I love food shopping because it allows me to try out new products and explore fun and easy recipes. Trader Joe’s is known for their diverse and unique healthier alternatives to popular food favorites. However, it can become overwhelming to navigate what is worth trying. Read on to see my must-try Trader Joe's items that are classic and convenient.
1. Ketchup
Ketchup is one of those household items that everyone always seems to have in their fridge. Recently, my economics professor asked the class which brand of ketchup was their favorite. Big shock, Heinz was the only brand mentioned. Heinz has become synonymous with the product itself, almost like how we call all lip balms Chapstick, regardless of the brand. However, after trying homemade ketchup at one of my favorite local Staten Island cafes, Filincino, my view of ketchup changed forever. Contrary to the commercialized taste of Heinz, Trader Joe's ketchup seems homemade, having a thicker texture and sweeter flavor. Unlike Heinz, Trader Joe’s ketchup is made from organic ingredients and without artificial sweeteners. While it may not taste exactly like the ketchup you grew up with on the side of your favorite dinosaur nuggets, it's original taste and healthy ingredients prove it is worth testing.
2. Croissants
If you are a home baker like myself, you know there is a list of baked goods we stray away from solely because of the complexity and time. Recently I tackled my fear of French delicacies by making Macarons and was pleasantly surprised with the results, carefully making sure not to under whip the egg whites or burn them in the oven. However, I will need much more convincing before I embark on the mayhem that is the croissant. With laborious rolling, strategic mixing, and back-and-forth resting in the fridge, my all-time favorite treat remains a good I could only find in far and few bakeries, or plastic-packaged in supermarkets or Starbucks.
Trader Joe’s frozen croissants, which you must prove overnight and bake, surpass all of the other readily accessible croissants on the market. For 4.99, you get a pack of 4 generously sized croissants with a home-made taste comparable to a bakery, without the hassle. I recently tried the almond croissants, topped them with powdered sugar, and was blown away by the flakey pastry and mouth-watering filling. They also sell a chocolate flavor, and a pack of mini plain croissants. Instead of paying 4$ for a croissant at Starbucks, I recommend picking up a box from the Trader Joe’s freezer aisle. Prep them the night before on a baking tray, and wake up to pastries doubled in size, ready to pop in the oven for breakfast.
3. Vegan Pesto
While pesto is a fairly simple sauce that is often made at home, it can become inconvenient having to whip out the blender and cutting board. I have tried an abundance of premade pestos in my time, and Trader Joe’s vegan option remains my favorite. You certainly don't need to follow a vegan diet to try it! For those with dairy sensitivities, this vegan pesto will become a staple. While made entirely plant-based, this pesto still maintains the creamy decadence we are accustomed to because of the added ingredient of cashews. Pesto is most popularly paired with pasta; however, I have found myself adding it to practically all of my favorite lunch options. Spread it on a sandwich, mix it in your salad, or dollop it on your avocado toast. Want some extra fiber in your diet? One of my favorite side dishes to complete a hearty and balanced meal is roasted broccoli topped with pesto and walnuts.
4. Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit
If you have no time to pack lunch from home, I promise a good salad mix is certainly the perfect option for quick and easy lunch preparation. I must admit, I have some personal bias with this one because arugula is my favorite salad base on the planet. And I know what your thinking, salad isn't just the bland iceberg lettuce and sliced tomatos SpongeBob dejectedly served to the hipster customers.
Arugula is high in fiber and minerals, incredibly versatile, and contains a peppery flavor I have grown to love. Within the salad mix, you will find multicolored sliced carrots, thinly sliced parmesan, chopped almonds, and a refreshing and light lemony vinaigrette. I most often pair this salad with some baked lemon and caper tilapia and roasted potatoes with rosemary.
5. Feta Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a classic childhood favorite. We can all recall the infamous Campbell soup commercials of grilled cheese jumping into a bowl of comforting, steamy tomato soup. The Trader Joe’s Feta soup elevates the simple dish with the help of creamy and salty feta cheese. I can report back that the feta tomato soup is a far from basic, reinvented twist to the American classic. An adult version of tomato soup, if you will. Pair their soup with a spinach, mozzarella, and feta grilled cheese sandwich to complete the most scrumptious meal around.
Honorable Mention: Chocolate-covered Espresso Beans
Of course, you always have to save something sweet for last. I just recently entered the world of Trader Joe's snacks. This may be a niche option, but I have something for you if you love coffee and chocolate. Their rich chocolate-covered espresso beans, which include a mix of three flavors, will appeal to all die-hard coffee and chocolate lovers. Coming in a cute individually packaged bag, they make the best throw-in-your-purse snack to munch on throughout the day. Dark chocolate, caramel, and white chocolate all mesh effortlessly with the bitter and warm espresso flavor. The crunchy espresso bean paired with silky chocolate is a match made in heaven.
Thanks for the recommendations!