10 Trader Joe's Essentials

I’ve been a long time Trader Joe’s lover, and I don’t know what I would do without some of their grocery store items. My sister doesn’t live near one, so my Christmas presents to her usually consist of a care package of the good stuff you can’t find anywhere else.

Here’s a list of a few of my essential Trader Joe’s items that I pick up literally every time I go shopping there. This list is by no means comprehensive (as it is glaringly omitting three-buck chuck and the coveted cookie butter), but this is some of the stuff I can’t live without. Keeping most of these goodies on-hand ensure that you’ll never go hungry—or be stuck without the essentials if last-minute company pops by.

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10 Trader Joe's Essentials to Have on Hand at All Times

Breaded Chicken Tenderloin Breasts

These are an emergency item I keep stocked in the fridge to help curb the Chicken McNugget addiction I developed as a child. They are a quick and easy meal when you need something simple and fast. I like to eat them as sandwiches on hamburger buns and pretend like I am eating at Wendy's.
Dorot Frozen Herbs and Spices

While these aren't technically a Trader Joe's product, TJ's does have the largest selection and lowest price of anywhere I have seen. These come with frozen teaspoons of your favorite spices like garlic, basil, cilantro, and ginger. The garlic and cilantro are especially handy when making guacamole!
Gnocchi alla Sorentina and Turkey Meatballs

Another one of my go-to meals is this delicious combo. Gnocchi was my favorite dish as a kid, but it is labor intensive to make from scratch. This stuff goes from freezer to plate in less than ten minutes. The meatballs go great with the pasta, but can also be used for some delicious meatball sandwiches.
Coconut Non-Dairy Creamer

If you find your milk or cream constantly spoiling before you drink it all, having a couple cartons of this coconut creamer on hand is key. It doesn't expire as quickly as regular milk, so you're never left without fresh coffee creamer when company pops by.
Olive Tapenade Spread and Reduced Guilt Pita Chips

This olive tapenade is super addictive. It works great as an appetizer at parties or a midday snack with these delicious pita chips. Recently I have been using it as a pizza sauce!
Sweet, Savory & Tart Trek Mix

Trader Joe's has an awesome selection of trail mixes and dried fruits. This is my favorite flavor, but any of them come in super handy for snacks on the go.
Trader Joe's Daily Vitamins

My wife is taking these right now, but even before she was pregnant she was taking their regular daily multivitamins. They are the only vitamins that don't give her an upset stomach!
Trader Joe's Frozen Rice

And speaking of rice, I love Trader Joe's frozen rice boxes. Just three minutes in the microwave and you have a delicious grain for dinner. This rice medley is delicious, but I love their jasmine rice too.
Trader Joe's Indian Fare

Trader Joe's has an amazing selection of ethnic cuisine, and I especially love their Indian food. Check out their selection of sauces, as well as these microwaveable meals. If we are in a pinch, this served over a bowl of rice makes a great five minute meal.
Trader Joe's Pizza Dough

And speaking of pizza, Trader Joe's has some amazing pizza dough. It is my go-to meal when I don't feel like cooking, because it is so easy to make. They have three flavors; plain, wheat, and garlic + herb.
Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt Brownie Mix

These used to be called No-Pudge Brownies, and they are so simple and delicious. You just mix it with yogurt and bake for a delicious dessert that isn't terrible for you. You can make the full pan and it will disappear in a day, or you can make a single-serving brownie in a coffee mug!