Everyone who shops at Trader Joe's has a list of those products. We can't get enough of them, but there's a catch. Either they're only available once a year (we're looking at you, pumpkin everything!) or we're not the only ones who want them in our shopping bags. Yes, we're talking about those cult-worthy TJ's items that are so popular, they're often completely sold out.
We asked R29 staffers about their favorite tough-to-locate buys. Check out our top 15 picks, ahead. Whether we have to get to the store at 9 a.m. or incessantly check in with employees to find out when our faves are coming back, we'll always be on the lookout for these.
Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars
These tiny cookies are only available during the winter, but stock up fast. They only last for a weekend or two before they're sold out until the following year.
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
We're big fans of the cold-brew trend, but don't like coughing up four or five bucks for a cup. TJ's cold-brew concentrate is an easy fix, so when it's available we grab as many bottles as we can carry.
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Mahi Mahi Burgers
There's a reason these healthy burgers are often nowhere to be found in the freezer section — they're almost too delicious for their own good.
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Organic Silver Dollar Pancakes
It's tough to find time to make pancakes in the morning, which is why TJ's customers can't get enough of these easy-to-reheat stacks.
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Organic Tropical Fruit Blend
Frozen fruit is great for smoothies or as a healthy sweet treat. But apparently, we're not the only ones who like to keep our freezers stocked.
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Tandoori Naan
Everyone knows garlic naan is better than its plain counterpart.
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Farm Raised Smoked Trout
Canned tuna is all well and good, but if you've never tried smoked trout, now's the time.
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Spicy Chai Tea Latte Mix
You can find this powdered chai mix with the teas and coffees — if there are any tubs left!
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Organic Riced Cauliflower
TJ's customers who love cauliflower rice but don't love making it from scratch are the reason these freezer bags are so coveted.
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Coconut Strips
Trader Joe's has plenty of dried fruit to choose from, but these coconut strips have been known to go missing from their aisle for months at a time. They've even ended up on Amazon and eBay as a result.
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Pumpkin Ice Cream
This popular ice cream flavor is only available during the holidays, so we like to grab a few extra pints to last us for a while.
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Charles Shaw Wine
It may not technically be "2-buck Chuck" anymore, but Charles Shaw wine is still super-cheap at TJ's, which means stores have a tough time keeping it in stock, especially right before the weekend.
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Black Truffle Olive Oil
You only need a few drops of truffle oil to add some extra-savory flavor to whatever you're cooking, which is a good thing considering it can be nearly impossible to find.
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Candy Cane Green Tea
This tea is technically available in the winter — but good luck getting your hands on it!
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.
Pork Or Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
These frozen dumplings only take a few minutes to heat up in the microwave, which is probably why there's stiff competition when it comes to grabbing a few bags to keep around as a snack.
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe's.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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