Every year, Trader Joe’s shoppers eagerly await the Customer Choice Awards, when devoted fans of the grocery chain vote for their favorite products. The 2025 results are in, and for the fourth year in a row, one snack has dominated them all: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips.
The snack aisle has always been a battleground for customer loyalty, but Trader Joe’s fiery, tangy take on rolled tortilla chips continues to win over snackers across the country. The appeal of these chips extends beyond their crunch; they tap into broader consumer preferences that have reshaped the snack industry. The combination of bold spice and zesty citrus creates irresistible flavors that align with shifting snacking trends.
Why This Snack Reigns Supreme in 2025
The Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards 2025 have crowned a fan-favorite snack—see which bold and … [+]
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The love for bold flavors isn’t new, but Trader Joe’s Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips fit neatly into the larger movement toward intense snacking experiences. Spicy chips and snack foods have steadily gained traction, particularly among younger consumers. Market research shows that Gen Z and Millennials are gravitating toward heat in their snack choices and Trader Joe’s delivers a product that caters to that growing demand. The balance of chili heat and bright citrus makes these chips highly craveable, offering a sensory contrast that keeps snackers reaching for more.
Trader Joe’s Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips aren’t just popular because they’re crunchy and spicy—they tap into a much bigger shift in how people snack. The chili-lime combo has long been a staple in Mexican American food, showing up on everything from street cart elotes to bags of Tostilocos.
Snacks with Spice Are Here To Stay
Spicy, tangy, and endlessly snackable—this year’s best Trader Joe’s items prove that bold flavors … [+]
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Now, it’s everywhere. Grocery store shelves are packed with snacks that bring heat and tang, and people can’t get enough. Fans don’t just eat these chips straight from the bag—they crumble them over elotes, toss them into chilaquiles, and find ways to work them into homemade meals. And that’s part of what makes them more than just a snack. Foods like this bring people together, spark nostalgia, and add a little extra excitement to everyday eating.
Chili-lime’s popularity reflects a bigger shift—snackers want more than just salt and crunch. Bold, layered flavors are in and spicy, tangy seasonings are edging out plain chips. While traditional potato chips and popcorn remain staples, the rise of spiced, globally inspired seasonings suggests that consumers are looking for more adventurous snack options.
Social media has played a key role in amplifying this trend, with Trader Joe’s fans showcasing creative ways to enjoy these chips beyond straight snacking. Some use them as crunchy toppings for elotes, mix them into taco fillings or incorporate them into homemade chilaquiles. This kind of engagement speaks to a product’s versatility and staying power.
How It Compares to Other Category Winners
The Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards winners list is packed with exciting picks, but does any … [+]
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While the Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips took the top spot, the rest of the 2025 winners reinforce broader grocery trends. The Best New Product award went to Cashel Blue Cheese Irish Potato Chips, a reflection of the growing demand for gourmet-style snacking options. The strong, tangy flavor of blue cheese combined with the crunch of a potato chip appeals to customers who want an elevated, chef-inspired take on a classic.
In the cheese category, goat cheese remained a favorite, reaffirming the demand for versatile, mildly tangy cheeses that work across multiple dishes. Meanwhile, Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice was crowned Best Lunch & Dinner, underscoring the continued popularity of globally inspired, heat-and-eat meals that require minimal effort but deliver bold flavors.
Across all categories, customers are drawn to foods that pack a punch while also offering convenience. Ready-made meals and high-impact flavors dominated the awards, highlighting the ongoing consumer preference for products that fit into fast-paced lifestyles without sacrificing taste.
What This Year’s Results Tell Us About Snacking Trends
Trader Joe’s customer favorites offer a glimpse into the biggest grocery trends of 2025—here’s … [+]
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The Customer Choice Awards don’t just highlight this year’s favorite products; they offer insights into how we snack. The continued dominance of spicy snacks suggests that heat-focused flavors are more than just a passing trend. Convenience remains a priority, with customers consistently voting for ready-to-eat and freezer meal options that provide satisfying, flavor-packed meals with minimal effort.
Cheese continues to hold a strong position in specialty grocery, with goat cheese winning again, signaling an ongoing appreciation for accessible, high-quality dairy products. Lastly, customers are favoring products that balance nostalgia with global influences, as seen in the mix of classic snack foods and internationally inspired ready meals.
As Trader Joe’s continues to introduce new, limited-time releases, the question remains: Will Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips keep their crown in 2026? For now, the votes are in, and it’s clear—Trader Joe’s fans love the heat.