The Top Frozen Foods at Trader Joe's, Voted by Customers

Trader Joe's is a wonderland of unique, delicious items, with fresh finds arriving every week. But navigating the frozen section can be overwhelming—there’s an endless variety of appetizers, pizzas, and other tempting treats. It’s hard to know which products are worth your freezer space and which ones should be left behind.

Fortunately, Trader Joe's releases its annual Customer Choice Awards (CCAs), a detailed list of customer favorites to help shoppers make informed decisions. After combing through the past five years of winners, we’ve curated the ultimate list of the best frozen foods, as chosen by TJ’s customers. Here are the top ten frozen items you need to add to your shopping cart.

The 10 Must-Have Frozen Foods at Trader Joe's

Mandarin Orange Chicken

Starting off strong with a product so beloved it’s now a member of Trader Joe's newly introduced Product Hall of Fame. The Mandarin Orange Chicken is TJ's version of a Chinese-American favorite, featuring crispy chicken pieces in a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy orange sauce. It’s a fan favorite for good reason, consistently topping the charts year after year. And pro tip: this is one dish we definitely recommend cooking up in your air fryer for the best results.

Cauliflower Gnocchi

TJ's Cauliflower Gnocchi may have skyrocketed to fame during the cauliflower trend, but this veggie-packed pasta has proven it’s here to stay. Personally, I love pan-frying them in sage brown butter, though honestly, they’re incredibly versatile and can be used in a multitude of ways. Keep a stash of gnocchi in your freezer for a low-carb, adaptable base to create countless quick and easy weeknight meals.

Hold the Cone Ice Cream Cones

Hold the Cone! These mini ice cream cones deliver big flavor in a perfectly sized treat, ideal for satisfying your sweet cravings after dinner...or lunch...or really, whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet!

The mini ice cream cones come in a range of delicious flavors, some available seasonally and others all year long. Varieties include: chocolate, vanilla, coffee, chocolate chip, pumpkin ginger, peppermint, and even a vegan option called "Hold the Dairy!".

Chicken Tikka Masala/Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

This is a tie between two fan-favorite frozen meals that have earned rave reviews from Trader Joe's shoppers over the years: Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice and Chicken Tikka Masala, both deliciously inspired by Indian cuisine.

Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese*

Unfortunately, this item isn't always available, as it’s a seasonal favorite in Trader Joe's fall collection. However, when it's back in stock, be sure to grab it quickly—this popular dish tends to sell out fast.

A fall twist on the classic Mac & Cheese, this dish combines creamy butternut squash purée with rich, nutty cheeses like Gouda, Parmesan, and Cheddar. Despite being a seasonal treat, the Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese consistently earns a spot in Trader Joe's annual Customer Choice Awards, proving just how irresistible it is.

P.S. Can't wait for fall? You can try making your own butternut squash mac and cheese with this delicious homemade recipe in the meantime.

Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches speak for themselves—the name says it all. These Trader Joe's take on the beloved ice cream truck classic, The Chipwich, are every bit as delightful as the ones from childhood. Coated in crunchy mini chocolate chips, they're absolutely addicting and a must-have in my freezer. And they should be in yours too.

Joe's Diner Mac 'n Cheese

Our second mac and cheese selection is a classic, and it's no surprise it's earned its spot on this list. Packed with four different cheeses—Cheddar, Swiss, Havarti, and Gouda—Trader Joe's ultra-creamy Diner Mac & Cheese delivers that homemade taste, but cooks up in just minutes. It's no wonder customers rave about it and rank it as the best!

Kung Pao Chicken

A new twist on a favorite Chinese takeout dish, this frozen Kung Pao Chicken is perfect for those who enjoy a little kick. As Trader Joe's puts it, the secret's in the sauce: "In traditional versions, the sauce can be anything from mildly spicy to fiery hot. Ours lands somewhere in the middle—if you eat the chili pieces, it will definitely pack more heat, but if you set them aside as a garnish, you'll enjoy a more moderate spice level."

Vegetable Fried Rice

There seems to be a trend here... With fan-favorite products like this, Trader Joe's might just convince you to say goodbye to takeout forever. The Vegetable Fried Rice is simple, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly—making it the perfect base for a variety of stir-fries. I like to scramble in a couple of eggs for extra protein and top it off with TJ's Crunchy Chili Onion for that added kick.

When paired with Mandarin Orange Chicken or Kung Pao Chicken, you've got the easiest dinner that will have your family convinced you got takeout from the local Chinese joint. Just make sure to hide the TJ's bags before they sit down to eat!

Chocolate Lava Cakes

At number 10, we have a decadent dessert that will surprise you with how it came from the freezer. If the thought of making Chocolate Lava Cakes from scratch feels daunting, don’t worry—these indulgent little cakes are ready in less than a minute in the microwave.

Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche and a few fresh berries, and you'll have the perfect finish to any romantic evening or self-care dinner. And if you’re worried about passing off a Trader Joe's dessert as homemade, don’t worry— even Barefoot Contessa does it!