I think I’m emotionally attached to Trader Joes. I love wandering the aisles looking for what I need, seeing things I didn’t think I needed but I definitely do (maybe). It’s a fun place to see new foods, try different ingredients or recipes and pick up a beautiful bouquet of eucalyptus at the same time. 

I’m not sure if you know this but Trader Joes actually let’s you try things out of the box. If it’s not open and you’re not sure if you would like it, they’ll open a box for you to try! If you like it, you can take it home, if not – no problem!  If you get home and try something and you don’t like it, bring it back (what’s left or an empty bag) and they will reimburse you. Yes. No hassle, it’s just fun! it’s a great place to go and expand your pallet with all of the foods they offer from countries across the globe. Their frozen meals are already prepped and just need heating, their produce is always fresh and their wine is gooooooood and cheap.

But, out of everything that Trader Joe’s offers, I’ve picked out a few of my favorites that I think are a “must try” for everyone.

1. Cookie Butter

Use it as icing, dip pretzels or chips in it for that salty, sweet flavor, add it to recipes, whatever! It’s the sweetest treat right out of the jar. It looks like peanut butter – but better!

2. Pineapple Salsa

It’s time to spice up your regular salsa and add some fruit. The pineapple salsa is tangy, sweet and salty and goes great with any tortilla chip, on top of fresh cooked salmon or add it on top of your burger. I mean, c’mon. 

3. Coconut Creamer

I add this to my coffee and it is the best substitute for milk in the morning. The coconut adds a natural sweet flavor while also being extra creamy at the same time. Get a hand-held frother and you have yourself some gourmet coffee in your very own kitchen!

4. Coconut Cooking Spray

A great alternative to your regular Pam cooking spray or non-stick butter spray. It’s healthier, and a great way to keep things from sticking. I use this when I’m baking or sautéing vegetables and such. I spray a little in the pan (instead of olive oil) and toss the vegetables and it adds a non-stick layer to whatever I’m prepping. 

5. Eucalyptus

The smell, the look, the fact that when it dries out and dies it’s just as beautiful – it’s all a “win” in my book. This is a great option for us plant killers and they sell it at Trader Joe’s. I use this in my pictures a lot or toss a bunch in a vase and set it in the middle of the table as a centerpiece. I get questions all the time of where I’ve gotten my eucalyptus and, y’all, I got it at the dang grocery store. It’s that easy! 

6. Blueberry Vanilla Chèvre Cheese

I’m not a cheese girl (unless it’s mac and cheese or grilled cheese) but this is the greatest to pair with any red wine and your favorite crackers, It’s a brick of the best chèvre cheese covered with vanilla dipped blueberries. Whip it out when you’re hosting, put it on a cheese board with a knife, crackers and some prosciutto and you’re good to go! 

7. Lime Tortilla Chips

I mean, yum. Not only are they salted but they have a lime flavor that kicks up any chip and salsa experience. Throw these out for a party and you’ve simply made everything twice as delicious. They’re crispy and taste similar to the one’s at your favorite Mexican restaurant. 

8. Frozen Orange Chicken

This is the greatest solution to the “crap! What do we have for dinner” or “It’s eight o’clock and we still haven’t eaten but I don’t want to wait an hour before we eat” frustration. It’s a frozen meal you just open and pour in a pan, heat on medium heat for 15 minutes, cook some rice at the same time and you have an at-home Chinese meal that will rock your world. 

9. Frozen Garlic Cubes

Instead of getting the jarred minced garlic or crushing/mincing it yourself, save the trouble and go get some frozen garlic cubes. It comes in a pack designed to where they just pop out with a little push. No sticky or smelly fingers. They melt quickly in any pan or recipe. It’s measured out perfectly so each cube is one clove – genius. 

Here are some more to add to your list:

Cookie butter cookies

Fig + raisin crackers

Blueberry chevre (cheese section)

Margarita mix

Watermelon juice

Hold the Cone (frozen)

Mexican Corn (frozen)

Cowboy caviar

Flowers!!

Salad Kits (Mediterranean is my fave!)

Spicy Cheese Crunchies

Chomps

Vegetable Pad Thai (frozen)

Dark Chocolate Peanut butter cups

Sweet Potato Gnocchi (frozen)

Maddex loves their alphabet cookies!

Everything but the bagel seasoning

Tropical Salsa

Mandarin Orange Chicken (frozen)

Peppermint Jo Jos (seasonal)

Joe Joe’s ice cream (frozen)

Pumpkin cream cheese (seasonal)

Vodka Pasta Sauce 

Cauliflower Tabbouleh

Pepperoni Cheese

Brioche bread

Pumpkin pancake mix

Chile lime seasoning 

Churros (frozen)

Elote Corn Chips!!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese (seasonal)

any of their baked goods! We love the croissants!