There’s a reason Trader Joe’s frozen food section is sort of a holy grail there just happen to be wildly creative ice cream flavors and frozen desserts that you simply don’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a nostalgia fan of old-timey favorites, a fan of crazy-seasonal treats, or a vegan who just doesn’t want to have to trade off flavor for ethics, Trader Joe’s has got you. Let’s take a look at some of the frozen treats that are on devotees’ lips.
1. Brownie Crisp Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches
These little squares pack a serious punch. Two rich, chewy brownie crisps hug a generous layer of creamy coffee ice cream. They’re small but powerful, especially if you’re into bold coffee flavor. Think of them as the grown-up cousin of a regular ice cream sandwich, with a bit of a caffeine kick and a dessert-shop vibe. The textural contrast gooey brownie crusts and smooth ice cream is the reason why customers keep coming back. Sharing-friendly, but we won’t kid ourselves. you won’t share.
2. Black Tea and Boba Coconut Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert
Here’s a bubble tea lover’s dream come true. This vegan pint is coconut milk-based and black tea-infused, and it’s speckled with actual boba pearls that miraculously retain their chewiness when frozen. It’s sweet, a little earthy, and has that creamy-tapioca combo people love in a good milk tea. Even non-vegans are into this one, which is saying something. If you’ve ever wished your bubble tea came in ice cream form, this is it.
3. Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream
This one has a cult following and for good reason. Imagine the rich, spiced sweetness of cookie butter blended into a luxuriously creamy ice cream. It’s got swirls of actual cookie butter and little cookie bits throughout, so you’re getting crunch, creaminess, and spice all in one bite. Honestly, it’s dessert perfection. If you’re the type who eats cookie butter straight from the jar (no judgment), this pint will probably disappear from your freezer in record time.
4. Wildberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
This is pure decadence. Cheesecake-flavored ice cream with a creamy texture is the base, but what takes it over the top are lots of swirly ribbons of berry and straight-up chunks of graham cracker crust. It’s the kind of dessert that’s so much more high-end than a store-brand pint has any right to be. It’s tart, sweet, rich, and textural. Perfect for when you don’t want to bake and do dishes.
5. French Vanilla Ice Cream
Don’t let the humble name fool you this is not your average vanilla. Trader Joe’s is rich and creamy, and it employs actual vanilla beans. It’s plain but dependable. It’s vanilla that you’d want on hot pie, or stashed inside an affogato, or maybe just shoved directly out of the bucket with a spoon. Good old-fashioned classic is still a winner.
6. Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones
These are small cones filled with ice cream and then topped with a chocolatey coating. They come in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and even seasonally flavored twists like pumpkin ginger. The best part? The very bottom section of the cone is filled with solid chocolate. Whoever invented that needs a medal. They’re the best portion-controlled treat. except when you eat three in succession, and, if we’re being real, that happens more often than we’d like to admit.
7. Mochi Ice Cream
Trader Joe’s mochi flavors vary up every so often, but whatever it is (green tea, chocolate, mango), it’s always fantastic. The rice dough covering is chewy, and there’s creamy ice cream inside, and it’s just so much fun to eat. They’re also absurdly easy to serve to guests (or yourself, at midnight). If you’ve never tried mochi, these are a great introduction to the trend.
8. Ube Ice Cream
This one blew up on the web when it was released and for a great reason. Ube is a purple yam used in Filipino desserts, and it’s got a subtle nutty and sweet flavor that’s hard to describe but incredibly easy to love. The color itself is gorgeous, but the flavor is what’ll hit you. Silky, mellow, and just a little bit off in the best possible way. It’s a seasonal item, so grab it if you can when you do see it.
9. Strawberry Non-Dairy Oat Frozen Dessert
Another sure win for the dairy-free squad. This strawberry oat ice cream is surprisingly creamy and has bits of real strawberries swirled in. It doesn’t taste like artificial fruit or diluted oat milk. It’s a light, retro-fresh treat and a nice option for the dairy eliminator not looking to forego dessert.
10. Banana Pudding Flavored Ice Cream
This is one of the newer additions, and it’s flavored exactly like you’d imagine. It’s got real banana flavor not that candy imitation and mixed with vanilla wafers and a topping of banana pudding cream-type flavor. It’s rich and custard-textured and the tiny bits of cookies are softened just enough within the mixture. It’s sweet and warm, like a Southern dessert frozen.
11. Organic Vanilla Fudge Chip Ice Cream
It’s a straightforward combination: organic vanilla ice cream and delicate, crunchy fudge chips. But the excellence is the clincher. The vanilla is luxurious, and the chocolate is plentiful but not overpowering. It’s perfect for sundaes, milkshakes, or even your average night-owl fix.
12. Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Ice Cream
Holiday season tradition. Peppermint ice cream studded with chunks of Joe-Joe’s cookies (TJ’s version of Oreos) and candy cane chunk pieces. Sweet, minty, crunchy, and celebratory all in one. It sells out immediately when it comes back, and enthusiasts wait an entire year for it to be released again. Tip: grab a few pints and hide them.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s isn’t just about cheap wine and cauliflower everything their ice cream game is strong. Whether you’re a dairy devotee or looking for solid vegan picks, they’ve got something that feels a little inventive and a lot satisfying. Sure, some flavors are seasonal and can disappear just as fast as they arrive, but that just makes the hunt a little more fun. Be on the lookout for the freezer shelves, and don’t nod off at the peculiar flavors those are the ones worth it.
