MICHIGAN

Trader Joe's customers pick their favorites. What are the Customer Choice 2025 winners

Sarah Moore
Lansing State Journal

For the fourth straight year, the top choice among Trader Joe's shoppers in the company's Customer Choice Awards was the Chili and Lime Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips.

Trader Joe's announced the 2025 winners in its 16th annual Customer Choice Awards on Jan. 27. Customers chose their favorites from 11 categories.

"Without a doubt, their crunchy, tangy, spicy profile is an unbeatable combination for TJ’s snackers," the company said in introducing this year's winner.

"We want our customers’ experience while shopping in our stores to be rewarding, eventful and fun," Trader Joe's said on its website.

Here's a look at this year's competition.

What was the Trader Joe's overall winner?

The MVP snack of Trader Joe's: Chili and Lime Flavored Corn Tortilla Chips, posted on their 16th annual Customer Choice Awards announcement.

Chili and Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips claimed first in the customer poll. Runners-up included:

  • Steamed Pork and Ginger Soup Dumplings
  • Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese (Limited)
  • Kimbap
  • Vegetable Fried Rice

What was the new best new item at Trader Joe's?

The category was added this year, and Cashel Blue Cheese Irish Potato Chips, a limited item was chosen.

Runners-up included:

  • French Onion Popcorn (limited)
  • Garlic Gondolas
  • Strawberry Hold the Cone!
  • Crispy Potato and Poblano Pepper Tacos

What was voted to be the best beverage?

Spiced Cider, a limited item, was the winner.

Here are the runners-up:

  • French Market sparkling lemonade
  • Sparkling Honeycrisp apple juice beverage (Limited)
  • Triple Ginger Brew (Limited)
  • Villa Italia Italian Blood Orange soda

Which Trader Joe's cheese was the 2025 fan favorite?

Goat cheese was taken literally this year, as in greatest of all time.

Here are the runners-up:

  • English Farmhouse cheddar with caramelized onions
  • Syrah Soaked Toscano Cheese Spread & Dip (Limited)
  • Burrata
  • Saint André Triple Crème brie

What produce item won the award?

The Teeny Tiny Avocados took home tiny gold medals.

Here are the runners-up:

  • Bananas
  • Honeycrisp apples
  • Organic Persian cucumbers
  • Blueberries

What type of appetizer was the best?

Creamy spinach and artichoke dip won.

Here are the runners-up:

  • Jalapeńo & cream cheese crispy wontons
  • Parmesan Pastry Pups
  • Greek Spanakopita
  • Vegetable Bird's Nests with soy dipping sauce

For breakfast and brunch items, what is the best choice at Trader Joe's?

Hashbrowns won the competition.

Here are the runners-up:

  • Chocolate croissants
  • 4 Almond croissants
  • Dutch griddle cakes
  • Chicken sausage breakfast patties

For lunch and dinner, what was the best meal?

Butter chicken with Basmati rice, an authentic Indian recipe took first place.

Here are the runners-up:

  • Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Steamed pork & ginger soup dumplings
  • Kimbap
  • Butternut squash mac & cheese (Limited)

For bath, body and home products what item won?

The Brazil Nut Body Butter body cream won, a salted-caramel & pistachio-scented favorite.

Here are the runners-upo:

  • Daily facial sunscreen SPF 40
  • Coconut body butter
  • Leave-in conditioner
  • Lavender spray hand sanitizer

What is the top snack at Trader Joe's?

Chili and Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips.

Here are the runners-up:

  • World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs 
  • Organic Corn Chip Dippers
  • Horseradish & Chives Ridge Cut Potato Chips (Limited)
  • Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers

What food was voted best sweet treat?

Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches, were a fan favorite.

Here are the runners-up:

  • Almond Kringle (Limited)
  • Hold the Cone! Chocolate Chip
  • Jingle Jangle (Limited)
  • Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds

Some of my favorite items aren't listed, why?

Trader Joe’s retired several products from the awards due to their revered status and consecutive wins over the years, including: Mandarin Orange Chicken, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Unexpected Cheddar, Soy Chorizo, and Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets.

Where are the Trader Joe's locations in Michigan?

In Michigan there are nine Trader Joe's locations, all in the Lower Peninsula, with the newest location in East Lansing, 2755 E. Grand River Ave.

  • Ann Arbor, 2398 E. Stadium Blvd.
  • Bloomfield Hills, 6536 Telegraph Road.
  • East Lansing, 2755 E. Grand River Ave.
  • Grosse Pointe, 17028 Kercheval Ave.
  • Kalamazoo, 5099 Century Ave.
  • Kentwood, 3684 28th St. SE.
  • Northville, 18771 Traditions Drive.
  • Rochester Hills, 3044 Walton Blvd.
  • Royal Oak, 27880 Woodward Ave.

How big of a chain is Trader Joe's?

Trader's Joe's, a California-based store founded in 1967, is known for its unique Trader Joe's branded items.

There are 608 locations in the U.S., with 205 in California.

Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com