13 Trader Joe's Items That Will Basically Change Your Life, According to Real Simple Editors
by Cindi Sutter, Founder & Editor Spirited Table®—all content provided by Trader Joes—By Samantha Leffler-Real Simple
The many Trader Joe's locations around the United States may be recognizable for their passionate fans and long (but worth waiting in) lines, but Trader Joe's wouldn't have its crowd of followers or aficionados without the excellent line of top-notch Trader Joe's products. The best items at Trader Joe's are great on their own, but the fact that you can only get them at TJ's—unless you turn to that elusive Trader Joe's black market—makes them even tastier, somehow.
What's that saying about always wanting what you can't have? When you can't find your go-to Trader Joe's snacks at the local mom-and-pop or corner store, you cherish making a trip to Trader Joe's even more. Everyone has a favorite Trader Joe's product, too, whether it's the Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel Seasoned Smoked Salmon or that Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi. If you have yet to find a Trader Joe's product to make braving the store and its weekend crowds worth it, you probably haven't looked hard enough yet. Fortunately, for those just discovering all Trader Joe's has to offer, the editors at Real Simple (current and former) have their own picks—and they just might offer a little grocery store inspiration.
Some Trader Joe's products are a little out there, but the good news is that those famously low Trader Joe's prices make sampling anything that catches your eye doable—and affordable. Fill up your cart with the colorful packaging and clever names that catch your eye, put together a little taste test, and prepare to fall in love. Once you've found your go-to Trader Joe's snacks, you'll never go back. Let these editor picks guide your first trip, but don't be afraid to buy something new and different, too—you might be surprised by what ends up tickling your taste buds.
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Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt Chunky Guacamole with Greek Yogurt
“It may be lower in fat and calories than regular guac, but I actually buy it because it’s delicious. The addition of Greek yogurt adds just a tiny bit of tang, which tastes great on tacos or scooped onto tortilla chips. I’ve been known to eat the whole thing in one sitting, but the leftovers keep for a few days, especially when I use this trick for storing guacamole.”—Jennifer Davidson, Deputy Digital Editor
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Trader Joe’s Just a Handful of Olives Pitted Salted Manzanilla Olives
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Trader Joe’s Carne Asada Autentica
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Trader Joe’s Chèvre with Honey Goat’s Milk Cheese
“It’s insane.”—Rina Stone, Executive Creative Director
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Trader Joe’s Kettle Corn
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Trader Joe’s Roasted Plantain Chips
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Trader Joe’s Spicy Chai Tea Latte Mix and Trader Joe’s Spiced Chai Black Tea Liquid Concentrate
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Trader Joe’s Dried Fruit Just Mango Slices
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Trader Joe’s Party Size Mini Meatballs
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Trader Joe's Vegan Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto
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Trader Joe’s Frozen Turkey Meatballs
CREDIT: TRADER JOE'S COPYRIGHT 2016
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Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests
CREDIT: TRADER JOE'S COPYRIGHT 2016