Trader Joe’s Is Giving Away $200 in Groceries—Here’s How to Win

If you're constantly trying new things in the kitchen and cooking up your own unique dishes, Trader Joe's wants to hear from you.

For this year’s Customer Recipe Contest, the popular grocer is asking shoppers to experiment with its Chile Lime Seasoning Blend in order to win free groceries.

Interested customers are being tasked with using Trader Joe’s Chile Lime Seasoning Blend and up to six additional ingredients from the store to create an original recipe. All of the ingredients must be products currently sold and purchased in stores. Trader Joe’s salt, pepper, sugar, butter, cooking oils, and water are considered freebies; their use will not count toward the ingredient maximum.

Last year's contestants were asked to use Trader Joe's Hoisin Sauce to come up with interesting recipes; the winning dish was Hoisin Caramel Apple Sundae with Black Pepper & Pistachios.

Once you've come up with your own chile-lime creation, snap a photo and post it to your Instagram account between now and March 29 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Keep in mind that your Instagram account must be set to public to participate in the contest.

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According to the rules, the photo cannot contain any added text overlay, graphics, or watermarks, or include images of people. Any garnishes pictured on or in the dish must be listed and will count as ingredients.

In the post's caption, include a complete list of ingredients, recipe instructions, and the contest hashtag #TJsChileLimeContest.

A winner will be selected by a judging panel and will receive a $200 Trader Joe’s gift card and have their recipe featured on the grocer's website. Two runners-up will be selected and will each receive $100 Trader Joe’s gift cards. All three winning entries will be featured on the Trader Joe's Instagram account on April 20.

Eligible entries will be judged based on taste (60%); the photo (30%), including great composition, focus, and lighting; and creativity (10%), like interesting ingredients and unexpected flavor combos.

You must be at least 18 years old to enter, and Trader Joe’s crew members and their family are not eligible to participate.