31 Things You Should Always Buy at Trader Joe’s
If you're lucky enough to live near a Trader Joe's, you know how it goes: walk in, grab a cart, fawn over the flowers, hit the new products and proceed to put everything into your cart that isn't on your list.
The Monrovia, California-based grocery chain has millions of die-hard fans, a popular quippy newsletter that can be delivered right to your door and even a podcast with secret insider information revealing new product drops on the regular. So, whether you're an ordinary seaman or you're rockin' your Hawaiian shirt in solidarity, here are the 31 must-have items from Trader Joe's to buy in 2024.
Voted #1 for two years straight in the 2024 TJ's annual Customer Choice Awards, we think these Chili & Lime tortilla chips are a most deserving winner. They're spicy, crunchy and just plain fun to eat. Perfect with a beer or a glass of wine-or as sustenance while bingeing your favorite TV show.
These bite-sized salty morsels with creamy peanut butter filling are made in pretzel country-Pennsylvania-and are the perfect, poppable size for a party or a night at the movies. Have a peanut allergy? Try the version filled with almond butter!
In two versions (shredded and block-style), plus an Unexpected Cheddar Broccoli Soup, Unexpected Cheddar Spread and Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausages, this cult-fave is, indeed, unexpected. The combination of sharp cheddar and crystally aged Parmesan fight for a spot on your tongue as you let the flavors marry together in true deliciousness. This is one cheese you won't be able to stop eating.
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Get a spoon and get ready to go to your happy place. This little jar of heaven is a spectacular stand-in for your favorite hazelnut spread. Dollop on pancakes, spread on toast or even make a cookie butter latte . The uses are endless and delicious. Can't get enough? Look for Speculoos cookies and even beer. Yes, beer.
Mini in size but big on flavor, these tiny cones are the perfect size for when a craving for the sweet stuff strikes but you don't want to down a whole pint. Bonus: The chocolate-lined cones prevent the ice cream from leaking out (if they last long enough to melt).
Fans say these are better than the original (you know, the one that rhymes with "nieces") and that's because of peanut butter that's made with slowly roasted and ground Virginia peanuts, chocolate that's made from high-quality cacao beans and the omission of artificial flavors or preservatives. Try a side-by-side comparison and see for yourself. Prefer milk chocolate? Trader Joe's carries that version, too.
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If you only have a handful of seasonings on your spice rack, this blend should be one of them. Made with minced onion, salt, granulated garlic, black pepper, dried chives, green onion, spinach powder and dried parsley, this sassy green shaker makes anything special-veggies, garlic bread, chicken, fish and, of course, mixed into yogurt for a delectable dip.
This versatile dip pulls off the neat trick of feeling vintage and contemporary at the same time. First popularized in the 1950s, spinach and artichoke dip has been updated by TJ's with their blend of cheeses, herbs and spices. Think beyond the tortilla chip-consider using this dip as a spread on a sandwich or burger, or as a sauce to jazz up steamed vegetables or baked potatoes. Or, if you insist, as a dip with your tortilla chips. Nothing wrong with going back to a classic pairing!
When you need to get breakfast on the table in a hurry, these hashbrowns come to the rescue. Bake them in the oven or pan-fry them; either way they come out perfectly crisp and delicious. Always a crowd-pleaser!
Depending on what state you live in (and what the laws are surrounding alcohol purchases), you'll probably be able to find a TJ's brand beer, wine or even liquor. The chain's famous "Two Buck Chuck" is a repeated favorite, whether it's for cooking or sipping, and many of their other wine offerings are exclusive to the store and are really good. Their bourbon and vodka also score rave reviews, and for the price, you really can't afford to not stock your bar cart.
Related: 12 Wines Best Wines at Trader Joe's
The vegetarian-friendly version of this Spanish sausage is as versatile as they come. Made with a blend of paprika, sea salt, vinegar, red pepper and garlic powder, this vegan protein has 60% less fat than traditional chorizo and is delicious on a baked potato, added into tacos or sprinkled into scrambled eggs. Just remember to take the plastic casing off first.
For just a few dollars, six emerald gems in a little net bag can go home with you ready for whatever your heart desires: avocado toast, guacamole or nachos. Heck, just eat it out of the peel with some sea salt and call it a day!
Related: 10 Genius Ways to Use Trader Joe's Chile Lime Seasoning-AKA the Greatest Invention of All Time
Made with just four ingredients and considerably cheaper than most other non-dairy yogurts, this one is a star addition to smoothies or topped with berries and granola. Use it as a sub for sour cream or as a non-dairy base for a dip!
These come in a resealable bag...but you won't need it. That's because these cute little crackers are salty, chewy and crunchy all at the same time. Eat as-is or blend up and use as a coating for chicken, tofu, or fish and level up your lunchtime in a serious way.
This tiny jar of liquid gold goes on everything: pizza, pasta, eggs, toast and even vanilla ice cream. You'll be stopping yourself from finishing the jar completely on your own within a week; it's that good. And it's about a quarter of the price of other big-name brand chili crisps.
When you're looking for a light but satisfying summery salad, this mix of peppery arugula, crunchy carrots, roasted almonds, shaved Parmesan and bright and herby vinaigrette will more than fit the bill. The best part? You can feel virtuously healthy with no chopping required!
Sure you can book a ticket to Mexico to get some traditional street corn (elote), but what if you just want that spicy citrusy flavor without the drippy mess? TJ's to the rescue: these organic elote corn chip dippers are the perfect way to celebrate Mexican flavors while scooping up your favorite dip.
These delicate slivers of frozen chocolate-covered banana are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. As a topping for ice cream or straight out of the package, you can't go wrong with a box of these in your freezer at all times.
Never eat a plain piece of chicken or fish again with a bottle of this sweet and sticky sauce in your fridge. Used as a dipping sauce, marinade or basting sauce, the original, with garlic and ginger, or Island (with pineapple) will be tough to put down.
The two versions of this creamy, nutty wedge are a Syrah wine-soaked block and a black pepper-rubbed rind (which TJ's says gets punchier and spicier toward the edge because of the pepper-speckled rind). Both are equally delicious and should be in your cart, waiting to be sliced up for your next cheese plate.
Related: 31 Types of Cheese to Add to Your Next Charcuterie Board
A classic for lunchtime, snacktime or party time, you can't go wrong with this TJ's classic, which has won the number one spot in many store-bought hummus taste tests. And because it's basic, you can add in anything you want to suit your style-a squeeze of lemon, a dollop of horseradish or a dash of EBTB seasoning.
Up next: The 15 Best Korean Groceries to Buy at Trader Joe's, According to a Korean-American Recipe Developer
This story was originally published September 18, 2024, 3:27 PM.
