My Top 21 Staples from Trader Joe’s

I’ve been wanting to put together my absolute favorites from my #1 grocery store, and so here we are!

For years now Trader Joe’s has won my heart. Even to this day, with it not being so local for me, I continue to make the drive. Truly, I’m hooked. First off, it’s not your typical grocery store where you have to wait for deals to roll in to score on savings. They provide already low prices at such an affordable rate, and that alone is a win.

Next, Trader Joe’s food selection is what makes it genuinely fun to shop there (as you can tell I thoroughly enjoy grocery shopping – call it therapeutic). To me, there is nothing conventional about it. Here, you can snag some of the most unique ingredients and products that really spice up the creativity in the kitchen. I’m always extra excited during the holidays, as it turns into a true treasure hunt looking for their limited-time seasonal products.

Whether you’re someone who’s health conscious about natural and organic foods or a bargain shopper looking to pull back on the money spending, Trader Joe’s is your gem. I know, because I fall into both categories. And as icing on the cake, they make the grocery shopping experience fun and different, and I’m totally all for it.

And so, I’ve constructed a list of my current necessities when I shop at TJ’s. Enjoy!

1. Fresh Produce
   Of course, numero uno on my list. I always recommend going organic when you can, but the option is there for you to choose. Nonetheless, their selection is wide-spread, and 99% of my produce is bought here.
2. Black Bean Dip
   With a kick! Ingredients include jalapeño, serrano & habanero peppers – a true treat for those with a spicier palate.
3. Grainless Tortilla Chips
   A new product? These cassava & coconut tortilla chips are one of my personal favorites compared to other brands that are on the more expensive side (like Siete Foods). Pairs great with Black Bean Dip.
   
4. Perfect Bars
   I always go for the Trail Mix or Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter flavors and they are DELIGHTFUL. With 20+ superfoods, gluten free, and NON GMO, this is in fact the perfect snack.
5. Miyoko’s Organic Cultured Vegan Cream Cheese
   I’ve been using this product for a while now and I swear by it. This dairy-free cream cheese really is a vibe.
6. Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi
   Trader Joe’s put me on the cauliflower gnocchi game, and it’s the real deal. It’s a great alternative to pasta, and it’s a super quick make for a dinner.
   
7. Canned Goods
   Pair the Organic Tomato Sauce with their cauliflower gnocchi and you’ll never turn back. I grab a lot of my tomato-based canned goods and beans here. 
8. Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce
   If you’re not into spice, I do not recommend this. But if you have a passion for firing up your taste buds, you need this. Not to harp on the cauliflower gnocchi, but I add a small spoonful of this to my dish and WOAH, incoming flavor! I look forward to creating more recipes with this ingredient.
   
9. Goat Milk Cheese
   Great for those who are lactose intolerant. Because I prefer to lay off the dairy, I opt for their Goat Milk Cheddar Style Cheese, Goat’s Milk Gouda Style Cheese, and Crumbled Goat Cheese.
   
10. Nutritional Yeast
    An excellent dairy-free, “cheese-like” seasoning. Add to soups, dips, popcorn, & more. I use it on so many of my meals. It’s also a great source of B6 & B12.
11. Sauerkraut with Pickled Persian Cucumbers
    Can you say GUT HEALTH! 4 simple ingredients, fermented, crunchy and great as a side.
    
12. Maple Syrup
    Their selection is quite impressive, but their Organic Vermont Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup is decedant. Your pancakes will never be the same. Potential seasonal product.
    
13. Fig Butter
    “To be a butter, a spread must contain more fruit than sugar…”. There is no doubt that this product is strong in fig flavor, making it a delicious additional to some toast or a cheese board!
14. Dry Rubbed Uncured Bacon (NO SUGAR)
    No nitrates. No antibiotics. Smoky goodness. Always a necessity for me when I’m craving bacon & eggs in the morning or mydairy-free jalapeño poppers.
    
15. Organic Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage
    Again, no nitrates. No antibiotics. No added hormones. So good.
    
16. Frozen Turkey Burgers
    A true MUST-HAVE in my freezer. If I’m not feeling up to cooking a longer meal, I turn to these. Quick and simple.
    
17. Frozen Wild Sockeye Salmon Fillets
    High quality, tastes great, and it’s cheap especially for being wild-caught! Unthaw overnight and you’re good to go by lunchtime the next day.
18. Organic Beef/Chicken Bone Broth
    These are the cheapest organic bone broth products I’ve found thus far. Great in soups or drinking straight up (warmed up of course). These you can find near the produce section (kept cold).
    
19. Seasonings
    Necessities!!! Just a few of my favorites to name off:
    – Sea Salt Crystals
    – Himalayan Pink Salt Crystals
    – Black Peppercorns
    – Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
20. Nuts & Seeds
    Walnuts, pistachios, pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, you name it & they most likely have it. Some varieties of nuts and seeds come raw, seasoned, roasted, salted, etc. I typically go for the raw & unsalted. 
21. Wine
    I’ve dabbled in their wine collection, and it’s quite impressive. They provide a good assortment, with a wide variety of red, pink & white wines from numerous regions.