In a move that has delighted its loyal customer base, the cult-favourite American grocery chain Trader Joe's has quietly reinstated two classic dessert items that vanished from its shelves four years ago. The return of the Chocolate Pudding cups and Rice Pudding cups has sparked a wave of nostalgia and excitement amongst shoppers who had long campaigned for their comeback.
A Sweet Return for Cult Favourites
While Trader Joe's is renowned for its eccentric and innovative products, from Chocolate Hummus to Everything But the Bagel Seasoning, this particular revival is a nod to a tried-and-true classic. The puddings, described by the retailer as being 'made for us by a supplier that specializes in rich and creamy desserts', are making a quiet but significant return. The company specifically highlights the chocolate version as 'a remarkably elegant Chocolate Pudding, with a superlatively smooth and silky texture to match.'
Available in four-packs for just $2.99, these desserts are positioned as the perfect affordable treat for an after-dinner indulgence or a lunchbox addition. Trader Joe's has even leaned into the nostalgia by suggesting a retro serving idea on its website: mixing in gummy candies and topping with crushed Joe-Joe's cookies to create an easy 'worms in dirt' dessert.
Customer Reaction: From Ecstasy to Disappointment
The news has been met with overwhelming joy on forums like Reddit, where fans had previously expressed their heartbreak over the product's discontinuation. 'I might cry happy tears if it tastes the same,' one fan wrote, capturing the sentiment of many. Other users posted comments such as, 'I HAVE MISSED THEIR PUDDINGS!!!! This is great news,' and 'Oh man, I think they're both absolutely delicious.'
However, not all feedback has been positive. The revival has also drawn criticism from some customers who feel the new version doesn't live up to the original. One disappointed shopper commented, 'This lacks depth of chocolate flavour, it's too sweet, and the texture is not right.' Another simply stated, 'Its nowhere near the same,' indicating that the reformation may not have pleased everyone.
More Than Just Pudding: Awards and Viral Totes
This product comeback coincides with other notable Trader Joe's news. Earlier this year, the California-based grocery chain held its annual Customer Choice Awards, where shoppers vote for their favourite products. For the third year in a row, the Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips were voted the number one overall product.
Furthermore, the retailer has recently created chaos with its viral $3 colourful mini tote bags. The bags, which were first released in February and returned in September, caused such a frenzy that lines stretched outside shops, with customers frantically grabbing the simple canvas bags. Company representative Matt Sloan noted on the Insider Trader Joe's podcast, 'We had actually hundreds of thousands of bags come in and go out within a week.'
The return of the pudding cups demonstrates Trader Joe's unique position in the grocery retail market, balancing its reputation for wild experimentation with a keen understanding of the classic products its customers truly love.
