What to Stock Up on at Trader Joes
Do you love Trader Joe’s? Do you love the idea of Trader Joe’s? I’m not a frequent shopper because it’s not in a convenient location and I honestly just don’t know what to get!
I have my regular grocery store for produce, meats, dairy and our everyday items. So when I go to TJ’s I’m looking for unique finds, specialty and seasonal items.
I asked a bunch of other mamas who shop there regularly or when they can. Here’s what to stock up on at Trader Joe’s and the best Trader Joe’s finds!
Snacks
White cheddar popcorn // I love white cheddar popcorn! And this one by Trader Joe’s is so delicious and affordable. It’s one of my favorites!
Dark Chocolate Covered Mini Pretzels // I found these during the summer and I’m OBSESSED. I’m not usually a fan of pretzels (even yogurt or choco covered ones). But these Dark Chocolate ones are AMAZING!! I get 2 every time we go in!!
Cinnamon alphabet cookies // What kid doesn’t love animal crackers? These are fun, educational alphabet cookies that kids can play with and eat. They taste better than traditional animal crackers too!
Trail Mix // All the trail mixes were recommended to try! I like eating them for breakfast on the go or after a work out for a quick protein boost.
Hummus Quartet // This hummus platter is great for parties, to bring to events or just to enjoy on your own if you like different flavors of hummus. My favorites were the tomato basil & roasted garlic.
Tabbouli // I’m personally not a fan of Tabouli because I don’t like tomatoes. But if you like it or need a party side, this would be a good one!
Carbs
Cinnamon raisin bread // This cinnamon raisin bread is great original: toasted with butter or made into French toast.
Black bean tortilla chips // It’s always a good idea to have tortilla chips on hand. These quinoa & black bean tortilla chips are a yummy healthy option!
Veggie tortilla chips // These veggie and flaxseed tortilla chips are sooo good on their own. But they’re also really good dipped in hummus.
Multiseed Soy Sauce crackers // Is there a more delicious cracker? I don’t think so. Great in hummus too or just to stuff in your face. Only problem: why are they so tiny??
Pita bread // A great base for sandwiches, Mediterranean dishes, dipping in tabouli hummus (I’m sensing a theme here).
Frozen Foods
Gluten free chicken nuggets // These are sooo good! They have a slight garlicky taste and are good as is. You can add sauce, but they don’t need it. Feel good about your kid’s eating fried chicken every night for dinner with these gluten free chicken nuggets.
Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi // It’s yummy and healthy. But don’t follow the recipe on the bag! Look up on Pinterest different ways to make it.
I recently made chicken carbonara with this cauliflower gnocchi, spinach and bacon and it was AMAZING!
They have so many different kind of frozen gnocchi products. I get them all because they’re so yummy and quick & easy to make!
Party Size Mini Meatballs // Love these for quick & easy spaghetti & meatball dinners. Kids love these mini meatballs- plain as is or with spaghetti sauce!
Mandarin orange chicken // If you love Asian dishes, this mandarin orange chicken is a must have! Just add rice & broccoli and you’re good to go.
Seasoning/ Condiments/ Sauce
Everything but the bagel seasoning // I hear this is good on everything - especially chicken & veggies. But I haven’t really used it much. It’s a must have & best seller. It even has its own Instagram!
Green goddess dressing // One of my mom friends recommended this dressing to me! It sounds delicious… honestly, most of my salads come from bag kits, so I haven’t had a chance to use it.
Mango marinade // Also another mama’s recommendation! I didn’t have any clue what to make with it, but I bet it’s good with chicken or pork!
Green dragon sauce // Jalapeño & garlic flavored sauce but not too hot. Great with Mexican dishes like tacos & enchiladas or just add to meals for extra flavor.
Cookie butter // This is THE BEST “peanut butter” you will ever put in your mouth. Seriously. Just eat it with a spoon. It’s THAT good. Also good with graham crackers, apples, bananas and pretzels. Definitely a sweet treat and not to be confused as healthy or like regular peanut butter.
Peanut butter with chia and flax seeds // A twist to traditional peanut butter with added health benefits from chai and flax seeds.
Desserts
Sea salt brownies // These are a nice sweet treat and lightly salted. Small, so you don’t have to feel bad about eating 5 of them.
Cookie butter cookies // If you love Cookie Butter, you’ll love these shortbread cookie butter cookies. Cookies on cookies - can’t beat it!
Chocolate hummus // Surprisingly not gross. I love hummus, but I could not fathom chocolate hummus. It’s really just like a creamy chocolate sauce, tastes nothing like traditional hummus. Good with graham crackers & fruit (strawberries) and those alphabet cinnamon schoolbook cookies from above.
Ice Cream
Mochi ice cream // These are a delicacy and worth every penny. A funky texture but sooo good. A very unique and delicious treat. Wish there were more than 6. This is my favorite flavor!
Mini ice cream cones // These “hold the cone” mini ice cream cones are delicious. They’re so cute and tiny. Perfect treat for kids (and adults but you’ll need at least 2)!
Frozen Chocolate Banana Slices // Not cheap for the quantity but the right size for snacking. And everyone loves them, kids included!!
Coffee ice cream // Haven’t tried this Coffee Bean Blast ice cream, but I’m sure it’s a coffee lovers dream. It came highly recommended.
Neapolitan Joe Joe’s ice cream // I’m personally not a fan of Neapolitan I’ve cream because I don’t like strawberry ice cream, but this was another recommendation!
Cookie butter ice cream // Still haven’t tried this one either! Cookie Butter Ice Cream sounds amazing though.
Extras
$.99 greeting cards // These cards are $.99! That’s such a good deal!! And they are beautifully illustrated.
Fresh cut flowers // I love Trader Joe’s flower section. It’s always stocked and has the prettiest blooms. I love to get the different kinds of eucalyptus! And they’re pretty affordable.
All the fall pumpkin things // Definitely get any seasonal items if you find them! They sell out fast and don’t usually restock. Fall & Christmas have the best seasonal finds. These were some of my favorites from the fall.
I’m sure there are tons more amazing and yummy Trader Joe’s items, these were just the most recommended products and my personal favorites.
It can be difficult shopping in a new store or one you don’t frequent very often. Hopefully this post will help you not feel so overwhelmed the next time you step into a Trader Joes! Would love to know in the comments what your favorite Trader Joe’s product is!!