The ultimate guide to Trader Joe’s is here! A few weeks back I asked you guys on Instagram what your favorite products were form Trader Joe’s, and I’m so excited to share your picks.
We ran around the aisles, crashing around our red grocery carts looking for all of the goods you suggested, and are loving all of these pantry staples, frozen goods, treats, and of course, the BEST snacks. I also included g0-to’s that we love here at AK, and plenty of Tony-approved products (that’s my husband, folks).
Pros of Trader Joe’s:
Great snacks, and really fun items! We love how inventive and unique the products are, and how there’s something for everyone. Seriously the best part is trying out all of the new things – the options are endless!
Cons of Trader Joe’s:
Unfortunately TJ’s uses lots of plastic on their products. We understand that everyone has a choice when it comes to shopping and buying groceries, so it’s definitely something to keep in mind! We do our best to opt for sustainable choices wherever possible.
Be sure to leave a comment with one’s you’ve tried and others we need to get on our next trip! Enjoy, xo.
Flaxseed meal: LOVE adding this to smoothies and baked goods. It’s great for nursing mamas and is super affordable at Trader Joe’s. Try flaxseed meal in these energy bites!
Cocoa Almond Cashew Milk: move over Nestle, this chocolate almond cashew milk looks AMAZING and is very delicious in iced coffee, or baking. Try it in these zucchini chocolate muffins.
Vanilla Extract: ideal for pretty much every baking recipe. Many brands of vanilla can be pretty pricey these days due to the vanilla shortage, but this is a great deal for a bottle.
Cocoa Powder: I love using this cocoa powder in my baked goods. Definitely pick some up and try it out in these brownies the next time you’re at TJ’s.
Coffee:because coffee = life. This dark roast is one of Tony and my favs! And it’s only $4.99 in both beans and grounds.
Nutritional Yeast: add this to the BESTvegan cheese saucefor a deliciously cheesy flavor. This one is also less expensive than traditional brands of nutritional yeast.
Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce: hellooo luscious marinara sauce making all of my pasta dreams come true. Might have to use this for a new recipe soon! Any requests?
Organic Ancient Grain & Seed Bread:nothing better than a hearty, super seedy sandwich bread. I love loaves like these for my peanut butter banana toast.
Chile Lime Seasoning Blend:if you like things a spicy and a salty (like I do) – this one’s for you! Add to chicken marinades. YUM.
Everything But the Bagel Seasoning:this might just be one of the most popular items at Trader Joe’s, and for good reason. Add it to literally everything your heart desires (especially avocado toast).
Peach Bellini Jam:someone recommended this delicious jam and I MUST add it to a piece of toast ASAP. Peach szn is still in full force over here! Imagine this with brie + basil on a crostini.
Almond Butter: many of you mentioned that Trader Joe’s natural peanut and almond butters were your all-time favorites! This is one of my FAVORITE almond butter to bake with. It’s decently priced, too! I also love their natural creamy organic peanut butter.
Pure Maple Syrup: an absolute must for pancakes, waffles, and baking. I always opt for 100% pure for that incredible flavor.
Bruschetta: I’m all about making your own bruschetta but how good would this be on little crostinis with some mozz? YES PLEASE.
Hot & Spicy Dill Pickle Chips: this literally has all of my favorite things in it aka hot, spicy, and pickles. Done.
Taco Seasoning: this easy packet of taco seasoning is MSG free and uses mostly organic ingredients – Taco Tuesday never looked better!
Green Dragon Hot Sauce: a few people recommended this hot sauce and I’m ALL about it. Might have to pair it with my fav egg-and-toast combo.
Corn & Wheat Tortillas: love love these corn and wheat tortillas because they’re soft & flexible with great flavor. Use them in these tacos!
Chia Seeds: grab a big bag of chia seeds for smoothies, baked goods, and snacks! Try them in these no bake peanut butter protein bars first.
Spindrift: the fact that you can get packs of Spindrift at TJ’s is an absolute game changer. Stock up the fridge ASAP! My favorite flavors are lemon and raspberry lime.
Coconut Aminos: the perfect vegan & gluten free substitute for soy sauce! I always keep some in my fridge for sauces, dressings, and marinades.
Light Coconut Milk: you guys know I love cozy curries simmered in coconut milk sauces. Stock up on these cans for fall & winter.
Coconut Sugar: if you’re looking to bake with unrefined sugars and sweeteners, get bag of coconut sugar! It bakes up just like brown sugar and is the perfect 1:1 swap.
Rolled Oats: love this big bag of rolled oats for baking (omg these cookies are my fav) pancakes, and of course, comforting bowls of oatmeal.
Organic Pink Lady Apples: I’ve found the produce section at Trader Joe’s to be a little hit or miss, but these crispy pink lady apples are organic for just 79 cents!
Cold-Pressed Fruit Stand Juice: this juice is so refreshing with a hint of pink salt and cayenne.
Mediterranean Style Salad Kit: love these easy salad kits for quick lunches. Abra and I make them all the time and dress them up with whatever proteins we’re feeling. I love adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and salami to this one.
Curry Cauliflower Quinoa Salad: this had the word “curry” and it so you know I had to check it out. It has lentils and cozy spices for a delicious side or add-in to a recipe!
Gone Bananas!: a bunch of you recommended these frozen dark chocolate covered banana slices and they are FABULOUS.
Cauliflower Gnocchi: the ever-popular cauliflower gnocchi in real life! This is one of the most recommended Trader Joe’s products. If you’ve tried it – leave a comment and let me know how you made it!
Cauliflower Pizza Crust: another cauliflower swap you guys recommended from TJ’s. I’ll have to give this one a try and see how it compares to my homemade versionbecause that is hella good.
Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings: a bunch of you recommended these yummy soup dumplings! Would be an easy, cozy lunch or side.
Vegetable Gyoza: definitely skipping takeout to make these babies on a Friday night. Another popular frozen item you guys have been loving!
Sweet Corn Tamales: the perfect easy lunch or dinner for busy days!
Sweet Potato Fries: the best side for any dinner. Throw these babies on a sheet pan and enjoy!
Dried Sweet Apple Rings: I’ve been obsessed with dried fruit as a snack lately and these apple rings look SO good. Many of you also suggested the peaches!
Dried Mango Slices: the OG of my dried fruit obsession = these mango slices. I like that they’re unsweetened because the mango is perfectly sweet on its own.
Soy & Flaxseed Tortilla Chips: I have to get these every time I’m at Trader Joe’s. They’re perfect crispy and salty with a little extra crunch. This plus corn salsa is LIFE.
RXBARs: did you know TJ’s carries RXBARs for only $1.99? SUCH A GOOD DEAL.
Panda Puffs: the late night cravings for cereal are so real and these Panda Puffs are seriously the BEST. Enjoy with some almondmilk or on their own in a snack mix. They’re SO crunchy.
Almond Butter Granola: I never knew this existed until you guys mentioned it was a favorite! Those big clusters look amazing.
Peanut Butter Granola: the twin sister to almond butter granola! Another great snack to pack in your bag or add to yogurt bowls and smoothies. Plus it packs a punch of protein!
Simply the Best Trek Mix: Trader Joe’s has and amazing selection of trail & nut mixes, and this one has aaall of the goods in it (hello pineapple and tart cherries). Perfect for travel & hiking.
Almond Meal Muffins: okay these are DELICIOUS! They’re packed with fruits & veggies, too!
Popcorn with Herbs & Spice: this is Abra’s favorite popcorn, so she bought like 4 bags. The flavor is SO good. Personally I’m a huge fan of their kettle corn.
Elote Corn Chip Dippers: these corn chips are like big, crunchy, street-corn flavored Frito’s and we LOVE them. Dip with guac or salsa, or just eat them by the handful!
Jerk Style Plantain Chips: run, don’t walk, and pick up these AMAZING plantain chips. The jerk seasoning on these is insanely delicious and they make the perfect snack when dipped in hummus.
Roasted Coconut Chips:these coconut chips are the perfect combo of sweet & salty! They’d be delicious on top of oatmeal or even tossed in with some granola.
Sesame Honey Almonds: sweet roasted almonds covered in sesame seeds – YUM.
Thai Lime & Chili Cashews: more incredible flavors from the Trader Joe’s nut section! Try these in this salad.
Fig & Olive Crisps: obsessed with these crackers with dips and cheeses. There are a few different flavors of them and they’re great for entertaining.
Roasted Gorgonzola Crackers: many of you suggested these flavorful, savory crackers and they’re another one of Abra’s favorites.
Triple Ginger Snaps: something about ginger snaps is just so warming and nostalgic. Pick up a container of these for the perfect treat!
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: an AK fan favorite! Keep these bites of heaven in your fridge and enjoy when those sugar cravings hit.
The Dark Chocolate Lovers Chocolate Bar: this super dark chocolate bar has delicious, fruity notes. Obsessed!
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pretzels: peanut butter, pretzel, and chocolate all in one bite? Sign me UP.
Dark Chocolate PB&J Minis: another peanut butter and chocolate combo I can get behind – these have raspberry jelly in them and I NEED.
Neapolitan Joe-Joe’s: you guys are loving Joe-Joe’s cookie flavors and I’m INTO this one.
Dark Chocolate Almonds: these dark chocolate almonds have a sprinkle of sea salt so you know they’re right up my alley. Another great treat to keep in the pantry or fridge!
Roasted Garlic & Herb Butter Spread: okay HOW GOOD would this be on homemade garlic bread? And on pretty much everything else that requires butter.
Vegan Ranch Dip: you guys recommended this vegan ranch dip and I’m super intrigued! It has a coconut milk base and looks deliciously creamy.
Three Layer Hummus: one of the best hummus flavor! It has a traditional layer, cilantro jalapeño (aka me) and a spicy layer (also very me) so every bite is different and amazing.
Goddess Dressing: this yummy dressing was recommended and I can’t wait to try it! It might make a great marinade, too.
Garlic Spread Dip: more garlic because garlic is life, and apparently you guys think so too. How good does this dip sound?!
Unexpected Cheddar Cheese: this one came up a ton from your responses and I’m intrigued! It says it tastes like it has hints of parmesan which sounds delicious.
Corn & Chili Tomato-less Salsa: I feel like this is a Trader Joe’s staple and adore the the sweet & savory elements to this salsa. So good on grilled chicken and salmon.
Bloody Mary Salsa: your fav brunch drink turned into the perfect happy hour salsa. Many of you are LOVING this.
Spicy, Smoky Peach Salsa: obsessed with the flavors in this sweet salsa. More peach season, please.
Cashew Fiesta Dip: my friend Callie had this dairy free cheese dip at her apartment in LA and I am in LOVE. It sounds like most of you are, too, but if you haven’t tried it head to your local TJ’s ASAP.
Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip: this lightened up spinach and artichoke dip is another great Trader Joe’s staple. Perfect for dipping with pita chips!
Pumpkin Butter: this isn’t quite out on the shelves yet but I’m hoping they bring it back this fall. Who else is READY for pumpkin season and my annual #AKPumpkinWeek?!
Dr. Bronner’s Soap: I swear by this soap for cleaning all around the house and using as a body wash. Love that you can get it at TJ’s!
Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask:best hair mask and great for dry months coming up, too.
