When we head to Trader Joe’s, we’re always looking for exciting new items to try, returning seasonal favorites, and flavor combinations we haven’t tried before. But Trader Joe’s is good for so much more than limited-time snacks and groceries. They carry tons of products that have become staples in our home, from cheeses and spice blends that we use on a weekly basis in our cooking, to special snacks, sweets, and pastries that we add to our carts whenever we’re in need of a culinary pick-me-up. These Trader Joe’s cult favorites are so good, we rarely leave the store with at least a few of them.
We’re not alone in loving the products on this list. Many of them have been named Trader Joe’s Customer Choice winners, and some are even in the Trader Joe’s product Hall of Fame. Others are personal favorites that we always have on hand, and there’s a lot of overlap between those categories, too.
If you get overwhelmed when you head to Trader Joe’s (usually after a dizzying parking lot experience that can leave even the most confident shoppers shaky), then check out our list of Trader Joe’s cult favorites that you need to try. Add them to your shopping list, and you’ll have a guide when you’re winding through the aisles.
Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken
Saving us from wasting money on take-out for years, Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is a freezer staple. The chicken cooks up crispy in the oven or air-fryer, and the tangy mandarin orange sauce transforms it into a take-out fake-out meal we crave.
Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
Trader Joe’s basically made Cauliflower Gnocchi a thing, and we’re so grateful to be able to grab a bag of this vegan, gluten-free weeknight dinner staple whenever we head to our favorite store.
Trader Joe’s O&H Danish Bakery Kringle
Made in Wisconsin by O & H Danish Bakery, Trader Joe’s Kringle are a flaky circle of pastry dough that’s stuffed with seasonal fillings and topped with icing. We like to try every seasonal version that comes out. No Trader Joe’s near you? You can also order these Kringle pastries on the O & H Danish Bakery website.
Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar
Trader Joe’s Italian-inspired, Wisconsin-made Unexpected Cheddar Cheese pairs the best things about aged white cheddar with notes of savory Parmesan. It’s delicious with crackers, added to sandwiches, grated onto pastas, or eaten on its own.
Trader Joe’s Soup Dumplings
Name a more satisfying lunch that’s ready in less than two minutes…we dare you! These soup dumplings feature a thin wrapper loaded with succulent pork and a savory ginger-infused broth. If you don’t have a local dumpling spot, Trader Joe’s soup dumplings are the next best thing. They also come in chicken and veggie varieties.
Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
A simple classic, we always have a bag of Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets in the pantry for a quick, crunchy, protein-packed snack.
Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
The candy and snack selection at TJ’s is elite, but the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups just might be our favorite. They’re always in stock, and the flavor is even better than the big name brand that probably comes to mind when you think of peanut butter cups.
Trader Joe’s Crunchy Chili Onion
Spicy, savory, and salty, Trader Joe’s Crunchy Chili Onion is a spin on chili crisp that we put on everything. Drizzle on pizza, add it to hot dogs, or stir it into dipping sauces — you can’t go wrong with this flavorful condiment.
Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter
Who ever realized that blending spiced Belgian speculoos cookies into a spreadable butter is a genius in our eyes. Trader Joe’s take on cookie butter is an affordable luxury. Spread it on toast, add it to cake fillings and frostings, or stir into yogurt to make a dip for fresh fruit.
Trader Joe’s Gone Bananas!
Dark chocolate, frozen sliced bananas…what’s not to like about Trader Joe’s Gone Bananas!?
Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
It’s hard to remember life before Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. Just a sprinkle can transform anything from plain buttered toast to scrambled eggs into a mouthwatering meal, and it’s an unexpectedly delicious addition to breadings, dips, and dressings.
Trader Joe’s Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions
The sweet, savory flavor of this cheddar cheese with caramelized onions from Trader Joe’s sets it apart from the crowd. It’s one of our cheese plate must-haves, and it’s also delicious in grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes.
Trader Joe’s Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Need an appetizer in hurry? Pick up Trader Joe’s Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip, which we’ve enjoyed at more parties than we can count. Microwave until hot and bubbly, then serve with crackers and bread. It’s also a great weeknight meal shortcut — toss this dip with cooked pasta and baby spinach for a quick and tasty dinner.
Trader Joe’s Chocolate Croissants
We’re not huge fans of most store-bought croissants, but here’s what makes Trader Joe’s Chocolate Croissants different: you let the frozen croissants rise overnight, then bake them in the morning. This results in croissants with the same flaky and crispy, tender and chewy texture you’d expect from a bakery, but all within the comfort of your own home.
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