Disney claims to be “The Happiest Place on Earth,” however for grocery consumers the true happiest place on Earth is Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s has an unmatched choice of distinctive, high-quality items at cheap costs. Irrespective of the food plan, you’ll find one thing: The market has meat, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices, and lots of of its merchandise are natural.
Sadly, quite a bit of folks aren’t taking benefit of Trader Joe’s unbelievable choice of meals — and there are a TON of superb selections.
We’re right here with a mega checklist of our favourite meals choices from Trader Joe’s to show you how to uncover every little thing you are lacking, so the subsequent time you are on the go, you possibly can choose up some snacks, meals and every little thing in between.
And when you’re in search of further meals suggestions, try the following articles:
Snacks
Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers
These are fairly simple corn chips with a decent quantity of warmth and a contact of lime, however that mixture is a real weak spot of mine. Couple these chips with the Trader Joe’s Curry Rooster Salad and you have a lunch with a ridiculous quantity of taste for not a ton of money.
–Russell Holly
Crunchy Salted Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a good wholesome staple — I eat it for breakfast each morning. However business manufacturers are loaded with pointless sugars and oils. (Even the so-called wholesome variations). Often you might have to pay an arm and a leg for a jar of simply floor peanuts — however TJ’s often has it for beneath $2.30 a jar. I suppose you might get creamy, too, however I really like the texture of the crunchy selection.
–Dan Avery
Maple Leaf Cookies
If you develop up on the Canadian border, it is simple to fall in love with all issues maple. These leaf-shaped cookies, that are a product of our neighbor to the north, are reminiscent of treats I used to choose up in Ontario. Each the cookies and the cream sandwiched between style like actual maple syrup with out being too candy. Even higher, my New York Metropolis-born children do not see the attraction so extra for me.
–Bree Fowler
Darkish Chocolate-Lined Espresso Beans
I used to preserve a jumbo container of these in my workplace for guests. For espresso lovers who want a fast pick-me-up, there’s nothing higher. The bitterness of the crunchy bean contrasts completely with the creamy darkish chocolate coating. They will offer you the zing you want to get via an extended afternoon with out having to perk a pot of your favourite brew.
–Bree Fowler
Big Peruvian Inca Corn
These are one of my favourite snacks to eat when everybody else has gone to sleep and I am up late watching TV. The enormous kernels, which put normal Corn Nuts to disgrace, have a corny, salty and greasy taste type of like Fritos, however supply an enormous, satisfying crunch. Consequently, consuming them could be a very loud exercise even for the most demure snacker. So, until you are going to share a bag with a like-minded companion, they’re finest consumed alone.
–Bree Fowler
Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips Chili and Lime Flavored
My children are obsessive about Takis — these brightly coloured spicy corn treats which can be, sadly, crammed with synthetic colours, preservatives and different nastiness. Trader Joe’s makes the same snack that eliminates most of that rubbish, however continues to be weirdly pink thanks to vegetable-based meals coloring and packs a punch that is spicy and tart at the similar time. My children love them and so do I.
–Bree Fowler
Mediterranean Style Hummus
My household goes via tubs of this stuff. It is nice on baguette slices, and a bit on bread spruces up an in any other case boring turkey sandwich. In my retailer, it is just some steps from the packaged cut-and-peeled carrots, so I seize each and have what I inform myself is a wholesome snack after I get hungry between meals.
–Clifford Colby
Fig & Olive Crisps
These sq. little crackers — made with flax, sesame and sunflower seeds — have a satisfying snap whenever you chunk into them, and the items of dried figs and brined olives are a tasty sweet-and-savory complement to cheeses. Nice with Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Model Hummus too (see above). In case you are trying to combine it up, the Raisin Rosemary Crisps are simply pretty much as good.
–Clifford Colby
Trader Joe’s Corn and Chile Tomato-less Salsa and Natural Elote Corn Chip Dippers
In want of a tasty snack? This Trader Joe’s pair doesn’t disappoint. At some point after I was having an adventurous meals second, I stumbled upon these two in the isles. My life has been perpetually modified. The corn salsa is a stability between candy and spicy. Every chunk is sort of a burst of taste goodness. Then to pair it with the corn chip dippers, it is actually recreation over. The chips offer you the savoriness you will need when consuming the salsa.
Truthfully, no matter your chip and salsa expertise was earlier than, this may elevate it instances ten. It is so scrumptious and does not break the bank. Every merchandise is offered individually. The corn salsa goes for $3 and the corn chip dippers run for $2.69. So whether or not you host a gathering or go to one and wish one thing fast to deliver, I completely advocate this stuff. Belief me, it is going to be all the rave and the place you bought it from could be our little secret.
–Arielle Burton
Mixed Nut Butter
I may go on and on about how a lot I really like Trader Joe’s for eradicating determination fatigue from my grocery buying expertise; however for now, I am going to merely rave about the latest addition to their line of nut butters. The blended nut butter is a mix of almonds, cashews, walnuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and pecans, with only a bit of sea salt. I often have nut butter as a snack with sliced apples, drizzled over chia seed pudding, or unfold over toast with bananas.
I noticed this product on the shelf a couple of months in the past and determined to give it a attempt. Trader Joe’s area of interest merchandise are often a house run. However this explicit nut butter is particular. Every nut brings its personal taste profile to the desk with out overwhelming the palette. It is critically addictive. Since tasting it, I’ve sworn off all different nut butters. My fiancé and I at the moment have three jars in our pantry and are nonetheless frightened about operating out as a result of final time we went to our neighborhood Trader Joe’s, it was out of inventory.
–Sophia Fox-Sowell
Pita Chew Crackers
I seize a field of the sea salt model on each journey, however I nonetheless do not understand how they get these vegan-friendly crackers to have a buttery style. They’re nice to eat by themselves or when paired with one thing else like hummus or tapenade.
–Kourtnee Jackson
Trader Jose’s Salsa Autentica
We undergo one of these jars of pink goodness each week or two in my home. Delicate, saucy (not chunky) and scrumptious, it goes on scrambled eggs, quesadillas, hamburgers, TJ’s Mac and Cheese Balls and is, of course, a staple throughout taco Tuesdays. My first-grader son makes use of it extra typically than ketchup, and that is saying one thing. Shout-out to the inexperienced tomatillo model too, which can also be yummy however can get a bit of runny. Each collectively = Christmas glory.
–David Katzmaier
Crunchy Curls
Truthfully, I really feel like I would like to add a disclaimer about how addictive Trader Joe’s Crunchy Curls are earlier than I like to recommend them to somebody. These ringed snacks are type of like a pseudo-healthy chip, made of lentils and potatoes. They’re thick sufficient to carry taste in each chunk, however gentle sufficient so you possibly can eat 40 of them in a single sitting. At my T-Joe’s in New York, they’re additionally all the time offered out! So, I often seize two or three baggage when I’m fortunate sufficient to catch them in inventory.
–Monisha Ravisetti
Meals
Trader Joe’s has snacks, meals and a lot extra inside.
Portland Press Herald / Contributor / Getty
Cascatelli pasta
Certain, there are cheaper noodles on the market, however Cascatelli has two issues going for it in addition to being tasty. First, it is bought a dramatic backstory, with Sporkful podcaster Dan Pashman creating a brand new form, determining tooling and manufacturing, and eventually securing a stable gross sales channel. Extra culinarily necessary, Pashman succeeded in his purpose of designing a pasta form that works nicely scooping up and glomming onto pasta sauce. Meals engineering FTW.
–Stephen Shankland
Trader Joe’s Steamed Rooster Soup Dumplings
If you need one thing full of taste and scorching on a chilly day, that is my go-to. For a frozen product that you’ve got to heat up, it provides you the expertise of an actual soup dumpling. This product comes with six soup dumplings, is straightforward to put together and is barely $3.49 per field. A pal of mine really useful this to me and it has truthfully been one of my favourite objects to store for when going to Trader Joe’s.
If hen isn’t your factor, no worries. Trader Joe’s has hen and pork soup dumplings. Whether or not you go for the hen or pork, every dumpling is power-packed with taste. Every one impressed by the conventional preparation in accordance to their website and so they do reside up to the hype. That is one of their bestsellers, so whenever you get an opportunity, snag what you possibly can earlier than they filter of the freezer part.
–Arielle Burton
Vegan Tikka Masala
Many of the frozen Indian dinners at Trader Joe’s are what I eat at the workplace for lunch, and it is as a result of they’re each scrumptious and admittedly strategic for what I would like in a fast meal. They include a spicy but tasty protein element, some rice and a sauce that gives quite a bit of taste. If I’ve a tiny bit extra time to combine in broccoli or cauliflower, I may double the portion dimension with out having to add too many further energy. Whereas the Vegan Tikka Masala is my private favourite, I am additionally huge on the Lamb Vindaloo possibility after I need one thing extra meaty.
–Mike Sorrentino
Broccoli Slaw
Some ready veggies aren’t price the time saved, however Trader Joe’s broccoli slaw is. I really like the further crunch (not to point out the vitamins) it provides to a salad. And, let’s be sincere, I am not making my very own slaw.
–Karisa Langlo
Bagged Arugula
I do not all the time discover arugula at my normal grocery story, and when farmer’s market season ends, it is good to know I can pop into Trader Joe’s and seize a bag of it for a pair of bucks. I exploit arugula to add taste to salads, but it surely additionally makes an incredible pizza topping.
Les Petites Carrots of Many Colors
Something that makes consuming greens a bit of extra enjoyable is a win for me. These “petites” are the dimension of a child carrot with the look of a full-sized one, however with out the want to get out your peeler. A bag consists of orange, pink, yellow, white and purple carrots, which isn’t solely extra enjoyable however feels weirdly fancy.
–Karisa Langlo
Soy Chorizo
This spicy vegan and gluten-free meat different is all the time at the prime of my Trader Joe’s buying checklist. It is filled with taste and makes an incredible addition to rice bowls, salads, chilies and, truthfully, just about something you could be cooking. I sometimes use it to make vegan nachos for potluck events, and even my meat-loving family rave about this tasty soy-based product.
–Alexandra Garrett
Desserts
Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s (and all-things peppermint for the holidays)
Sweet cane season is actually the most fantastic time of yr at Trader Joe’s. And there is nothing higher than these knock-off Oreos that provide a glittery pink, crunchy mint filling with out the synthetic colours and different chemical substances. Even higher when you can rating a field of the darkish chocolate-covered model. On the lookout for extra decadence? Head to the freezer part for Sweet Cane Joe-Joe’s ice cream. However you’d higher act quick. Shops typically run out of the limited-time treats lengthy earlier than Santa’s sleigh takes off on its annual voyage.
–Bree Fowler
Mint chocolate chip ice cream
Trader Joe’s in-house ice cream is a winner. No hokey inexperienced meals coloring or faux chocolate right here. That is our household’s go-to possibility for a fast dessert.
–Stephen Shankland
All Butter Puff Pastry Sheets
Certain, you possibly can spend hours making your personal puff pastry. Perhaps you suppose you possibly can take a shortcut and make tough puff pastry as an alternative. Higher, simply seize Trader Joe’s All Butter Puff Pastry Sheets in the frozen meals case and get on along with your life. Not like quite a bit of the puff pastries you discover in huge grocery shops, Trader Joe’s flaky and light-weight pastry is made with butter, not oil — and you’ll completely style the distinction. However what about the costly puff pastry dough made with butter you come throughout in high-end retailers? Trader Joe’s flaky dough is far more inexpensive. Heads up: It is often accessible simply round the holidays, so top off.
–Clifford Colby
Chocolate Croissants (Frozen Dough)
I am a reasonably good baker, however even I do know croissants require dedication. This four-pack of massive, frozen chocolate croissants takes about 25 minutes to bake after you’ve got preheated the oven. You get a puffy, flaky, crispy layer of scrumptious dough encasing a tasty chocolate filling for the value of only one of the rubbery variations typically discovered at your native espresso store or grocery store. Be aware:. Should you’re calorie acutely aware, proceed at your personal danger.
–Connie Guglielmo
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Like Reese’s however infinitely higher, the TJ’s darkish chocolate cups are the good mixture of candy and salty. These little cups are a very good dimension for an after-dinner deal with, and so they are available a 16-ounce carton that’ll final you weeks (when you train some self-control).
— Karisa Langlo
Hold the Cone Mini: Peppermint
Who does not love a mini ice cream cone in scrumptious seasonal flavors? The peppermint taste is tremendous tasty and never overpowering like peppermint can typically be. It’s also possible to seem like an absolute hero to your child after they beg you for ice cream and also you hand them this. Simply sufficient to make them joyful and never have them bouncing off the partitions.
–Danielle Ramirez
Extra
Trader Joe’s has every little thing you will discover in an everyday grocery retailer, and extra.
Jeff Greenberg / Contributor / Getty
Spicy Chai Tea Latte Mix
Setting apart the problem with calling it “chai tea” (it is simply chai, chai means tea) I discover this combine one of the quickest methods to get some flavorful iced chai at residence with out sacrificing a ton of taste. It is also nice when made scorching, however served chilly is my favourite by far. Means higher than Starbucks, and saves you some money in the course of.
–Russell Holly
Balsamic vinaigrette dressing
I make a salad almost every single day and have spent years making an attempt to discover a go-to dressing. I do not like creamy ones drenched in fats and energy, however “lite” dressings style like chemical substances to me.
It was a blessed day when I discovered TJ’s balsamic French dressing — made with a couple of easy components, it is zesty sufficient to get up the limpest lettuce however may also be enlivened with customized components. (Generally I add Trader Joe’s orange champagne vinegar, or the Every thing however the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Mix.)
They do not even have a look at me humorous anymore after I deliver 5 or 6 bottles to the register.
–Dan Avery
Everything but the Bagel Sesame seasoning blend
I went keto some time again, and discovering a method to taste meals with out heavy sauces was robust. EBTB does not simply present seasoning, it is bought nice texture — a hearty crunch from black sesame seeds, sea salt and dried garlic and onion. And satisfies my bagel yen with out all the carbs. It is versatile sufficient that I add it to Italian, Chinese language and Tex-Mex dishes.
–Dan Avery
Trader Joe’s Organic Ketchup
Whereas I really feel a bit of foolish calling out ketchup as a must-buy, Trader Joe’s model is actually a step above the relaxation. Darker, richer and thicker than different grocery retailer varieties, it is adequate to give me a powerful opinion on ketchup. Whether or not it is for topping burgers or dipping fries, Trader Joe’s strikes ketchup from an afterthought to a function.
–Andrew Blok
Chimichurri Sauce
Not to be confused with Trader Joe’s yummy — and almost similar — spicy Zhoug sauce, this inexperienced condiment is delicate. It has a tangy taste that comes via from cilantro, parsley, cumin and garlic, and works completely as a topper for veggies, sandwiches or the rest.
–Kourtnee Jackson
Dukkah nut and spice mix
This elusive and scrumptious mix could be a bit of a unicorn to discover however once we do, we purchase tons of it and squirrel it away. Because it says on the label, seize some crunchy bread, dip in some olive oil and dig in.
–Danielle Ramirez
Lavender Hand Sanitizer Spray
I am one of these individuals who’s by no means gotten COVID (no less than I do not suppose I’ve) and rightly or wrongly, I attribute this partly to this handy, easy-to-use sanitizer spray. It is fast dry and has an ethyl alcohol content material of 74%, which greater than meets the threshold for efficient sanitizers. I carry a number of bottles , spraying my seat and trays on planes — and typically individuals who invade my private house. I mist desks and tables when away from residence. I exploit it continuously after I’m out and about (and positively after somebody shakes my hand.) I additionally reward it to household, associates, co-workers and on one memorable event, to a household with younger children sitting down to eat at the In-N-Out Burger close to San Francisco airport. A good stocking stuffer for the instances we reside in.
–Connie Guglielmo
Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream
Trader Joe’s says this cream deserves the “extremely moisturizing” label as a result of it is made with “coconut oil, hemp seed oil, and 20% pure shea butter, together with important fatty acids and skin-friendly antioxidants like nutritional vitamins C & E.” I did not take a look at it in a lab, however my choosy associates say this thick, paraben-and-fragrance-free cream is pretty much as good as some of the dearer hand lotions accessible at specialty retailers. Which is why I now pair it with TJ’s sanitizer spray, moisturizer and their face masks in a spa reward bag for stated choosy associates.
–Connie Guglielmo
Habanero Hot Sauce
That is my favourite scorching sauce — not simply at Trader Joe’s, however of each scorching sauce I’ve ever purchased. I’ve by no means been an enormous fan of Tabasco or Cholula as a result of they don’t seem to be precisely piquante and spicy, however thinner and extra vinegar-ey. This Habanero condiment, nonetheless, does not have an excessive vinegar base, neither is it borderline watery like Tabasco. However what actually seals the deal for me is the proven fact that it additionally does not simply style like pure spice with none taste. You get Habanero vibes, and it really matches any delicacies. I often preserve one or two bottles in my fridge.
–Monisha Ravisetti
