Have you ever found a dupe so good you stopped buying the original? If not, you’ve never been to Trader Joe’s. We bought some brand-name products and their Trader Joe’s dupes and compared them so you can find out which snacks to pack, and which to pass. Employing 25 student tasters, we created a simple 0-10 scale to determine which of the Trader Joe’s dupes are closest to the original, and which ones fell behind.
We created this chart by importing our information from our poll to help the rating process.
First, we tested the famous Trader Joe’s “Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips” in the traditional flavor, chili and lime. These chips are a very accurate replica of Takis “Fuego Tortilla Chips.” The Trader Joe’s chips, by majority, were noted to have a better, more limey flavor. Furthermore, they came out to 30 fewer calories per portion than the original Takis, while being exactly one dollar cheaper. In a class survey, we concluded that the Trader Joe’s dupe scores a 7/10 in accuracy when compared to the original. All factors considered, the overall winner of the comparison is Trader Joe’s!
Next, we tested Trader Joe’s “Sea Salted Saddle Potato Crisps,” an almost exact version of the “Original Pringles.” Saddle Crisps are extremely accurate, in fact, most of our testers could not identify the original when tasting both versions. Therefore, these crisps win the title of the most accurate of the Trader Joe’s dupes. Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s “Sea Salted Saddle Potato Crisps” have slightly more calories than Pringles, although they made up for it by costing $2.30 less. All factors considered, we concluded this as a tie!
Next, we tested Trader Joe’s “Sea Salted Saddle Potato Crisps,” an almost exact version of the “Original Pringles.” Saddle Crisps are extremely accurate, in fact, most of our testers could not identify the original when tasting both versions. Therefore, these crisps win the title of the most accurate of the Trader Joe’s dupes. Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s “Sea Salted Saddle Potato Crisps” have slightly more calories than Pringles, although they made up for it by costing $2.30 less. All factors considered, we concluded this as a tie!
Next, we tested Trader Joe’s “World’s Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs,” an all too popular remake of “Pirate’s Booty.” With very similar macros and taste, this pair scored an 8/10 in accuracy. Coming out about the same in both calories and flavor, the most important factor becomes the price difference. Trader Joe’s takes this win dramatically, priced 6 dollars and 30 cents cheaper than its grocery store alternative. This makes Trader Joe’s a clear winner!
Next, we tested Trader Joe’s “Crunchy Cinnamon Squares,” a painful attempt at the praised “Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal,” which can be found in almost every grocery store in the area. Our critics reported that the Trader Joe’s cereal was “bland” and “thin,” scoring a meager 5/10 on the accuracy scale, with less nutritional value. The original cereal is worth the $2.50 difference, and all 11 of our critics agree.
Next, we tested Trader Joe’s “Joe Joe’s,” a popular snack cookie inspired by the name brand “Oreo.” While the TJ’s dupe is pretty different taste-wise, scoring a 6/10 in accuracy, exactly half of our critics preferred the Joe Joe’s. Oreos did in fact have fewer calories, but they were over a dollar more, making this comparison yet another tie!
Next, we tested Trader Joe’s “Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups,” the counterpart to the all-popular “Reese’s peanut butter cup candy.” The Trader Joe’s cups were noted to have fewer artificial ingredients, packing more flavor into fewer ingredients when compared to the powdery sugar-infused Reese’s Cups. Coming out to fewer calories and higher macros, for a slightly lower price, Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Cups take the win!
Last but surely not least, we tested Trader Joe’s “Scandinavian Swimmers,” which are strikingly similar to the brand name “Swedish Fish” gummies. While the size is similar, the gummies greatly differ in both taste and texture. Swedish Fish were noted to be harder and “chalky,” while the Scandinavian Swimmers were soft and chewy. They came in at a 7/10 on the accuracy scale, with fewer calories and cost than their counterpart. Trader Joe’s takes the cake—or rather candy—on this one!
All things considered, Trader Joe’s proved oftentimes to be better than the original products. Be sure to take the price and taste benefits into account next time you purchase your weekly snack lineup.
Kate Harvey is a junior in her first year at Eagle Times. She is an active student around campus, participating in several clubs, as well as founding her own - although it's quite possible she attends only for the snacks. She loves to write and is excited to challenge campus issues, in hopes of making AGHS more environmentally friendly and clean. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, shopping online without buying anything, and sitting in the Starbucks drive-through!
Sofia Rice is a junior at Arroyo Grande High School, and this is her first year writing for the Eagle Times. She spends most of her time reading, playing soccer, and baking. You can also find her at the beach or in line at In-N-Out with her best friend. Her goal is to write interesting, community-based stories.
