Best Things to Buy Sorted by Category + Photos ·

20 May 2024, 00:00

Insider has rounded up a list of the best items to snag from Trader Joe's.
Seasonal foods like the pepita salsa and sweet-corn, burrata, and basil ravioli are worth the buy.
You should always pick up fan-favorites like the Unexpected Cheddar and soy chorizo.

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Insider has tried and reviewed over 140 Trader Joe's products so you don't have to.

Here are some of the best foods from the beloved chain, from seasonal offerings to classic fan favorites:

Fan favorites

Every year, loyal Trader Joe's shoppers vote on their favorite products during the Customer Choice Awards.

Insider has tried 18 of those award-winning staples to see if they were truly worth the hype — and some definitely are.

The Unexpected Cheddar cheese is the perfect addition to any charcuterie board

Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar is a beloved cheese at the chain. Savanna Swain-Wilson

At just $5, this chunk of cheddar has been crowned the chain's best cheese seven years in a row.

It tastes like something you could find on a cheese plate from a fancy wine bar, with a distinct, yet nuanced flavor that boasts notes of Parmesan.

This cheese would make an excellent addition to sandwiches or pizzas, but also has a great enough texture — both crumbly and soft — to hold its own on a platter.

For a full review, read I tried Trader Joe's award-winning cheese, and it's the best $5 I've spent in a long time.

Trader Joe's soy chorizo is a tasty and versatile staple

Trader Joe's soy chorizo can be prepared many ways. Paige Bennett

This vegetarian/vegan winner may taste even better than its meat counterpart.

Trader Joe's meat alternative is flavorful enough to spice up any dish and sports the texture of a cross between pork sausage and ground beef.

This soyrizo is also incredibly versatile — it would work well in breakfasts, like scrambled eggs, and dinners, like vegetarian tacos.

For a full review and recipe ideas, read My 5 favorite ways to enjoy Trader Joe's soy chorizo, the best vegetarian food at the chain.

The chain's Everything but the Bagel seasoning is a game-changer

Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend is a staple in many homes. Savanna Swain-Wilson

Insider's Savanna Swain-Wilson dubbed this staple a "kitchen superpower" for its ability to elevate any dish.

Consisting of toasted sesame and poppy seeds, minced onion, dried garlic, and sea salt, this umami blend tastes great on avocado toast, burgers, and more.

For more fan-favorite recommendations, read I tried 22 of Trader Joe's award-winning foods, and would buy at least 18 of them again.

Seasonal offerings

Trader Joe's is known for its seasonal products, perfect for everything from summer cookouts to Halloween festivities.

Trader Joe's pink-and-white shortbread cookies would be great at any spring picnic

Trader Joe's pink-and-white shortbread cookies are nice and sweet. Savanna Swain-Wilson

These colorful cookies are both adorable and tasty, with a cute floral shape, creamy yogurt coating, and rainbow sprinkles. Swain-Wilson compared them to the "frosted circus-animal cookies" she ate as a kid.

In addition to their sweet taste, they sport a crumbly texture similar to that of a graham cracker.

The candy-coated almonds are a satiating dessert or snack

These chocolaty nuts are cute and tasty. Savanna Swain-Wilson

Covered in a pastel candy shell, these chocolaty almonds are both crunchy and delicious.

The healthy fats from the nuts make them more filling than some other treats, and they'd be a welcome addition to spring picnics or snack tables.

For more spring recommendations, read I tried 27 of Trader Joe's seasonal spring products, and there are only a few I wouldn't buy again.

The chain's summer sweet-corn, burrata, and basil ravioli may be the chain's best

Trader Joe's sweet-corn, burrata, and basil ravioli is a popular pick. Savanna Swain-Wilson

Swain-Wilson wrote that this pillowy ravioli "captures the essence of the perfect summer pasta."

This delicious blend of sweet corn and creamy burrata boasts a fresh flavor and holds up in the cooking process.

Mix with a simple, buttery sauce and fresh herbs to serve.

For more summer recommendations, read I tried 15 of Trader Joe's seasonal summer products, and there are only 2 I wouldn't buy again.

The pepita salsa is a delicious fall staple with a kick

Trader Joe's pepita salsa pairs well with a sturdy chip. Savanna Swain-Wilson

A typical mix of garlic, onion, and tomato, this salsa relies on chipotle powder for its source of spice.

The red pepper also balances the heat with a welcomed sweetness, making this the perfect addition to any fall snack table.

This gluten-free pumpkin-bread mix makes baking easy

Trader Joe's gluten-free pumpkin-bread mix just calls for an egg, oil, and water. Savanna Swain-Wilson

Pumpkin bread is a fall staple, and this boxed mix makes it simple to whip up — plus it's gluten-free.

Simply combine this mix with an egg, oil, and water and bake it for less than an hour.

Swain-Wilson said the final product wasn't "overly sweet" but still boasted the iconic pumpkin-spice flavor.

For more fall recommendations, read I tried 38 of Trader Joe's fall foods, and would buy at least 28 of them again.

The chain's candy-cane Joe-Joe's ice cream is like a winter wonderland

Trader Joe's candy-cane Joe-Joe's ice cream can be found in the winter. Savanna Swain-Wilson

This seasonal vanilla ice cream combines peppermint flavor, dark-chocolate fudge, and chocolate-peppermint Joe-Joe cookies into a delicious winter dessert.

It also sports a rich texture while maintaining the right amount of softness, making it difficult to put down.

Trader Joe's sells a Danish almond Kringle in the winter

This Kringle comes from a bakery in Wisconsin. Savanna Swain-Wilson

These Kringles often sell out fast, and for good reason.

Imported from a bakery in Wisconsin, these large pastries are flaky and sweet. Swain-Wilson deemed it "a cross between a traditional Danish and croissant."

Plus it's quite large, so you can enjoy it with your morning coffee for days.

For more winter recommendations, read I tried 36 of Trader Joe's holiday foods, and would buy at least 24 of them again.

Snacks

Trader Joe's is known for snacking staples that are worthy of space in your pantry or freezer, ranging from spicy and salty to creamy and sweet.

The chili-lime corn chips are packed with flavor

Trader Joe's chili-lime rolled corn chips are a solid level of spice. Paige Bennett

These rolled corn chips deliver on both spice and flavor.

Perfect for snacking and dipping, the chili-lime flavor pairs great with many of the chain's popular salsas and dips.

Hold the Cone ice-cream treats are a perfect snack

Trader Joe's Hold the Cone ice cream has seasonal varieties, too. Savanna Swain-Wilson

These miniature ice-cream cones come in an array of flavors — like coffee, chocolate chip, and vanilla — making for the perfect, versatile dessert.

And each cone has a velvety chocolate coating that automatically takes this sweet treat to the next level.

The dark-chocolate peanut-butter cups are worth stocking up on

Trader Joe's dark-chocolate peanut-butter cups win awards for a reason. Savanna Swain-Wilson

These delicious bites are a shopping-list staple for many since they're wonderfully creamy and make a convenient nightcap or dessert.

The iconic combo of peanut butter and dark chocolate is always a winner, so they're the perfect thing to satisfy your sweet tooth.

For more snack recommendations, read I tried Trader Joe's award-winning sweet and savory snacks, but the runner-ups were even better.

Dips

No cookout or party is complete without an array of dips — a specialty of the grocery chain.

The caramelized-onion dip is a mouthwatering blend of creamy onion and garlic

Trader Joe's caramelized-onion dip is quite versatile. Savanna Swain-Wilson

With actual chunks of caramelized onion, this dip is the epitome of everything Trader Joe's does right.

Rich and creamy, it may not be a refrigerator staple, but it certainly deserves a spot on any and every snack table or platter.

Trader Joe's tzatziki tastes like something from a fancy restaurant

Trader Joe's tzatziki is perfect for dipping vegetables. Savanna Swain-Wilson

Swain-Wilson wrote that she considers the chain's tzatziki the most balanced store-bought option she's tried.

It's not as dill-forward as many others, with fresh herbs backing up the lemon and garlic flavors instead of taking the front seat.

And the ribbons of refreshing cucumber make it the perfect, cool treat to enjoy at a picnic or with a fresh dinner.

The jalapeño pub-cheese dip is extremely snackable and tasty

Trader Joe's jalapeño pub-cheese dip is creamy. Savanna Swain-Wilson

This dip is the perfect combination of cheesy and spicy.

The bold and sharp cheddar from the real cheese pairs wonderfully with the minced jalapeño mixed in throughout.

Plus its thick texture makes it ideal for dipping.

Frozen appetizers

Trader Joe's has a variety of options for at-home entertainers who want to impress their guests. Insider has tried over a dozen of them to find the best options.

The mac-and-cheese bites are solid, especially if you add a sauce

Trader Joe's mac-and-cheese bites can be cooked in an air fryer. Lucien Formichella

The mac-and-cheese bites have a crispy breading and creamy center. Food writer Lucien Formicella was a fan of these bites, especially for a party, and wrote these can be enhanced if they were paired with a tasty sauce for dipping.

Trader Joe's pastry bites with feta and caramelized onions are also a hit

Trader Joe's pastry bites have caramelized onion and feta. Lucien Formichella

The pastry bites come with melty cheese and flavorful onions and a flaky crust. As a bonus, they can be prepared in an air fryer in just a few minutes.

For the full breakdown of frozen appetizers, read I ate every frozen appetizer I could find at Trader Joe's. Here's what is and isn't worth buying for a party.

Frozen entrées

Trader Joe's freezer aisle is a wonderland of easy lunches and dinners.

Even though the Mandarin orange chicken won best entrée at the 12th annual Customer Choice Awards for the seventh year in a row, the chain also offers some worthy contenders.

The Mandarin orange chicken is impressively good

Trader Joe's Mandarin orange chicken is a regular fan-favorite item for a reason. Savanna Swain-Wilson

An award-winning favorite, this entrée captures all of the best parts of the iconic chicken dish.

The breaded pieces of meat crisp up nicely in the oven, and the balanced sweet and tangy sauce perfectly clings to every bit.

It's great paired with rice or on its own.

The chicken Tikka masala is a must-buy

Trader Joe's chicken Tikka masala is a must-buy. Savanna Swain-Wilson

This dish comes together in four minutes in the microwave, filling any kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of Tikka masala.

The perfectly cooked chicken, flavorful rice, and balanced spices hit all of the marks, making this option the ideal comfort meal.

Trader Joe's sweet-potato gnocchi tastes homemade

Trader Joe's sweet-potato gnocchi with butter-and-sage sauce. Savanna Swain-Wilson

This meal is delicious and so easy to throw together since everything, including the sauce, comes premixed.

The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the peppery sage sauce, making it the perfect convenient dinner or lunch.

For more entrée recommendations, read I tried Trader Joe's award-winning entrée, but some of the runner-ups were as good as the winner.

The mushroom ravioli comes with a tasty truffle sauce

The ravioli's filling is savory and tasty. Savanna Swain-Wilson

This frozen ravioli pairs soft pockets of mushroom-ricotta filling with a rich truffle sauce. The combination boasts an impressively buttery and savory quality.

If you're craving an easy comfort meal, look no further than this option.

The garlic-and-pesto pizza cooks well in the oven

This pizza's crust is great. Savanna Swain-Wilson

With dollops of pesto, four Italian cheeses, and garlic, this pizza is simple, yet delicious.

The crust is also impressive for a made-at-home pizza, as it's airy and buttery enough to seem fresh.

Swain-Wilson deemed it one of the best frozen pizzas she's ever had.

The yellow jackfruit curry is a great frozen, vegan option

This yellow jackfruit curry comes with jasmine rice. Savanna Swain-Wilson

This yellow curry includes jackfruit as its plant-based source of protein, as well as a mix of tasty bell peppers, onions, and eggplant.

The curry and rice are separated in the package, so you can choose to alternate bites or mix the meal together.

It comes together in about five minutes in the microwave.

For more frozen entrée recommendations, read I tried 15 popular frozen entrées from Trader Joe's, and would buy at least half of them again.

Breakfasts

From fresh takes on cereal to mouthwatering pastries, Trader Joe's has a range of breakfast options worth trying.

Trader Joe's date, coconut, and chocolate bar is the perfect on-the-go breakfast

Trader Joe's date, coconut, and chocolate bar is easy to grab and go. Savanna Swain-Wilson

Swain-Wilson described these tasty bars as an impressive "cross between a brownie, Clif Bar, and luxurious candy."

The unsweetened chocolate bring out the caramelly undertones of the dates without being too sugary, and the coconut serves as a great binder.

The strawberry-yogurt O's are a unique twist on classic cereal

Trader Joe's strawberry-yogurt O's pair well with milk. Savanna Swain-Wilson

This morning treat combines circular cereal with tasty strawberry-yogurt bites, and the addition of freeze-dried strawberries takes this meal to the next level.

Just pair with your milk of choice to serve.

These cinnamon rolls strike the perfect balance of buttery and sweet

Trader Joe's cinnamon rolls with vanilla icing are an easy weekend breakfast option. Savanna Swain-Wilson

Swain-Wilson wrote that these rolls "smelled and tasted like something I'd buy from a bakery," yet they sell for just a fraction of the price.

Each tasty bun sports a generous amount of cinnamon on every layer, which balances the sugary glaze.

They're great for hosting friends and family for brunch or enjoying with a cup of coffee.

For more breakfast recommendations, read I tried 18 of Trader Joe's popular breakfast foods, and I'd buy most of them again.

Specialty ravioli

From sweet options to savory staples, the grocery chain sells an array of ravioli flavors.

Since most of them cook up in mere minutes, these refrigerated ravioli make for an easy weeknight dinner.

The lemon-and-ricotta ravioli is the perfect refreshing meal for spring and summer

Trader Joe's lemon-and-ricotta ravioli is perfect for summer. Savanna Swain-Wilson

Swain-Wilson wrote that this ravioli has become one of her favorite Trader Joe's finds.

The combination of ricotta, bread crumbs, and lemon zest with the light pasta makes for a delicious and refreshing meal.

Plus it doesn't need a heavy sauce, just some oil or butter, pepper, and extra lemon zest.

Trader Joe's caprese ravioli is wonderfully simple

Trader Joe's caprese ravioli is classic. Savanna Swain-Wilson

Boasting the beloved combination of tomato, basil, and cheese, these pasta pockets sport a rich blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella while still feeling light.

Simplicity at its finest, this meal can be whipped up in a matter of minutes.

The chain's cacio-e-pepe ravioli is a standout option

Trader Joe's cacio-e-pepe ravioli has pepper-infused pasta. Savanna Swain-Wilson

This specialty ravioli stuffs the iconic flavors of cacio e pepe in pepper-infused pockets with ricotta.

Both creamy and salty, the combination is rich and decadent.

Best of all, it cooks up in less than six minutes and doesn't even need a sauce to taste good.

For more ravioli recommendations, read I tried 13 of Trader Joe's specialty raviolis and ranked them from worst to best.

Pasta sauces

The three-cheese pomodoro sauce is a splendid option

Trader Joe's three-cheese pomodoro sauce feels rustic. Savanna Swain-Wilson

Trader Joe's three-cheese pomodoro sauce, which includes Romano, Asiago, and Parmesan, has large chunks of tomato and a rustic, home-cooked, slow-cooked feel to it.

If you want something that tastes like it was hand-crafted with ingredients from a garden in the Italian countryside, go with this sauce.

Trader Joe's creamy tomato-basil sauce is rich and tasty

Trader Joe's creamy tomato-basil sauce is herby and tasty. Isabel Fernandez Pujol/Insider Photo

Trader Joe's creamy tomato-basil sauce tastes more decadent than your usual marinara, with Parmesan that adds a layer of salt to round out the sauce.

Add a sprig of fresh basil to bring out the herbs even more, and this stuff is pure gold straight out of the jar.

The chain's roasted-garlic marinara has an impressive depth of flavor

Trader Joe's roasted-garlic marinara sauce is perfect for a last-minute meal. Savanna Swain-Wilson

The roasted garlic truly elevates this sauce into a league of its own by adding an extra dimension of irresistible flavor.

Though the flavor us prominent, it doesn't overshadow the tomatoes or other herbs so it tastes quite well-rounded.

For more pasta sauce recommendations, read I ranked all of the jarred pasta sauces I found at Trader Joe's from worst to best, and I'd eat the winner by the spoonful.

Seasoning blends

The chain sells a variety of unique seasoning blends, including options that imitate a condiment like ketchup or dishes like Mexican corn.

Each blend was mixed into sour cream and used as a dip for carrots and water crackers.

The Cuban Style Citrusy Garlic Seasoning Blend has strong flavors

Trader Joe's Cuban Style Citrusy Garlic Seasoning Blend has acidic and salty notes. Chelsea Davis

Per the seasoning's label, the Cuban Style Citrusy Garlic Seasoning Blend is supposed to be "an homage to the Mojo sauce," a Cuban marinade made with orange and garlic.

A little bit of the tart, citrusy seasoning goes a long way and can be used to make an amazing dry rub on meats.

Trader Joe's Ranch Seasoning Blend works great in a dip

Trader Joe's Ranch Seasoning Blend can be used alongside vegetables or even popcorn. Chelsea Davis

The ranch flavor can work for a variety of snacks, including vegetables and crackers.

The seasoning blend has a standard ranch flavor that tastes great with sour cream.

The Seasoning in a Pickle Seasoning Blend is a delicious choice

Trader Joe's Seasoning in a Pickle Seasoning Blend has tanginess and bite. Chelsea Davis

The Seasoning in a Pickle Seasoning Blend lives up to its name, as it's super dilly and has the tang of a real pickle.

The flavor can go on everything from bagels and cream cheese to french fries. It also tastes great mixed with sour cream as a dip for snacks.

For more seasoning blend recommendations, read I tried 8 Trader Joe's seasoning blends and ranked them from worst to best.

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Best Things to Buy Sorted by Category + Photos

Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app Advertisement Insider has tried and reviewed over 140 Trader Joe's products so you don't have to.