Our Trader Joe’s Must Haves in 2020
January 4, 2022Now, we all know and love Trader Joe’s for all its tasty and unique products. Personally, whenever I go to TJ’s, I like to make it an entire affair – I get dressed up just to walk down the aisles and post an Instagram story of me and my grocery cart. But for someone who can wander around TJ for hours – literally hours, once I got ice cream and it was melted by the time I got to the cashier – it is vital to go in there with a game plan for what items are absolute essentials to walk out with. That is why I have compiled for you the top Trader Joe must haves in no particular order, ranging from the ultimate frozen comfort food to rewarding your sweet tooth with the perfect dessert.
Fig Butter
This decadent fig spread from TJ’s needs to become a charcuterie board classic. Made from several different types of figs, this Fig Butter is the perfect addition to any sweet or savory combos. Personally, I like to add it on my breakfast bagel with some cream cheese. Add it as an option during wine night with the girls, or just eat it straight from the jar. Either way, it adds a sense of class and excitement to any meal.
Almond Blueberry Lavender Milk
This vegan beverage is a necessity for anyone looking to change their routine. The combination of blueberries with lavender add a subtle touch of sweetness that plays off perfectly with the natural nuttiness of almond milk. If you want to change up your daily iced latte, or morning smoothie, try this milk for an extra creamy delight.
Parmesan Pastry Puffs
Get ready for the crème de la crème version of pigs in a blanket you have ever had. These flakey, croissant like pastry is the perfect ratio of soft to crispy, and are so easy to make. Just pop them from the freezer to the microwave. Once you start eating these, you won’t be able to stop.
Plantain Chips
Straight from Peru, these Plantain Chips are ideal when you are not craving potato chips but need to curb your salty needs. I love to have these chips with a dip, or as a conversation starter. Bring these to your next socially distanced picnic with friends and give yourself the reputation of being that person who brings the supreme snacks.
Creamy Salty Cashew Butter
Almond butter, meet your match. While cashew may not seem like the obvious choice for butter, this TJ specialty hits the sweet spot between creamy and salty and is oh-so-good. I like to freeze a couple of banana popsicles overnight and dip them into the cashew butter, or as a addition to my morning oats and smoothie bowls.
Peanut Butter Blondies
Peanut butter and jelly together just make sense, so of course TJ’s had to create their own version in the best way. Triple-layered with a peanut butter blondie base and strawberry filling, this dessert will bring a new meaning to “sweet tooth”. When I first had these, I legitimately had about 5 of them at once – they are that good. You have been warned.
Vegan Kale, Cashew, And Basil Pesto
If you ever want to be in Italy from your very own home, buy this. The combination of cashew butter with the kale and basil adds an overall depth to the traditional pesto experience. Use this as a spread for homemade pizza, inside a sandwich, or simply as a dip. This TJ’s item is nothing short of impeccable
Instant Ramen Soup
Late night with no desire to cook? Throw back to being a broke college student? This TJ’s selection will elevate any experience you have ever had with instant ramen. Offered with miso or chicken, these noodles in a cup give the feeling of ramen from a restaurant without the hassle of going anywhere.
Crispy Crunchy Mochi Rice Nuggets
If the drummers on the front of the bag isn’t enough for you to pick up this TJ’s snack as your new favorite guilty pleasure, let the taste of the nuggets speak for themselves. The delightfully unexpected crunch from the rice with a slight hint of chewy from the mochi leads to a heavenly combo. Plus, these small squares make them the perfect size for hiding some in your pocket. You know, just in case.
Everything but the Bagel Seasoning
You know her, you love her, and this wouldn’t be a TJ’s must have article without her. Trader Joe’s EBTB seasoning is the perfect topping on your breakfast avocado toast, lunch salad, or dinner noodles. If you don’t have the EBTB already, run, don’t walk, to your nearest TJ’s.
A passionate Texan with a flair for capturing the essence of the Lone Star State through his words. Born and raised in the heart of Texas, Chris brings a unique perspective. With a background in journalism and a love for storytelling, he weaves together narratives that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes and rich culture of Texas. Whether he's exploring hidden gems in local communities or savoring the diverse flavors of Texan cuisine, Chris invites you on a journey to discover the untold stories that make Texas so tantalizing.
