There are a few universal truths in this world, but the pure, unadulterated joy of wandering through a Trader Joe’s is one of them. It’s a magical place where the snacks are legendary, the frozen aisle is a treasure trove, and you somehow always leave with three bags of things you didn’t know you needed but now can’t live without.
With new locations popping up in states like Georgia, New Jersey, and Utah, we feel it’s our civic duty to share our must-have items. This isn’t just a shopping list; it’s a survival guide for your taste buds. Even your cheat day will understand.
Here are 16 staples that have a permanent spot in our pantries and hearts.
1. Mandarin Orange Chicken
Photo Credit: Willis Lam – Panda Express side of Orange Chicken – CC BY-SA 2.0/Wiki Commons.
Let’s start with the undisputed heavyweight champion of the TJ’s frozen section, the mandarin orange chicken. This isn’t just food; it’s a solution to the “what’s for dinner?” crisis that strikes every household. The chicken pieces are lightly battered and bake up beautifully, while the sweet and savory orange sauce is a perfect companion. It tastes better than most takeout, and you get the satisfaction of saying you “made” it.
- Why We Love It: It’s a quick, delicious meal that feels like a treat. It consistently wins customer choice awards for a reason.
- Serving Tip: Serve it over the Trader Joe’s frozen jasmine rice (another staple!) with a side of steamed broccoli. For extra flavor, toss some sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top.
2. Unexpected Cheddar
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This cheese has a fan club, and you’re invited to join. At first glance, it looks like a simple block of aged white cheddar. But upon tasting it, you get delightful, salty crystals that are reminiscent of a fine Parmesan. It’s a cheese that truly lives up to its name. It’s crumbly, creamy, and complex, making it perfect for just about everything.
- Why We Love It: It elevates any dish, from a simple sandwich to a fancy charcuterie board. It’s an affordable luxury.
- Serving Tip: Grate it over pasta, crumble it into salads, or just slice it up and eat it with crackers. It also makes a mind-blowing grilled cheese sandwich.
3. Everything but the Bagel Seasoning Blend
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This little jar of magic has started a global movement. It’s the perfect mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt. Originally intended for bagels, its fans have discovered it improves approximately 98% of all other foods. I’ve put it on things I’m not proud of, and it has never once let me down.
- Why We Love It: This seasoning blend adds a savory crunch and a burst of flavor to anything you sprinkle it on.
- Next Steps: Try it on avocado toast, scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, and even the rim of a Bloody Mary glass.
4. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
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You might have a favorite peanut butter cup, but have you tried these? They are iconic. The dark chocolate is rich and just bitter enough to perfectly balance the sweet, creamy peanut butter filling. They come in a convenient tub, which is dangerous because it’s hard to stop at just one. Or five.
- Why We Love It: They are an adult version of a childhood classic, offering a more sophisticated and satisfying flavor.
- Storage Tip: Keep them in the freezer for a cool, refreshing treat. The hardened chocolate and firm peanut butter create a delightful texture.
5. Frozen Croissants
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Waking up to the smell of freshly baked croissants sounds like something that only happens in Parisian movies, but Trader Joe’s makes it a reality. You simply place these frozen dough rectangles on a baking sheet the night before, and in the morning, they will have magically puffed up into beautiful, ready-to-bake croissants. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool down.
- Why We Love It: They provide a bakery-quality experience at home with almost zero effort. Both the plain and chocolate-filled versions are divine. (And occasionally a holiday-themed version.)
- Next Steps: Let the croissants proof overnight on a parchment-lined baking sheet. In the morning, brush with an egg wash before baking for a golden-brown finish.
6. Teeny Tiny Avocados
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Regular avocados are great, but they have a fatal flaw: once you cut one open, you’re committed. The Teeny Tiny Avocados solve this problem. They are the perfect single-serving size, so you can enjoy fresh avocado without worrying about the other half browning in the fridge. It’s a small change that makes a big difference. Food has become ridiculously expensive this year, it helps to have sizes you can finish and not waste.
- Why We Love It: They reduce food waste and are ideal for individuals or for adding to a single lunch.
- Care Tip: To ripen them faster, place the avocados in a paper bag with a banana or an apple. Check them daily so they don’t get too soft.
7. Cauliflower Gnocchi
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This item caused a frenzy when it first launched, and the hype is justified. Made primarily from cauliflower, these little dumplings are a lighter alternative to traditional potato gnocchi. They can be a bit tricky to cook, but once you master the technique, they are a fantastic base for a quick and healthy meal.
- Why We Love It: It’s a gluten-free, low-carb option that still feels comforting and satisfying.
- Cooking Tip: Ignore the package directions. For the best texture, pan-fry or air-fry the frozen gnocchi in a little oil until they are browned and slightly crispy on the outside. Then, add your favorite sauce.
8. Gone Bananas! Chocolate Covered Banana Slices
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Here is a simple and brilliant snack. Slices of ripe banana are dipped in dark chocolate and then frozen. That’s it. They are the perfect little bites for when you want something sweet but don’t want to commit to a full dessert. Each piece is a satisfying pop of fruity, chocolatey goodness.
- Why We Love It: It’s a healthy-ish frozen treat that satisfies a sweet tooth with natural ingredients.
- Serving Tip: They are delicious straight from the freezer, but you can also chop them up and use them as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
9. Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings
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Finding good soup dumplings usually requires a trip to a specialty restaurant, but Trader Joe’s brings them right to your freezer. Each delicate dumpling is filled with savory ground pork and a rich, flavorful broth that bursts in your mouth. They are an impressive appetizer or a light meal that feels incredibly special.
- Why We Love It: They offer an authentic dim sum experience at home and are ready in minutes.
- Cooking Tip: Steam them according to the package instructions to ensure the dough is tender and the soup inside is hot. Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a little bit of fresh ginger.
10. Sweet Chili Sauce
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This is the ultimate dipping sauce. It’s sweet, it’s tangy, and it has just a little bit of heat. It’s the perfect partner for spring rolls, coconut shrimp, and chicken wings. But its usefulness doesn’t stop there. I use it as a glaze for salmon, a dressing for salads, and a secret ingredient in marinades.
- Why We Love It: It’s an incredibly versatile condiment that adds a delicious Thai-inspired flavor to almost anything.
- Next Steps: Try mixing it with a little mayonnaise for a creamy and spicy aioli, perfect for sandwiches or as a dip for fries.
11. Bamba Peanut Snacks
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This is an Israeli snack that has rightfully earned a cult following. These puffy, baked corn snacks are coated in peanut butter, creating a light, airy, and savory treat. They practically melt in your mouth. They’re also a snack I feel pretty good about sharing with the little ones in my life. If you needed to pack a snack in your emergency stash, this would be it.
- Why We Love It: They are addictively delicious and have a unique texture that’s unlike any other snack.
- Fun Fact: They have a wonderfully simple ingredient list, which is always a bonus.
12. Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones
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These miniature ice cream cones are portion control at its finest. They are the perfect size for a small treat after dinner. Each tiny waffle cone is filled with ice cream and coated in a chocolate shell. They come in various flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to seasonal favorites like peppermint and pumpkin ginger.
- Why We Love It: They are a fun, nostalgic, and perfectly portioned dessert that everyone loves.
- Serving Tip: Arrange them on a platter for a party. They are an instant crowd-pleaser and require no scooping or cleanup.
13. Soy Chorizo
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Even dedicated meat-eaters are fans of this plant-based chorizo. It has all the spicy, savory flavor of traditional pork chorizo but is made from soy protein. It crumbles and cooks up beautifully, making it an excellent addition to tacos, burritos, breakfast scrambles, and queso dip.
- Why We Love It: It’s a delicious and convincing meat alternative that is packed with flavor.
- Cooking Tip: Remove the plastic casing before cooking. Sauté the soy chorizo in a skillet until it’s browned and slightly crispy. It doesn’t release much oil, so you may need a little in the pan.
14. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
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When autumn rolls around, this is the first thing you should look for in the frozen aisle. It’s a seasonal favorite that combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the sweet, earthy flavor of butternut squash. The sauce is creamy, the pasta is tender, and the whole dish is topped with breadcrumbs for a nice texture.
- Why We Love It: It’s the ultimate comfort food with a seasonal twist. It feels indulgent and wholesome at the same time.
- Serving Tip: Bake it in the oven for a crispier top, even if the microwave is faster. It’s worth the wait.
15. Kimbap
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A newer addition that became an instant sensation, the Trader Joe’s Kimbap is a fantastic find. These Korean seaweed rice rolls are filled with a variety of seasoned vegetables and braised tofu. They come frozen and just need a quick trip in the microwave. It’s a convenient and surprisingly filling lunch or snack.
- Why We Love It: It offers a delicious and complete meal in a convenient, easy-to-prepare format.
- Next Steps: Let it rest for a minute after microwaving to allow the heat to distribute evenly. Serve with a side of kimchi or a little soy sauce for dipping.
16. Speculoos Cookie Butter
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We’ll finish with the spread that launched a thousand cravings. Made from crushed Belgian spiced shortbread cookies, this spread is pure decadence. It has a consistency similar to peanut butter but with the flavor of gingerbread and caramel. It’s good on toast, with apples, or, let’s be real, eaten directly from the jar with a spoon.
- Why We Love It: It’s a unique and intensely comforting treat. There is nothing else quite like it.
- Serving Tip: Gently warm it up and drizzle it over ice cream or pancakes for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Your Next Trader Joe’s Run
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There you have it, a list of our most beloved Trader Joe’s items. Armed with this knowledge, you can navigate the aisles with confidence and purpose. Your shopping cart will be full, your pantry will be stocked, and your meals for the next week will be significantly more exciting.
Don’t live near a Trader Joe’s? The next time you’re near one, you can stock up on some staple favorites so you don’t feel left out.