Since discovering Instacart, I rarely visit the grocery store anymore. I appreciate the convenience of shopping from my phone and having our groceries delivered weekly. While there are drawbacks like not picking out my own produce or poor substitutions for coffee, such as decaf (c’,mon), the benefits outweigh the cons.
There is one exception: Trader Joe’s. It’s conveniently close to my home. At least twice a month, I summon the energy to shop there in person. I never regret these trips because, as many of you may know, Trader Joe’s offers unique items that have become family favorites that you can’t find elsewhere.
Our Family Favorites From Trader Joe’s
Produce
I love it all. I really don’t have a favorite produce item from Trader Joe’s, but I always get inspired to try something new because they tend to have a wide variety of options at reasonable prices.
Lemon Arugula Basil Complete Salad Kit: Salad kits are a convenient way to get greens on the table, quickly. I often use them as a base and add more greens, fruits, nuts or beans to pump up the volume. Trader Joe’s often rotates different salad kit varieties keeping it fresh.
Dairy
Unexpected Cheddar: I was introduced to this cheese by one of clients. If parmesan and cheddar had a baby, it’s offspring would be named “Unexpected Cheddar Cheese.” It’s the perfect entertaining cheese paired with crackers or grated on top of soups, salads or vegetables.
Snacks
Plantain Chips: My youngest son loves these salty, crunchy and slightly sweet plantain chips. They’re a flavorful alternative to traditional potato chips.
Trail Mix with Chocolate Chunks: Any of the individual portioned trail mixes are ideal for on-the-go snacking, but the one I typically reach for is Trader Joe’s Happy Trekking Trail Mix which includes dried cherries, cashews, chocolate chunks and almonds.
Frozen Produce
Frozen produce has come a looong way, and Trader Joes’ demonstrates this with so many different varieties of produce, seasonings, and combinations. A few of my regulars include: Riced Cauliflower, Organic Rainbow Cauliflower, Roasted Corn, Mushroom Medley, Cauliflower Riced Stir-Fry, and Organic Superfood Pilaf.
Wild Boreal Blueberries: Wild blueberries are tiny but mighty. The small size is perfect for keeping my morning cereal cold without causing brain freeze.
Plant-Based
Trader Joe’s High-Protein Tofu: I have converted tofu naysayers with this high-protein tofu. The water has been removed making it very easy to prepare and cook. This firm tofu is beloved by my boys especially when I saute it in a peanut sauce.
Grain & Gluten-Free
Almond Flour Tortillas: Gluten-free tortillas are hard to come by, and if you do find them (i.e. Siete Tortillas), they are very expensive. You’ll bring them to their fullest potential warmed in a pan with olive oil or butter.
Cauliflower Gnocchi: Despite being made from cauliflower, this gnocchi has the texture and taste that closely resembles traditional gnocchi, making it a satisfying substitute.
Trader Joe’s Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta: I’ve yet to find a pasta as good as the real thing, but this is as close as I’ve found comparing the texture and taste to traditional pasta.
Frozen Brown Rice: Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice comes in 3 microwavable packets that allow you to get delicious, nutty brown rice on the table in 3 minutes.
10-Minute Farro (not gluten-free): Farro is a delicious whole-grain that is high in fiber, protein, and several vitamins and minerals. The 10-minute farro from Trader Joe’s allows you people to enjoy this grain with shorter cooking time than regular farro.
Condiments
Trader Joe’s Crunchy Chili Onion: Oh the versatility of this spicy, savory, and slightly sweet condiment. I use it as a topping for eggs, stirred into sauces, on top of pizza and pastas, and on roasted veggies. Check out our Spicy Egg Egg Salad recipe.
Seafood
BBQ Cut Salmon: I love salmon, but I don’t like the “end” or tail pieces of the fish. Plus, I don’t enjoy cutting raw salmon. I appreciate the taste, convenience and great prices of this item.
Kid’s Choice Awards
Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange-Chicken: My boys often request this breaded chicken dish with a tangy Mandarin orange sauce. I’ll pair it with broccoli and rice for a McDaniel Express meal.
Trader Joe’s Chocolate Croissants: These croissants are crafted using traditional French techniques, resulting in a flaky, buttery texture that resembles those found in French bakeries.
Beverages
Winter Wake Up Tea: You won’t find this in the stores now, but come fall, look for the blue box decorated with snowflakes on the shelves. I hesitate to even share this tea with you for fear it won’t be there when I’m looking for it. It’s warm, comforting and flavored with cinnamon, cloves, orange peel, and hints of vanilla.
Desserts
Hold the Cone: Depending on the season, you’ll have a few options of ice cream flavors (vanilla, chocolate) (seasonal: peppermint/pumpkin) for these mini, delightful ice cream cones. The miniature size and cute packaging make them a fun and appealing dessert option, especially for children. Bet you can’t eat just one!
Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds: I keep these hidden on the top shelf of our pantry because I claim them as MINE.
We would love to know what your favorite items are from Trader Joe’s. Please comment and share!