Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Trader Joe’s or affiliated with the company in any way. I haven’t received any compensation for my opinions, which are 100% that—my opinion!
I love Trader Joe’s so dang much! Chances are that if you’ve been lucky enough to have one close by, you love it as well. Despite my adoration, I do try to show some restraint in the number of times I visit in a month; TJ’s is full of items that are mostly ‘wants’ and not ‘needs’ (with a few notable exceptions).
Here are the items that I think are worth scooping up for your own pantry/kitchen! Most of these are products I grab every single time, but there are a few treat items tossed in for good measure.
1. Dolmas – It is a sad day if I’ve made a trip to TJ’s and there aren’t any tins of dolmas in stock. When I arrive, I usually head for the dolmas first and put at least half a dozen tins in my basket. This is the perfect snack on its own and a delightful addition to any meat-and-cheese-board spread. It’d be grand to toss in a picnic basket. I’ve even contemplated keeping a tin in my purse for emergencies; that’s how tasty they are!
2. Red Pepper Spread with Eggplant & Garlic – This is a new-to-me item, but it’s so delicious that I’ll definitely grab another jar the next time I’m at the store. I used it as a spread on a veggie burger, but I’m really excited to have it atop fish or chicken, on eggs, etc. It’s a really smooth flavor, not overbearing at all, and the texture isn’t so chunky that the eggplant is off-putting at all (a concern of mine, re: eggplants).
3. Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones – These are my total guilty pleasure! I don’t buy them often, but they’re my favorite sweet treat! Ice cream isn’t my usual go-to to soothe a sweet tooth, so these are the perfect size for me. Treat yo self.
3. Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil – This is not an item I buy for myself. I don’t hate on tinned fish—gimme a fancy tin of sardines any day—but I personally find cooked tuna to be a true olfactory abomination, and so this isn’t an item I’d normally include! BP, however, has really enjoyed this tuna a lot, and he’s pretty picky about tinned fish, fishy smells, and flavors in general. So if he’s requesting this, I figure it’s worth a spot on the list!
4. TJ’s Clarified Butter (ghee) – Shoutout to all my paleo homies! While ghee is pretty easy to make on your own, sometimes you’re pressed for time! I have a few jars of this in my panty and fridge! I don’t use it as much these days (for reasons unrelated to the product itself), but if you’re on the paleo/low carb path, I definitely recommend this ghee. It performs incredibly well!
5. Triple Ginger Brew – Another treat. Most excellent spice! It’s great on its own and really delightful mixed with whiskey or dark rum for a delicious summer cocktail!
6. Rose Water Facial Toner – As the owner of incredibly sensitive skin, my skincare routine is pretty minimal, and I’m quite picky about the products I do use. I love this facial toner for mornings where I need to be a bit more presentable but not necessarily showered. I love the scent, and it really is a refreshing and hydrating experience! I’ll definitely be using this for afternoon pick-me-ups when the temperatures start to soar this summer!
7. Blueberry & Acai Facial Scrub – I’m in love with this facial scrub. Again, because I have sensitive skin, I don’t use this daily or every 2 to 3 days as recommended, more like once a week. It smells so good! Good enough to eat! I also dig that it’s a natural exfoliant and not full of gross microbeads!
8. Bamba Peanut Snacks – Kind of a treat purchase, but let’s be real… I get them every time I go. They’re kinda of a weird sensation the first time you eat them; your brain says “cheesecurl” while your tongue says “peanut butter.” But after a few bites, I guarantee you’ll be hooked!
9. Organic Riced Cauliflower – If you live a low-carb life, you know all about the versatility of cauliflower, especially as a rice substitute. You can easily make your own, but I hate the mess that it makes, and try as I might, I can never make it as well as when I use this particular cauli-rice. I’ve tried a bunch of different brands, but this is the one that cooks up the best! The finished product has almost no cauliflower taste, especially when used as a base for saucy entrees or in a dish like fried rice! I love it. I keep at least half a dozen bags in my freezer at all times.
10. Mixed Nut Butter – You can argue that this is a ‘want’ and not a ‘need,’ but I think a home without some type of nut butter is just a house. (Unless of course you’re deathly allergic, which of course we’re sensitive to, and you have our condolences.) This feels like a decadent treat, but it’s a treat you can be happy with as it’s just nuts and a bit of salt! The combination of flavors is so deep and dreamy. It is a nut butter that separates, so if you’re not into having to mix your nut butters before you use them, it might be a deal-breaker. But it’s so dang tasty that I think it’s worth the try!
11. 21 Seasoning Salute – If you make a lot of vegetables, especially if you roast them, you need this seasoning. It’s incredibly delicious and will fool any dining companions into thinking you put a ton of effort into your meal (and only you will know the truth). It’s also dreamy in egg/chicken/potato salads, scrambled eggs, and sprinkled over popcorn. I have other TJ seasonings, but this is the one I’ve blown through very quickly! Definitely get this!
Did I miss anything? Comment below, and let me know your favorite Trader Joe’s products!
A Place For Everything. 