There is a reason Trader Joe’s has earned such a loyal following over the years. The prices are fair, the selection is fun, and there is almost always something worth discovering on the shelf.
If you are not sure where to start (or you just want a few reliable picks), here are five items that are genuinely worth grabbing on your next visit. Prices may vary by location.
Butter Caramel Hard Candies — $2.79
Remember the candy dish at your grandmother’s house? These are those candies. Trader Joe’s butter caramel hard candies are made in small batches and come individually wrapped. At just $2.79, they are a sweet little treat that won’t break the bank.
Butter Chicken With Basmati Rice — $4.49
For $4.49, you get a complete, protein-rich meal that you can keep in the freezer for those nights when cooking just is not happening. Trader Joe’s butter chicken with basmati rice is ready when you are, and it tastes far better than you might expect from a frozen dinner.
Jasper Hill Vault No. 5 Cave-Aged Cheese — $11.99
If you enjoy a proper cheese board, this one deserves your attention. Jasper Hill, a Vermont-based supplier, makes this cave-aged cheese exclusively for Trader Joe’s. It is aged for at least one year. At $11.99 per pound, it is a genuine splurge that still does not break the bank.
One thing to know: this is a limited-time item. If you are planning a gathering soon, do not wait too long.
Chocolate Pudding — $2.99
Trader Joe’s sells its own chocolate pudding cups, four to a pack for $2.99. It is the kind of simple, satisfying dessert that takes you straight back to your childhood lunchbox. Sometimes the classics really are the best.
Mandarin Orange Chicken — $5.49
Ask any regular Trader Joe’s shopper what they always pick up, and mandarin orange chicken comes up almost every time. It is one of the store’s longest-running favorites, and for good reason.
At $5.49, you can build a complete dinner for four people just by adding rice and vegetables. Quick, affordable, and genuinely delicious, that is a hard combination to beat.