What are your go-to items at Trader Joe’s? The store is great for stocking up on basics like cereal and milk, of course, but it’s also a black hole of straight-up treasures, like dark chocolate almonds and a $2 work lunch. Here are 10 items that are blowing my mind…
Fig & Olive Crisps. These chewy crackers have a sweet-and-salty twist that pairs well with soft cheese, especially TJ’s $3 Boursin.
Turkish Apricots. Have you tried dried apricots where the only ingredient is apricots? These little guys are pretty odd-looking and might elicit some co-worker side-eyes. BUT! They are worth it. These apricots are picked at peak ripeness so they’re soft, sweet and as good as dried fruit gets.
Cheese Pizza With A Cauliflower Crust. If you’re looking to dip your toes in the food scene’s cauliflower craze, this crispy pizza is a delicious place to start. (Note: Bake longer than suggested for more of a crunch.)
Cultured Salted Butter. “Trader Joe’s butter is as good as the French stuff,” Bon Appetit proclaimed, and I agree. It’s rich, tangy and makes the yummiest buttered toast ever.
Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning. Lexi introduced me to this magical blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sea salt flakes, dried garlic and dried onions, and now I put it on everything — eggs, avocados, popcorn, even salads.
Unexpected Cheddar. Two things that are always good and true? Cheddar and Parmesan. And this crumbly cheese block is the best of both. Side note: It’s dangerous with those Turkish Apricots.
Zucchini Noodles. Obviously not as stick-to-your-ribs as traditional spaghetti noodles, but these boiled spirals sure taste good with a garlicky tomato sauce and fresh Parmesan.
Almond Croissants. If you’re itching for overnight guests to take off, DO NOT bake them these croissants. When served fresh from the oven, they’re buttery, flaky and will make your apartment feel like Martha Stewart’s upstate cottage. (Just be sure to let them rise overnight.)
Bruschetta Sauce. I finally tried one of Trader Joe’s longtime classics: the bruschetta sauce. And I had been missing out! It’s bright and flavorful on toasted baguette, and works as a tomato sauce replacement on pizza and pasta. Also, this three-ingredient recipe blows people’s minds.
Pound Plus Chocolate. Behold, a $5 dark chocolate bar bigger than your head that will last you a month or two. What more could the solo snacker ask for?
What items would you recommend? Please share below…
P.S. 15 more Trader Joe’s favorites, and Trader Joe’s dinner hacks.
(Photos by Stella Blackmon. This post isn’t sponsored, we just really love Trader Joe’s:)