Trader Joe’s is by far my favorite grocery store. Growing up, I had several friends whose parents shopped exclusively at Trader Joe’s and I LOVED going to their houses for all the fun snacks they had. I thought that because they shopped at Trader Joe’s that must mean they were rich–I always had the conception that it was a crazy expensive store. My family started shopping there a little when I was in high school, but I really didn’t start my love affair with it until college. In college, I realized it was the place where I could get the most easy meals the most affordably, and when I needed snacks, who was there for me? Trader Joe’s! Anyone who came to the Bible studies I led in college can attest to the tastiness of the Trader Joe’s snacks I would bring every week.
Anyways, I was thinking about all the great products I love the other night and listing off my “must-have” Trader Joe’s items and I thought I would share them with y’all!
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning–it’s basically what it says, a seasoning mix with salt, onion and garlic powders, and sesame and poppy seeds add the delicious flavor of an everything bagel to whatever you’re eating! My current favorite way to use this is on top of avocado toast, paired with a sliced hard-boiled egg and some parmesan cheese.
- Chicken Gyoza Potstickers (and the Sweet Chili Sauce to dip them in!)–these guys are SO easy to make and are so filling. They’re my go-to for late nights where all we want to do is make an easy dinner and kick back.
- Pineapple Salsa (pair it with plain white corn chips or a non TJ’s item, Tostito’s Hint of Lime corn chips)–this is my husband’s pick. It is his FAVORITE store-bought salsa and as soon as we run out (every time!) he asks us to go pick up another jar. It is light and refreshing (if a salsa can be described as that!) and delicious!
- Corn and Chile Tomato-less Salsa–this is another one of our favorite salsas! For a change of pace, this salsa has no tomatoes. I didn’t think that would be good, but it is delicious! I am so glad they had it out to taste test one day. I love to put this in my burrito bowls.
- Field Fresh Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken–y’all. This SALAD. I could eat it every day and not get tired of it. The Israeli couscous, currants, greens, and chicken mesh so well and the sweet pesto dressing is to DIE for (if anyone has a recipe for this dressing, I will owe you forever.)
- Harvest Hodgepodge–one of the best frozen vegetable medleys out there! I love how easy this is to prepare and how there is great variety. It goes great with any entree!
- Roasted Plantain Chips–although these aren’t zero calorie, they are a healthier alternative to regular chips. Bringing a baggie full of them to work helps curb cravings between meals without sacrificing good taste.
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups–some of the best candy ever. My best friend loves them so much that she had us ship some over to Scotland for her now that she’s so far from a Trader Joe’s. Her tip? Put them in the freezer–they are GREAT cold.
- Wild Blueberry and Vanilla Chevre–also one of my husband’s FAVORITE foods. My friend first introduced me to this by buying it for my bridal shower and I never went back. The tang of the goat cheese and the sweetness of the blueberries mesh perfectly.
- Garlic Spread-Dip–honestly? As a garlic lover, this is finally something that is GARLICKY ENOUGH for me. I dip crackers and chips in it (and sometimes my finger, don’t judge) but it is also very good to add to pasta to give it some extra kick.
- Mediterranean Hummus–with pine nuts and herbs on top, this hummus goes well with just about anything you want to dip. We always try to have a container on hand for veggies or crackers.
- Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese and Caramelized Onions–these have been one of my favorites forever! I think this was one of the first things my mom bought from Trader Joe’s and I’ve loved them ever since. They are such a great appetizer!
- Lemongrass Chicken Stix–same as above, I’ve been eating these forever! They are so tasty. Take a few minutes after cooking before eating, though, because they have burned my mouth when I’m overzealous and eat them too soon. (Confession: I haven’t had these in about a year or so so I am crossing my fingers that they weren’t discontinued–I am always bummed when my favorite items got discontinued.)
- Truffle Honey Mustard–need I explain more? It is honey mustard with TRUFFLE OIL. It is delicious. Dip fries in this. You will understand.
- Spanakopita–puff pastry with spinach and cheese can’t really be wrong. It’s a delicious appetizer and I recommend it highly.
I am not affiliated with Trader Joe’s in any way but I just wanted to share the love!
Let me know what your favorite Trader Joe’s items are in the comments! I can’t wait to hear.