30 Items You Shouldn’t Leave Trader Joe’s Without
30 Items You Shouldn’t Leave Trader Joe’s Without
We’re obsessed with Trader Joe’s (OK, but who isn’t?). For years the rumor that Chattanooga was going to get a Trader Joe’s seemed like just a wish. But now we can partake in the delicious offerings of this wildly popular grocery store.
While the folks of the grocery chain release an annual list of customer-favorite items, we decided to compile a list of. items folks can’t live without. Of course, Everything Bagel Seasoning made the list, but there are plenty of items (and even a beauty product) that might convince you to give them a try on your next grocery shopping trip.
1. Soy Chorizo – This veggie chorizo makes it easy to skip the meat. Sauté it with onions, potatoes (or sweet potatoes), and black beans as a vegan dinner base for tacos or burrito bowls.
2. Hatch Chile Mac and Cheese – If you’re working from home right now, hearty options like this elevated frozen macaroni and cheese help you actually take a delicious lunch break.
3. Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend – This little jar of seasoning has quite the fan club these days, and we’re definitely a part of that club. Sprinkle it on egg whites to spice up a healthy breakfast or use it to make a savory at-home avocado toast.
4. Happy Trekking Trail Mix – The amazing selection of nuts and dried fruits include some of Trader Joe’s best finds. Perfect for on-the-go or at the office.
5. Gluten-Free Brioche Bread – When you have to follow a gluten-free diet Trader Joe’s brioche is a delight. The slices are pretty petite, but they’re the right amount of density to make a perfect grilled cheese.
6. Burrata Cheese – If you’ve had the pleasure of enjoying burrata cheese, you’ll know it’s often quite pricey. Thankfully the price point at Trader Joe’s allows Chihak to always grab a container at Trader Joe’s without spending so much.
7. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Baked Goods – When fall weather arrives it’s all about the pumpkin treats.
8. Speculoos Cookie Butter – It tastes like gingerbread but in a creamy, spreadable form. Enjoy a spoonful with some apple slices for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
9. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese – It’s technically a sharp cheddar, it has the tangy, nutty flavor of a way pricier aged Parmesan. It features those delicious crystalline bits that give the cheese a subtle crunch, and its creamy, crumbly texture is perfect for melting. It tastes fancy enough for a special-occasion charcuterie board, but at less than $5 a block, it’s affordable enough for everyday snacking, too.
10. Traditional Tunisian Harissa – Like your dishes with heat? Look no further than this rich chili paste. Marinate salmon with the spicy seasoning for the easiest weeknight dinner or pairing it with vegetables for a side dish with a kick.
11. Smoked Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausage – For an affordable protein option that’s super tasty, cut them in slices and add veggies for a super easy sheet pan dinner.
12. Rosemary Marcona Almonds – When you need a quick and healthy snack, reach for a handful of almonds. Just the right mix of salt, crunch, and herb flavor.
13. Purple Moon California Merlot – There’s no doubting the quality wine section is one of the best things at Trader Joe’s. The Purple Moon California Merlo is not only a delicious casual sipper, but you can also score a bottle for just $6.
14. Shea Butter and Coconut Oil Hair Mask – If the dry winter air left your locks a little lackluster, this is an excellent affordable hair mask option.
15. Vegan Tzatziki – The vegan tzatziki from Trader Joe’s tastes exactly like regular tzatziki. It’s perfect on a salad or as a dip—I seriously cannot say enough good things about it.
16. Caramelized Onion Dip – It has a light and fluffy whipped texture that pairs perfectly with a kettle-cooked or ridged potato chip.
17. Just Dried Mango – A go-to snack. It’s literally just dried mango with no additives or added sugar—the perfect sweet treat.
18. Mini Hold the Cone Ice Cream Cones – When you’re in the mood for a little treat, these are the perfect size to satisfy your craving without overdoing it. They come in tasty flavors like chocolate and coffee bean.
19. Pub Cheese Sharp Cheddar – Not that we recommend you doing it, but you could 100% eat the whole tub of pub cheese dip in one sitting. It is perfect for an easy snack and is always a crowd-pleaser when you’re too lazy to actually make appetizers.
20. Vegan Kale Pesto – Put this pesto on everything, actually everything: eggs, wraps, chicken, you name it.
30. Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry – Great to have in the freezer for nights when you are either too busy or not in the mood to make a full-on dinner. A favorite way to eat this is as a base with some protein on top. Simply rip open the bag, warm it up in a pan, throw it in a bowl, and enjoy. It’s truly a fool-proof meal.
So – what are your go-to, can’t live without, Trader Joe’s favorites?
