Fan-favorite Trader Joe’s snack returns after vanishing for four years: ‘I’m so happy they’re back’

The proof is in the pudding — at least, when it comes to the success of this classic Trader Joe’s product. 

The cult-favorite grocery chain is famous for its wild and wonderful creations, ranging from Chocolate Hummus to Peanuts in a Pickle to the beloved Everything But the Bagel seasoning. 

But this comeback isn’t quirky. It’s a tried-and-true classic — and customers are ecstatic to put it in their shopping carts once again. 

Trader Joe’s has quietly brought back two classic items that vanished from shelves four years ago: its Chocolate Pudding cups and Rice Pudding cups. 

‘Made for us by a supplier that specializes in rich and creamy desserts, this is a remarkably elegant Chocolate Pudding, with a superlatively smooth and silky texture to match,’ Trader Joe’s says on its website. 

Four-packs of the classic desserts will cost just $2.99, and make for the perfect after-dinner treat or lunch box addition. 

Trader Joe’s even suggested a throwback serving idea on its website: mix in gummy candies and top with crushed Joe-Joe cookies for an easy ‘worms in dirt’ dessert.

Shoppers have been begging for the puddings to return since the original Belgian Chocolate version was discontinued.

‘A few years ago I was heartbroken,’ one fan wrote on Reddit. ‘I might cry happy tears if it tastes the same.’ 

Other Reddit users echoed a similar excitement.  ‘Have not tried yet but I am excited! I loved the puddings back in the day,’ one wrote.

Another said, ‘I HAVE MISSED THEIR PUDDINGS!!!! This is great news.’

‘Oh man, I think they’re both absolutely delicious. The rice pudding seems a little less creamy but I’m so happy they are back,’ someone else posted. 

Other users on the forum weren’t as satisfied with the revival of the product. 

‘I was deeply disappointed after reading another post that claimed it was identical. This lacks depth of chocolate flavor, it’s too sweet, and the texture is not right,’ someone wrote. 

‘This is not like before sadly’, someone else said. 

‘Its nowhere near the same,’ another critic posted. 

Earlier this year, Trader Joe’s returned with its beloved Customer Choice Awards. 

Each year, the California-based grocery chain calls on its shoppers to vote for their favorite Trader Joe’s products across various categories. 

All 11 category winners are available at every Trader Joe’s location, with several repeat champions from last year — including the overall top product. 

Fans voted the Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips the number one overall product for the third year in a row.

The chips, which were also dubbed the top snack, are described as ‘spicy, ire-zest-tible little scrolls made from stone ground corn masa.’

Trader Joe’s has also been in the media recently for creating chaos with its viral tote bags. 

The grocery store chain announced the return of its $3 colorful mini totes in September after first releasing them in February.

Each time the bags went on sale, the grocery store was swamped with shoppers eager to get their hands on a bag.

Lines stretched outside the shops and once customers got inside they frantically grabbed at the simple canvas tote bags.

The grocery store chain had expected good sales before it released the bag, but the company did not expect how much demand would explode. ‘We had actually hundreds of thousands of bags come in and go out within a week,’ Insider Trader Joe’s podcast host Matt Sloan said in an episode earlier this year.