47 Best Trader Joe’s Food Items and Products – Our Editor Must Haves

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a collage of the best healthy Trader Joes food must haves including mini avocados, green cold pressed juice drink products, dark chocolate covered mini pretzels, everything but the bagel seasoning, and chocolate chip ice cream cone frozen dessert items

Grab your grocery list (or notes app), because we’re breaking down the best Trader Joe’s food items and beauty must haves, according to our editors! If you’re anything like us, then your weekly Trader Joe’s run is a sacred ritual. And while we all have our tried-and-true faves, there’s nothing better than discovering new and drool-worthy items while you’re strolling the snack aisle.

That’s why we’re sharing the best food, drink, and beauty products that we buy at Trader Joe’s on the regular. No gatekeeping here! Whether you’re looking for a new dinner staple or your latest snack food obsession, keep scrolling for allllllll our Trader Joe’s must haves.

Green Wedding Shoe’s product selections are curated and/or tested by the editorial team and GWS community. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. Please consider shopping through our links if you would like to support GWS!

The Complete Editor-Approved Shopping List – The Best Trader Joe’s Food Items, Products, and Other Must Haves

a collage of some of the best Trader Joes food must haves including ube mochi pancake mix and frozen items like Japanese style fried rice and vegetable samosas

Here at GWS, our editors are self-professed Trader Joe’s superfans — and that means we know a little something about the best food and beauty items on the shelves. From our favorite frozen food to the best skincare products, we’ve rounded up the Trader Joe’s must haves that we can’t stop talking about. Prepare to meet your new hyperfixation!

Our TJ’s Favorites By Aisle

The Best Trader Joe’s Food Items And Must Haves From the Frozen Aisle

a collage of the best frozen Trader Joes food must haves for breakfast dinner and dessert including chocolate chip ice cream cones, Japanese friend rice, an instant boba kit, almond croissants, chicken potstickers and chocolate covered banana slices

If you ask us, the best food items to buy from Trader Joe’s are the ones that can be on your plate, ready to eat, in as little time as possible. And that’s why we never leave TJ’s without a stroll down the frozen aisle!

Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite Trader Joe’s frozen food products that make it easy to whip up your weekly must haves — from the best weeknight dinner ideas to drool-worthy afternoon snacks. Make some room in your freezer!

1. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For an Easy (and Delicious) Dinner: Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

Trader Joe's frozen chicken and vegetable gyoza potstickers food must haves

Put down the take-out menu, because these chicken gyoza potstickers are just as delicious as your favorite Chinese restaurant order, and WAY quicker to make! Steam them, pan fry them, microwave them, or even add them to soup. There are no wrong answers here.

Why it’s a must have food item: I love how easy these Trader Joe’s potstickers are to make — I always keep a bag in the freezer for the nights I’m feeling lazy or haven’t gone food shopping in a while. They’re ready in less than 10 minutes and taste amazing with TJ’s crunchy chili onion oil! – Hannah

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2. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Breakfast: Frozen Almond Croissants

Trader Joe's must have frozen breakfast almond croissants

Imagine having a French bakery in your very own kitchen. That’s the beauty of these frozen almond croissants! Satisfy your pastry craving with layers of flaky, buttery dough, baked to perfection in just 20 minutes. For our fellow croissant connoisseurs, these are about to be your new favorite breakfast.

Why they’re must haves: These Trader Joe’s frozen croissants are one of our favorite breakfast food items to buy for special weekend mornings. They taste pretty close to a freshly made croissant from a bakery and are such an easy and fun weekend treat! – Jen

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3. The Best Savory Trader Joe’s Food Item to Pair With Your Favorite Protein: Japanese Fried Rice

vegan Japanese style fried rice frozen Trader Joes food items

Warning: this Japanese fried rice is about to be your new hyperfixation! It goes with everything and is SO easy to make. Serve it with your favorite protein, mix it into a stir fry, or even eat it all on its own with a fried egg. When we say this Trader Joe’s food item is a must have, we’re not exaggerating.

Why it’s a must have food item: This Trader Joe’s fried rice is my literal obsession. It’s the perfect dinner side and is also a go-to for lunch. Years ago, someone at TJ’s told us to pair it with the green dragon hot sauce, and I’ve never tasted a better combo. – Sheena

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4. The Best TJ’s Item For a Sweet Treat: Gone Bananas Chocolate Covered Banana Slices

Trader Joes frozen dark chocolate covered banana slices

If you can’t get through the day without a little treat (hi, it’s me), then you’ll want to add this food item to your Trader Joe’s list ASAP. Each box comes with 20 banana slices covered in rich dark chocolate — aka, a sweet treat that isn’t totally bad for you. Dare we say you might just ~go bananas~ for them?

Pro Tip: Pop them in some Greek yogurt for a protein-packed punch!

Why it’s a must have food item: These Trader Joe’s banana slices are great for when you need a little something sweet, but want to keep it simple. – Emma

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5. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Busy Nights: Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter & Sage

healthy frozen vegetarian sweet potato gnocchi with butter and sage Trader Joes food must haves

If you’re looking for the best Trader Joe’s food item to add to your weeknight dinner line-up, this frozen gnocchi is IT. It adds bulk (and flavor) to any meal and is a delicious alternative to rice or pasta. And if sweet potato isn’t your jam, the classic Italian gnocchi from Trader Joe’s is also a must have food item.

Why they’re must haves: I found this Trader Joe’s food recipe online a year ago and it’s been a constant in my dinner rotation since it’s so quick to make and tastes SO GOOD. You’ll also want to get the Trader Joe’s cheddar chicken sausage (found in the meat section), slice them up, and cook it in a pan. Once the sausages are a bit brown on each side, remove them from the pan and cook the sweet potato gnocchi as instructed on the bag. Add some asparagus on top and cook along with the gnocchi.

Once the gnocchi is cooked, add the sausage back in and you have a gourmet dinner in under 10 minutes. This is the best Trader Joe’s food recipe for those extra busy nights!! – Jen

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6. The Best TJ’s Item For Dessert: Hold The Cone Ice Cream Cones

Trader Joes frozen mini vanilla ice cream cones covered in chocolate

If there is ONE Trader Joe’s food item that’s always in our team’s freezers, it’s this one. Sweet, bite-sized, and dipped in chocolate, these mini ice cream cones are the best way to end every day. Whenever you need a quick sugar fix, these cones have your back!

Why it’s a must have food item: I am OBSESSED with these Trader Joe’s mini cones. Sometimes I just want a little treat and these are the perfect size. The vanilla flavor is my favorite — and during fall, don’t miss the pumpkin ones! – Jen

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a collection of the best Trader Joes food must haves including frozen pumpkin ice cream cones, pumpkin cream cheese, pumpkin tortilla chips, and breakfast apple cider donuts

If you ask us, the best Trader Joe’s food items are their seasonal ones. That’s why we’ve rounded up even more Trader Joe’s must haves for the fall!

7. Trader Joe’s Must Haves For a Yummy Beverage: Instant Boba Kit

frozen instant boba kit Trader Joes food must haves

Here at GWS, we take our weekend boba runs very seriously, but with this Trader Joe’s item, you don’t have to wait until Saturday to get a sweet bevvie (it truly is one of the best things to buy…plus, talk about a money saver).

Just microwave one pack of tapioca pearls (which are brown sugar-flavored — YUM) and add them to your drink of choice. Instant boba from the comfort of your kitchen!

Why it’s a must have food item: If you love boba like I do, this Trader Joe’s kit has the best instant boba I have found. I like to mix it with some cold brew coffee to help unsweeten it a bit. It’s the perfect afternoon treat when I can’t run out to my local boba shop. – Jen

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8. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Dinner Parties: Mini Chicken Tikka Samosas

frozen healthy chicken tikka samosa Trader Joes food must haves

These mini samosas are made for sharing, but we wouldn’t blame you for keeping them all to yourself! With the perfect size for snacking, they’re one of the best Trader Joe’s food items to pull out for a dinner party, a charcuterie spread, or your 3 pm slump.

Pro Tip: serve them with sweet chili sauce for dipping — your tastebuds will thank you!

Why it’s a must have food item: If you need a quick and easy appetizer, these mini samosas from Trader Joe’s are always a hit when I serve them. They have the perfect amount of zing and are always gone SO FAST. I always keep these in my freezer in case of an unexpected guest! – Jen

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The Best Trader Joe’s Food Items And Must Haves From the Snack Aisle

a collage of the best healthy Trader Joes snack food must haves including rosemary almonds, mini dark chocolate covered pretzels, unsweetened dried mango and cashews in cashew butter

If you haven’t explored the world of Trader Joe’s snack food yet…wyd?! With inhale-worthy products that you can’t find anywhere else, TJ’s snacks really hit different. And yes, they have something for every craving, from crunchy and salty bites to chocolate-covered everything.

Keep scrolling for the best food items to buy from Trader Joe’s for when you’re craving something sweet, salty, or just plain snackable.

9. The Best TJ’s Item For a Post-Shopping Snack: Unsweetened Dried Mango Slices

healthy vegetarian unsweetened dried mango slices snack Trader Joes food items

Forget potato chips — these are the best Trader Joe’s food items to demolish by the handful. And as a bonus, this dried mango is also healthier! We suggest always having a bag handy for when those sugar cravings strike.

Why it’s a must have food item: This is my favorite post-shopping Trader Joe’s snack item. Tropical fruits like mango are a personal fave, and I love the chewier and more substantial texture when it’s dried. Plus, dried mango is already so sweet on its own, no added sugar necessary. So delish! – Sheena

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10. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Salty + Sweet Snacks: Dark Chocolate Covered Mini Pretzels

dark chocolate covered mini pretzel snack Trader Joes food must haves

When a chocolate bar sounds too sweet but pretzels sound too salty, this is THE best snack food product to buy from Trader Joe’s. These dark chocolate-covered pretzels truly give you the best of both worlds, all knotted up in a mini size that’s made for snacking.

Why they’re must haves: I love the combo of salty and sweet, and no snack food does it better than these dark chocolate-covered pretzels from Trader Joe’s. The dark chocolate is also the perfect amount of sweetness, without being overly intense. Between our whole fam, these tend to get almost entirely eaten before we even get home from the store. No shame! – Sheena

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11. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For the Ultimate Crunch: Seeds & Grains Crispbread

healthy seeds and grains crispread crackers snack food things to buy at Trader Joes

When it comes to the best snack food items, it’s all about that perfect crunch — and this seeds & grains crispbread from Trader Joe’s definitely understood the assignment! It’s filled with different types of nutritious seeds and grains (as the name implies), giving you the crunchiest bite every time.

Why it’s a must have food item: I love how nutrient-packed this Trader Joe’s crispbread is. If you’re a lover of seedy crackers, you’ll love this one. Personally, I’d recommend pairing it with some creamy brie cheese to contrast the seedy and crispy crunch of the cracker. SO GOOD. – Sheena

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12. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For a Healthy Alternative to Chips: Baked Inner Peas

Trader Joes baked green snap pea snack food must haves

Warning: these baked peas won’t last more than a few days in your pantry! Crunchy and savory, they’re one of the best snack food items to buy from Trader Joe’s when you’re craving a bag of chips, but want something a bit healthier.

And made with whole green peas, they’re a seriously delicious way to eat your veggies!

Why they’re must haves: These peas from Trader Joe’s are the best snack to satisfy that afternoon food craving. I love dipping them in hummus or just eating them straight out of the bag. They’re a 10/10 snack — no notes. – Hannah

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13. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For the Entire Family: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

dark chocolate peanut butter cups Trader Joes snack food must haves

These Trader Joe’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups are a cult favorite food item for a reason! Each chocolatey cup is filled with real peanut butter, so you get a creamy, rich, and decadent snack with every bite. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Why they’re must haves: My entire family loves these peanut butter cups from Trader Joe’s — they’re the perfect sweet snack food item! – Jen

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14. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Cheese Boards: Roasted Rosemary Marcona Almonds

healthy roasted rosemary marcona almonds Trader Joes snack food products

If you prefer healthy snack food over spikes of sugar, these roasted marcona almonds from Trader Joe’s are definitely a must have thing to buy. They’re sprinkled with sea salt and dusted with whole rosemary, so you’re getting ALL the flavor, minus the bad-for-you ingredients.

Why they’re must haves: I love making charcuterie boards (they’re technically a meal, right?), and Trader Joe’s is the best place to buy food items to snack on. And that includes these almonds! They add the perfect salty crunch to any board, especially paired with creamy cheese or savory salami. – Jen

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unique cheeseboard spread with nuts and fruit and cute pumpkin details

15. The Best TJ’s Item For Cashew Lovers: Cashew Butter Cashews

Trader Joes cashew butter covered cashews snack food must haves

The only thing better than normal cashews? Cashew butter cashews! For cashew lovers, this Trader Joe’s snack food item is the best in the biz and a total must buy. You’re getting double the cashew flavor, with a mix of honey roasted nuts and sweet creamy coating. What more could you ask for?!

Why they’re must haves: I like to buy this snack food item from Trader Joe’s as a special treat. It’s sweet. It’s salty. It’s crunchy. What more could you ask for?! – Hannah

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16. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Dipping: Quinoa and Black Bean Tortilla Chips

healthy vegetarian quinoa and black bean tortilla chips Trader Joes snack food must haves

Sure, you could buy normal tortilla chips for all your food dipping needs…or you could boost the flavor of every bite with these crunchy, savory, gluten free chips from Trader Joe’s instead. We know which option we’re choosing!

Why it’s a must have food item: Infused with healthy quinoa and black beans, these Trader Joe’s tortilla chips have a southwestern-inspired flavor that tastes AMAZING with salsa — or even on their own! I like pairing them with TJ’s salsa verde (or any spicy salsa) for an afternoon snack. – Hannah

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The Best Trader Joe’s Food Items And Must Haves From the Produce Area

a collage of the best healthy and fresh Trader Joes food must haves including colorful heirloom carrots, baby spinach, tiny avocados, and lemon chicken and arugula salad

When it comes to the best Trader Joe’s food items, the produce section really shines. This is where you can find healthy must haves at Trader Joe’s unbeatable prices — perfect for adding a little greenery to your food prep.

Ready to freshen up your grocery list? Read on for our favorite fresh food items to buy from Trader Joe’s, including must haves for lunch, dinner, and every snack in between!

17. The Best TJ’s Item For Drool-Worthy Greens: Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit

healthy lemon arugula and basil salad produce kit Trader Joes food items

Trust us when we say this salad kit makes eating your greens SO easy. It comes with all the best pre-packaged salad ingredients, so all you have to do is mix it together for the freshest side salad or healthy lunch. And that basil lemon vinaigrette? Perfection.

Why it’s a must have food item: Whenever this salad is available at Trader Joe’s, I stock up. I’m a sucker for arugula…it’s basically my #1 green. And this salad, with its shaved carrots and parmesan paired with that zesty and zingy dressing, is pretty much my dream combo. Trader Joe’s has a few great salad items in their produce section, but this one is the best. – Sheena

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18. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Guacamole Lovers: Teeny Tiny Avocados

healthy tiny avocado bag Trader Joes food must haves

You know the struggle — sometimes a large avocado is too much, and that saved half in the fridge never seems to stay fresh. Enter: these tiny avocados! With a bag of six teeny tiny avocados, this is one of the best Trader Joe’s food items for guacamole lovers, avocado toast enthusiasts, and everyone in between.

Why it’s a must have food item: These mini avocados from Trader Joe’s are perfect if you don’t want to waste an avocado. I love having these on hand for a quick lunch of avocado toast with a fried egg. – Jen

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19. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For a Colorful Dinner Plate: Les Petites Carrots of Many Colors

healthy les petites colorful carrots produce Trader Joes food must haves

Why settle for regular orange carrots when you could enjoy these colorful carrots instead? Perfect for adding some color to your dinner plate, these carrot bags contain an assortment of colors, from yellow to purple to classic orange — all peeled and ready to eat.

In other words, they’re one of the best Trader Joe’s food products to buy if you want to impress your dinner guests with a truly photo-worthy (and drool-worthy) spread.

Why it’s a must have food item: These colorful Trader Joe’s carrots are better than just your standard orange carrots, and no one can convince me otherwise. I love roasting these in the oven with some olive oil and rosemary. It’s one of my go-to dinner sides. – Sheena

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20. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item for a Healthy Boost: Baby Spinach

healthy Trader Joes bag of baby spinach produce must haves

While this may not be one of the most exciting Trader Joe’s food products on this list, it IS one of the best. After all, spinach is a superfood that goes with just about everything, and this bag is pre-washed, organic, and the perfect size for a week of meals. Popeye would definitely approve!

Why it’s a must have food item: I never leave Trader Joe’s without buying a bag of this baby spinach. I try to sneak it into as many meals as I can, from my breakfast smoothie to a stir fry or soup for dinner. It’s definitely a must have! – Hannah

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21. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Fruit Snacks: Sweet Red Cherries

fresh whole sweet red cherries fruit snack food things to buy at Trader Joes

Get your “5 a day” with these sweet red cherries! They’re so much more than your typical cherries, with a sweet candy-like flavor that’s perfect for snacking. If you’re looking for the best healthy snack items to buy from Trader Joe’s, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Why it’s a must have food item: These Trader Joe’s cherries are the BEST. If you haven’t tried them, you must! – Jen

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22. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Healthy Antioxidants: Steamed and Peeled Baby Beets

healthy steamed and peeled baby beets Trader Joes produce food must haves

Hear us out — these beets are one of the best food items you can buy in the Trader Joe’s produce section. They’re peeled, steamed, and ready to eat, perfect for easy snacking and serving. Plus, the antioxidants and nutrients in each bite are pretty hard to beat (pun intended!).

Why it’s a must have food item: I know not everyone is a fan of beets, but I’m honestly obsessed with them (and their health benefits!). My kiddo and I both just go crazy for these. I personally love sprinkling some feta cheese on them for a bit of a salty kick. The combo is unmatched. – Sheena

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23. The Best TJ’s Item For Smoothies (and Snacking): Pitted Dates

healthy organic pitted medjool date Trader Joes food items

As far as dates go, these products from Trader Joe’s are some of the best. They have a nice firm texture that’s great for snacking, cooking, or blending into smoothies. You can even chop them up and add them to a salad for a bit of sweetness. Talk about the perfect match!

Why it’s a must have food item: We recently started adding dates to our morning shakes and these Trader Joe’s ones are our faves! – Jen

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The Best Trader Joe’s Seasoning and Sauce Food Items and Must Haves

a collage of the best seasoning and sauce Trader Joes food must haves including healthy vegan pesto,  balsamic glaze, stir fry sauce, habanero hot sauce, and everything but the bagel seasoning

Here at GWS, we believe that no food is complete without a good smothering of sauce on top — and Trader Joe’s has the best of the best! Not only do TJ’s sauces and seasoning taste amazing, but so many are also made with healthy ingredients at amazing prices. In other words, feel free to stock up!

To take your food flavor game to the next level, here are our Trader Joe’s sauce and seasoning must haves (including the spice mix our team swears by!).

24. The Best TJ’s Item For a Spicy Kick: Habanero Hot Sauce

habanero hot sauce Trader Joes food items

Add a little ~spice~ to your food with this habanero hot sauce from Trader Joe’s. It has a serious kick, with a fiery habanero recipe that instantly elevates any dish. And for under $3, this is one of the best Trader Joe’s food items to test out your spicy side. Is it getting hot in here?!

Why it’s a must have food item: I’m a huge hot sauce lover, so I’m super picky when it comes to finding hot sauces that are actually spicy (to me) — but this one from Trader Joe’s is seriously mind-blowing. It’s SO spicy, so just a little goes a long way, and it also doesn’t sacrifice flavor. I add this to everything…eggs, pizza, tacos, you name it!  – Hannah

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25. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Vegans (and Beyond!): Vegan Kale, Cashew, & Basil Pesto

vegan kale cashew and basil pesto sauce Trader Joes food must haves

Kale, cashew, and basil, oh my! This Trader Joe’s item has everything you could ask for from a pesto sauce, AND it’s vegan to boot. We love how the cashew butter gives it a creaminess that’s just as good as (if not better than) a cheese-based pesto and the kale makes it extra healthy. Obsessed!

Why it’s a must have food item: No, I’m not vegan, but I actually buy this Trader Joe’s pesto over the standard kind every time. It has the perfect nutty flavor and works beautifully with the Trader Joe’s pizza dough to create a pesto-based pizza without soggyness (which I’ve noticed can happen with the non-vegan kind). – Sheena

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26. The Best TJ’s Item For Restaurant-Quality Stir Fry: General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce

vegan general tsao stir fry sauce Trader Joes food must haves

This Trader Joe’s General Tsao stir fry sauce takes any food items in your fridge and turns them into a crave-worthy meal. You’ll be skipping the Chinese take-out once you get a taste!

And if you’re not a fan of stir fry, it’s also great for dipping, marinating, or mixing with just about anything. Seriously, do NOT sleep on this sauce!

Why it’s a must have food item: We use this stir fry sauce to make a super easy weeknight dinner — cook it with garlic, onion, and a bag of veggies, and serve with Trader Joe’s frozen jasmine rice. We eat this as a vegetarian meal, but you can also add a protein like chicken to beef it up. The Trader Joe’s sauce makes it taste like take-out food from a Chinese restaurant, but healthier! – Hannah

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27. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For a Meditteranean Diet: Zhoug Sauce

healthy vegan zhoug sauce Trader Joes food must haves

If you don’t know what zhoug sauce is, it’s time to add this Trader Joe’s item to your food list IMMEDIATELY. This cilantro-based sauce is packed full of flavor, with a spicy base that will give your tastebuds an instant boost. Perfect for breathing some life back into your weekly meal prep!

Why it’s a must have food item: If you love adding a zesty Mediterranean kick to your food, this zhoug sauce from Trader Joe’s is the answer. It’s basically a spicy and herby sauce with a consistency somewhat similar to pesto.

I personally love pairing it with some pita chips for a delicious and spicy snack. But I’ve also tried it with everything from pasta to chicken, and it’s a total winner. This is probably my #1 favorite food item to buy from Trader Joe’s, tbh. – Sheena

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28. The Best TJ’s Item For Everything (but the Bagel): Everything But the Bagel Seasoning

everything but the bagel seasoning Trader Joes food must haves

Calling all bagel lovers! Inspired by an everything bagel, this Trader Joe’s product revolutionized the seasoning game — and it truly goes with every food item. Featuring a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt flakes, it really is a bit of everything (except the bagel, that is).

Why it’s a must have food item: This Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning is a tried and true fave for a reason. Avocado toast? Use this seasoning. A crispy slice of bread with butter? Use this seasoning. I’ve been a fan of everything bagels my entire life, and the seasoning is my obsession, so the moment it became a thing, I’ve always kept my spice cabinet stocked with it. – Sheena

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29. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Drizzling: Balsamic Glaze

balsamic glaze sauce Trader Joes food must haves

Our balsamic obsession knows no bounds, and this glaze is one of the best balsamic-infused food items to buy at Trader Joe’s. With the perfect dense texture, it truly makes any meal feel instantly luxurious. We wouldn’t blame you for drizzling it on everything!

Why it’s a must have food item: We use this Trader Joe’s balsamic glaze all the time during the summer. I love pairing it with a chicken, peach, burrata, and farro salad. It’s the perfect topping. – Jen

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30. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Your Spice Collection: 21 Seasoning Salute

healthy 21 seasoning salute spice mix Trader Joes food items

Feel free to clear out your spice collection, because this Trader Joe’s item is the only food seasoning you’ll ever need! Aptly named the 21 Seasoning Salute, it combines 21 essential spices — from parsley to cayenne pepper — minus the salt. Trust us when we say that a dash of this goes a looooong way.

Why it’s a must have food item: I used to be a Costco girlie with this one, always buying their No Salt Seasoning — but on one of my recent trips, they’d stopped carrying it at my location, so I tried Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute. And holy cow, the flavor is far superior. It has a slight lemon-y flavor that’s so fresh and delicious. My favorite way to use it is on my feta and arugula egg white scramble. It gives it the perfect zest. – Sheena

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The Best Trader Joe’s Dry Goods and Bakery Food Items

a collage of the best healthy vegetarian Trader Joes food must haves including farro, protein pancake mix, brioche buns and organic coconut milk

Now for our guilty pleasures — aka, the best dry goods and bakery food items to buy from Trader Joe’s! These are the carbs we can’t live without, plus some delicious (and healthy) products to add to your pantry ASAP.

Whether you’re looking for your new Sunday morning obsession or a unique way to bulk up your favorite food recipes, these Trader Joe’s must haves are here. for. you.

31. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Extra Protein: Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix

healthy buttermilk protein pancake mix breakfast Trader Joes food must haves

Nothing beats a pancake breakfast — especially when it comes with a side of extra protein! In addition to its delicious buttermilk flavor, this pancake mix also has 10 grams of protein and 29 grams of whole grains in every two pancakes.

Just add water (and maple syrup) and let this Trader Joe’s food item do the rest!

Why it’s a must have food item: Since it’s filled with extra protein and whole grains, this buttermilk pancake mix from Trader Joe’s makes me feel like I’m being a little bit healthy while eating pancakes. Plus, it tastes just as good as any other pancake mix and is super easy to whip up in the mornings. – Hannah

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32. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Bread Lovers: Brioche Buns

brioche buns Trader Joes food must haves from the bakery

When we tell you these Trader Joe’s brioche buns have some sort of food magic in them, we’re not lying. They manage to be extra rich AND extra fluffy at the same time, with a sweet flavor that’s just begging to be stuffed with your favorite filling. Perfect for hamburgers, breakfast sandwiches, BBQ, and more!

Why it’s a must have food item: I can’t stop, won’t stop talking about these Trader Joe’s brioche buns. If you love a super soft, moist bread with a sweet taste to it, brioche is your gal. We get these buns for hamburgers, but I’ve definitely been caught just snacking on them all on their own. They’re just THAT good. – Sheena

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33. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For a Healthy Alternative to Rice: 10 Minute Farro

10 minute farro healthy things to buy at Trader Joes

Tired of the same old rice or quinoa with your weeknight meals? Switch things up with this Trader Joe’s farro — it takes 10 minutes to cook and goes great with tons of different food items, from soup to salad. And as a bonus, farro is a great source of fiber, protein, and magnesium, so it’s also super healthy!

Why it’s a must have food item: I love this Trader Joe’s farro for salads or paired with a curry. It cooks fast, it’s healthy, and it’s the perfect chewy grain. – Jen

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bowls of creamy butternut squash soup topped with croutons and feta cheese

34. The Best TJ’s Item For Curry Recipes: Coconut Milk

vegan organic coconut milk Trader Joes food must haves

We all know and love almond milk and oat milk — but don’t overlook the deliciousness that is coconut milk! With a slightly sweeter taste than its fellow milk alternatives, coconut milk is great for smoothies, coffee, or Asian-inspired curries.

And yes, Trader Joe’s has some of the best coconut milk in the food scene — it’s organic, creamy, and totally free from gums and additives. Say no more!

Why it’s a must have food item: I buy this coconut milk from Trader Joe’s when I’m making curry at home. It has a super smooth and creamy texture, and I’m a sucker for anything coconut flavored! – Hannah

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Best Trader Joe’s Drink Items and Must Haves

a collage of the best Trader Joes drink item must haves including matcha green tea latte mix, cold pressed green juice and sparkling coconut water products

After trying out all these drool-worthy Trader Joe’s food items, you’re going to need something to wash them down with — and that’s where these drink must haves come in!

We’re suckers for a fun bevvie, and TJ’s definitely delivers. From yummy coffee alternatives to healthy juices (that don’t taste healthy), these are the best drink items to pair with your favorite Trader Joe’s food products. Cheers!

35. The Best TJ’s Item For Tea Lovers: Matcha Green Tea Latte Mix

matcha green tea latte drink mix Trader Joes food product must haves

If you’re anything like us, then you LOVE a matcha green tea latte…but you don’t love the price tag that comes with ordering it from a coffee shop. That’s why we’ve started skipping the matcha runs and buying our lattes from Trader Joe’s instead.

This Trader Joe’s product makes multiple creamy, sweet, and antioxidant-filled matcha lattes, all for the price of one to-go coffee. It’s definitely earned its place on our kitchen counters!

Why it’s a must have product: I absolutely love this matcha latte mix from Trader Joe’s. When I’m not in the mood for coffee, matcha is my next fave. They say to mix it with water and 5 scoops, but I prefer to mix it with milk and two scoops; it’s creamier this way and still holds all that delicious matcha flavor, without the massive sugar spike. – Sheena

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36. The Best TJ’s Item For Drinking Your Greens: Cold Pressed Green Juices

healthy vegan cold pressed green juice drink Trader Joes food products items

If you’re not a fan of eating your veggies, why not drink them instead?! You won’t believe how much healthy food they pack into this 8 oz. product from Trader Joe’s. With this juice, you can get your daily dose of greenery (and more!) in the time it takes to down the bottle.

Why they’re must haves: This might not be for everyone, but I LOVE buying the cold-pressed green juices from Trader Joe’s. They have kale, spinach, lettuce, grapefruit, cucumber, celery, and lemon, so they’re not too sweet (which I love) and I can easily get all my greens for the day. – Jen

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37. Trader Joe’s Must Have For a Refreshing Drink: Blood Orange Seltzer Water

healthy organic blood orange seltzer water drink Trader Joes food products must haves

We all know the struggle: you want a fun drink, but it’s too late for coffee, and too early for a cocktail. That’s where this blood orange seltzer water comes in! With a fresh and juicy flavor, it’s one of our weekly must haves from Trader Joe’s — and as a bonus it goes with just about any food!

Why they’re must haves: Blood orange is probably one of my all-time favorite seltzer flavors, and Trader Joe’s absolutely nails it. The fresh flavor of this seltzer is absolute perfection. I’ll drink it all on its own or use it as a mixer. Either way, it’s a win. – Sheena

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38. Trader Joe’s Must Haves For Summer Cocktails: Sparkling Coconut Water with Yuzu

sparkling coconut water with yuzu drink Trader Joes food products

Speaking of cocktails, this Trader Joe’s sparkling coconut water is one of our must haves to mix with gin or vodka for a summer cocktail. It’s infused with real yuzu purée, which adds a sweet touch to the refreshing coconut water. No other ingredients necessary.

Why they’re must haves: These cans of Trader Joe’s sparkling coconut water are a great healthy drink to enjoy alone or as an easy cocktail! – Jen

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The Best Trader Joe’s Food Items And Must Haves From the Dairy and Deli Sections

a collage of the best Trader Joes food must haves including smoked pulled chicken, burrata cheese and cheddar chicken sausage dinner items

As much as we LOVE Trader Joe’s specialty food items, it’s the old reliable products that keep us coming back. And at the top of our list is their range of high-quality dairy and deli food items, from protein must haves to Trader Joe’s famous cheeses (charcuterie board, anyone?!).

It just wouldn’t be a Trader Joe’s run without buying at least one of these healthy and delicious food items to add to your favorite recipes!

39. Trader Joe’s Comfort Food Must Haves: Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage

Trader Joes cheddar chicken sausage food must haves

Cheese and sausage are two of the best comfort food items, so it should come as no surprise that this is one of our favorite products to buy from Trader Joe’s. This sausage gives you the best of both worlds, with cheddar-filled chicken links that are also stuffed with caramelized onions and red peppers. Dinner is served.

Why it’s a must have food item: Fully cooked and ready to eat, this sausage goes great with the sweet potato gnocchi (another one of the best Trader Joe’s products that we mentioned earlier in this list!). It also works great in a stir fry or pasta. So many ways to use this sausage! – Jen

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40. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Cheese Lovers: Burrata Cheese

burrata cheese Trader Joes dairy food must haves

If you want to feel like you’re fine dining in Italy (without ever leaving your house), then add this Trader Joe’s food item to your grocery list ASAP. It comes in rich cloud-like balls, which transform into cheesy, creamy goodness when you slice them open. And yes, this burrata tastes just as good as it looks.

Why it’s a must have food item: I use mozzarella all the time — for salads, pastas, and more — and Trader Joe’s is where I buy my cheese. It has the best quality and price! – Jen

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41. The Best Trader Joe’s Food Item For Snack-Worthy Cheese: Whole Milk Fresh Mozzarrella Balls

whole milk fresh mozzarella cheese balls Trader Joes dairy food must haves

That’s right, we had to include another one of the best mozzarella food items to buy from Trader Joe’s — they’re just THAT good! These all natural mozzarella balls are made with whole milk fresh mozzarella, and their bite-sized shape makes them seriously snack-worthy. Consider yourself warned!

Why it’s a must have food item: It doesn’t get better than fresh mozzarella, and Trader Joe’s has the best of the best! I eat these straight out of the container or with a handful of crackers. – Hannah

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42. The Best TJ’s Item For a Winning Chicken Dinner: Hardwood Smoked Pulled Chicken

Trader Joe's healthy smoked pulled chicken food must have item

Calling all carnivores! Another one of the best chicken products to buy from Trader Joe’s, this hardwood smoked pulled chicken is for true meat lovers. It’s smoky, it’s tender, and it can easily be heated up in the oven or microwave.

For the days you want to take your food to the next level, this Trader Joe’s item is a winner. (Did someone say winner winner chicken dinner?!)

Why it’s a must have food product: This Trader Joe’s item is a new find for me, but I’m currently obsessed. It’s perfect to add to salads for a quick lunch and the flavor is sooo good. – Jen

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Best Trader Joe’s Beauty Products and Must Haves

a collage of the best Trader Joes beauty products including honey mango shaving cream, spf 40 sunscreen, brazil nut body scrub, and argan oil items

If you only shop at Trader Joe’s for the food items, you’re seriously missing out on their beauty products!

While Trader Joe’s may not be the first place you think of when it comes to your beauty routine, they have some of the best skincare must haves, with prices and ingredients that will put your Sephora faves to shame. Read on for our faves!

43. The Best TJ’s Beauty Product For Moisturized Hair, Nails, and Skin: 100% Organic Argan Oil

100% organic argan oil Trader Joes beauty product must haves

Say hello to your best skin, hair, AND nails with this amazing beauty product from Trader Joe’s. Super nourishing and lightweight, this 100% organic argan oil is designed to give you mega moisture, without leaving an oily residue. And it really works.

Once you buy this item from Trader Joe’s, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Why it’s a must have item: It’s super easy for 100% argan oil to get expensive, but Trader Joe’s literally has the least expensive product I can find. I stock up on a few of these every year and love using them to manage my curls. It also makes for a great final layer over my moisturizer on drier spots on my body. Such a versatile product. – Sheena

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44. Trader Joe’s Must Have Beauty Product For Your Skincare Routine: Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum

Trader Joe's hyaluronic acid moisture boost serum beauty product must haves

If you spend any time on the beauty side of TikTok, then you know that hyaluronic acid is one of the best items to add to your skincare routine — and surprisingly, it’s also one of the best products to buy from Trader Joe’s. Skip Sephora and add this affordable bottle to your grocery cart instead.

Why it’s a must have item: Hyaluronic acid is another beauty product that can get pricey, largely because of brand names, but this Trader Joe’s one is a steal. It’s great for anyone whose skin needs that extra boost of moisture before they dive into their full skincare routine. This is the first step in mine, and I apply it to a slightly damp face for full effect. – Sheena

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45. Trader Joe’s Must Have Beauty Product For a Luxury Dupe: Daily Facial Sunscreen

Trader Joes daily facial sunscreen beauty products items

If there’s one product you should buy from the Trader Joe’s beauty aisle, it’s this one. We know the struggle of finding a good facial sunscreen — they either leave a white cast or cause major break-outs. But not this one!

Featuring a translucent, oil-free formula with SPF 40, this Trader Joe’s sunscreen is truly one of our must haves….and we’re not alone. It’s a holy grail product for a reason!

Why it’s a must have product: This Trader Joe’s sunscreen has gone viral for being a dupe of the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. And at $9 it’s such a steal! – Jen

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46. The Best TJ’s Beauty Product For Silky Smooth Skin: Honey Mango Moisturizing Shave Cream

honey mango moisturizing shaving cream Trader Joes beauty products items

Moisturizing shaving cream that smells amazing, is made with gentle ingredients (aka, aloe vera and vitamin E), and doesn’t break the bank? It’s no wonder this is one of the best non-food items to buy from Trader Joe’s!

Why it’s a must have item: This shaving cream from Trader Joe’s smells like mangos and is buttery soft. My skin feels dolphin-smooth after using it. Can’t ask for anything more. Plus, the tube lasts forever, and a little truly goes a long way. – Sheena

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47. Trader Joe’s Beauty Must Have Product For Spa Vibes: Brazil Nut Body Scrub

tub of Trader Joes brazil nut body scrub beauty products must haves

This Trader Joe’s body scrub is THE beauty product of the summer, so we suggest buying it before it sells out. It’s mega moisturizing, lightly exfoliating, and smells like summer. Plus, the aloe leaf and guarana extracts give it an antioxidant boost…so your skin will be thanking you.

Pro Tip: since these body scrubs are seasonal products, we suggest stocking up now — or if you want them year-round, you can also buy these Trader Joe’s must haves on Amazon!

Why it’s a must have product: I just picked up this Trader Joe’s body scrub the other week and it’s SO GOOD. It smells amazing and the texture is the perfect graininess for a body scrub. – Jen

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Want More Editor-Approved Favorite Trader Joe’s Must Haves?

a collage of the best Trader Joes breakfast food must haves including a jar of crunchy almond butter, frozen almond croissants, healthy overnight oats, and a bag of nectarines

We love Trader Joe’s food items so much that we created an entire list of the best must haves for fall. Grab your shopping cart!

What food items or beauty products do you love to buy from Trader Joe’s? Let us know in the comments below!

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