My Top 25 Favorite Items to Buy at Trader Joe's
Trader Joe’s is filled with so many amazing food items, it can be a little overwhelming. I’m sharing my top 25 things to buy at Trader Joe’s with you, to make shopping a little bit easier next time!
The first time I shopped at a Trader Joe’s was in Los Angeles, CA way back in 2006. I was so confused by the whole store, including the carts being stored outside. Inside, the store seemed crowded to me and confusing—especially the food lined up along the freezers.
When we finally got our own Trader Joe’s store in Des Moines, I was excited to start shopping there (they hyped it a lot). When I went in for the first few times, though, it was so hard to navigate! I didn’t know where anything was and it was so busy, it was difficult to study the aisles like I wanted to.
After having shopped there for a few years now, and taking the time to look at all the items, I have several favorites I buy at Trader Joe’s regularly. So, I’m sharing my top 25 favorites with you, in case you need a little help knowing what to buy at Trader Joe’s…or maybe you just want some new ideas!
Trader Joe’s has all the produce items you’d ever need to get. To keep things simple, I’m only sharing a couple of my favorites, since they’re a little more unique to the store. But rest assured, there is a variety of produce to be had at the store.
Trader Joe’s Organic Broccoli Slaw: This is perfect for a stir-fry! I’m so much more likely to eat healthy if the food is easy for me to make…this mix saves me a ton of prep work!
Trader Joe’s Healthy 8 Chopped Veggie Mix: Another great mix to use for stir-fry. Everything is chopped very small, so it cooks quickly and evenly.
This is an area that I could have shared so much more on…but I’m limiting it to the items we love and buy regulary! Trust me, though, you’re going to want to take your time looking at all the freezer, meat, and dairy goodies at Trader Joe’s. Also, you might want to pack a cooler…
Trader Joe’s Pork Gyoza Potstickers: These are some of the best frozen potstickers I’ve had. They are one of our favorite go-to quick dinner options!
Trader Joe’s Almond Croissants: All I can say is that I never should have discovered these—they are delicious! So easy to make, too. You just set them out overnight and bake in the morning. Perfection.
Trader Joe’s Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream: If you love ice cream and you love coffee…this is for you! The flavor isn’t too over-powering, though, in case you’re not a true coffee fan. I still think you’ll like it!
Trader Joe’s Beef-less Ground Beef: If you don’t eat meat, or would like to reduce the amount you eat, this is a really great option. Some meatless products have a bunch of bad stuff in them, but this one is relatively healthly. It also tastes so good!
Is it awkward that the lion’s share of my favorites from Trader Joe’s are pantry staples? They just have so many great products that are good to have on hand for last-minute recipes!
Trader Joe’s Original Savory Thin Mini Crackers: I love these little crackers! They are the perfect way to get some crunch, but not eat a ton of calories. They’re also gluten free, if you need that.
Trader Joe’s Organic Sweet Bread & Butter Pickle Chips: My mouth is watering right now just thinking about these pickles. They are by far the best jarred bread and butter pickle I’ve ever tasted! They didn’t stock them for a while and I tried so many others trying to finds something similar—nothing came close!
Trader Giotto’s Gold Balsamic Vinegar of Modena: Not all balsamic vinegars are created equally. Some are runny and fall flat in the flavor department. This one is so good, a bit thicker, and is delicious! We use it to make homemade balsamic vinaigrette, which we eat with salad at least twice a week.
Trader Joe’s Fig Butter: A charcuterie board staple, this is one of the best, reasonably priced, fig butters I’ve had.
Trader Joe’s Quartered Marinated Artichokes: These are another great item to have on hand for a quick snack or recipe…or even a charcuterie board.
Trader Joe’s Fire Roasted Red Peppers: These are a great addition to pasta or pizza!
Trader Giotto’s Italian Tomato Paste: This is a great way to add flavor and thickness to various sauces.
Trader Joe’s Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend: If you don’t have any other seasonings on hand…be sure to have this one! It is so good, makes everything taste better, and adds a richness of flavor to just about anything you make.
Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup (Low Sodium): We love to have grilled cheese and tomato soup when the weather is icky. This soup is the perfect pairing to a crispy sandwich—it’s full of flavor and healthy!
Trader Joe’s Coconut Oil Spray: Coconut oil is such a good oil and this spray makes it handy to cook or bake with!
Trader Joe’s Corn and Chile Tomato-less Salsa: I love to eat this salsa with chips or add it to tacos!
Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips: If you haven’t tried these chips yet, you need to! The perfect hint of sweetness and so crunchy, delicious!
Trader Joe’s Organic French Roast Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate: I’ve tried making cold brew coffee before and it’s messy and time consuming. I’d rather buy this!
Speculoos Cookie Butter Spread: This sweet and spicy spread is deliciously addicting. Eat it with graham crackers or even on a marshmallow!
Trader Joe’s Giant Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce: I was unsure of these when we first tried them, but they are so delicious! Good on a cracker or a piece of toast!
Trader Giotto’s Organic Vodka Sauce: Jarred pasta sauce can be hit or miss, but this one is so good and full of flavor.
Trader Joe’s Cheese Sticks: These make for a great little snack or…a yummy addition to a snack tray!
I’m so glad I took a chance on Trader Joe’s, even though I thought it was overwhelming at first. I hope sharing my favoriites is helpful for you to know what to look for the next time you’re there. Grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s made easy!
I would love to know if you like any of the items on my list or maybe have a few favorites of your own? Leave me a comment and let me know!
I’ve teamed up with three other Trader Joe’s fans to share their favorites as well. They have several items on their lists and would love for you to check them out!
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