I Ranked 90+ Trader Joe's Holiday Items From "Skip It" To "Stock Up"

It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it.

Hi! I'm Hannah and if you don't already know, I spend way too much time and money at Trader Joe's.

T.J.'s is always a wonderful place, but there's something even more magical about it during the holiday season. Come December and the aisles are stocked with fun, festive, and seasonal products. I've sampled many of Trader Joe's offerings at this point — so here are a ton of holiday products ranked for your shopping pleasure from skip it to stock up on it.

(And if I missed your favorite, tell me in the comments! 🎁)

93. Mini Peppermint Meringues

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I can't even keep track of all the delicious holiday desserts I want to eat every time I enter a Trader Joe's this time of year..but peppermint meringues just aren't one of them.

92. Peeled and Cooked Chestnuts

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I get that chestnuts are reminiscent of Christmas, but I really need someone to explain the appeal of eating these.

91. Spiral Sliced Fully-Cooked Ham

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Convenient? Yes. Tasty? Eh.

90. Cocoa Baton Wafer Cookies

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These are passable for dunking into your morning coffee, but I won't go out of my way to buy them again.

89. Gingerbread Coffee

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If you want your morning coffee to taste like cookies, maybe??

88. Frozen Branzino Fillets

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I am a fan of any holiday that involves feasting on seven fishes, but I'd prefer flimsy frozen fish fillets to not be one of those dishes.

87. Family Style Meat Lasagna

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Sure, it's edible, but that's about it. If you're looking for a frozen, premade pasta for your holiday table, Trader Joe's has much better options.

86. Mini Gingerbread People

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Nothing is sadder than opening a box of mini gingerbread people missing their heads. About half of my cookies were sadly decapitated.

85. Chocolate Pecan Pie Bar

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If you're a fan of pecan, you definitely wouldn't turn down this dessert, but I find it overly sweet and I wish there was some bourbon or spice flavor to round it out.

84. Gluten-Free Italian Panettone

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The taste and texture of this gluten-free Christmas treat is actually quite similar to the glutenous version. That being said, Trader Joe's has much better holiday desserts.

83. Tarte Aux Champignons

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Mushroom fans might be disappointed by this French-style flatbread. The flavors are dull and the puff pasty is a tad soggy.

82. Caramelized Onion Dip

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The onions are finely chopped and more or less unnoticeable. I'd rather exert the extra tiny bit of effort, buy the Lipton soup mix, and make this dip myself.

81. Dark Chocolate Stars

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These are fine and all for chocolate lovers, but they don't have that same butteriness I expect from shortbread cookies.

80. Chocolate Coins of the World

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We all know that gelt (or as Trader Joe's calls it, "chocolate coins of the world") is just synonymous with passable-but-not-great chocolate. There's better stuff in the chocolate section than this.

79. Frozen Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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These are bland and lack a sweet or spicy component, but you can jazz 'em up with the help of some cinnamon, pecans, maple syrup, marshmallows, or paprika.

78. Brie en Croûte

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You're better off making this cheesy app from scratch, especially since you really only need two ingredients: a wheel of Brie and puff pastry.

77. Maple Leaf Cookies

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These cookies are actually pretty solid, especially the light and airy maple filling. But ultimately, there are just so many better holiday desserts elsewhere in the store.

76. Over The River & Through The Wood Trek Mix

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Definitely a step above your average trail mix, but it's heavy on the almonds, pepitas, and cranberries when (let's face it) we're all wanting more pumpkin pie pecans and chocolate-covered pretzels.

75. Panettone Classico

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It's just kind of hard to get really excited about panettone, you know?

74. Hasselback Potatoes With Butter & Sea Salt

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Here's the plan: buy some potatoes, slice 'em, and top them with butter and sea salt. We'll call them homemade hasselback potatoes.

73. Nog Protein Beverage Smoothie

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I don't know...does anyone really need an eggnog-flavored protein drink? It just seems like a bit much.

72. Mushroom Ravioli With Mushroom Truffle Sauce

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This frozen ravioli in truffle sauce is decadent, but it's tough to avoid it getting soggy. For more al dente, tasty premade ravioli, stick to the refrigerated section.

71. Chocolate Lava Gnocchi

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I just can't get over the texture of this. In my mind, gnocchi should be savory. It hits different when it's full of melted chocolate.

70. Antipasto Assortment

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I'm all for lazy appetizers, but it's easy enough to build your own affordable and far-more-delicious antipasto plate out of Trader Joe's snacks.

69. Black Truffle Cashew Pesto Sauce

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Trader Joe's went a little wild with the truffle products this fall. Unfortunately, this isn't one of the must-tries. If I were you, I'd grab the Geneva Pesto and season it with some T.J's truffle seasoning.

68. Seafood Paella

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This frozen paella made with calamari, shrimp, and mussels won't change your life, but it's a solid addition to any Feast of the Seven Fishes.

67. Tapas Style Grilled Artichoke Quarters

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Add these to your pasta or chicken...or just serve them tapas style for an easy appetizer.

66. Festive Chocolate Collection

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These taste exactly how you'd expect them to, but they're are absolutely adorable, especially if you're celebrating the holiday with kids.

65. Dark Chocolate Collection

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These little assorted dark chocolates taste fancy, like the stuff you'd receive in a holiday gift. Grab a few of these little baggies for stocking stuffers.

64. Cauliflower Pancakes

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A welcome addition to T.J.'s frozen cauliflower products, these little guys are a lower carb alternative to potato latkes that still taste satisfying.

63. Gingerbread House Kit

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At $7.99 per box, these DIY gingerbread houses are an excellent holiday bargain. It even comes with a generous portion of icing and candy for decorating.

62. Raisin Rosemary Crisps

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This classic T.J.'s cracker has been reimagined for fall, and they're good. Serve these with any dip or holiday cheese plate.

61. Cookie Mug Hangers

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Do I need a little gingerbread cookie that clings tightly to my mug of hot cocoa? Absolutely not. Do I love having the option? Yuuuup.

60. A Dozen Sweet Bites

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You'll want to serve these slightly cold so they don't get mushy. Each box contains a satisfying mixture of fruity, chocolate-y, and espessso-flavored dessert bites.

59. Mushroom Risotto

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If there's one frozen food I'll never feel bad about buying, it's risotto. With all that stirring, it's a pain in the neck to make from scratch. This stuff takes about six minutes in the microwave, and it tastes as good as anything I'd make myself.

58. Blue Cheese & Roasted Pecan Dip

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An OG Trader Joe's dip, there's something delightful about the blending of tangy blue cheese, creamy cream cheese, and sweet pecans.

57. Crispy Crunchy Ginger Chunk Cookies

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Think: Tate's cookies, except cheaper and perfect for enjoying with eggnog. As a bonus, these crispy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies happen to be gluten-free.

56. Frozen Pie Crusts

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They're just pie crusts so don't get too excited, but at $3.99 for two frozen crusts, Trader Joe's is easily the best value out there.

55. Charcuterie Pinwheels

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This glorious duo features both pepperoni and sopressata rolled up with creamy mozzarella. Your holiday antipasto platter would greatly benefit from the addition.

54. Macarons des Fêtes

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TBH, I had pretty low expectations for frozen, boxed macarons, but they're surprisingly delicious. I also appreciate the variety of flavors that comes in every box.

53. Scallops Wrapped In Uncured Bacon With Brown Sugar Glaze

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Permission to get a little fancy this holiday season without trying too hard.

52. Almond Nog

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A totally fine option for those try to avoid dairy. (But this almond nog just ain't the same as the real deal.)

51. Cheese Blintzes

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These are basically premade crepes loaded with creamy ricotta filling, and they're a must-have holiday breakfast in my book. Serve with sour cream or your favorite fruit preserves.

50. Cranberry Chevre

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This fruity chèvre is an effortless addition to your holiday cheeseboard that no one will be upset about.

49. Scandinavian Tidings

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A trio of flavors: Sparkling grape, green apple, and berry, these are decent enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

48. Spanakopita Filled With Spinach, Ricotta, and Feta Cheese

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It would be a travesty to find my freezer without this crowd-pleasing party app inside of it.

47. Decked Out Tree Cookies

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These shortbread cookies in the shape of Christmas trees are topped with milk chocolate filling, drizzled with white chocolate, and garnished with festive sprinkles. So you tell me, what could be bad?

46. Triple Ginger Brew

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This is some of the most flavorful ginger ale I've ever tasted, and it's excellent either straight or in a cocktail. Moscow mules, anyone?

45. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip

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Holiday or any day, this creamy spinach dip is a staple in my kitchen. Piping hot from the oven, it tastes as if it were made from scratch.

44. Chocolate Peppermint Loaf Baking Mix

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For a dessert that comes together from boxed cake mix, this chocolate loaf is actually very moist and rich.

43. La Fondue

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While a little bland and can use some spicing up, it's hard to find fault with melted cheese.

42. Cocoa Chile Spiced Pecans

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Like all good snacks, they're a little bit sweet and a little bit spicy.

41. Butter Toffee Pretzels

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Sweet and sugary meets salty and savory, and I'm here for it.

40. Hand-Braided Challah

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This packaged challah is low-key one of the best buys in the bakery aisle. It's moist and eggy and brioche-like underneath the golden crust. Plus, it makes for some amazing French toast.

39. Braised Beef Roast

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If you follow the microwave instructions, you'll be disappointed in this main. But if you heat it up in the oven, the result is tender, glazed beef you can basically cut with a fork.

38. Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Butter & Sage

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TBH, I'd eat anything coated in rich butter sage sauce.

37. Danish Kringle

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I know people go wild for these Danish pastries, which are made of layers of flaky almond dough. They're seriously sweet.

36. Raclette Sliced Cheese

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Add this presliced, melty raclette cheese to anything from sandwiches to potatoes. You won't regret it.

35. Chunky Artichoke & Jalapeño Dip

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I love the texture of the artichokes and the fact that there's actually a little kick to this dip.

34. Corn Pudding

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This cheesy corn casserole is indulgent in the best way.

33. Uncured Bacon Wrapped Porchetta Pork Roast

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Well-priced, tasty, and festive, this bacon wrapped porchetta checks off all the important boxes for your holiday main.

32. Bruschetta Sauce

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Buy a baguette and top it with this tangy, cheesy bruschetta sauce for the easiest appetizer ever.

31. Better Than Leftovers Dog Treats

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I'm taking my dog's word for this, but he's a big fan of these seasonal treats that come in flavors like gravy and roast beef.

30. Cabernet Beef Pot Roast

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On its own, this fully trimmed pot roast is a bit dry and bland, but with a few simple ingredients, you can turn it into an impressive main. Try cooking it in the slow cooker with beef broth, garlic, and herbs.

29. Butternut Squash Ravioli

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Cold weather is just an excuse to stay home and eat tender pasta filled with sweet butternut squash.

28. Sweet & Salty Snack Mix

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If a snack mix includes peanut butter–filled pretzels, you know you've got a winner.

27. Gingerbread Ice Cream

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Long live ice cream season. Even when the temps fall below freezing, you'll still crave this festive flavor. 

26. Brie Cheese With Wild Mushrooms

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Creamy Brie gets an umami-packed mushroom seasonal twist, and I'm here for it.

25. Truffle Mousse Pâté

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If you're a liver mousse person, this truffle-y, creamy pâté might just be your new favorite T.J's item. And for under $6, you won't find a bargain like this anywhere else.

24. Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Cremes

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They're minty, creamy, and chocolatey in every darn bite.

23. Grass Fed Beef Sirloin Roast

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Trader Joe's has a handful of fully cooked main dishes, and this sirloin roast is one of the best. It's well-seasoned, juicy, and tender, and it's a great dinner option when you're pressed for time or just don't feel like cooking.

22. Herbs de Provence Potato Wedges

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This may not be the sexiest item in the frozen aisle, but it's certainly a handy (and tasty) one to have on hand for an easy holiday side dish.

21. Maple Streusel Bread

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Warmed up and served with butter or turned into French toast, this stuff is decadent.

20. Stepping It Up Spicy Snack Bar Mix

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This stuff packs just enough of a kick.

19. Chorizo de Bellota Iberico

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Your holiday charcuterie board just got upgraded a few notches.

18. Organic Italian Nocellara Olives

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Italian Nocellara olives (aka Castelvetranos) are, IMHO, the king of the olive world. And for under $5, these buttery olives in herbs are always worth it.

17. Italian Custard Cream Puffs

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No one needs to know these frozen cream puffs aren't homemade (because they certainly don't taste like they're from a box).

16. Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

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Between the soft gingerbread cookies, the whipped vanilla icing, and the sugar crystals to top it all off, these are some high-quality baked goods.

15. Roasted & Salted Truffle Marcona Almonds

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In the land of nuts, marcona almonds reign king. You'd spend triple the amount buying marcona almonds from anywhere else, let alone almonds seasoned in truffle oil.

14. Candy Cane Joe-Joe's Dark Chocolate Bar

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What happens when you combine Candy Cane Joe Joe’s and dark chocolate? It's a rich, crunchy, cookie-filled, peppermint-y burst of deliciousness.

13. Egg Nog

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Is it OK to drink eggnog all year long? Because I totally would...

12. Eggplant Parmigiana Sfogliatelle

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These are the must-have party app of the year.

11. Jingle Jangle Pretzel Twists

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Everyone's favorite holiday treat, now available in chocolate covered pretzel form.

10. Mini Cheesecake Cones

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These are so good. Imagine the decadence of cheesecake and cannoli combined into one bite-sized dessert. Yeah...you're going to want the whole box for yourself.

9. Peppermint Pretzel Slims

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Good luck not eating the whole bag. You'll need it.

8. Spicy Chai Tea Latte Mix

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What I love about T.J.'s chai mix is that it's the ideal blend of spicy and sweet. It's cozy and comforting and I crave it often.

7. Italian Mushroom & Black Truffle Sauce

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Good stuff! For a fancy holiday feast, just add pasta.

6. Cacio e Pepe Ravioli

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Of all Trader Joe's premade raviolis and tortellinis, this cacio e pepe version is unparalleled IMO. It's delightfully cheesy with the perfect amount of pepper. Toss it in some butter and call it an Italian feast.

5. Traditional Latkes

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Hanukkah is a great excuse to eat potato latkes, but I keep a bag of these crispy fried pancakes stashed in my freezer all the time. Pro tip: heat 'em up in the air fryer. You won't regret it.

4. Truffle Dip

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I may or may not wait all year for truffle dip to return to Trader Joe's shelves. Put a dollop on your latkes (above) and you've got a serious situation.

3. Burrata, Prosciutto, and Arugula Flatbread

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It would be a giant understatement to call this wonderful creation a mere "frozen pizza". Topped with rich burrata and thinly sliced prosciutto, it's so much more than that.

2. Peppermint Flavored Mini Hold The Cone Ice Cream Cones

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Confession: I can't walk into a Trader Joe's and not buy a new box of Hold the Cones, especially if a seasonal flavor is available.

1. Jingle Jangle

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IYKYK. There's a reason why these chocolate-covered treats come in a large tin, and that's because there are simply never enough.