Our Top Ten Trader Joe’s Buys!

Who doesn’t love Trader Joe’s?! To inspire you to try something new (or remind you of an old favorite), here are our top ten favorite Trader Joe’s buys. The list could go on, but these seem to be fridge and pantry necessities:

1. I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but TJ’s frozen microwavable Indian food actually hits. I’ve tried the palak paneer, paneer tikka masala, chole, masala dosa, and their samosas. They’ve all been delicious, even my parents love them! And, because they’re from TJ’s, I don’t feel guilty about eating frozen food. 

2. Mini Peanut Butter Cups. Need I say more? I’m a huge “I need a lil sweet something after I eat a meal” person, and these little treats satisfy my tiny sweet tooth. 

3. Strawberry & Vanilla Flavored Yogurt Pretzels. I bought these once, and the next time I went to TJ’s they were gone. I almost cried. If you ever see them, buy them. The perfect mix of sweet and savory.

4. Hot Sauces. Oooh you already know that the TJ sauce section is amazing. I’m obsessed with their brand of “sriracha”, I drizzle that on everything! My parents are huge fans of the habanero sauce, and we are always stocked up on their salsas. When I say salsa(s) I mean it; the variety is incredible, and they all taste distinct! On the topic of sauces, you can never go wrong with any of their dressings - caesar, green goddess, cilantro, you name it. 

5. Vegetable Masala Burgers. As a vegetarian, it can be kind of difficult to find patties that actually taste good, not just meat replacement. These patties taste slightly familiar, especially if you’re South Asian. I’ve become my parents now, when I crave for something that tastes like Indian food. This curbs that craving when I want a mix of flavors in a sandwich, burger, or wrap. The world is yours!

6. I think TJ dips deserve an entirely different section than sauces. The vegan buffalo dip, garlic spread dip, chimichurri dip/spread, and any/all types of hummus. Our fridge is always filled with these. Trust me, they taste good with EVERYTHING! My taste buds are tingling while typing this. 

7. Wine & Cheeses. You can never go wrong with a little Trader Joe's wine and cheese night! Any flavor you’re craving, I’m sure they’ll have. When it comes to wine, talk about balling out on a budget. I’ve never been disappointed with TJ’s wine selection, especially because it doesn’t break the bank. 

8. Mac & Cheese Bites. I used to love (I mean really, love) the mac and cheese bites from The Cheesecake Factory, and these remind me exactly of that time in my life. Comforting and nostalgic! Find them in the frozen section. 

9. Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. Need I say more?!

10. I saved the best for last. Their Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips. Think Hot Cheetos, without the finger dust, without the stomach pain, without your tongue turning red. Delicious.