Our Favorite Trader Joe’s Grocery Staples
My week doesn’t start until our family’s fridge is fully stocked.
Kels here! It’s a part of my Monday morning routine to do our family’s weekly grocery shopping. In fact, my week doesn’t feel organized or like it’s even started until I complete this task. It’s something I actually REALLY look forward to. It’s kind of like starting the day with a warm cup of coffee; it just gets me into the “Let’s do this” mind-frame. And because I’m such a creature of habit, week after week my shopping carts tend to look the same. Which I love, because I’ve found our family’s favorite Trader Joe’s grocery staples that work for us!
Before I dive into what those items are, I thought I’d share why we love Trader Joe’s so much.
4 Reasons My Family Likes To Shop At Trader Joe’s
- They buy direct from suppliers whenever possible. I did a little research and found that they don’t charge their suppliers certain fees that most grocers do, and they contract early. All these pennies saved on their end equate to savings on our end too. With all this in mind, I’ve definitely found that they usually have the best-valued price!
- If an item doesn’t pull its weight in their stores, it gets pulled to make space for something else. This means there’s nothing mediocre on their shelves – it’s usually all tried-and-true!
- Their business model lends itself not only to lower prices, but also to a commitment to certain suppliers and items. It results in some unique branding opportunities and allows customers to really “get to know” certain items they won’t be able to find elsewhere.
- The staff is quirky, engaging, interesting, knowledgeable, helpful and has generally seems to have a nice respect for my time.
- The samples!?? Free samples aren’t always for everyone all the time, but if they’re for you… they got ’em!
I will say I’m pleased and sometimes even shocked with the total amount I owe on my weekly shopping trip to Trader Joe’s. It is by far the most cost effective quality grocery store in my area!
Now that you know why I love to go there, I thought it’d be helpful to share what my favorite items are from Trader Joe’s! Because they buy direct from suppliers, they have a lot of unique items you may not find anywhere else, and I always find it fun and helpful to hear suggestions from other Trader Joe’s lovers.
Here Are My 20 Favorite Staples
1. PB+J Bars
These are SO delicious and nutritious for all ages! My kids in particular LOVE these bars and they are so easy to grab on the go when you’re short on time. I personally love one of these as some fuel after a workout!
2. TJ’s Mediterranean Hummus
I can honestly say after having this hummus, I NEVER buy any other brand. It is THAT delicious; it honestly tastes like you’re right off the boat in the Greek Islands.
3. Frozen Chili Lime Chicken Burgers
My husband and I discovered these when he was doing the Whole 30 diet before Thanksgiving. At first I was unsure if I’d like them, but to my delightful surprise, these chicken burgers are AMAZING. We love to grill or pan fry them then add a fried egg on top.
4. Goat Cheese + Caramelized Onion Appetizer Bites
I like to think of myself as a 50/50 homebody/socialite. I’m social and lucky enough to have lots of amazing friends I cherish….but I also have grown into a giant homebody since settling down and starting a family. When social Kels is out and about, or if I’m hosting, these frozen appetizers from Trader Joe’s make an appearance. They are always a hit and disappear within minutes at any party.
5. Garlic Naan
Another easy meal addition. We love to throw these in the oven at 400 degrees for 5 minutes for amazingly satisfying crispy yet chewy (I know those adjectives don’t go together, but try it and you’ll feel me) naan to go with any main dish. Our personal favorite is to eat it as a side, or even dip it in, our favorite Trader Joe’s soup (#20). Spread a little butter and let it melt for extra decadence.
6. Frozen Brown Rice
In just 3 minutes, you get the fluffiest rice you’ve ever had. We eat this almost every night.
7. Gluten + Dairy-Free Pancakes
I accidentally bought these for my kids not seeing they were gluten and dairy free. Trust me on this – they’re delicious! You’d never know they’re gluten and dairy free. I eat them for my own breakfast now with a little bit of fruit on top.
8. Cauliflower Fried Rice
I like to cook it straight on the pan with no oil. Add a scrambled egg, rotisserie chicken, and a little soy sauce at the end and you’ve got yourself a delicious Chinese food dinner 100 times healthier and better than your favorite take out!
9. Cauliflower Gnocchi
A pro tip for this dish: Don’t follow the directions on the bag. We’ve mastered this dish by baking in oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes then finishing off on a non stick skillet (no oil) and pan frying until crisp on outside. Top with your favorite sauce, and it’s perfection. The key to any cauliflower substitute dish is managing/minimizing the moisture to prevent mushiness. If you keep it crisp, you’ve got a winner!
10. “Just Sauce” Turkey Bolognese
This is up there with the best pasta sauces I’ve ever had. It’s in the frozen section and you just throw it in a sauce pan and heat it up. We love to eat this with our cauliflower gnocchi or on top of spaghetti squash or zoodles.
11. Broccoli and Cauliflower Florets
Another weekly go-to of ours. Toss these pre-chopped, ready-to-go broccoli and cauliflower bites with some olive oil and your favorite seasoning, and bake in oven for 30 mins at 400 degrees. Voila! You have the perfect crispy veggie side dish.
12. Haricot Verts
These come in a bag trimmed, washed, and ready to go. They’re a nice compliment to any main course! We like to pan sauté them at high heat in a little oil, seasoning and sauces, and pull them when still crisp with a blistered outside.
13. Sugar Snap Peas
Also washed and ready to eat, these are great with any dip or even plain. In my house, they’re most often employed to taxi the Mediterranean Hummus from the bowl to my mouth.
14. Marinated Carne Asada
In the meat section, you will find this delicious steak in a vacuum sealed bag ready to throw on the grill. Our favorite way to eat this is by making soft tacos out of them.
15. Grilled Rosemary Chicken Breasts
I would eat this chicken every day for lunch. They are pre-grilled, vacuum sealed, balsamic rosemary seasoned chicken breasts. They’re delicious plain or on a quick salad for lunch!
16. Vanilla Just the Clusters Cereal
This may not be the healthiest item on the list, but trust me, you will thank me for introducing you. Also an amazing yogurt or dessert topping option.
17. Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
The best beverage! Drink it plain, add it to smoothies, use as a coffee creamer, or to eat with your cereal.
18. TJ’s Chili Lime Seasoning
This magical flavored spice will enhance the flavor of everything from meats to veggies (SO good on grilled corn) to eggs. Trust me, you won’t turn back!
19. Low Sodium Roasted Red Pepper Soup
A winter staple. Pour it right out of the carton into a pot to heat up. We always sauté onions and yellow peppers, then add the veggies it to the bottoms of our bowls of the soup!
20. Cowboy Caviar
Another appetizer hit for any party or event. A great salsa option that has just the right about of spice. Pairs well with chips, mixed into scrambled eggs, or as a topping for a Mexican bowl or tacos.
I could honestly go on forever and list about 100 items, but then we would be here all day! These are definitely my go-to favorite Trader Joe’s grocery staples that never fail me. The BEST thing of all, as I mentioned, is every item on this list is a great value and fresh.
Pro tip before I end this post: If you want to try anything before you buy it, just ask! They have a ‘yes’ attitude in general.
What are your favorite Trader Joe’s grocery staples? Do you have items you get week-over-week that never fail you? Leave your suggestions in the comments below!
PS – Gorgeous Fall Trader Joe’s Flower Arrangements + My New Favorite Trader Joe’s Meal Prep Resource
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