6 Trader Joe's Knockoff Products You Need to Try and 4 You Should Skip

We're pretty sure Trader Joe's Chile Lime Seasoning Blend is trying to be Tajín, and it misses the mark. On its own, Trader Joe's blend of sea salt, chile pepper, red bell pepper, and lime juice isn't exactly bad, but when compared to the original Tajín mix, there's a clear winner. If you're a fan of sprinkling a chile-lime spice blend on mango, grilled chicken, or salad, opt for the traditional product over TJ's.

Those classic pink and white frosted animal cookies with sprinkles (Mother's Circus Animal Cookies) are one of the snacks we just can't quit, no matter how far into adulthood we get. The solution to our cravings is Trader Joe's Pinks and Whites Shortbread Cookies, which look and taste shockingly similar to the frosted animal cookies but are coated in yogurt and are ever-so-slightly less sweet.

We're convinced that Trader Joe's Organic Vegetarian Chili is a knockoff of Amy's, another brand we love. At just $2 per can, it's hard to beat Trader Joe's version of a filling, organic, and vegetarian meal. We always keep a few cans of this stocked in our pantries to make sure we have a backup option for a quick dinner.

Trader Joe's Seasoning Salt is just like Lawry's . . . but not as good. It's a little heavy on the onion flavor and too reminiscent of an instant ramen flavor packet for us to enjoy.

If the packaging alone on Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Crispy Crunchy Ginger Chunk Cookies doesn't instantly remind you of Tate's Gluten-Free Ginger Zinger Cookies, then the taste will. Tate's is famous for its ultra crispy, buttery, completely delicious cookies, and this potential knockoff from Trader Joe's has our stamp of approval. In the product description, Trader Joe's even says, "These cookies are made for us by a highbrow bakery that makes these very high-end cookies in small batches."

Everything about these everything-flavored Trader Joe's Pretzel Slims reminds us of Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps, and we're not complaining. TJ's did a great job stacking up to the name brand, and with their unique dips, we're more apt to hit up Trader Joe's for pretzels than we are another grocery store.

Oh hi, is that Lacroix? This naturally flavored seltzer water is clearly inspired by the big wig seltzer brand. Word on the street is its refreshing flavor can even one-up Lacroix's, and it's organic! It looks like Lacroix has a little competition, no?

Trader Joe's would be slacking if they didn't hop on the light ice cream train. Much like Halo Top, Trader joe's Light Ice Cream has reduced calories and is packed with protein. The only problem? Its taste doesn't live up to Halo Top's delicious flavor. Also, Trader Joe's only has a few select options to choose from at the moment. If you're looking to get reduced-fat ice cream, we suggest sticking with Halo Top.

If this cocoa wafer cookie looks familiar, you're not wrong. The Trader Joe's Joe-Joe's Slims are totally a knockoff of Oreo thins. Surprisingly, the TJ's versions are just as good! The box even admits they have the "same delicious flavor."

We can't help but say, this Trader Joe's Gelato looks a whole lot like the brand Talenti. Although they look similar, there's a stark difference in flavor, and we have to admit, Talenti's flavor can't be beat.