27 of the Best Things to Buy at Trader Joe’s
If you’re like us and 85% of your Corona Virus quarantine has revolved around food, look no further than this blog for some new food + snack ideas! During the last couple weeks Brian and I have relied heavily on Trader Joe’s since their frozen section is endless and they are one of the few grocery stores we’ve found that have been restocking food more diligently in the Fort Lauderdale area. While I typically head elsewhere for most fresh produce, meat and dairy, Trader Joe’s makes for great pantry staples frozen foods and snacks that you’ll definitely want to stock up on during a quarantine or everyday life too. This list includes our favorite snacks, frozen foods, dips and more!
Vegan Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto
The Holy Grail of pestos! I cook with pesto at least two times a week and what I love about this one is that it’s dairy free and vegan friendly. Top your cauliflower gnocchi (see number 4) or a veggie and rice bowl with TJ’s Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto to zest things up a bit.
Coconut Oil/Spray
There’s something about Trader Joe’s coconut oil that I like more than others I’ve tried, not to mention its price point is much less than other grocery stores. While it does come in a conventional jar, they even package it in little packets if you’re packing and want to bring coconut oil with you without the heavy weight. I recently made a banana bread with their coconut oil and greased the baking pan with it and it left our kitchen with an amazing aroma for the evening.
Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
One of my favorite mid-morning or post work out snacks is Food For Life gluten free english muffins with Miyokos vegan cream cheese and a sprinkle of Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. Sprinkle this on cream cheese and toast, your eggs or even your avocado toast.
Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi
You probably didn’t need this list to know about Trader Joes cauliflower gnocchi but it’s too good not to have it’s own spot. While this is a fan fav that you may have to wait to try after the quarantine (it usually flies off the shelves) it’s worth the wait!
Corn and Chile Tomato-less Salsa
We recently added this to our taco nights and we’re OBSESSED. It’s not too spicy and it’s a nice switch up from conventional salsas!
Fig and Olive Crisps
Dip these in TJ’s Everything But the Bagel Dip and you won’t be able to stop. Even all my non olive lovers like these crisps! Our only complaint is that the box is too small.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Perfect for that sweet tooth that arrives an hour after dinner or a treat for kiddos! Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are definitely a fan fav.
Coconut Cashews
While TJ’s has a large nut section at really good prices, their coconut cashews are by far my favorite. We’ve even tried to recreate these at home and they’re just not the same. Each bite leaves you feeling a little beachy.
Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips with Salt and Lime
Another addition to our pantry that we can’t get enough of are the Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips with Salt and Lime. They’re nice and thick, not too salty, and if you’re not a lime lover the amount of lime is JUST RIGHT.
Peanut Butter with Chia and Flax Seeds
The perfect crunch in every bite. Top your morning toast with this or celery sticks for a mid-afternoon snack.
Black Truffle Butter
Melt in a bowl and drizzle over your popcorn or add to sautéed veggies and pasta for bite-fulls of truffle heaven.
Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
The perfect dip for veggies or crackers when entertaining or for a mid afternoon snack!
Avocados + Bananas
Although I typically buy my fresh produce elsewhere, the price is right for both bananas and avocados at Trader Joe’s. A lot of the time I find both these items are not ready to eat and still have a ways to go before ripe, but its nice to have produce that can sit a while before you’re ready to dig in. Their organic avocados are almost half the price of some grocery stores and their bananas are 19 cents each!
Fresh Flowers
While this isn’t a food (no we don’t eat fresh flowers) Trader Joe’s has a great selection of fresh flowers at an incredible price (you can probably sense a theme here). Brighten up your living space or someone’s day with their hydrangeas or sunflowers.
Frozen Gorgonzola Gnocchi
I’m not a huge gorgonzola person so when a friend suggested I try this while we were mid-quarantine panic grocery shopping I was a little skeptical, but my options were limited so I grabbed a few bags and it’s AMAZING. Hands down one of my favorite freezer items they sell.
Chocolate Chips
TJ’s chocolate chips are dairy free and vegan so I always grab a few bags of them for baking. I recently started making a lot more vegan meals and limiting my animal product intake so I always like to have these on hand for Sunday morning pancakes, muffins and breads.
Frozen Steelcut Oatmeal
This was another quarantine panic find when I realized almost all of the grocery stores were out of oats! While I’m not a huge fan of frozen food (I like to cook fresh with lots of vegetables and fruit) this oatmeal is actually really good. It has maple syrup and brown sugar but it’s VERY subtle making it not too sweet and artificial tasting.
Frozen Pork Gyoza Potstickers
Another must have freezer item. Drizzle some TJ's coconut aminos on top for a healthy option instead of soy sauce and these are delicious. Also a perfect college freezer staple.
Chile Lime Seasoning
The options for this seasoning are endless which make it suck a great pantry staple. Dust over fresh mango or watermelon, chicken and potatoes, in your guac or veggies.
Raw Almond Butter
TJ’s raw almond butter is perfect for smoothies and toast and it doesn’t have any palm oil in it, an ingredient to look out for due to its high saturated fat.
Frozen Jasmine Rice
Cooking rice has got to be the biggest struggle in my kitchen but this frozen jasmine rice is quick, easy and always cooked to perfection. Add to veggie bowls or soups!
Sweet Potato Frites
Another frozen staple for one pan dinners like chicken, broccoli and sweet potato frites. Easy clean up with no fuss.
Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
My favorite TJ’s snack and pantry staple. The only problem is they are so addicting!
Green Goddess Salad Dressing
I usually make my own salad dressings or keep things simple like a lemon and olive oil dressing, TJ’s green goddess dressing is a great switch up every once in a while. Add this to grilled fish or chicken as a marinade, to pasta salads or even burritos.
Chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches
Another after dinner sweet treat we can’t resist!
Frozen Turkey Burgers
Trader Joe’s turkey burgers are another frozen staple I recently found. What I love about these is that they are minimally processed (notice the short ingredients list) and taste great in a burger topped with swiss cheese or on top of salad for some extra protein!
Sourdough Bread
Although I usually love Sourdough from a bakery, it’s one of the only non-gluten free breads I eat, TJ’s sourdough always exceeds my expectation. Toast it and add avocado and poached eggs or spread hummus over to have alongside soups or salads.
27 of our favorite finds from
Leave a comment below and let me know your Trader Joe’s Favorites!