This Popular Grocery Chain Easily Holds The Title For Best Store-Bought Apple Cider

Fall is just around the corner, and that means grocery stores are rushing to stock refrigerated cases with the official drink of autumn: apple cider. While most of us aren't able to travel to an apple orchard to secure a homegrown bottle, there's an excellent store-bought version that has a particularly devoted following. Trader Joe's Spiced Cider is one of the retailer's most beloved seasonal drinks, and was named the chain's favorite beverage in its 2025 Customer Choice Awards (and has subsequently entered TJ's Product Hall of Fame). It's been a fall staple for more than 20 years, and a big part of the appeal is that its juice begins with whole, U.S.-grown apples.

While many store ciders fall prey to overly sweet and artificial flavors, Trader Joe's states there is no added sugar — just cinnamon, allspice, clove, and citrus peels. It's also free of preservatives, added colors, and artificial flavors. Another clue to its clean profile is its deep brown and cloudy color, rather than the crystal clear appearance of conventional apple juice. But flavor is where the cider really stands out. We gave it the No. 1 spot in our ranking of best store-bought apple cider brands, and we're not the only ones to do so. 

Tasting Table lauded its juicy, sweet-tart apple flavor, which is followed by the cozy warmth of classic fall spice blends. The citrus components add a touch of brightness, which keeps the drink from being too heavy or cloying. The cider is particularly good when heated, though TJ's recommends drinking it both ways.

People on Reddit tend to agree. "I don't know how to describe the flavor besides 'it tastes like biting into a slice of freshly baked and warm apple pie'," one fan noted, while another added, "Love it. Every year I get excited for it." Meanwhile, fans have strong opinions and recommendations on the best way to drink it. "Really great. I water it down a little. Very sweet but tastes like autumn," stated one Redditor while another suggested spiking it: "Warm it up and throw 2 ounces of bourbon in it." While bourbon is a fan favorite, there's all sorts of fall cocktails you can make with spiced cider. 

Of course, not everyone is jumping on the apple cider train. In the same thread, some folks claim the drink is too sweet unless you add a bracing shot of that brown water. "Not for me," wrote one customer. "Too sweet and too strong, like drinking a melted candle." However, the cider isn't just for hot toddies; it can also be used in cooking. Fans suggest using it in your oatmeal instead of water, or heating it with cornstarch slurry and lemon for a DIY autumnal pancake syrup. 

You can also take the drink over the top by pairing it with apple cider doughnuts, although its acidity and sweetness make a nice counterpoint to salty foods like roasted pork or sharp cheeses. The only drawback? Its seasonality. Like many of TJ's coveted fall products, the cider isn't available year-round.