We’re obsessed with Trader Joe’s (OK, but who isn’t?). Whenever any of our editors try something new, it’s immediately brought up in our Slack channels. With such amazing prices, stores pretty close to where we all live, and so many healthy options, it’s no surprise that TJ’s is our grocery store of choice. Because we haven’t already said it enough, here are the Trader Joe’s products our editors pick up every single time we go that we think you need to try immediately:
1. Vegan Tzatziki
As someone with a complex relationship with dairy, tzatziki sauce is one of those sneaky foods that seems like it won’t hurt me until it really, really does. The vegan tzatziki from Trader Joe’s tastes exactly like regular tzatziki that I might be able to get from Garbanzo or CAVA. It’s perfect on a salad or as a dip—I seriously cannot say enough good things about it. –Emma Ginsberg, Editorial Intern
2. Caramelized Onion Dip
I tried 19 dips from Trader Joe’s, and this one was my absolute favorite. It has a light and fluffy whipped texture that pairs perfectly with a kettle-cooked or ridged potato chip. I could easily eat the entire tub in one sitting. –Ashley Selleke, Branded Content Editor
3. Just Dried Mango
This is my go-to snack. It’s literally just dried mango with no additives or added sugar—the perfect sweet treat. My only issue with it is that Trader Joe’s claims there are 4.5 servings in each bag when, clearly, it’s one serving per bag. –Amanda Michelson, Senior Manager of Brand Partnerships
4. 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, and I’m keeping my eye out for their seasonal flavors like pumpkin ginger and peppermint. These are always in my freezer! –Keely Geist, Senior Social Media Editor
5. Pub Cheese Sharp Cheddar
Not that I recommend you doing it, but I 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. –Jessica Jones, Social Media Editor
6. Vegan Kale Pesto
When I say that I put this pesto on everything, I actually mean everything: my eggs, wraps, chicken, you name it. It’s eons better than any other pesto I’ve had. –Madeline Galassi, Fashion Content Manager
7. Chili Onion Crunch
I am 100% that girl who pulls up to my local TJ’s and stocks up on at least three of these as if the world is coming to an end. This condiment can turn any boring dish into a meal bursting with flavor and is the perfect mixture of savory, salty, and smoky. –Andi Wynter, Social Media Coordinator
8. Cauliflower Crust Cheese Pizza
I am a big believer in turning cauliflower into anything (I also stan TJ’s Cauliflower Gnocchi), but this cheese pizza is my absolute favorite. This crust uses a combo of cauliflower, mozzarella cheese, potato flour, chickpea flour, and brown rice flour to turn the easiest dinner go-to into a more plant-based-friendly option. Even if you’re not gluten-free like I am, I love the idea of “sneaking” in more veggies when you don’t even notice it to get extra nutrients in your meals. I have about three of these in my freezer at all times for an easy appetizer if company is coming over (cut it up in smaller pieces and drizzle balsamic glaze, and it seems way fancier than it is) or to throw in the oven for a quick weeknight meal (I love a little arugula and lemon on top *chef’s kiss*). –Josie Santi, Wellness Content Manager
9. Gone Bananas
When my Trader Joe’s was out of this frozen banana treat for a few weeks last summer, I had a full-blown existential crisis. But now that it’s back, I can say more confidently than ever that this frozen dark chocolate and banana treat is so worth the hype. It’s perfect for times when I want ice cream but also want to be slightly healthier. –Ashley Selleke, Branded Content Editor
10. Japanese Fried Rice
When I was picking my TJ’s favorites, it took a bit of time. I went into my kitchen (about a week since my last Trader Joe’s run) and looked at everything I had, but I decided that my favorites are probably the things not in my kitchen at all—because I eat them as soon as I buy them. This fried rice is a mainstay for me on every single Trader Joe’s run. Even if I have one in the freezer at home, I grab another because I know I’ll use it in a few days. This is the best fried rice I’ve ever tried, even above restaurant and takeout options. I live for the nori pieces, the edamame, and the rice’s texture. I top it with a fried egg and a drizzle of sriracha, and it’s heavenly. –Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager
11. Hash Brown Patties
I seriously cannot get enough of these hash browns. I buy them every single time I make a trip to Trader Joe’s, and I always end up running out before my next grocery run. They’re like McDonald’s hash browns but better and with less grease. I like to make them as a side to any breakfast I’m having or use them as the “toast” in avocado toast. –Jess Welsh, Junior Graphic Designer & Associate Editor
12. Buffalo Chicken Dip
If I come home from TJ’s and don’t crack this open immediately, something’s off. This lasts in my kitchen for approximately two days because I eat it so fast. This is a dip, but I eat it with lettuce and veggies on sourdough bread as a sandwich, and it’s divine (to be fair, I do also eat it as a dip, but we’re focusing on the sandwich for right now). This is the easiest lunch and snack to keep in my fridge, and it doesn’t leave me feeling heavy or gross, just happy and full. 🙂 –Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager
13. Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings
Don’t mind me, I’m just drooling as I type this. As someone who is a huge fan of xiao long bao and never fails to order them every time I go out to eat Chinese food, I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious these were! They are so easy to prepare and are perfect for fulfilling those midday cravings. –Andi Wynter, Social Media Coordinator
14. Cauliflower Gnocchi
Listen, I absolutely detest vegetables. Unfortunately, though, I am a grown-up, and if I want to be healthy, a well-rounded and balanced diet is crucial. In an effort to get more vegetables into my diet, I turned to the nearly endless sea of cauliflower alternatives and stumbled upon what is now one of my very favorite foods: the Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi. With a protein and some pasta sauce, it completes a perfectly healthy—and delicious—dinner. –Garri Chaverst, Managing Editor
15. Oven-Baked Cheese Bites with Summer Black Truffle
Whenever I buy these, I immediately eat them within a few days and then get sad that they’re gone. There are a few different flavors of dried cheese bites at TJ’s, but the truffle option stands far ahead of the rest. Not only are they extremely delicious and flavorful, but they’re also a low-carb snack option for when you just want something light. –Jess Welsh, Junior Graphic Designer & Associate Editor
16. Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry
If you’re ever wondering who is buying out the entire stock of this item, it’s me. I love having this in my freezer for nights when I am either too busy or not in the mood to make a full-on dinner. My favorite way to eat this is as a base with some protein on top. I 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. —Hailey Bouche, Editorial Assistant
17. Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
This dip is sinfully good. I really have to pace myself when I buy it because I could eat this entire thing in two or three days. I love to eat it with some veggies or crackers when a midday slump hits me or even have it out as a dip when I am entertaining. If you’re a spinach-dip gal like me, you have to get your hands on it. —Hailey Bouche, Editorial Assistant
18. Frozen Organic Jasmine Rice
Cooking rice is the only task I refuse to do. No matter how easy it is, I know there’s an easier solution out there. That being said, when I found this easy microwavable rice in the frozen section I knew I needed to give it a chance. It is my pleasure to introduce you to the famous organic jasmine rice. This white rice cooks in three minutes and unlike other microwave rices on the market this one is fluffy and cooks perfectly. I can honestly say it’s a staple in my house and a necessary ingredient for so many dishes. —Kirra Wallace, Graphic Designer
