Trader Joe’s, a California-based grocery store known for its incredible prices, exceptionally friendly service and never-ending supply of signature food finds has locations throughout the South, with a brand new location now open in Memphis’ Germantown neighborhood. We’re big TJs fans at StyleBlueprint, so in acknowledgment and celebration of Memphis finally get a Trader Joe’s, we decided to create a list of our favorite Trader Joe’s foods. If you’re a TJ’s newbie or are looking to add to your favorites list, take a look at SB staffers’ top Trader Joe’s selections — and then head to a Trader Joe’s near you. (And congrats, Memphis! You’re gonna love it!)
Zucchini Spirals
Instead of complicating your “zoodle” prep with a veggie spiralizer, we like to opt for these frozen and readymade spirals. For $2.99 per box, enjoy your alternative noodles whenever you’re ready by tossing them in a skillet, adding a delicious sauce (might we also recommend the Trader Joe’s “Just Sauce” Turkey Bolognese) and feeling a sense of simplified accomplishment. Also, try the carrot version for another colorful spin.
Gone Bananas! slices
Trader Joe’s always has a way of reminding us of our cravings and simultaneously providing the easiest way of fulfilling them. In this case, we’re seriously going bananas for these frozen and pre-cut snacks, at $1.99 per box. Also, give the coated strawberries a try to complete your chocolate fountain dreams.
Breakfast Trek Mix
Rest assured that your busiest mornings can still include an easy and delicious breakfast! As you head out for your day, grab an individually packaged bag of the Trader Joe’s Trek Mix, including granola, roasted and salted almonds, cranberries and Greek yogurt-flavored chips. Snag a big bag for $4.99 to enjoy 10 mini bags of satisfying morning goodness on the go!
Candy Corn Popcorn
We’d be remiss if we didn’t point out at least one of the festive Halloween finds to add to your Trader Joe’s cart. Though we do acknowledge that candy corn is one of the most polarizing snack foods of all time, we have to tell all you appreciators that this seasonal snack for $1.99 should make its way to your October shopping list, even if just to say that you did.
Cauliflower Gnocchi
Yes, the cauliflower craze is real, and yes, we do support it. Grab a bag of this vegetable substitute for the classic potato dumplings for $2.69 and enjoy a warm bowl of fluffy reduced-carb Cauliflower Gnocchi, courtesy of our Trader Joe’s friends.
Dark Chocolate Covered Blueberries
Though we can mostly assume that anything “drenched in dark chocolate” is worthy of a taste, these Dark Chocolate Covered Blueberries from Trader Joe’s are definitely a worthy find. They are chewy, rich and pure snacking perfection for $4.99.
Everything but the Bagel Seasoning
You may have seen it on toast, on vegetables or perhaps even abbreviated as “EBS,” but the adoration for Trader Joe’s’ Everything but the Bagel Seasoning is certainly widespread. Sprinkle this savory and salty mix of sesame, sea salt, garlic and onion on virtually anything, and you will quickly question where this special bottle for $1.99 has been all your life.
Frozen Brown Rice
Whether you’re a seasoned Trader Joe’s shopper or a first-timer, you’ve certainly noticed the theme of simplicity in so many of the store’s products. After just three minutes in the microwave, this frozen brown rice is ready to add to any dish. Snag a box, which includes three packages, for $2.99, and step into your most simplified fall bowls yet.
Green Goddess Dressing
If there’s one constant for our SB office refrigerator, it’s that we maintain at least two bottles of Trader Joe’s Green Goddess salad dressing at all times. This $3.69 bottle of refreshing salad finisher and a real crowd favorite (as noted through a nearly empty shelf at the store) also makes an incredible marinade. Also in the Trader Joe’s dressing department, find the Carrot Ginger Miso and the Almond Butter Turmeric flavors to complete your fridge’s delicious flavor wheel.
Horseradish Hummus
Though giving your hummus a taste of horseradish may not be conventional, we can guarantee that this dip is worthy of your dunking. Add some extra flavor to any veggie, sandwich or chip with the addictive tang of Trader Joe’s Hummus with Freshly Ground Horseradish for $1.99.
Hot Sauce
Calling all who appreciate a little (or a lot) of spice. Made with just three ingredients, this Jalapeño Pepper Hot Sauce packs an extra kick that is great with anything. We even discovered that a bottle of this hot sauce is so sought after that it frequently sells out. Have no fear — we also learned that if you tell the incredible Trader Joe’s staff of your desire to attain the sauce, you can surely receive notification when they are restocked. Now there’s a waitlist we can get behind.
Kettle Corn
Prepare yourself for the irresistible urge to partake in generous handfuls with the Trader Joe’s Kettle Corn. For $2.29 per bag, this blend of salty and sweet will satisfy both cravings in a seriously crowd-pleasing snack.
Mexican Style Roasted Corn
If you’ve ever wondered how you can get that special delicious charred corn dish at home, the Trader Joe’s Mexican Style Roasted Corn with Cotija Cheese is your solution. Embrace the ease of this trusted corn staple for $3.29 on your next night of Mexican cuisine, and enjoy a taco topper or side dish that everyone will love.
RELATED: 3 Easy (and Amazing!) Mexican Recipes to Test Drive This Weekend
Sesame Honey Almonds
Popular in the department of addicting Trader Joe’s snacks, the Sesame Honey Almonds are pretty close to the top of the list. Perfectly salty with a touch of honey sweetness, these babies will leave you questioning how you possibly finished this $7.49 bag in record time.
Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
Is there really such a thing as having enough dips? Trust us when we say that this Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip is a notable party favorite, essential appetizer and reduced-guilt snack for $3.99. Put it on a platter, use in a recipe or enjoy by the spoonful because you won’t be able to put this down.
Joe’s Dark Coffee
Joe certainly is not one who has steered us wrong thus far, so we are game to trust his coffee. Available in whole beans and ground by the bag for $4.99 each, this rich dark blend will have you leaving the store with a serious bulk purchase.
Matcha Almond Beverage
We can’t move on from the coffee without giving a nod to one of Trader Joe’s’ newer items, the Matcha Almond Beverage. This non-dairy sweetener made with the popular matcha flavor of ground green tea leaves is a delicious addition to your coffee, your smoothie or your cereal. Also, add a unique touch of flavored sweetness with the Blueberry Lavender flavored Almond Beverage!
Chicken & Cheese Tamales
You had us at readymade chicken and cheese tamales. We could dream all day long about these handcrafted frozen wraps waiting in our fridge. Celebrate all of your fiestas with the delicious and microwaveable wrapped goodness of the Trader Joe’s tamales.
Sparkling Water
If you’re a sparkling water aficionado, we highly recommend the Trader Joe’s brand of the fizzy beverage. For just 39 cents per can, stock up on your hand-picked variety of flavors. For a little splash of summer in a can, try the pineapple flavor!
Riced Cauliflower Bowl
We have found the grab and go lunch that we didn’t think existed. The Trader Joe’s Riced Cauliflower Bowl is a hearty, satisfying, flavor-filled meal that will take you about as long to inhale as it does to cook in the microwave. We hope you’re as excited as we are when we talk about this $2.99 lunch.
Pumpkin Butternut Squash Bisque
If there’s (another) thing Trader Joe’s fully appreciates, it’s the attempt to incorporate pumpkin in as many dishes and products as possible. Stepping into the store at any point from now through October is an invitation to explore all things pumpkin. If you’re itching for that soup that will transport you to your coziest of fall Saturdays, this Pumpkin Butternut Squash Bisque for $3.99 will surely do the trick. If you can’t read the fine print, know that it also includes a brown butter and sage finish.
RELATED: Good Soup in Memphis: Where to Find 8 Tasty Bowls
Peanut Date Bars
If we weren’t already sold on these bars based on the adorable name, we are even more on board after tasting them. One bite of the These Peanuts Go on a Date Bars, and we think you will agree that there is certainly nothing wrong with simple, five-ingredient bars to give your day a delectable chewy treat that will keep you smiling in more ways than one. Get five bars in a box for $2.99 at Trader Joe’s!
Cookie Butter
The Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter is the spreadable edition of a mic drop. The creamy version of Speculoos cookies will soon become an integral part of your sweet indulgence. Finish off your desserts, toast and pancakes with this purely indescribable cookie butter that you simply won’t be able to resist. Snag your jar of this popular item for $3.69 before the store runs out!
Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream
Trader Joe’s, give us all the creamy coffee goodness! Your $3.99 pint of their Coffee Bean Blast ice cream will come and go quicker than you can say “cappuccino.” Smooth and rich, a bowl of this icy dessert will have you wishing you could take it in your morning mug.
Chocolate Croissants
If you crave the buttery crisp treat of a chocolate croissant as much as us, you will be interested to know that these frozen treats can be found at Trader Joe’s in packs of four. Bring your French café dreams to life overnight with a box of these baked gems for $4.49!
Goat Cheese with Herbs
We introduce you to the hero of your next cheese board. This creamy goat cheese with herbs will be a real pleaser to you Chevre lovers. We are certainly big fans of the entire cheese section at Trader Joe’s — you simply can’t go wrong, but we do need to point you to this little $2.99 package of goat cheese deliciousness for all your snacking and charcuterie enjoyment.
Orchids
We’re pointing you to more than just the food selection at Trader Joe’s for some noteworthy finds. Catch us cruising the store’s gorgeous flower section for some gorgeous floral arrangements. One of our personal favorite items is the Phalaenopsis “moth” orchid. Decorate your kitchen or give the gift of vibrant color with one of these orchids for $12.99.
Whole Wheat Flour Tortillas
For your breakfast burrito fans, taco lovers or leftover-wrappers, a pack of these $2.99 Trader Joe’s whole wheat flour tortillas should be on your shopping list. These low-carb tortillas are the perfectly sized holders for all of your reliable wrapping needs!
Chile Lime Chicken Burgers
Even though we can’t say that the contents of this box are completely as pictured, these flavorful frozen patties will get you most of the way there. Get your box including 4 oz. patties for $3.49, throw these on the grill or the stovetop, and you’re ready to feast. Don’t be afraid for all of you who are spice-averse — they pack a little kick but nothing too crazy. We will say, adding some of the Trader Joe’s Jalepeño Pepper Sauce is quite the topper.
These finds are just the beginning. Trust us when we say that narrowing our top picks to 30 was no small feat. Check out the “Fearless Flyer” to catch the latest noteworthy fall items and make your way to your local Trader Joe’s to explore all there is to shop and enjoy in this grocery wonderland!
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