Hold up. I know you’re all like, “TRADER JOE’S? JESS. A POST ABOUT YOUR GROCERY LIST!?”
But there are FEW things I am passionate about more than Trader Joe’s. (NO they are not paying me to post this, either.) I’ve secretly been wanting to do a post like this FOREVER but I didn’t think anyone would be as excited about Trader Joe’s as I am.
But, what finally pushed me over the edge was one person’s joke in my GG reader feedback survey. Under the question, “Is there anything else you’d like to see on GG this year?” The person wrote, “GIRL. You do you. I’d even read your GROCERY list!”
(THANK YOU, anonymous person. I know you didn’t mean it quite that literally, but it was a sign that I needed to go ahead and publish my TJ’s favorites already, because I didn’t want you all to miss out on these goodies any longer.)
I swear, this might be one of the most enlightening posts you’ve read all year. There are so many incredible items that TJ’s has to offer, it would take years to discover all of them by yourself! Not only are these items delicious, but they’ll also save you BOAT LOADS of time. They’re the easiest tools there are to get you through the work week with delicious food.
So next time you go to TJ’s, consider this your grocery list.
1. Trader Joe’s Yellow Thai Curry Sauce
If I had to pick one TJ’s favorite, this curry sauce would definitely be near the top. I’ve never tasted an asian sauce product this good from any other grocery store. Add some chicken, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions, and this seriously tastes like the real deal. If you’re short on time, just pick up a frozen pack of asian veggies and throw that in there too. I promise, it doesn’t get any easier. Best paired with brown rice (see below!) This really does rival your favorite curry takeout.
2. Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils
I love love lentil soup (Ina has my favorite recipe to date. To make it healthier, I sub chicken sausage, which is another favorite Trader Joe’s item that I didn’t happen to include here. I had to stop the list somewhere, you know.) The thing about lentils is that they’re kind of a pain in the you know what to cook because they require soaking and boiling. This takes out all the legwork of lentils! Use them in salads, soups, whatever–they’re SO good, super healthy, and an excellent source of protein.
3. Trader Joe’s Chinese BBQ Pork Bao Buns
This is a weird one, I know. You’re judging me. I almost didn’t put this in here because I thought people would think I was nuts. Trader Joe’s frozen Chinese BBQ pork steamed buns? But hear me out. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Chinatown–one of my favorite places in the city–and I know a good bao when I taste one, and these are pretty damn good. They don’t have any artificial coloring (like a lot of bbq pork buns do) and, oh, they take FORTY FIVE whole seconds to microwave. Just put a damp paper towel over them, wait 45 seconds, and you have a hot, steaming snack that is very satisfying. When I have zero time but need something in my stomach, I always reach for these.
Are they the healthiest snack I could reach for? Of course not. Are they the worst thing I could eat? Very far from it.
This would also make a perfectly wonderful snack for small children. Super fast, and the perfect half-pint sized snack. What’s cuter than a little peanut munching on a pillowy bao?
4. Trader Joe’s Coconut Creamer
I started buying this dairy free creamer on a “Paleo” kick a couple summers ago, and I’m still hooked on it. I think it’s definitely one of the best dairy free creamers out there and very equivalent to half and half in terms of consistency. It’s much healthier and more delicious than my standard cream and sugar–it’s also vegan. Obviously an added bonus if you’re, you know…vegan.
5. Trader Joe’s Pita Bite Crackers
These crackers. GAH. You can’t stop eating them. Which is great because they’re less bad for you than most crackers. I eat them with peanut butter for a quick afternoon snack, or serve them with a cheese plate when entertaining. They’re also excellent for my favorite dips (see below!)
6.Trader Joe’s Frozen Green Beans
I’m not usually a fan of frozen vegetables, especially when it comes to green beans, but Trader Joe’s does them differently–I’ve been buying them for years. You honestly wouldn’t be able to tell they were even frozen. They still have tons of flavor, and still give you that juicy green-beany snap when you cook them just right. I used them in this recipe in lieu of asparagus recently and it was amazing.
7. Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chicken Burgers
Another Trader Joe’s item I’ve been buying for years, these chicken burgers are straight up delicious. They aren’t pre-cooked like a lot of TJ’s things are, but all you have to do is pop them into the oven or heat them up in a frying pan. (You could also grill them, obviously.) They have a really delicious fresh cilantro flavor. I love them with caramelized onions, avocado and spicy aoli. You can serve them with a bun, or in a lettuce wrap. Both equally fun parties in your mouth.
8. Trader Joe’s Organic Power Greens
This is my newest TJ’s discovery. There are few things you can buy that are so versatile–seriously. I originally purchased these to make green smoothies in the morning, but I have since used these greens for salads, put them in soups, sauteed them and served them with a fried egg on top. The healthful possibilities are endless.
9. Trader Joe’s Individually portioned, microwavable brown rice packets
GOODNESS these little things are lifesavers. Keep these in your freezer with a bottle of curry sauce in your cupboard, and you’ll never be lacking a delicious meal. They’re ready in just minutes, and steam in their little individual packets. Admittedly, I rarely make rice any other way.
10. Trader Joe’s Latin Style Black Bean Soup
I will admit, I’m a TOTAL soup snob. I turn up my nose at all pre-made, pre-packaged store bought soups. I think they all taste like complete garbage and are a waste of time and calories. (This is harsh, I know.)
That was…until I tried Trader Joe’s Latin Black Bean Soup. (Yet another thing I discovered at the sample station at the back of the store.) Heat up this soup, finish with some sour cream or greek yogurt with chives on top. Holy moly. You could also add any veggies or meats that you liked, and it would be incredible. I was so excited to find this.
11. Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt Mac and Cheese
Another weeknight or weekday lunch lifesaver: Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt Mac & Cheese. This is actually one of my favorite mac and cheeses ever, and that includes Kraft, Velveeta, and a slew of incredibly unhealthy others. This one isn’t bad for you, and it honestly does taste almost as good as homemade. I like to mix in a protein like chicken, and eat it with a little side salad. It’s the perfect portion.
12. Trader Joe’s Pre-cooked Pork Carnitas
I love Trader Joe’s carnitas. To make them extra special, throw a bunch of hot sauces, garlic, cumin, brown sugar, and a little bit of coca cola and let them simmer in a pot for a couple hours. Yes, they’re already cooked, but they still absorb flavor amazingly well. Then take them out and put them in tacos, or make them into enchiladas (I made my own version of this recipe recently) and they are to die for.
13. Trader Joe’s Spinach & Kale Green Yogurt Dip
If you ever have a deep longing for spinach dip (I mean, don’t we all?) but know it will blow your entire diet, this dip will change your life. It really does taste just like spinach dip, but it’s actually healthy.
14. Trader Joe’s “Just Sauce” Frozen Turkey Bolognese
Another total game-changer. This frozen turkey bolognese is good and healthy on it’s own, but if you want to bring it to restaurant quality, just add a little bit of wine, some garlic, a bit of cream, and throw it in a pan with some sauteed mushrooms, parmesan, and rigatoni and your mind will be blown. About the easiest thing to pull together on a weeknight, especially if you have company! (They’ll NEVER know this isn’t your Noni’s bolognese recipe!)
15. Trader Joe’s Cilantro & Chive Yogurt Dip
Another diet friendly dip. Which, don’t get me wrong, it’s freaking delicious as a dip, but I love it more as a topping–in a bowl of chili, in a wrap, on a sandwich, and the BEST–on greek style chicken or gyro wraps. Yum!
16. Trader Joe’s Fresh Ravioli
You truly cannot go wrong with any of TJ’s fresh ravioli varieties. They’re ready in just a few minutes, and can be combined with any delicious sauce that you like! Even serving them with simple olive oil and parm is a treat. I particularly love the mushroom variety!
17. Trader Joe’s Green Dragon Hot Sauce
I put this stuff on everything. It’s kind of this incredible hybrid of asian-mexican hot sauce. I can’t really put my finger on what I love about it so much. It’s not too spicy (for my taste, it could be much spicier) but it has an incredible flavor that goes great with mexican, asian and american dishes, and is even good on eggs!
Of course, I could go on. I could have easily listed out 50 of my favorite TJ’s buys (which, I mean, I can still do, if you’d like an encore!) But hopefully, this is enough to get you started.
18. You can’t forget about PEONIES!
It’s true–when they’re in season, you can’t get prettier peonies at a better price than at Trader Joe’s. Hydrangeas also come in second–but far from peonies. Nothing makes me happier than a full TJ’s cart with a couple bunches of Peonies on top. Ah.
What are your favorite Trader Joe’s finds?
Update: YOU GUYS. You are leaving me SO MANY GOOD TJ’s tips I am GEEKING OUT. I can’t wait to try all your amazing recommendations. Keep them coming!
This is AWESOME!! I am a loyal trader joe’s shopper, and I am always curious to see what others pick up! Its a tiny store, but I always feel there is something that I am missing out on. Most recently I discovered a sweet potato gnochi (spelling?), and OMG it was like crack!
YAY! I’m so glad you liked it Samhita! I haven’t tried their sweet potato gnocchi but I am SO excited to pick it up and give it a try next time! Thanks for the recommendation! 🙂
You’re missing one very important item from this list…their dark chocolate peanut butter cups!!! They are to die for. Sometimes I go there just for them haha.
26 and Not Counting
Haha! I haven’t ever tried them! I never even think to buy candy at the grocery store. (I’m way more of a salty person–I’m borderline needing to grow to rehab for a french fry addiction.)
Trader Joe’s, pllllssssssss pay your friends up north a visit *prayer hands emoji*
http://www.theclydescope.com
AHHH my friend. I hope they pay you a visit soon! You need some TJ’s in your life!
ah yes! I have a slight obsession with TJs and always like hearing what others love. My recent favorite are sweet potato fries… (so good!)
Laura
brightandbeautifulblog.com
Ooooh I haven’t tried their sweet potato fries! That will be next up on my list 😉 Thanks Laura! xo
In college, tj’s was the only close store in DC..my friends and I used to buy the different types of pizza dough and chicken sausage for our movie nights/Julia Roberts movie marathons. We all made our personal pizzas AND spent less than $7 a piece. Love your roundup!!
Don’t you love their pizza dough!? So easy! And also I would kill for a Julia Roberts movie marathon right now. That sounds like the best girls night!
OOoooo this is a really fun post! I love seeing what other people’s must haves from Trader Joe’s are! I love their potstickers, burritos, and fried rice for nights when you want all the bad takeout. I also love their dried mangoes and anything dark chocolate covered ha.
-Monica
http://www.newenglandclassicbeauty.com
Thank you Monica! Oh yeah, the burritos and potstickers are classics! I haven’t had the fried rice in a long time, I’ll have to try that again!
Love this post! I pretty much only shop at Trader Joe’s anymore in Minneapolis because their produce is so affordable! I feel like the meat section leaves something to be desired, but I don’t eat a lot of meat anyways. I also LOVE the bao and am a huge fan of their potstickers. Bao are just something I’m not going to make for myself and I love them, so it is a nice treat to have a good frozen option. I love that I can get healthy food at a great price and get my flowers and alcohol all in one place! For a state that doesn’t often put its liquor near its groceries, it is a really nice convenience. Great post!
http://www.thatgirlmags.com
Hi Maggie! Yes, definitely try the bao! I love the potstickers too–I actually just threw them in some chicken broth with scallions and made them into a wonton soup last night 🙂
JESSICA- you forgot about your taquitos!! You never would have survived the first 4 years in Chicago without them!!
They don’t sell those at Trader Joe’s Kate!!! Duh!
Yeah they do: https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2MCIDIQsHI/UOf0UKu8vSI/AAAAAAAAWXs/UYhgbH4uFuw/s1600/trader-joes-beef-taquitos-01.JPG&imgrefurl=https://www.brandeating.com/2013/01/frozen-friday-trader-joes-beef-taquitos.html&h=600&w=800&tbnid=FiCmmNmx7cGFyM:&q=trader+joe%27s+taquitos&tbnh=160&tbnw=213&usg=__i7vmFcDvmBpYrpZntjQbj58pnok%3D&vet=10ahUKEwj178a8xffbAhVIY6wKHehPBg8Q9QEILTAA..i&docid=K829Ow7S-3hiXM&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj178a8xffbAhVIY6wKHehPBg8Q9QEILTAA
Love this post! I’m kind of a Trader Joe’s addict… I somehow wound up there 3 times in the span of 5 days a week ago. The cilantro & chive yogurt dip might be my favorite dip they sell (I’ve tried about 90% of them). My latest TJ’s obsession is the marinated mozzarella that comes in a log, perfect for snacking and even works well on pasta.
breakfastbrunchanddinner.com
I think I would go everyday if I lived within walking distance (or you know, if I owned a car. Haha!) I am SOO into the idea of that marinated mozz–sounds incredible!
You have to try it!
I just started following along with your blog and am so happy to see this type of post! I looooove Traders as well and it’s fun to be recommended new items! Definitely stocking up with some of these next time. Thanks!
Hi Brittany! I am SO happy to hear you say that! I really try to mix it up with my content, so it means a lot to receive your feedback 🙂 Thanks for sticking around! Muah!
I love their mango cream bars, spinach cheese tortellini, and half lemonade, half ice tea!
Shaguna
gold&hearts
OMG Mango cream bars! I’ve never heard of those–they sound delightful! Thanks for the reccos ladies!
Love this post! I’m a die-hard TJ’s fan, and I haven’t had a couple of these! Totally getting the pork buns next time!!
Devon, seventeendresses.com
Yessss the baos are so good!
I love Trader Joes! You should try their horseradish cheddar cheese dip- it’s seriously incredible!
Mary Kate
http://www.mynewchicagolife.com
I have not had that yet, and always wondered about it! Yum, I will definitely be putting this on my list! Thanks Mary Kate!
As a TJs fan, I loved this post and learning about products I haven’t yet discovered!
I love using the lentils for tacos! I mix the lentils with their meatless ground beef and frozen peppers and onion. Saute the peppers and onion with some garlic and taco seasoning then add the lentils and meatless ground beef…so easy and so yummy! Also, I’ve never tried their frozen green beens- thanks for the tip! PS if you ever need an AMAZING green bean recipe, check out Ina Garten’s Green Bean Gemolta- simply amazing!
Thanks Shelley! I’m so glad you liked the roundup! I’ve never though about lentils in tacos, yum. Also give me ANYTHING Ina! I’m looking up that recipe as we speak! Thank you thank you!
How is wine not on this list!? 🙂 I also love their seaweed snacks, yum!
HAHA! I know, I almost threw it on there, but I figured everyone already knows about TJ’s wine 😛
love this post idea! TJ’s all the way… their fresh flower selection is awesome, not to mention those freeze-dried broccoli snacks (no idea what they’re called, but I’m obsessed).
Thanks Gemini! Freeze dried broccoli snacks!? Whaaaaaatt? I gotta investigate those asap!
TJ’s rocks my world!! I love hearing what other people buy there because they ALWAYS have awesome finds I haven’t yet discovered on my own. I will have to try that curry sauce, the carnitas, and the coconut creamer…some of my faves are their dried sweetened mango (yum) and chocolate covered espresso beans…their key lime pie (which is only available in the summer) is also amazing. Oh and their Thai Bird’s Nests are to die for!
xo Mil
https://southbynorthwestblog.wordpress.com
I had NO idea they had key lime pie, and that is just another reason I’m counting down the days until summer! I’ve gotten so many comments about the mango too–definitely have to try that 🙂 Thanks for the awesome tips, Amelia!
Love this post, and TJ’s! A few of my faves are the Everything cracker–addicting, the Broccoli and Kale Slaw kit (the dressing is amazing), and the Montmorency dried cherries–so great in trail mixes.
Hey Jess! Loooooove this article 🙂 TJ’s is my absolute favorite (the only other grocery store I go to is the Japanese market next to my house)! The precooked lentils are a favorite of mine too, did you know you can make a good lentil curry with them (dal)? You should try it 🙂
http://www.dcdarling.me/
Great list! And yes, those baozi are really good. I lived on baozi for a while in China (there was a shop below my dorm), and I was super impressed with TJ’s version from first taste.