Every year, grocery stores rotate products in and out, and that includes vegan items. In 2025, Trader Joe’s quietly discontinued a number of plant-based products, including several staples many vegans relied on for everyday meals.
Below is a list of vegan products that were discontinued this year, along with a look at what this may signal for the future of vegan offerings at Trader Joe’s.
The latest casualty: Vegan Cheddar Style Savory Squares
Trader Joe’s Vegan Cheddar Squares were a favorite snack for plant-based shoppers. These small, savory squares offered a creamy, tangy cheddar flavor in a convenient, ready-to-eat form, making them perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or quick lunchboxes. Many fans relied on them as a go-to option for both taste and convenience.
Unfortunately, at the last hour in late 2025, Trader Joe’s discontinued this popular product. While the company does not officially announce discontinuations, history suggests that low sales or manufacturing challenges may have contributed to its removal. The absence of Vegan Cheddar Squares leaves a noticeable gap for those looking for reliable, plant-based cheese crackers in stores.
You may still find them on shelves for a while until stockpiles are depleted, but this discontinuation highlights a broader trend at Trader Joe’s in 2025, where several vegan staples quietly disappeared, even as new seasonal items were introduced.
Dairy Alternatives
- Vegan Heavy Whipping Cream: A popular cooking and baking staple that many shoppers used for sauces, soups, and desserts.
- Vegan Buttery Spread: One of the most affordable vegan block style butter options.
- Mexican-Style Cheese Shreds: Frequently used for tacos, nachos, and casseroles.
Meat Alternatives
• Vegan Pepperoni: A pizza-night favorite that offered a smoky, savory option without animal products.
• Vegan Ground Beef: Used by many shoppers as an everyday protein for tacos, pasta, and bowls. Rumored to be made by Yves which went under this year so not really Trader Joe’s fault. Perhaps they’re looking for another to sell.
• Vegan Meatballs: Also rumored to be made by Yves, these were a convenient freezer staple for many for quick meals.
Seasonal Items
- Turkeyless Roast: Discontinued for the second time, making its future return unlikely. This item was especially missed during the holiday season.
- Vegan Gingerbread Loaf: A limited-time holiday item that did not return this year.
What this may tell us
While Trader Joe’s continues to carry vegan products, a clear pattern emerged in 2025:
- More vegan staples were discontinued than replaced.
- New launches skewed seasonal rather than year-round.
- Convenient everyday items took the biggest hit.
This doesn’t necessarily signal a pullback from vegan offerings, but it does highlight a shift away from dependable staples toward novelty and limited-time items. For vegans who rely on Trader Joe’s for affordable basics, that change is noticeable.
What vegans may want from Trader Joe’s going forward
Based on feedback on my social posts, the message is consistent:
- More reliable, year-round vegan staples.
- Fewer one-off or short-lived vegan launches.
- Clearer communication around discontinued items.
Trader Joe’s has shown that vegan products can be successful, but many shoppers are hoping future launches focus on longevity, not just seasonal buzz.
Let Trader Joe’s know how you feel!
Use their feedback online form here and the “discontinued product” dropdown to voice your opinion.
If you’ve spotted additional vegan items disappearing from Trader Joe’s shelves or if you’ve seen a new vegan product quietly roll out, let me know by commenting. Tracking these changes helps vegan shoppers make informed decisions and plan ahead. Here’s to hopefully a better 2026.
