Buzz
Some Trader Joe’s items quickly become cult favorites, like the iconic Everything But The Bagel Seasoning, Mandarin Orange Chicken, Cauliflower Gnocchi, and Unexpected Cheddar. But there are many other less recognized snacks, sides, and meals that deserve more attention. To help you get the most from your Trader Joe’s shopping experience, we’ve rounded up a list of items that should be on your radar, such as pre-portioned chocolate chip granola bites, spicy Zhoug sauce, and rich tomato and feta soup.
Image Credit: Westend61/Getty ImagesSteamed Lentils
Lentils are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, and folate, making them one of the most nutritious legumes you can consume. However, if you’ve ever cooked lentils from scratch, you know it can be quite time-consuming. That’s why grabbing a box of these pre-cooked lentils is such a game-changer. They’re perfect for tossing into salads, grain bowls, or as a healthy side dish.
Organic Chocolate Chip Baked Whole Grain Bars
Choosing a snack at TJ’s can be overwhelming with so many options for cereal, granola, and snack bars. It’s almost impossible to try them all. But if you’re in need of a snack that’s great for both kids and adults, the Organic Chocolate Chip Baked Whole Grain Bars are a fantastic choice. Just pop them in your bag or your kid's lunchbox for an easy snack on the go.
Avocado Spray Oil
Avocado oil is a must-have in your kitchen thanks to its high smoke point, allowing it to be heated to 500 degrees without burning. While many avocado oils can cost anywhere from $6 to $12, depending on the brand, you can find a great option at TJ’s. Grab a bottle of Avocado Spray Oil for cooking eggs, quesadillas, grilled cheeses, or pretty much anything else you can think of!
Tomato Feta Soup
Simplify your weeknight meals with TJ’s Tomato Feta Soup. The feta cheese might seem unexpected to some, but it adds a perfect touch of saltiness and a creamy texture to this otherwise straightforward soup. Pair it with a turkey sandwich or a crisp Greek salad to create a complete meal.
Garlic Naan
Trader Joe’s offers many types of bread, but if you haven’t tried their naan, now’s the perfect moment. This Garlic Indian Style Flatbread is packed with flavor and works wonderfully for sandwiches or homemade flatbread pizzas. You can also dunk it into a warm bowl of TJ’s Chicken Tikka Masala for an easy and delicious weeknight meal.
Zhoug Sauce
Once you try this spicy, herby sauce, you’ll want to put it on just about everything. Although it’s most commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, it’s versatile enough to add to nearly any dish. It’s akin to a chimichurri sauce but features cilantro, canola oil, jalapeño peppers, chili flakes, garlic, cardamom, sea salt, and cumin seeds.
Trader Joe’s offers an extensive selection of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, but some are definitely standouts. If you’re in the mood for the perfect crunchy snack, grab a bag of Honey Sesame Almonds. They offer the ideal balance of sweet and salty, making them possibly the most affordable snack you’ll find on the shelves.
Fig & Olive Crisps
There’s something special about these bite-sized Fig & Olive Crisps. They’re wonderfully thin and crunchy, perfect for pairing with a creamy cheese, an herby dip, or simply enjoyed on their own. These crisps have been a staple at TJ’s for years, so if you haven’t yet tried them, now is the time to give them a shot.
