Trader Joe's Must Haves
Whether you’ve gotten ideas off Tik Toks reviewing Trader Joe’s products or just shop there regularly like me, you know that TJ’s has some super tasty and unique options that you can’t find anywhere else. Over quarantine I’ve had a little bit more time to cook for myself, chef up some charcuterie boards and test out random snacks that I otherwise would not have. I created a list of must haves or just things you should try, besides cauliflower gnocchi and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. Here they are, broken down by category, that you won’t be able to find at our lovely Safeway or Whole Foods -- and you may not have even known existed at Trader Joe’s before!
(This list honestly doesn’t cut it, there’s too much great stuff at Trader Joe’s and I could go on and on so here’s just a few)
The Dip Aisle
Chocolate Hummus
Going in reverse here, I’m starting with my favorite sweet treat: Trader Joe’s Chocolate Hummus. At first I was skeptical of this item because in my head, I was imagining the taste of a classic mediteranean, garlicky hummus mixed with the taste of chocolate, and that was not appealing to me at all. But, turns out, there’s none of that and it’s basically just chickpeas, tahini and cocoa powder, and it’s bomb. If I could compare it to anything, it tastes like brownie batter or even a little bit like chocolate pudding. Pair this hummus with pretzels (my go-to) or a pita chip and it’s a great healthy way to cure your sweet tooth and give you your chocolate fix for the day!
Artichoke & Jalapeño Dip
This may be an acquired taste for some people, but don’t run at the sound of artichokes because this dip has become one of my favorite summer snacks. With greek yogurt as the base, it’s light and refreshing with some kick from the jalapeño. It’s best with pita chips or warm toasts, but pop it on a veggie tray with carrots and celery and you got yourself a winner.
Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly
This jelly is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. It’s almost like jelly, but almost like hot honey, but almost like a chili sauce. Spread it on top of a slice of cheese or on warm toast and you got a party in your mouth. Looks pretty on a cheese board and pairs great with just about anything.
The Frozen Section
Mexican Style Roasted Corn with Cotija Cheese
Homemade eloteeee (ayyy)! This corn, found in the frozen section, is absolutely delicious. All you have to do is warm it up over the stove or even in the microwave and you will not be disappointed. It has the right amount of sauce and flavor and a small cheese packet to sprinkle on top. It’s so easy to make, but it’ll make you look like a master chef (if you don’t tell your taco Tuesday guests that you did absolutely no prep work). Great with a fish taco or with rice and beans -- you gotta get it!
Tamales (Chicken and Green Pepper)
Going along with the Mexican food trend here, these tamales are great if you’re super lazy and honestly just want to heat something up in the microwave and call it a day. They taste fresh, have great flavor and are always fluffy. The chicken isn’t mystery meat and if you’re vegetarian, the cheese and green pepper tamale is just as good. Definitely something to keep in the freezer for an easy meal that you can always count on to be delicious.
Organic Brown Rice and Quinoa
I’m a big rice girl and think one of the biggest hassles is planning ahead to make the rice or quinoa. I found the solution to my problem, of course, in the frozen food aisle of Trader Joe’s. These rice and quinoa frozen packets are such a gift. All you have to do is pop them in the microwave and they come out delicious and fluffy, no time standing over the stove needed. They are the easiest side to any meal!
The Cheese Section
Unexpected Cheddar Cheese
This cheese is just that. I’ve had plenty of cheddar cheese in my lifetime, but this one has an unexpected twist and packs a punch. Leaning more on the side of a parmesan or aged goat cheese, this cheddar is a great addition to a charcuterie board. It’s mild with just a bit of a bite and goes great with a triscuit and some pepper jelly. It now comes in shedded form and is awesome to elevate your next grilled cheese!
Other Random Things
Gluten Free Sandwich Bread
After coming to terms with the sad fact that I am gluten intolerant, and honestly have always hated bread, I made it my mission to find a gluten free alternative that I actually liked. And before you write it off and think that anything gluten free just doesn’t take as good as the real stuff, try it. After trying lots of other gluten free bread brands from other stores and remaining unsatisfied, both the white and multigrain breads are something I never leave TJ’s without. They have the same texture and density as regular bread, toast incredibly and are the best base for that avocado toast I’ve been making too often.
Fresh Ravioli
TJ’s fresh ravioli located by the dips and cheese’s is truly the best. They take approximately 2 minutes to cook and taste like restaurant quality. These raviolis are such an easy, nutritious and satisfying meal that I think everyone needs to try. There are lots of different fillings that sometimes change with the seasons to keep you guessing, but these are my top favorites.
Peanut Butter Protein Granola
I love peanut butter, I love granola, and I’m always looking for different ways to incorporate a protein into my meal. This granola is made up of crunchy, peanut buttery clusters of oats, peanuts, pea protein, and more. I love to crumble it over my bowl of yogurt in the morning or just snack on some in the middle of the day.
Soft and Juicy Mango
To finish off the list for this round we have TJ’s dried mango. I love the soft and juicy version because it has some sugar on it and is practically candy. It’s a great way to cap off a meal or to give you a little boost in the middle of your busy school day. If you’re trying to avoid sugar, their plain dried mango is just as good. Can’t go wrong with these!
Chevre with Honey Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is one of my favorites to spread on a slice of bread or cracker and this one is a solid choice. With a dash of honey mixed in, there’s some sweetness to the goat cheese flavor. I love to toast up a piece of bread, spread it on top and sprinkle some red pepper flakes and it is YUM.
Roasted & Salted Marcona Almonds with Rosemary
I’m a huge fan of almonds, but they definitely get boring from time to time. These marcona almonds are a real treat and honestly a little expensive so sometimes I splurge. A perfect mix of olive oil, salt and rosemary make these buttery almonds yummy on a cheese board (I know everything comes back to the cheese board) or just a handful at snack time. Highly recommend if you’re looking to spice up your snack cabinet.
Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips Chili and Lime Flavored
I’m told these are a lighter version of Taki’s, which I’ve never had, but I can tell you they are fire. If you’re into hot Cheetos or anything spicy or just looking to spice up your tortilla chip selection, these are a great snack. Be careful though, everytime I buy these, they disappear within the first two days. They’re addicting and are a little less processed than your average “hot” flavored anything, so I highly recommend.
