Trader Joe’s has a well-deserved and loyal fan base, and I’m a proud member of the club. Fromholiday productsto samples andextremelyfriendly employees, shopping at Trader Joe’s is a more fun experience than going to other big grocery stores.
While Trader Joe’s gets a lot of buzz for their tasty, seasonal and quirky products, I tend to stock up on the same staples year-round. My shopping list at Trader Joe’s is nearly identical month after month (please don’t discontinue anything, TJ’s!), but I admit I almost always end up walking out with something new that caught my eye. While it was hard, I pared down my shopping list to highlight nine Trader Joe’s products I keep going back for.
The 9 Things I Buy From Trader Joe’s for Quick Dinners, According to a Food Writer
Getty Images
Greek Chickpeas with Cumin and Parsley
This can of flavor-blasted chickpeas is an underrated gem. TheseGreek Chickpeas with Cumin and Parsleynot only boast a burst of flavor from the parsley and cumin seasoning but also offer significant nutritional benefits. Packed with protein and fiber, they make a wholesome addition to your diet. I eat them straight from the can as a quick, satisfying snack, or I just dump the can onto a cookie tray to roast them for a crunchy and flavorful side dish. Their versatility makes them a must-have in our pantry.
Harvest Blend Grain Mix
This is my go-to for the base of a hearty grain bowl. It can take on a number of different flavor profiles, whether that’s pesto, tahini-miso or a simple vinaigrette. This grain mix is the perfect vehicle for whatever leftovers you have waiting around in the fridge. Add greens (like arugula, kale or romaine), protein (leftover chicken, a can of beans or a fried egg) and any other veggies you have on hand. It’s great to make ahead for lunches for the whole family. I typically make it with chicken stock for a little extra flavor!
Crunchy Chili Onion
Zhoug Sauce
Once you figure out how to pronounce it (it’s ZOOg),Zhoug Saucewill earn a permanent space in your fridge. It’s a spicy, cilantro-based Middle Eastern sauce. In the container, it kind of looks like pesto, but the taste is completely different. With jalapeño and chile flakes, it certainly packs a punch, so if you have an aversion to spice, you’ve been warned. In my home, we mostly use it on eggs and sandwiches, but the sky’s the limit. I’ve mixed it with whole-milk plain yogurt for a milder dipping sauce, too.
Canned Beans
This may seem like a silly one, but I always stock up on canned beans to fill the pantry with easy, fiber- and protein-packed and versatile additions to just about any meal. My go-tos are organic black beans, chickpeas and great northern beans. We use black beans for enchiladas or a quick quesadilla, chickpeas forclassic hummusand white beans for soup (like thisWhite Bean Soup with Pasta). As a busy mom, I find beans are a great compromise with my little ones when folded into comfort food, like thisKale & White Bean Potpie with Chive Biscuits.
Thai Vegetable Gyoza
Corn & Wheat Tortillas
These tortillas are soft and flavorful, a far cry from my typical experience with grocery store tortillas. We use these for breakfast tacos (more often for dinner than for breakfast!) with scrambled eggs, avocado and some sharp Cheddar cheese. These tortillas are really tasty for quick clear-out-the-fridge quesadillas. Just store the tortillas in the fridge to extend their shelf life so they’re ready when you need them!
Hot & Sweet Jalapeños
I’ve got to admit this is the newest item on my list, but I already loaded up on a few jars of theseHot & Sweet Jalapeños. I was at a Halloween party where these were served with chili. The reaction among the guests was hilariously passionate. People love these things! Needless to say, I immediately stocked up and have found a lot of uses for them already, including eggs, tacos and chicken tortilla soup. They pack a punch (they’re jalapeños, after all), but the sweet cuts the spice level — providing a nice balanced kick.
Charlee Bear Dog Treats
Hear me out: if you’re a pup parent, these are the best. As owner of two very active hunting dogs, I take the ingredients in my dogs’ treats and meals as seriously as the ingredients the rest of my family members eat, and these treats check the boxes, all while being incredibly affordable. They offer the satisfying crunch factor that keeps my dogs coming back for more, and they don’t have any smell (despite having real beef liver), which is a lifesaver when my pockets inevitably become filled with treats.
EatingWell.com, November 2023
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
