Trader Joe’s Is Coming for Wendy’s With Its Newest Product

In 2019, Popeyes kicked off the chicken sandwich wars that had many of our favorite fast food chains racing to release improved versions of their own crispy handhelds. However, this summer, the trend shifted to a bite-sized alternative: nuggets. KFC and Wendy’s both launched sauce-covered chicken nuggets, giving fans a whole new menu item to obsess over. Now, with McDonald’s bringing back its Spicy McNuggets and Taco Bell getting into the nugget game for the first time, we could be witnessing the start of the next big food battle: the spicy nugget wars. 

Wendy’s has been a long-standing player in the spicy nugget game, becoming a benchmark for the fiery bites. Surprisingly, Walmart gave Wendy’s a run for its money when fans spotted Great Value Spicy Nuggets in stores earlier this year and instantly fell in love. 

Now, Trader Joe’s is entering the arena with ready-to-eat spicy chicken nuggets that offer shoppers the spice and crunch they love without having to hit the drive-thru.

Trader Joe’s New Spicy Chicken Nuggets

Trader Joe’s Spicy Chicken Nuggets are giving customers serious fast food vibes. The refrigerated nuggets feature breaded chicken breast and rib meat patties coated in cayenne hot sauce and fried to perfection. According to Trader Joe’s website, the breading is made from wheat flour, rice flour, and corn flour, giving the nuggets a crispy exterior similar to what you’d find at your favorite fast food joint—without having to fry anything at home. And, at less than $4 for a 12-ounce package, it’s a budget-friendly alternative, too.

One Redditor reviewed the nuggets and compared them to a popular restaurant chain. “I am eating the spicy chicken nuggets right now, and think they are really good! They heated nicely in the air fryer and do have some spice to them. They remind me of Wendy’s nuggets, but better,” they wrote.

Instagram’s @trader_joes_treasure_hunt shared the find with their followers, and many users chimed in with thoughts on the product. “This with the new spicy mustard,” wrote one Instagrammer. “This is a game changer,” added another.

Trader Joe’s Spicy Chicken Nuggets packaging has directions for conventional ovens, microwaves, and air fryers. However, if you want yours to turn out comparable to those from the drive thru, your best bet is to use an air fryer, which will achieve the satisfying crunch you crave. Just don’t forget the dipping sauce—hopefully, you have an extra Wendy’s Ghost Pepper Ranch lying around somewhere!