16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (2024)

You're already going to Trader Joe's for the cookie butter, and most of us swear by Two Buck Chuck (which is now actually $3 at most locations).

But there are many, many Trader Joe's finds that you're not paying enough attention to ... unless you're a brilliant shopper, that is.

We asked a handful of HuffPost editors for their favorite under-appreciated or little-known items at America's most secretive supermarket. The lineup is equal parts useful (pre-marinated chicken!), surprising (who knew there were hybrid tortillas?!) and tastebud-tingling. Check out their descriptions of these must-have foods below.

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1

Cilantro and Jalapeño Hummus

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (1)

Suzy Strutner

"I eat it with a spoon. There's a spicy kick that you don't get in garlic or sundried tomato hummus."

2

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (2)

Suzy Strutner

"The little dumplings heat up to chewy perfection. You'll literally lick the sauce out of your bowl."

3

Belgian Chocolate Pudding

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (3)

Suzy Strutner

"Sweet but not too sweet, and it lasts more than one sitting. I eat it with fresh fruit."

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4

Farfalle with 4 Cheeses and Spinach

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (4)

Suzy Strutner

"It'll get you that 'Oh HELL YEAH' reaction."

6

Organic Tuscan Kale

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (6)

Suzy Strutner

"It's darker and meatier than regular kale."

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7

Frozen Mac 'N Cheese

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (7)

Suzy Strutner

"As close to homemade mac and cheese as you'll get."

8

Premium Salmon Burgers

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (8)

Suzy Strutner

"You can microwave them for a super quick dinner, and they're so flavorful that I eat them plain."

9

Cheddar Cheese With Caramelized Onions

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (9)

Suzy Strutner

"The big nuggets of sweet onion are unreal. It's got a nice, crumbly texture, too."

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10

Handmade Chocolate Ganache Torte

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (10)

Suzy Strutner

"My mom has asked for this for her birthday every year for a LONG time. It's stupidly delicious."

11

Corn & Wheat Tortillas

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (11)

Suzy Strutner

"They have the texture of a flour tortilla with the taste of corn. Yum."

12

Pollo Asado

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (12)

Suzy Strutner

"It saves you lots of time since it's pre-marinated, and it's great for tacos, salads and burritos."

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13

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (13)

Suzy Strutner

"It's cheesy, perfectly seasoned, actually has real pieces of artichoke in it, and will completely satisfy any last-minute visitors who pop by your house."

14

Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (14)

Suzy Strutner

"I could eat a bag in one sitting."

15

Burrata

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (15)

Suzy Strutner

"The cheapest burrata you'll ever find."

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16

Chocolate Brooklyn Babka

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (16)

Suzy Strutner

"Seriously decadent."

Oh, and while you're there, check out Trader Joe's selection of similarly under-loved beauty products:

Also on HuffPost:

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (17)

Who Really Makes Trader Joe's Food?

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16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard) (2024)

FAQs

16 Trader Joe's Foods You Need To Discover (And Then Hoard)? ›

Chili and Lime Flavored Rolled Tortilla Chips. Whether it's their satisfying crunch, the just-hot-enough seasoning blend, or the fact that they're $2.99 per bag — or a combination of all of the above — these rolled chips bested everything else on Trader Joe's shelves and in its freezers to come out on top.

What is the most popular food at Trader Joe's? ›

Chili and Lime Flavored Rolled Tortilla Chips. Whether it's their satisfying crunch, the just-hot-enough seasoning blend, or the fact that they're $2.99 per bag — or a combination of all of the above — these rolled chips bested everything else on Trader Joe's shelves and in its freezers to come out on top.

Is it true you can try anything at Trader Joe's? ›

While you can't walk into your neighborhood grocery store and sample anything you want, that kind of behavior is actually encouraged at Trader Joe's. TJ's employees have permission to open any ready-to-eat item in the store, which means you're able to taste-test hundreds of products without buying them first.

What is the busiest Trader Joe's in the country? ›

The chain's busiest location is its 72nd & Broadway store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The smallest Trader Joe's location is in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts on Boylston St.

Who is Trader Joe's biggest competitor? ›

Top Trader Joe's Competitors & Similar Companies
  1. Walmart.
  2. Kroger.
  3. Amazon.
  4. Target.
  5. Publix.
  6. Whole Foods Market.
  7. Safeway.

Why do they ring the bell at Trader Joe's? ›

The bell is communication system. The number of rings signals a message to other crew members. It's also fun. We try and make the use of the bell something for our customers to enjoy.

What does Trader Joe's call their employees? ›

Instead of calling their workers employees, Trader Joe's has nautical titles for positions. crew members are entry-level workers. Merchants are crew members who've received recognition for stellar customer service.

What is the hidden prize at Trader Joe's? ›

Here's how it works: Each day, a store employee takes a stuffed animal and hides it somewhere in the aisles. It could be atop the shelves, or squeezed in between product boxes, or wherever there's a good hiding spot. Any kid who finds it will get a prize — usually a lollipop or a sticker.

What's Trader Joe's known for? ›

Trader Joe's is known for its unique food products, including seasonal offerings, as well as for its low prices.

What is so popular about Trader Joe's? ›

Reasonable Prices

Since the significant majority of products for sale at Trader Joe's is from the chain's private label, the prices are pretty competitive. Costco is known for its $5 rotisserie chicken, and Trader Joe's is known for its affordable fancy cheeses, wine, dips, and more.

What is Trader Joe's most popular chicken? ›

Mandarin orange chicken

It's been winning the hearts of shoppers since its release in 2004, earning multiple of the chain's Customer Choice Awards and finally snagging a long-overdue spot in the Trader Joe's Hall of Fame in January of 2023.

What is the hype with Trader Joe's? ›

Ask any fan why they prefer Trader Joe's over any other grocery store, and many will likely point out the chain's private-label items. The grocery store sells nearly exclusively products that are branded under the Trader Joe's name, which is partly a money-saving maneuver and partly a marketing strategy.

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