Trader Joe’s $3.49 corn salsa is a hit—could this be the key to an easy Chipotle-style meal at home?
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If you love the sweet, zesty corn salsa from Chipotle, you’re not alone.
It’s the perfect mix of crunch and flavor that elevates burrito bowls, tacos, and even salads.
But now, a store-bought version might be giving that restaurant favorite a run for its money—and shoppers can’t stop talking about it!
Meet Trader Joe’s Corn & Chile Tomato-less Salsa—a tangy, tomato-free dip that’s earning rave reviews and making weeknight meals a lot more exciting.
And at just $3.49 a jar, it’s also a wallet-friendly upgrade for everything from tacos to veggie bowls.
Trader Joe’s has a reputation for creating unique, flavorful finds—and this one is no exception.
This vibrant blend features sweet corn, red peppers, onions, lime, a hint of chile, and coriander (that’s cilantro, for us stateside).
The result is a sweet-meets-spicy mix with a satisfyingly fresh crunch—and no tomatoes in sight.
Sound familiar? That’s because it tastes a lot like Chipotle’s beloved corn salsa.
The two share many of the same ingredients, and fans say the flavor is close enough that you might not notice the difference.
What really makes this salsa a favorite isn’t just the taste—it’s how versatile it is.
Shoppers are using it well beyond the chip bowl, and the creative ideas just keep coming:
At 13.75 ounces, the jar is large enough to share—though many folks admit they’d rather keep it to themselves.
And at under $4, it’s an easy way to add bold flavor to nearly any dish.
Looking to try it out? Here are some favorite ways GrayVine readers say they’re using this popular Trader Joe’s find:
Both salsas skip the tomatoes, pack in the corn, lime, and cilantro, and offer a bright, balanced flavor with just a hint of heat.
The biggest difference? Trader Joe’s version is ready to go—no prep or takeout line required.
It’s also a great option for anyone who’s avoiding tomatoes, or just wants a fresh way to liven up everyday meals.
For families, it’s an easy way to sneak in more vegetables—especially if you’re feeding picky eaters or grandkids.
If you’re already heading to the store, you might want to grab another crowd-pleaser: Trader Joe’s Sour Strawberry Candy Belts.
They’re a sweet-and-sour treat that’s also priced at $3.49, and fans say they’re unexpectedly addictive—even for those who don’t usually reach for gummies.
One shopper said, “A Trader Joe’s employee handed me a sample while I was in line—and it was a flavor explosion!”
These strawberry belts are flying off shelves, so if you spot them, don’t wait too long!
Trader Joe’s is known for delivering great quality and flavor at prices that make trying something new feel like less of a gamble.
Whether it’s a salsa that brings your favorite restaurant flavors home or a fun treat to share with friends, there’s always something worth discovering.
Read next: April’s hidden gems: These 5 Trader Joe’s steals under $5 are flying off shelves!
Have you tried Trader Joe’s Corn & Chile Tomato-less Salsa? Do you have a favorite way to use it—or a creative recipe to share? And what are your go-to finds at Trader Joe’s right now? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re making everyday meals more flavorful. And if there’s another product you want us to review or recreate next, let us know!
It’s the perfect mix of crunch and flavor that elevates burrito bowls, tacos, and even salads.
But now, a store-bought version might be giving that restaurant favorite a run for its money—and shoppers can’t stop talking about it!
Meet Trader Joe’s Corn & Chile Tomato-less Salsa—a tangy, tomato-free dip that’s earning rave reviews and making weeknight meals a lot more exciting.
And at just $3.49 a jar, it’s also a wallet-friendly upgrade for everything from tacos to veggie bowls.
A flavorful twist can turn everyday meals into something special with just a simple spoonful. Image Source: YouTube / The Wall Street Journal.
A salsa that’s more than just a dip
Trader Joe’s has a reputation for creating unique, flavorful finds—and this one is no exception.
This vibrant blend features sweet corn, red peppers, onions, lime, a hint of chile, and coriander (that’s cilantro, for us stateside).
The result is a sweet-meets-spicy mix with a satisfyingly fresh crunch—and no tomatoes in sight.
Sound familiar? That’s because it tastes a lot like Chipotle’s beloved corn salsa.
The two share many of the same ingredients, and fans say the flavor is close enough that you might not notice the difference.
Also read: It’s back on shelves at Trader Joe’s—and fans are already rushing to grab it
Why shoppers love it
What really makes this salsa a favorite isn’t just the taste—it’s how versatile it is.
Shoppers are using it well beyond the chip bowl, and the creative ideas just keep coming:
- "We use it on shrimp or fish tacos, nachos, salads… even in soup."
- "I’ve mixed it into guacamole, tossed it into grain bowls, and yes—I’ve eaten it straight from the jar."
- "I bought two jars in one week. That’s how good it is."
At 13.75 ounces, the jar is large enough to share—though many folks admit they’d rather keep it to themselves.
And at under $4, it’s an easy way to add bold flavor to nearly any dish.
Also read: Shoppers shocked as Trader Joe’s mini tote bags were listed for $1 million online
Six tasty ways to use it
Looking to try it out? Here are some favorite ways GrayVine readers say they’re using this popular Trader Joe’s find:
- Taco topper – Add a spoonful to grilled meat or veggie tacos for a sweet-and-spicy crunch.
- Nacho night essential – Pile it on chips with cheese, beans, and sour cream.
- Salad booster – Toss a scoop into a green salad or grain bowl for instant flavor.
- Guacamole mix-in – Stir it into mashed avocado for a chunky twist.
- Soup enhancer – Add a dollop to vegetable or chicken soup for a kick of color and taste.
- Rice bowl upgrade – Mix it into rice or quinoa bowls for a Chipotle-style meal at home.
A colorful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy ingredients that adds a fresh kick to any dish. Image Source: Trader Joe's.
Also read: Discover Trader Joe’s latest decadent delight for just $4.99—It’s not what you expect!
Is it really a Chipotle dupe?
Both salsas skip the tomatoes, pack in the corn, lime, and cilantro, and offer a bright, balanced flavor with just a hint of heat.
The biggest difference? Trader Joe’s version is ready to go—no prep or takeout line required.
It’s also a great option for anyone who’s avoiding tomatoes, or just wants a fresh way to liven up everyday meals.
For families, it’s an easy way to sneak in more vegetables—especially if you’re feeding picky eaters or grandkids.
Also read: One jar, endless flavor—this new Trader Joe’s find might be your next obsession
Another Trader Joe’s favorite to try
If you’re already heading to the store, you might want to grab another crowd-pleaser: Trader Joe’s Sour Strawberry Candy Belts.
They’re a sweet-and-sour treat that’s also priced at $3.49, and fans say they’re unexpectedly addictive—even for those who don’t usually reach for gummies.
One shopper said, “A Trader Joe’s employee handed me a sample while I was in line—and it was a flavor explosion!”
These strawberry belts are flying off shelves, so if you spot them, don’t wait too long!
A sweet-and-sour treat that’s quickly becoming a favorite among shoppers of all ages. Image Source: Trader Joe's.
Trader Joe’s is known for delivering great quality and flavor at prices that make trying something new feel like less of a gamble.
Whether it’s a salsa that brings your favorite restaurant flavors home or a fun treat to share with friends, there’s always something worth discovering.
Read next: April’s hidden gems: These 5 Trader Joe’s steals under $5 are flying off shelves!
Have you tried Trader Joe’s Corn & Chile Tomato-less Salsa? Do you have a favorite way to use it—or a creative recipe to share? And what are your go-to finds at Trader Joe’s right now? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re making everyday meals more flavorful. And if there’s another product you want us to review or recreate next, let us know!
