If you’re not a Trader Joe’s fan, hear me out. I used to HATE this store. Yes, hate. I would go for my usual basic things and would get so frustrated.
From random flavors of normal everyday items (like maybe black beans but with some different kind of sauce) to just not having the product or produce I wanted. I would get SO annoyed and never understand why people LOVE this store so much.
Then I started to shop Trader Joe’s more like a TJ’s fan should. Buying their unique brand items and stepping outside of my usual grocery shopping routine. And now it is one of my FAVORITE places to visit. It really takes a few good recommendations from a friend or two to get into the swing of things at TJ’s. There are certain things I buy here, but don’t dare buy anywhere else. And vice versa.
This store has also made quick and easy meals MUCH more interesting. Especially as a single gal, I feel like it’s game-changing. I always have really great options I can heat up in minutes, or whip together in under 10. Here are my favorite products that I buy on repeat and swear by. I promise you’ll love them as much as I do!
Best Trader Joe’s Products To Try
My Favorite Condiments, Dressings + Dips From Trader Joe’s
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip or Caramelized Onion Dip
Great to dip with broccoli and carrots. I have not seen the bacon cheddar dip in a while and think they may have discontinued it. But the caramelized onion dip is just as good and makes for a great snack.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Truly as good as the homemade version, you’ve been warned! Buy two tubs of it and thank me later. I love to dip a tortilla chip in it, or celery and carrots.
Sriracha Ranch Dressing
Perfect for a drizzle on a taco, or dipped with veggies. It’s not super spicy, just has a slight kick to it.
Feta Dressing
My go-to for a greek side salad. I usually thin it out with a squeeze of lemon.
Hot & Sweet Jalapenos
I actually chop these up and put them BACK into the jar and then use them on my tacos. They’re not super sweet either which I usually don’t like, but these are phenomenal. Currently have 2 jars in the pantry as backup.
Jalapeno Sauce
A reader in the Facebook Group recommended this and my life is forever changed. It’s the ultimate taco drizzle. Creamy and very spicy! A little goes a long way.
Chili Crunch
This garlic, oil, chili crunch is hands down one of the best things I discovered. It’s great over avocado toast, eggs, white rice, or mixed with a little soy sauce as a dipping sauce for potstickers. There are tons of ways to use it and since it isn’t super hot, go heavy!
My Favorite Frozen Items From Trader Joe’s
Argentinian Frozen Shrimp
The absolute best frozen shrimp, I always keep this stocked in my freezer for quick and easy dinners.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
The perfect thing to keep on hand for a TV dinner. 5 minutes in the microwave and top with some hot sauce. A favorite dinner when I’m too lazy to cook. I always have these on hand and almost always have one after I come back from a really late travel day and need food but have nothing in my fridge.
Cauliflower Gnocchi
A cult favorite, I like mine with pesto sauce and shrimp. Or even just Rao’s tomato sauce. Super simple to make either in the air fryer or in a pan.
Mexican Style Cauliflower Rice
I’m actually NOT into cauliflower rice. I think it’s a really sad substitute for rice. And since I LOVE rice, it’s hard to get over it. But this, this is INSANE. It’s spicy, it’s flavorful, and you’d never know it was cauliflower. It’s definitely not rice, but it just feels more substantial. I serve it with chili lime salmon and drizzle with the jalapeno sauce and lots of cilantro.
Vegetable Stir Fry
I use this for my 10 minute fried rice recipe. I sometimes halve it with cauliflower stir fry for fewer carbs
Cauliflower Stir Fry
This is great to eat with shrimp or chicken. And if I’m just looking for a small healthy swap, I cut the vegetable stir fry with this.
Shredded Hash Browns
The Trader Joe’s shredded hash browns are just a super easy way to make hashbrowns in the morning. Perfectly shredded!
Potato Latkes
A fun holiday treat around Hannukah. I would never make these from scratch as they stink up your whole house with grease. But the frozen version is fantastic. I like mine with a little applesauce. They cook up in no time in the oven too.
Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
These are the perfect light dinner or lunch when you don’t have anything in the house. I dip them in a mix of soy sauce and chili crunch.
Sweets, Treats + Snacks
Strawberry Greek Yogurt Granola Popsicles
For a yummy healthy-ish sweet treat, I love these creamy greek yogurt popsicles. The crunch of granola in them is so yummy.
Matcha Almond Beverage
This is hit or miss if you can find it. But if you can, it’s a treat and oh so good. I find it’s a little sweet so I like to cut it with a little plain almond milk.
Candied Spicy Pecans
Addicting! I love these as a little sweet treat after dinner. And I use these to make one of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes, my butternut squash and brussels sprouts salad.
Chocolate Covered Mint Creams
They’re like a giant Junior Mint (my favorite Halloween candy of course) but better. If I buy these, they’re gone in 24 hours.
Oreo And Mint Chip Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches
Dangerously good, I can eat the whole package in 24 hours. Don’t leave me around these!
Dried Mango (Unsweetened)
Really I would eat dried mango from anywhere because it’s an absolute favorite of mine, but I like their unsweetened ones. They are so delicious and I like that there’s an unsweetened option.
Animal Crackers
Fun fact about me, I love an animal cracker. Hands down the best animal crackers there are. They’re so light and crispy and you can easily finish off a tub in no time.
Cacio e Pepe Puffs
Like Pirate’s Booty but 100 times more satisfying and flavorful. They are cheesy with a kick of pepper.
Jalapeño Corn & Rice Puffs
Another Pirate’s Booty wannabe, but they’re covered in a spicy jalapeño dusting and are beyond addicting.
Crispbreads
These are a great option for low carb. I like to make a little avocado toast on these. Or add an egg to it. So good.
Other Favorites
Chicken Shawarma
This is in the meat section and is marinated and ready to cook. It’s a go-to for quick dinners as it cooks up quickly. I usually serve it with a greek salad and a side salad or some rice. It’s one of my absolute favorites to buy.
Whole Wheat Low Carb Tortillas
I eat these a lot for breakfast tacos or regular tacos. They’re only 4 net carbs if you’re tracking your cards. I do suggest heating them up a bit in the oven.
Meat And Cheese
The only other store that rivals TJ’s is ALDI when it comes to the meat and cheese department. When making a cheese board, these are super affordable high-quality options.
Ground Coffee
I usually buy my coffee here too. I’m a Dunkin Donuts coffee fan, but sometimes get their holiday blend during the winter. I also love that it comes in a tin can, makes it super easy to deal with.
Elote Salad Kit
This salad kit is one of my favorites. I use half the dressing they provide, and instead squeeze a whole lime into it. The crunchy corn and croutons are addicting. Add a little chicken or shrimp and even some black beans for a complete meal for 2.
Pea Protein Oat Milk
I love oat milk, but hate that it doesn’t have much protein in it. This has 8 grams per serving making my iced lattes feel a little more satisfying.
Chai Latte Concentrate
If you love a chai latte, you have to try this. I mix it with the protein oat milk, or whatever dairy you like. I even sometimes put a splash in my iced coffee to add a little something spicy and sweet to it!
Flowers
One of the best things about Trader Joe’s is the affordable flower section. And thanks to this hydrangea tip I now buy them more than ever!
What did I miss? I know there’s so much more to try at Trader Joe’s and I just haven’t dove in yet. There’s a MASSIVE list of favorites in the Indigo Facebook Group. Join here to check it out!
Photos by Hannah Lozano
