen concerns are important, carefully check ingredients. For example, the Sesame Sticks contain sesame and wheat, and the Trail Mix Crackers include nuts and dairy. Spicy condiments like the Chili Onion Crunch may not be suitable for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Trader Joe’s seasonings gluten-free?
Most Trader Joe’s seasonings, including the Everything but The Bagel blend, are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the packaging for any cross-contamination warnings or updates on ingredients, especially if you have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I use Trader Joe’s snacks for baking?
Absolutely. Items like the Sesame Sticks can be crushed and added to baked goods or used as toppings. The seasonings can also be sprinkled into doughs or used to enhance the flavor of baked savory dishes. Just keep in mind the salt and calorie content when baking in larger quantities.
Are Trader Joe’s products suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Many Trader Joe’s products are plant-based, including the Seasoning Blends and Sesame Sticks. However, some items like the Trail Mix Crackers contain cheese and nuts, so always check the ingredients label if you follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet.
How should I store Trader Joe’s groceries?
Most seasonings and snacks should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Larger items like the Sesame Sticks can be kept in airtight containers for freshness. Proper storage extends shelf life and maintains flavor quality over time.
Are Trader Joe’s products organic?
Some Trader Joe’s products are organic, but not all. The Seasoning Blends and Snacks typically are not labeled as organic. If organic certification is a priority, check labels carefully or consider specific organic lines or brands for assurance.
Conclusion
For buyers seeking bold flavors and spices, the Chili Onion Crunch is a strong choice. Those wanting a versatile seasoning for everyday cooking will favor the Everything but The Bagel blend, especially if they prioritize flavor enhancement. Snack enthusiasts will appreciate the large Sesame Sticks for value, while health-conscious or allergen-sensitive shoppers should be cautious and review ingredient details carefully. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize flavor variety, dietary restrictions, or value—each product has a clear role in making your Trader Joe’s experience enjoyable.
Fall Picks
fall essentials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
