@traderjoes
It’s been a minute since I’ve shared some of my favorite items from Trader Joe’s – so let’s get this TJ party started.
Now, here’s the deal. This list is by no means my weekly grocery list. *The following items are products I have tried and loved. Items I would definitely buy again to share with those I love to eat, drink and be merry with.
From the most perfect already brewed iced coffee to an emergency snack for when the niece and nephews swing by…this is a list to keep for consideration.
Disclaimer: My apologies for using stock photos. A. I do not have all these items in my home. B. Trader Joe’s needs to get their sh*t together and take some product shots for the people. Come on, Joe, get it together.
*I semi lied. There are a few items that actually are on my weekly list – you’ll know by the asterisk.
Ok, let’s do this!
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Truffle Marcona Almonds
Special Occasion: A charcuterie to wow your friends with!
Michelle hates these, I love them. If you’re a fan of truffle, you very well may be a fan of these Marcona almonds. There is something about the texture that brings these nuts to the next level. They also come in rosemary, if you’re not so into truffles.
Mixed Berry Scones
Special Occasion: When you want to bring something freshly baked to work, but don’t have the damn time to whip them up from scratch.
These mixed berry scones are a bit fluffier than your standard scone, but holy heck, are they delicious! A real crowd pleaser.
Pro tip: Before you place the scones in the oven, top them with sliced strawberries and fresh blueberries. (stolen from my friend, Kathy! Thanks, lady!)
*Unexpected Cheddar Cheese
Special Occasion: Any occasion you want to eat cheese.
My dear friend, Rose, hooked me up with this strikingly delicious block of cheddar. This is my go-to cheese for the house. Also a great cheese for a killer charcuterie.
Kunefe
Special Occasion: When you want to wow the hell out of your guests with this insanely cheesy (yes, that’s mozzarella cheese), sweet and savory, pastry dish/dessert.
Ok, let’s just say that I tried this at the store a couple weeks ago and took the last two boxes available. Trust me, you want to have a box (or two) of these in your freezer. This Lebanese dessert will knock your freaking socks off. I served it this past Father’s Day – we couldn’t get enough!
Riced Cauliflower Tofu Bowl
Special Occasion: When you’re too tired to create an entire meal, but want something tasty, satisfying and full of flavor.
I am not a big frozen meal type of gal with the exception of a few here and there, this being one of them. TJ’s Riced Cauliflower Bowl is packed with flavor. Once in a while I make one for lunch at Medmen and peeps are all about its delicious smell. If they only knew how yum it was.
Soft Honey Nougat
Special Occasion: No occasion that invloves Michelle.
She hates these. On the contrary, this soft honey nougat with almonds is so my speed. It has both a perfect amount of chew and crunch and it’s not too sweet. I think they are extraordinary.
*Cold Brew Coffee
Special Occasion: Every single summer morning in our home.
Here’s what I do: I fill up a mason jar with ice, pour TJ’s cold brew about half way up, top it with Oatly oat milk, and then I squeeze a bit of their honey on top. Screw on the lid and shake what your mama gave ya! $4.99 a bottle can last me a whole week. It’s coffee perfection.
I will be putting in a little cinnamon one morning soon.
OH Kringle
Special Occasion: When you need to grab dessert that will go a long way but heads up…it will go fast!
OH Kringles are made in Racine, WI – the home of the kringle! Well, at least in the midwest. The store only carries one seasonal flavor, however, you can’t go wrong with any one of them. Whether it’s raspberry, pumpkin or their newest flavor, cream cheese – they are worth the $7.99.
Pro tip: Buy one and pop it in your freezer for when the time is right.
*Synergy Kombucha / Strawberry Lemonade
Special Occasion: Anytime you want to do your gut and your taste buds a solid.
I love almost any flavor of kombucha, however, I understand why one would not dig the taste of fermented tea. If you’re one of the latter folks, this may be your jam. It’s ridiculously refreshing.
Pro tip: Want to get boozy with it, but feel not totally unhealthy doing so? Toss a shot of Espolòn tequila in some Strawberry Lemonade kombucha over ice – also found at Trader Joe’s.
*Dark Chocolate Truffle
Special Occasion: When all you want is a silky piece of decadent dark chocolate. AKA. Every single day I eat at least one rectangle. Is that bad?
No joke, this dark chocolate truffle bar is beyond what you think it will taste like. It’s $1.99 but tastes like $6.99.
Smoked Gouda
Special Occasion: To add a little smokey jazz to that charcuterie you made for your friends.
Dutch Smoked Cheese by Trader Joe’s is a must buy and try. It’s silky, smokey and sexy. Yes, you read that right. Give it a try, you may be pleased.
Wasabi Mayo
Special Occasion: When you want to give that homemade BLT a little kick. PS. TJ’s bacon is off the hook good.
I am not into mayonnaise, but I am very much so into this mayonnaise, basically, because I am a worshipper of wasabi. It will take your BLT to the next level. The other time you will find me using this mayo may come as unappetizing or pure genius. I create a tuna salad with a Trader Joe’s frozen peas and freshly cracked black pepper along with a tablespoon of this mayo. It’s beyond satisfying.
Bamba Peanut Snacks
Special Occasion: When you have a house full of kids and not a treat in sight, but then you remember you have Bamba!
Imagine if you will, cheese puffs. Now take away the cheese and replace it with peanut butter and a tidbit of salt. Mmmhhhmmm. Trust me, the kids won’t be the only ones getting after these.
Fun fact: Our Serbian friends have a very similar snack which makes me think TJ’s had a little worldly inspiration here.
Pain Au Lait
Special Occasion: When you want to recall your study abroad in Europe and bought cheap, but delicious, breakfast buns like these every day because there was no such thing as calories in your twenties.
I will buy these once a year just to experience the taste of mini chocolate chips in this light, fluffy bun. This is what I call euro style comfort breakfast food.
Carayon La Rose
Special Occasion: When you’re having a rosé all day kind of day.
This here is a solid rosé porch pounder. It’s easy drinking and the price is right. With it’s light hue of pink – this french wine is perfect for a hot summer day.
Pro-tip: add sliced nectarines or peaches for some summery sippin.
Frozen Beet Chunks
Special Occasion: Anytime you want to make beets, but don’t have over an hour to bake the hell out of them.
Throw your oven on 400, twenty-two minutes later you will have yourself some perfectly roasted beets. Pair it with some quinoa, arugula, feta cheese, other roasted veggies, hemp seeds, and top with balsamic glaze. You’ll be feeling healthy and satisfied.
LOVE all things Trader Joes’! This really got me! “This here is a solid rosé porch pounder.” LOLZ
Not a medical professional, but word is Bamba snacks for babies can help keep peanut allergies at bay… didn’t know that with my little, but I ate a shit-ton of pb when I was pregnant and the kid is a billy-goat…