There is something so cheerful about Trader Joe’s grocery stores. A Hawaiian shirt dress code year round, an on-site artist to craft up signs for every product on the shelf, and ever enthusiastic “crew members” ringing bells and working the cash register create an inviting, eclectic vibe. Here’s my list of Trader Joe’s best products!
Trader Joe's best products
#5: Dark Chocolate Pistachios
Pistachios are having a hot moment this year, especially because of viral trends like the Dubai chocolate bar, but also because they are darn delicious and healthy. These Dark Chocolate Covered Pistachios are a great treat at snack time, and I always buy them when I make a batch of Alex’s Favorite Trail Mix. I have yet to see dark chocolate pistachios at any other store, but even if they are, I doubt they could beat Trader Joe’s price of $4.49/bag.
Trader Joe's Best Products
#4: Freeze Dried Strawberries
Fellow bakers know one of the best ways to get extra flavor into a cake or cookie is to use pulverized freeze dried fruit. My favorite thing to do with these freeze dried strawberries is to grind them in a food processor and make neapolitan cookies. But you could also scatter some over your cereal or oatmeal and it would be divine. Trader Joe’s also has the best price I’ve seen on freeze dried strawberries: $2.99/bag.
Trader Joe's Best Products
#3: Garlic Spread
Also known as toum in Mediterranean cuisine, this bright, garlicky spread goes perfectly with chicken and roasted vegetable bowls. It also makes a great dip for pita chips, a combo I highly recommend if you are asked to bring the chips to a Super Bowl party. (Bring some sliced bell peppers to make a colorful plate.) The Trader Joe’s brand beats out the Toom brand because it is the same product, but $2 less at $3.69.
Trader Joe's Best Products
#2: Salsa Authentica
Hand to heart, this is the best jarred salsa on the market, and Trader Joe’s sells it for $2.29! It is perfectly balanced for people who like a little zip but it’s not so overpowering for people who are afraid of spice. It’s got the right amount of salt for bringing out that tomato and chili dance. It goes with chips, tacos, bowls, scrambled eggs, nachos, and whatever else you want to put salsa on. I use it to make creamy taco soup! Its green counterpart, Salsa Verde, is excellent cooked with the Trader Joe’s Carnitas.
Trader Joe's Best Products
#1: Dijon Mustard
I have tried every dijon mustard from every store in my vicinity. I have even brought mustard back from open markets in France. I LOVE Dijon mustard, but honestly, no other mustard compares to the Trader Joe’s Dijon mustard. It has the perfect bite that produces a warm burn in your nose! It’s the real deal. I use it in chicken salad sandwiches, dressings, deviled eggs, and cheeseburgers. It also goes well with these hot turkey sandwiches.
Other noteworthy products at Trader Joe's...
Flowers! They have a fantastic variety to choose from in so many colors. They also sell the flowers of the season which I can appreciate from an environmental standpoint. At Christmastime I’ll buy red and white roses, holly, and eucalyptus from TJ’s. It makes a great arrangement and it’s way less expensive than florists. We make flower arranging a fun holiday activity in our house!
Cheese. Trader Joe’s has a great selection of exotic cheeses, especially for the price. The best for putting together a cheese board are Manchego, raw Swiss gruyere, and New Zealand white cheddar.
Nuts! Seriously, why are nuts crazy expensive everywhere else? I love Trader Joe’s for the reasonably priced offering of peanuts, pecans, walnuts, cashews, almonds, and pine nuts. You really can’t get nuts anywhere else for such a good price unless you want to buy a dog food bag size from Costco.
Basically, if you’re having a party and need easy decor and charcuterie, TJ’s is your place.