15 Things Trader Joe's Should Really Start Selling Already
Missed Opportunities
Compared to larger supermarket chains and warehouse stores, Trader Joe's can feel painfully small with its narrow aisles and limited selection of white-label products. After all, wouldn't it be nice if Trader Joe's sold rotisserie chicken? The retailer's staunchest loyalists have shared their product wish lists multiple times, which are all full of items like rotisserie chicken that Trader Joe's "should" carry. Here are the top 15 products from those threads.
Tampons
Redditors say that it's time for Trader Joe's to carry sanitary products like tampons and pads, especially since the retailer sells skincare and beauty items. "It always bothers me to see beauty products on the shelves but zero sanitary products," one top comment reads. While many Redditors agreed, some superfans noted that the retailer has carried tampons in the past, but they didn't sell well and had quality issues.
Kitchen Basics
Trader Joe's dearth of kitchen and household basics — trash bags, ziplock bags, foil, etc. — means that shoppers inevitably have to hit more than one store. "I hate going to multiple places for this stuff," a frustrated Redditor writes. That said, Trader Joe's business model precludes it from being a one-stop-shop like Walmart or Costco.
Deodorant
Although Trader Joe's has carried Tom's of Maine deodorant before, a Redditor said the retailer should sell its own private label version with seasonal scents. Seasonally scented hair oil, they added, would also be a welcome addition.
Miso Paste
Given Trader Joe's penchant for carrying international fare, miso paste would be a logical addition to the retailer's lineup of Asian goodies. While we don't know if it's just a rumor, one Redditor commented that miso paste is "in the system" and coming soon to stores.
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Pierogis
Considering Trader Joe's already sells gyoza, it seems like the retailer should add the European version: pierogis. "They’re easy, delicious, freeze well, and fit Trader Joe’s multicultural feel," a Redditor wrote.
Clotted Cream
Despite it's less-than-appetizing name and appearance, multiple Redditors said that Trader Joe's should carry clotted cream, a creamy English spread. "I'd be making scones every weekend if they carried it!" a superfan wrote.
Potato Buns
Some Trader Joe's fans aren't satisfied with the retailer's selection of hamburger fixings and wish the store carried potato buns. Martin's potato rolls are always an alternative, though the company has received flack for donating to a far-right candidate.
Veggie Wontons
While Trader Joe already carries chicken and cilantro wontons, multiple superfans say it's time for a vegetable, tofu, or fish-filled variation for plant-based eaters.
Rotisserie Chicken
It might not make sense for Trader Joe's business model or clientele, but one superfan said that the retailer should sell rotisserie chickens, adding that the "cooked meat options are a little lacking." A more Trader Joe's friendly alternative? One Redditor suggested shredded and frozen rotisserie chicken.
Paneer
Trader Joe's already has an impressive array of Indian food, including samosas, naan, and curries like palak paneer. That said, fans said they want to be able to purchase paneer separately to add to their own dishes. "Yes, paneer especially!" a shopper agreed.
Noodles
Sure, Trader Joe's has its own version of instant ramen, along with a host of other pre-made Asian dishes, but some shoppers said they'd prefer buying noodles separately. Adding udon, ramen, and rice noodles to Trader Joe's lineup of staples would make it easier for superfans who prefer to cook their own meals.
Mince Pies
Popular across the pond, mince pies are a classic English holiday treat filled with mincemeat, fruit, spices, and suet. They're just one of the many international foods that Trader Joe's superfans wish the retailer would carry (one shopper said they'd settle for mince pie filling).
Baba Ghanoush
This store's got more than five types of hummus but no baba ghanoush? Come on, Trader Joe's! Given Trader Joe's penchant for international products, the eggplant-based appetizer seems like a natural addition to the chain's lineup of Levantine cuisine.
Onion Rings
As a purveyor of cheap, indulgent frozen foods, Trader Joe's ought to have onion rings in its freezer aisle. The closest thing we've got is the chain's "onion-flavored rings," which are just mediocre Funyuns and not deep-fried, beer-battered rings of golden goodness (which is what we really want).
Bagged Ice
Whether you're picking up goodies on the way to a picnic, or you've traveled dozens of miles to the nearest Trader Joe's (people do this), it would be nice if you could buy bagged ice. One commenter says cashiers at their local store do provide ice when asked, though your mileage may vary.
This article was originally published on Cheapism
