Trader Joe’s is known for its friendly staff and low prices, and the chain also boasts a plethora of its own products. Lucky for you, many of those products are amazingly delicious and won’t break the bank. Here are just a few must-have items that will have you begging for more.
10/10 - Ube Mochi Pancake and Waffle Mix
In addition to being a fun purple color, this Ube Mochi Pancake and Waffle Mix is ridiculously tasty. Ube, a purple yam indigenous to Asia, and mochi, a Japanese rice cake, merge to create a sweet, yammy flavor with a hint of coconut. Simply add water, eggs, and oil or butter, and you’re ready to go. Whether you prefer waffles or pancakes, there are easy instructions on the back of the box. The best part? This mix is gluten-free! Head over to Trader Joe’s today and snag one a box…or two!
9/10 - Strawberry Lemonade Joe-Joe’s
Forget every sandwich creme cookie you have ever had and behold the Strawberry Lemonade Joe Joe. This soft cookie mixes two exquisite tastes of summer: strawberries and lemonade. The sweetness from the strawberries and the tartness from the lemonade dance in your mouth, bringing joy and whimsy to every taste bud. This box of cookies is so good; you’re going to hide in a closet to eat them, so you don’t have to share. Snag them while you can because they won’t be around for long!
8/10 - Beef Birria
Slow-cooked beef swims in a decadent sauce of crushed tomatoes, dried chiles, and spices. Whether you cook it on the stove or in the microwave, the savory aroma of this classic Mexican dish will fill your home, tricking your senses into thinking you are on a trip to Mexico. While you can eat this mixture any way you like, it is best as a traditional birria taco. Drench a corn tortilla in the sauce and lay it on a heated pan, slab some of the juicy meat on the tortilla, cover with cheese, fold it up, and cook until slightly browned on both sides. Top with raw white onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. You won’t regret it!
7/10 - Wildberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
You’ll all scream for this limited Wildberry Cheesecake Ice Cream fresh on the shelves for summertime. This creamy concoction marries wild berries and cheesecake into a beautiful purple and white swirl. This dessert gives you the best of both worlds with real chunks of cheesecake and sweet, creamy ice cream. Pro tip: Leave it on the counter for about 5 to 10 minutes to let it soften before grabbing a spoon and eating it straight from the carton. Because who has time to grab a bowl with ice cream this good?
6/10 - Cacio e Pepe Ravioli
The taste of Italia is calling, and the answer is this Cacio e Pepe Ravioli. With a name that literally means “cheese and pepper,” how can it be wrong? This flavorful pasta tastes like you spent hours making pasta from scratch, but it only takes a few minutes to whip up. Toss the pasta in a little olive oil and sprinkle it with parmesan cheese for a simple meal or snag your favorite pasta sauce to dress these yummy morsels.
5/10 - Mandarin Orange Chicken
This simple, easy dish will have you thinking your kitchen has turned into your favorite local Chinese joint. This easy meal features crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy orange sauce. Toss the chicken in the oven at 400º for 20 minutes until it is juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Then, all you have to do is heat the sauce, toss in the chicken, and you’re ready to enjoy. Feel free to eat it by itself or serve it over rice. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
4/10 - Buffalo Chicken Dip
Tangy, creamy, spicy? What more can you ask for? Trader Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Dip features chunks of white meat chicken breast, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and a spicy cayenne pepper sauce with a subtle vinegar tang. Perfect with fresh veggies, crackers, or tortilla chips, this dip will be a hit at any summer gathering.
3/10 - Strawberry Vanilla Yogurt Pretzels
These tiny pretzels pack a big flavor. Experience the satisfying crunch of salty pretzel with every bite, followed by the melt-in-your-mouth strawberry vanilla yogurt coating. Everyone knows that strawberries and vanilla yogurt are the perfect pair, and Trader Joe’s just upped the ante by adding pretzels to the mix. Feed your inner snacker with this limited-time treat.
2/10 - Lemon Arugula Basil Salad Kit
Peppery arugula is the perfect base for a summer salad. Add carrots, almonds, parmesan, and a bright and tangy lemon-basil vinaigrette, and you have a winning combination. Trader Joe’s Lemon Arugula Basil Salad Kit bursts with flavor and only takes seconds to whip up. Simple toss everything from the bag into a bowl, and bam - the perfect summer salad. This salad is delicious by itself but also goes well with a nice piece of grilled chicken or salmon.
1/10 - Mac and Cheese Bites
Finally, indulge a little with Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese Bites. These round cheese bombs feature a blend of Cheddar, Havarti, Swiss, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Pecorino Romano, and Cream Cheese. If that doesn’t impress you, maybe the perfectly crispy panko-style coating will. Simply pop these bad boys in the oven and then pop them in your mouth. Be careful! They are hot!