You Don't Need Starbucks For This Fan-Favorite Snack — Grab Trader Joe's Dupe Instead

Trader Joe's likes to give Starbucks a run for its money by releasing dupes on snacks that rival the real thing. It introduced Egg Bites in 2022 that mimic Starbucks's popular Sous Vide Egg Bites, which are little quiche-like breakfast bites that are the unsung heroes of the Starbucks food menu. Trader Joe's chocolate croissants are also considered a dupe of those at Starbucks. And in July 2026, Trader Joe's introduced Tater Bites to the refrigerated section. It's a copycat of the Potato, Cheddar and Chive Bakes — Starbucks' least practical breakfast item yet, but also a fan-favorite: 

Trader Joe's Tater Bites are formed into little squares that come in a 2-pack, just like the Starbucks' version. They have 16 grams of protein in each 2-pack, compared to the 12 grams of protein in Starbucks' Potato, Cheddar and Chive Bakes. Trader Joe's Tater Bites are made with potato pieces, cage-free eggs, chives, cottage cheese, spices, and three other types of cheeses: Monterey Jack, cheddar, and parmesan. What it doesn't have is the anti-caking agents and additives you'll find in Starbucks' Potato, Cheddar and Chive Bakes, as well as some ingredients like mustard, hot sauce, vinegar, and other additives. Trader Joe's Tater Bites are also cheaper, costing $3.49 for a 2-pack instead of the $6 you'll pay at Starbucks.

Many people who compare Trader Joe's Tater Bites to Starbucks' Potato, Cheddar and Chive Bakes say the Trader Joe's version is better. Some may knock the Tater Bites for being greasier than Starbucks' take, but otherwise, Trader Joe's Tater Bites are praised for being cheesy and flavorful, with a great balance of ingredients. The egg doesn't overpower everything else and the flavor of the onion isn't too oniony — you just get a touch of chives for an herbal taste (yep, there is a difference between green onions and chives). The texture of Trader Joe's Tater Bites, however, changes a bit depending on how they're cooked.

The directions on Trader Joe's Tater Bites give advice on how to cook them in the air fryer and the toaster oven. Customers have tried other methods, though. One impatient person on Reddit successfully microwaved the potato bites. Another confessed they tried air frying the Tater Bites but finished them in the microwave with unsatisfying results. Others cooked them on the stovetop in salted butter, creating a potato-egg bite that's fluffy in the center and crispy on the outer edges.