My 10 Favorite Things From Trader Joe’s Right Now
Last year, I shared my 10 favorite things from Trader Joe’s. I’m still a devoted fan of many of those items — beans in tomato sauce remains a weekly dinner staple in my apartment — but I do have a handful of new (or new-to-me) faves that I wanted to share. So, here are 10 things I’m loving these days at Trader Joe’s…
Frozen Sliced Shiitake Mushrooms. I never leave TJ’s without at least two bags. I love shiitake mushrooms, but it’s weirdly hard to find them on their own (not as part of a mix or a pre-made stir-fry, for example). The TJ’s ones are always earthy and buttery, and the texture holds up perfectly after defrosting. My go-to way of using them is in this vegetarian shepherd’s pie recipe, which I’ve made no fewer than seven times in the past three months — and these mushrooms really take it over the top.
PB&J Oat Bites. Bite-sized though they may be, these things are dense, chewy, and decidedly not muffins. They’re all oat and no flour (they’re actually gluten-free) and surprisingly filling. I keep one in my backpack for mornings when I’m too rushed to eat breakfast before leaving. My only wish is that the mysterious powers who make product decisions at TJ’s would consider a nut-free version, so I could stick them in my daughter’s school backpack, too!
Freeze-Dried Fruit. The stock changes a lot with this item, so you never know what kind of freeze-dried fruit they’ll have on the shelves — strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and mangoes are common options (last week I also saw apricots!) — but whatever they have, I buy. They’re delicious on their own, but I also use the strawberries to make this strawberry milk, and the blueberries are great for adding color and flavor to yogurt or overnight oats.
Lemongrass Coconut Body Oil. I bought this last summer, in a fit of rage and desperation, after a particularly bad mosquito attack at the playground (they went right for my ankles, y’all). It felt and smelled so damn good. The oil is rich, so a little goes a long way. I now keep it in the shower and put it on just before stepping out. If you enjoy a bright, verdant fragrance that doesn’t smell perfume-y, this one’s for you.
Quinoa & Black Bean Infused Tortilla Chips. These chips don’t get enough praise among the Trader Joe’s fandom, and though I don’t want them to become too popular and sell out, I think it’s time they got a proper shout-out. In my opinion, these are the platonic ideal of a dipping chip. They’re sturdy and thick and will hold up against any guac or chunky salsa you’ve got. But personally, I prefer them on their own. They’re super flavorful, but unlike other flavored tortilla chips, they’re not so covered in citrus salt that they leave your mouth sore (I love you, Hint of Lime chips, but we both know that’s not a “hint” of anything).
Chicken Gyoza Potstickers + Soyaki + Thai Style Red Curry Sauce. Another recipe I’ve made a surprising number of times lately? The viral Trader Joe’s dumpling bake. I don’t know who first decided to throw these three TJ’s products together and bake them on a bed of spinach, but I’d like to shake their hand. It’s one of those magic meals that everyone in the family loves, but what makes it even better is the clean-up is even easier than the prep. You mix all the sauces right in the casserole dish, so there are zero extra bowls or surfaces to clean. It’s the little things!
Fried Rice. My husband often pops into TJ’s on his way home just to see what’s new in the frozen fried-rice section, and we’ve yet to find a variety we don’t like. Our usual method is to stir-fry it with whatever vegetables or proteins we have in the fridge — or just throw an egg on top. Boom! Dinner.
Norwegian Crispbread. Man, do I love these seedy, sturdy things — truly the unsung hero of the pantry aisle. As simple as a cracker, yet so much more. They hold up under heavy stuff, like tuna salad or a thick smear of nut butter, and they don’t crumble with moisture either, so bring on the dips. Flavor-wise, they’re so mellow that they’ll pair with pretty much anything, but they bring so much texture that they’re not at all boring. I love them with TJ’s garlic spread, but my favorite way to use them is to make a simple, open-face PB&J for an afternoon snack.
Now it’s your turn! What’s on your must-try list?
P.S. Three Trader Joe’s meal hacks, and 10 TJ’s products that’ll shake up breakfast.
Tags: trader joes
Comments
151 commentsMy daughter and I love the marula face oil. Their knock off of the hot Cheetos is now in ranch flavor. I will say we have to be gluten free here and they don’t have a ton of gf pre packaged choices but they do have a bunch of choices for their gf muffins, which are very good. And if they just had those little ice cream sandwiches or cones gf well… This would make our year. The shelled endamame is a mainstay here. Guacasalsa of course.
I just bought the lemongrass coconut body oil after being influenced by this post, and my three-year-old said I smelled like candy and rainbows. (My heart!) If that’s not a glowing recommendation, I don’t know what is!
Stop press! I just discovered TJ’s Calamansi & Mango Sorbet. Although I am not sure what the first fruit here is, I can vouch that this is a delicious, refreshing frozen treat.
Calamamsi is a small asian lime very popular for lemonades and seasoning in South East Asia
I’m still mourning the loss of the vegan buffalo cauliflower dip. If anyone has suggestions on who makes an alternative, I would be the happiest ever
The Green Dragon sauce and the Everything Seasoning are year round staples in my house. I also love the mini cone ice creams and their greeting cards are the cutest. They have the cheapest prices on Sumo citrus (my achilles heel of fruit) and seasonally I LOVE their pumpkin curry. I do wish they would bring back their Turkey Sausage Stuffing Fried Rice. One of my all time favorite TJ’s products.
My teenage boy loves the frozen Butter Chicken. We live the broccoli kale bagged salad kit, chicken tamales, dry roasted unsalted whole almonds, bambas, tomato feta soup (refrigerated section), whole wheat english muffins, chocolate chips, ghee, prepared chai concentrate for summery iced chais, and at Christmas, salted maple ice. cream
I’m going tomorrow, I’m hoping to find Sfogliatelle. It’s an amazing Italian pastry. Now I going to look for the bean in tomato?? How do you prepare it?
TJs Mediterranean Style Hummus is such a good deal and my second favorite hummus (Ithica lemon garlic is #1 but so expensive, any other hummus fanatics out there?). Very into Elote Dip, scooped with mini bell pepper halves. Also, never NOT not waxing poetic about Spicy Cauliflower Rice, a can of rinsed black beans, and 6 eggs, topped with Mexican shredded cheese. Best breakfast in the world, makes enough for 3 days! Never leave without the dark chocolate peanut butter cups… I could go on and on! Love reading these comments.
Yes, hummus is a staple quick meal for me and I am a long-suffering snob about it after living near an incredible Iranian deli in WDC years ago. Finally a proper hummus has been mass marketed – it’s called Habiza World’s Creamiest Hummus and is sold at Target of all places, (though I found it at my local coop: PCC in the Seattle area.) It was so good I googled it and this came up: https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewwatman/2025/05/12/how-a-22-year-old-landed-the-worlds-creamiest-hummus-habiza-on-target-shelves/
Little Sesame hummus is the BEST. (Not available at TJs though, and also not cheap). https://www.eatlittlesesame.com/
I don’t think anyone has mentioned the excellent Eggplant Garlic Spread, which I eat on crackers. It also makes a nice thick sauce for pasta. And, speaking of pasta, I use the NYT recipe for Creamy Garlic Greens with Pasta which features spaghetti, baby kale (or baby spinach) and a homemade aioli (containing garlic, mayo, lemon zest and juice and olive oil). Recently, I’ve been subbing TJ’s Garlic Spread and Dip for the aioli making this delicious three ingredient meal an absolute breeze to make.
Chili Crisp and Green Dragon sauce! We live where the nearest Trader Joes is 30 minutes away; just far enough that it’s not convenient. In our neighborhood, anytime someone is going to TJs they send out a text “Going to TJs, what can I grab you!” and your 2-3 favorite items can be procured. Unexpected Cheddar used to be a staple, but I feel like it has not been the same for the past 2 years.
love your neighbors!!! how cool
Love the Green Dragon sauce!
So many great classics already mentioned here, but I didn’t see one of my absolute favorites: Stepping It Up *Spicy* Snack Bar Mix. Oooo it’s just so good! One of my favorite snacks to grab a small bowl of after the kids are asleep and I’m off to read a book. Other random ones I didn’t see mentioned: – their frozen lightly salted edamame. Recommend thawing it for a couple days in the fridge vs trying to microwave it etc. My 3 and 4yr old kiddos find edamame so fun and the TJ’s one is tastier than others for some reason! – frozen fish sticks. Similar to above, we just find the TJs one to be much tastier than other options. A classic dinner for all 4 of us! – Winter Wake Up Tea (seasonal, a cinnamon black tea that’s so yummy!) – Well Rested tea (new to me actually, but been loving this over the past week) Could go on! We have gone in and out of doing our primary grocery shopping at TJs as we’ve lived in different places and right now it’s more of a supplemental store for us, but I love having it available to us. Many gems!
Frozen espresso icecream sandwiches are TO DIE FOR! Also, this list is making me do hungry…
My TJ go-to’s: 1. Cacio pepe ravioli 2. Unexpected cheddar spread 3. Sour Apple Cherry fruit leather 4. Vegetable Root Chips 5. frozen hash brown patties 6. Tomato leaf candles 7. Frozen almond croissants 8. milk chocolate covered pretzels 9. Garlic Spread Dip 10. frozen naan
The tomato leaf candles are my new obsession!!
You need to see Chris Fleming’s sketch on TJ snacks that only women can see. I died laughing. I thought of COJ.
Bahahahahaaaaaa I just watched it, thanks to your comment. Hilarious!!! And now can’t take the comments seriously
This is amazing – sooo funny! Thanks for the rec :)
I need to watch this!
oh my god my stomach hurts from laughing. “Kicking the Trader Joe’s bell with her Merrells” HAHAHAHAHA
I went today and they were sampling thin lemon cookies and lemon ricotta cheese on top. Holy moly. Bought it! We always buy two bags of mandarin orange chicken – my 9 year old is OBSESSED.
Maple Pecan Clusters cereal.
The more unique aspects of TJ’s customer policies is the try it before you buy it sampling. On a few occasions where the spice level concerned me a store employee opened the package, setup a sampling table and then gave me the product to take home. Anyone else experience this generous policy while shopping? Other than a deli offering me a fresh slice of say German bologna to try or a small cup at a product demo, I don’t see this policy in grocery stores.
– Sunflower seed butter – eat it off the spoon for a quick snack but it’s great anywhere you would use any other nut butter. – Bomba sauce on homemade pizza. – Bold Big Red pasta sauce is the best one I’ve ever had. I have it on their gluten free Tagliatelle, also the best GF pasta I’ve had and I’ve tried them all. It is perfect. – Dark chocolate covered pistachio’s. I’ve gone through two bags so far, after Jo’s recent mention. Yum.
Fun! Some items we love that I only buy at TJ: – freeze dried cherries. These are like sour candy to me – cornichons – why so hard to find elsewhere? – 1000 day Gouda. Termed “The yummy cheese” in our house – frozen kimbap. A great easy lunch with some kimchi – pretzels. The plain salted ones in an orange-ish bag. For some reason we find these so much more delicious than other pretzels. – cute birthday cards. Starting to stock up on them for kids parties.
oh man I’m going to need to get those cherries! With a kid who loves sour candy and cherries, this sounds like the perfect lunchbox treat that won’t summon the dentist again.
This post reminded me that I have an important discovery to share regarding the famous beans in tomato sauce, if you don’t have the exact beans from Trade Joes: You can get a VERY similar result with BARELY more cooking time by sauteeing garlic in olive oil, throwing in some tomato paste (the tube kind is easiest!) and letting it cook down for a minute or two, then add a can of white beans and a shake of Italian herbs, then proceed with the cheese, etc. Still easy, very delicious.
haha…i was just googling recipes for the beans! thank you!
My recent go-to lunch is a very TJs meal – shredded carrots, shelled edamame (fresh not frozen), a can of albacore tuna, and everything bagel seasoning tossed with a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette – quick, delicious, and packed with protein and fiber! Other items we always grab include the elote dip, chili lime rolled tortilla chips, bambas, dark chocolate covered almonds, colby jack cheese sticks, and the organic chicken sausage. At Thanksgiving, you have to try the insanely delicious stuffing flavored popcorn!!
That lunch sounds delish!
The raspberry oat bites are nut free! Although not made in a nut free facility.
the guacasalsa!!!!! it’s the absolute best.
Agreed!
We do our big weekly shop at TJ’s, and then round it out at Safeway for the things we can’t find or aren’t great at TJ’s (greek yougrt, cilantro at TJs = no thanks). But we never leave without: 1. the mac n cheese – my kids prefer this to ANY other brand 2. frozen potstickers (we like the pork, and serve it with smashed cucumbers and a spicy soy/sriracha sauce) 3. frozen chocolate croissants 4. frozen wild caught salmon 5. “candy” yogurt (the yogurt that comes in mango/peach flavor, is full fat, and tastes like candy – my kids LOVE this) 6. fresh flowers 7. (dark) chocolate covered pretzels – a small ramekin after dinner, straight from the freezer 8. island punch spindrift 9. shredded gruyere cheese – NO one else sells this 10. lox (so much more expensive everywhere else) 11. kumato tomatoes 12. a basil plant (sometimes we even have luck replanting)
We call it “candy yogurt” too! It’s SO good and def a dessert in our house!
If you like spicy condiments, the jalapeño sauce is the way to go. Several years ago when I discovered it I implored my jalapeño-loving boss to start buying it regularly in the hopes of keeping it in stock and a few days later he came up to me and said very seriously “Don’t worry. We’re doing our part.”
We moved to Germany about a year ago and while life here is lovely… I miss Trader Joe’s. 😭 (Is it weird how much comfort a grocery store can bring?) Enjoy those treats! 💛
FYI a German company owns TJ’s!
I’m shop weekly at Trader Joe’s. While this may seem dull, it’s the “staples” I enjoy: 2% cottage cheese, sprouted whole wheat bread, almond butter, produce priced by the item not by the pound, boxed mac and cheese for my always hungry teenager, etc. I do buy some pre-packaged or frozen food for quick meals (hi, spanakopita) or snacks (cheese crunchies) but limit these types of items because buying them really does increase my overall cost for groceries! I always buy a bottle or two of Maison Barboulot Cabernet-Syrah too (best French wine for $8)
Organic apples are a decent price where I live and my kids eat them like candy. Sea Salt Turbinado Sugar Chocolate covered almonds Pickle chips! Frozen seafood blend Pasta sauce Fresh flowers (I buy these for myself now!) Cheapo red wine Tennessee Bourbon for my vanilla mother jar Tea Tree Tingle shampoo for tween hair Furikake snack mix (it’s like a grown up Chex mix)
TJ’s Pickle chips added to a tuna or chicken salad sandwich is my husband’s favorite way to enjoy them. I crush a bag and use the crumbs for coating fried cod fish or chicken cutlets. So good.
1. The Alcohol-free (I think it’s alcohol removed) white wine from New Zealand, I’m forgetting the brand, but it’s really delicious. Especially if you are a fan of regular NZ wine. 2. The cornflake chocolate bar 3. Lazy dinner day: their various cabbage t salad kits, we quickly cook up tofu and add to them with an avocado too and often add a little vinegar or lemon to the dressing and a little seasoning, which helps them sing.
Our local TJs is near the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. The employees hide a stuffed woolly mammoth (Willie) in the store. If your kid finds them, they get a lollipop. This makes grocery shopping 1000x more pleasant with young kids and I cannot thank TJs enough. Once my daughter couldn’t find Willie and we somehow got every single employee involved in the hunt. I love how the employees are equally enthusiastic about cheese, snack deals and helping a small child locate a missing mammoth.
So, when I was in my late twenties (about 20 years ago), I lived in Wilmington, DE. Our store also had a stuffie that was hidden. I made it my mission to find it and once I did, I gleefully went to the counter to declare my victory. Needless to say, the employees informed me that the hunt was for children and I sheepishly took my taffy and left. LOL
Erin! Your comment made me chuckle today! Forever young!
It is a duck that they hide in our store!
Our local store has a stuffed turtle (Houston suburbs). I didn’t realize there were different animals for the different stores.
In Iowa it is a pig called “Bacon”
Not sure if this has come out nationwide, but the new ranch flavor of the rolled tortilla chips are delicious! Taste just like Cool Ranch Doritos. I also could not live without peanut butter pretzels, strawberry cereal bars and cheese and spinach tortellini.
I don’t have a TJ, but I buy the freeze-dried fruit from Aldi and sometimes Target, and I am here to say the best strawberry frosting of your life awaits if you process the freeze-dried strawberries into a powder and mix it into buttercream. I almost tried it with freeze-dried pineapple for my pineapple-loving son’s third birthday but chickened out. Next time!
It is also THE fruit to use in a pound cake, cookies or muffins as it adds huge flavor but no claggy moisture. Try the Meyer Lemon cake mix with added blueberries, raspberries or strawberries. People can’t believe it’s from a box!
I did this one year for my daughter. Absolutely the best frosting ever.
I love TJ tips and the nudge to rewatch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXXYfigdfw0
My favorite things from TJs, besides the fun food, are the employees. Earlier this week, one of the workers offered me a special cart with a place for my baby’s car seat. Everyone there is so helpful and friendly.
Union busters, for anyone who cares.
Second this, from the spouse of a former long term employee
so i get this and it is awful, but honest question, what do we do when we don’t have options except these as options? i live in a place where we don’t have co-ops and CSAs and it is either TJs or Wal-mart or Amazon or Target. I mean, yeah, busting unions is awful and everyone should be in a union, but truly, as someone working 40+ hours a week and also a parent, and truly no options but the 5 or so companies that own everything, we have to do what we can with what we have–so i hope that you know that even though folks are stoked on this store and myself included because it is the cheapest grocery store in our area, our eyes are open that no place is perfect and all could be better.
Helena, I do care! But maybe share your favorite union-staffed grocery store? Even if it’s not available everywhere, it reminds us that it is possible. I don’t live there anymore, but when I visit family in Minnesota I love to shop at Coborn’s – it’s both smaller (and I think with a better selection) than the larger grocery store options nearby, and it’s partially employee owned!
I got the gigantic beans in sauce from a previous Kelsey recommendation, and well the flavor doesn’t quite jive with me, my four-year-old son loves them. That’s right. My son loves beans. Just those, but I’ll take it at this point. One of my favorite go to easy lunches is the frozen Kimbap. I don’t live near a large Asian market, which might have a better version, but the Trader Joe version is better than the Costco version IMO. My favorite use of Trader Joe’s is going there before a road trip. We are a small family of three, so I don’t need huge amounts of snacks, but I like trying new things and tasting along the trip!
-I normally don’t get much produce from TJ’s, but I swear my kiddo eats the “Tiny Tomatoes” (from a little dish on our kitchen island) like they’re candy! -The Unexpected Cheddar is a big fave in our house, as are the Hold the Cones (coffee in the summer, and peppermint in the winter – may be my #1 favorite TJ’s item??) -Crispy fried shallots (so great added to virtually anything) -Belgian butter waffle cookies (make the best press-in pie crusts!) -Mediterranean hummus -We also love their sprouted high-protein tofu because it’s not packed in all this liquid, making it easier to drain and cook up for the best texture!
Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip, Hatch Green Chile Mac n Cheese, and the Brooklyn Babka are my absolute favorites. I wish we had a closer TJ’s near us :(
Big fan of TJ’s rose water mist. It’s super affordable, for one. I spray it over my lotion after a shower. I also a good cool-down tool for a hot day, and on the flip-side, a good moisturizer for a cold and dry sort of day. I just gifted it to my sister over Christmas, and she messaged to tell me recently that she’s been loving it!
We loved the beans in tomato sauce, which I bought after your recommendation. Now they’re discontinued! So disappointing.
Try heyday beans in vodka sauce, so so good!!
A few TJ’s items that haven’t been mentioned so far: the dried Montmorency cherries (so good in oatmeal and cookies,) the frozen cacio e pepe (toss in some sauteed/broiled asparagus or broccoli) and the Argan oil which I use on my hair while damp after washing (it soaks in and helps soften and reduce frizzies.)
My kids and I love the Yogurt Covered Strawberry O’s cereal. So good with milk and dry. Also, their Baked Cheesy Crisps (like a baked version of Cheetos) are my favorite guilty pleasure snack .
My husband- a Texan- believes they have the best tortillla chips. I can only get low fat jarlsberg there. And somehow the nuts just seem fresher. But I do wish they would use less packaging – especially in the produce aisle.
Oh YES. The plastic is overwhelming there, although there seem to be attempts to reduce it. Hope they keep keeping on with that effort. Also, I wish that the ratio of the less than healthy (but oh so tempting) snack foods to healthyish entrees were reduced. And, yeah, the union busting is disturbing; if only they saw the PR benefit in honoring unionization…
The Cotswold Double Gloucester cheese. My husband and I refer to it as “danger cheese” because there’s a danger he’ll go to the fridge and find I’ve eaten it all in the span of a day (this only happened ONCE while I was writing my dissertation, but I’ll never live it down). Also the dark chocolate peanut butter cups. I realize neither of these things is seasonal. I don’t really get into the seasonal stuff because I’m too sad when it’s gone. A couple of years ago the freezer section had these sticky toffee puddings that I still think about.
TJ is not my thing BUT what I love is the enthusiasm and joy of TJ fans! Totally invigorating to see so much love for food that makes people happy!
The ABC (Almond Butter Chocolate) bars! I buy three boxes at a time!
TJ’s isn’t really in our normal habitrail, but those beans in tomato sauce are amazing (TY!) and my partner is a halloumi freak so we look forward to early summer when it’s.back
I like to get a can of the giant beans in tomato sauce, a can of the eggplant with tomatoes and onion. I hear them both up and serve with a fried egg and crusty bread for dinner. So good, plus quick and easy.
My faves right now: -ravioli with goat cheese and caramelized onion; after cooking it, I sauté it in olive oil with a bunch of shaved brussels sprouts. SO GOOD -the strawberry sour belts -bruschetta sauce
Five Seed Almond Bars, which in my store are located above the frozen foods. Oh boy are they yummy. Kind of like biscotti but softer.
I love the five seed almond bars!! such a good snack and they taste kind of wholesome too
sounds weird, but porridge bread!
Seriously the best bread. I buy two loaves each time and am in fear it will not continue to be made!
OH MY GOD SAME. I can’t get enough of it! I’ve been reading though all of these comments just to see if someone else is as obsessed as I am.
I’m hesitant to share, because I love them so so much and I’m afraid they’ll disappear from the shelves. However, I’m also not a gatekeeper. The Greek chickpeas, in a large can, are SO GOOD. I dump them out and eat them just like that. They’re the perfect mix of tangy, sour, and salty. I’m obsessed with them. Please try them, but don’t tell anyone else about them hehe.
I literally stopped by on my way home from work today to restock on these. I chop up whatever else is on hand: celery, cucumber, avocado, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes. Such an easy, fuss-free dinner, especially in summer when I cannot bear to turn on the oven.
One of my favs too. For a quick meal I heat two of the Greek chickpeas and a can of regular, dried dill and at least half a bag of spinach. Serve it over rice add a squeeze of fresh lemon and the Greek feta from TJs.
I mix these with a can of tuna for lunch! So good and satisfying. And yes…I buy six cans every time I go.
They make bowls easy: -Salad mix -frozen rice and quinoa -Salmon -Avocadoes -Cherry tomatoes -cuke -everything bagel seasoning -Frozen mango chunks (defrost in no time) -Hot sauce and mayo combined
FYI there is a GF version of the Norweigian Crispbread too – and it is just perfect for hummus open-faced topped with thick tomato slices in the summer. I love the Thai Yellow curry with potatoes and peas – will have to try the red curry one… But also, I have an unexpected free day and it is a solid grey and very rainy pnw day – I am leaving now to get ingredients for that vegetarian shepard’s pie – thank you for the recipe!! The comments have a bunch of useful tips too. Then, am going to try making homemade Dubai chocolate eggs for Easter gifts…wish me luck!
PSA: The podcast “Acquired” has a (3+ hour long!) episode on the history of TJs, and it’s super interesting! I posted this on the latest Big Salad article and it got tons of likes, so I will sing the same praises here: Frozen Ginger and Garlic cubes!! As good as fresh, as easy as the minced jarred refrigerated stuff. Has completely changed cooking for me – it’s so easy to pop in a few cubes while cooking anything. I haven’t minced a real clove or garlic or peeled a knob of ginger since. Also been loving their Hatch Chile salsa lately!
I am a huge TJ fan, so much so that, that I buy TJ gift cards to give out. But Genuinely trying to understand why we can’t peel/mince fresh garlic/ ginger and have to use packaged frozen ginger/ garlic.
Daisy, because it helps.
Amy, if using the frozen works for Sarah, great! Why criticize when someone posts what she likes?
Isn’t that kind of TJ’s whole model, lots of prepackaged, convenience stuff? Also, the frozen garlic/ginger in particular can be really helpful for folks with dexterity challenges or disabilities, so it’s not just about convenience it’s about accessibility. Peeling and mincing isn’t accessible for everyone.
Daisy: I have one friend who has severe arthritis in her hands so chopping, especially mincing, is very painful. Another friend absolutely hates the smell of cutting fresh garlic but is fine with it after it’s cooked. And a friend who injured herself so badly while cutting ginger that she had to go to the ER. After that experience she’d simply rather buy it pre cut.
All of these reasons are great reasons for using frozen over fresh (and yes, I know there is more packaging, life is all about trade-offs). The reason for me is that I am simply LAZY but enjoy good food, and I also have two year old twins so anything that can help me get great tasty food on the table easier is a win by me. I imagine many home cooks avoid recipes that call for fresh ginger, even fresh garlic b/c it seems to cumbersome when you need something on the table FAST, and products like these mean that people can cook great food even in a pinch.
Just another person with limitations saying thank goodness for those frozen nuggets! They have such an outsized effect on how much energy it takes to make a meal taste better. They’re also at lots of stores so for the non TJ people, you’re not out of luck!
I love Aquired and their Trader Joe’s episode lives in my head every time I go in the store to get the Crispy Chile hummus. Can eat the tub in one sitting.
Came here to say this! Those cubes save me. You know what makes a 20 min nyt recipe take 20 min? Those cubes. You know who has literally only 20 min to make dinner but doesn’t want to eat dumplings every night? This mom of 4 and 6 year old kids. So, Daisy, that is why I like them! I also have whole ginger and garlic on hand for other preparations where it is sliced but if it’s minced it’s a cube. (Ps not knocking dumplings, they’re also my fave “I’m too tired to cook” meal, with cherry tomatoes, a la nyt dumpling salad. )
Those ginger and garlic cubes are products of Israel, for those of us boycotting
Daisy, I could never come home from a long work day and chop garlic or ginger. Before I worked full-time, yeah no problem. But now? Like Andreea said, it helps. Or makes it possible. These frozen cubes sound great.
Reasons 1. you’re super busy (like… onions go bad, ginger gets shriveled, work a billion hours busy) 2. you have arthritis or some other ailment 3. you don’t enjoy chopping 4. you don’t want your hands to smell 5. you like the cube life… ctfo daisy
In addition to the helpful examples above, I’ll add that I am perfectly capable of mincing my own garlic but…I just don’t always want to? And that’s ok? Not everything is a test of moral fibre.
I am forever bummed they discontinued the Soycutash, (frozen edamame, corn and red peppers). I loved it and I think it’s gone for good. I’ve made the viral dumpling bake twice in the last week, it’s so good.
I would look up on google for this combo. There is likely another brand who does this. TJs are just repackagers.
Whenever I visit my parents in the states there are a few TJ’s items that I stock up on; their heart of palm (idk why but they taste the best, other brands I’ve tried can vary in flavour), everything seasoning, sour cream & onion rings, the tomato baked beans cans, dolmas, dark chocolate. covered pistachios, oat chocolate bars, and peppermint joejoes (in winter). Can’t wait to restock at the end of the month… we’ve run out of everything by this point!
TJ’s Hashbrowns, Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pastry Bites, Tamales, and 1lb Chocolate bars are huge favs for me. I have never had luck with their produce
I was just at TJs this morning and everyone was excited about the new mushroom-shaped sour gummies! Holler to my Santa Rosa TJs!
Hi from another Emily in Santa Rosa!
Hi from another Santa Rosa TJ shopper, I mostly go to the SR Ave store, I wonder how often I am in the check our line surrounded by CofJo readers.
Have I met my people?! Shout out to SR Ave. TJ+COJ friends!
Not to be a hater but that dumpling bake sounds so weird to me. Japaneze gyoza swimming in Thai coconut sauce? Wet dumplings? Why??
Weird to me too, but I also like a TJ gyoza dropped in a hot pot, so I could see this…
Also I cannot imagine how much salt is going on there
I’m going to try the dumpling bake out tonight. I’d like to invite you over and we can taste test it together!
I thought it would weird too, but had it at a friend’s home served with a side of rice and loved it. Glad she talked me into trying it.
In eastern Washington our Trader Joe’s recently started stocking fresh California rolls. They are $5.99, addictive, and never in stock! As a backup I grab the salmon Caesar salad.
North Division or Lincoln Heights?!?!? iykyk
When it comes back from the recall, BUY THE JAPANESE FRIED RICE!! My kids and I think it is amazing. We also love the coconut body butter and the lip masks.
Yes! It’s amazing as a side dish to baked salmon and cucumber salad
I am having serious withdrawals! I serve it with sliced avocadoes and a fried egg.
This rice mix is so versatile. I always add extra veggies that I have on hand, minced ginger, sriracha and sesame oil to pump up the flavor and tofu, edamame or shrimp to make a one dish meal. Quick, healthy and tasty. Hope it comes back to the stores soon!
I’m in my two-young-kids, full-time-job, want-to-eat-healthy-but-no-time-for-complicated-dinners era. I recently got sucked into a Substack promising 30-min meals … that took me 75 mins to make. The dumpling bake looks great – on time and taste. Thanks, Kelsey! I need to go revisit the CoJ dinner posts. :)
A friend of mine recently introduced me to the world of freezer meals and it has been an absolutely game changer! There are meals that come together super fast and then you can bake them or throw them in the instant pot the next day- it’s amazing. Idk if it’s inappropriate to link a different blog here, but I’ve been on this site constantly since my friend sent it to me- https://thrivinghomeblog.com/70-healthy-freezer-meals/
Alas, I have a pretty small fridge and no room for an external freezer, so freezer meals aren’t really possible for me.
I will shout out Caro Chambers’ substack that is worth paying for! Her recipes are delicious, often quick, realistic, family friendly, healthy, and more importantly she offers substitutions and variations for every recipe! How to make it vegetarian, what to sub if youre missing or don’t like an ingredient. Some of her meals are go-to recipes in my house! And she was one of the big families featured here this week!
Thanks, Liz and Hannah!
I like making a riff on Hetty Lui McKinnons dumpling salad using TJ ingredients. https://www.facebook.com/reel/459592500032907. The original recipe is in CofJ archives…it is how I found out about this great ccok/author.
The Hatch Chile Mac and Cheese in the freezer section is one of my go-to’s at TJ’s the macaroni is still al dente after cooking in the microwave. Some of the other items we like to get there are the candied pecans (great to put in salads as well as snacking alone), the Spanish cheese sampler, the Orange Chicken (a great thing to have when you don’t feel like cooking). Plus they always have a great selection of flowers!
This question was the icebreaker at my early-morning volunteer gig last week and when I blurted THE 100% CRANBERRY JUICE the table looked at me as though I had farted audibly. Listen, I love tart stuff, that product has no plastic, cranberry bogs give wolf spiders jobs, and my hoo-ha health is *magnificent.*
“Cranberry bogs give wolf spiders jobs” is such a delightful reason to love it!
Please drink all the cranberry juice. Keep wolf spiders employed in hopes they will never bite me again.
I love 100% cranberry juice for mixing with other drinks, like plain club soda, or in cocktails!
I love this juice too! Sour cran lovers unite!
Hurrah for hoo-ha health! 😂
We are big fans of TJ’s in this house. Some favs: – Zhoug. It’s a spicy mediterranean dip/sauce that is fantastic with a protein and rice, but my husband will eat it straight with pita chips. – Crispy oatmeal cookies (with sea salt). My favorite cookie maybe ever. May they never stop making them. Crumble some over vanilla ice cream. – Gluten-free breaded shrimp (frozen). They heat up well and are so good in tacos. – Shawarma chicken thighs. So good.
Seconding the Zhoug. Terrific on eggs!
Kate you can make a quick curry with zhoug, plain greek yoghurt and a protein of your choice. Just cook your protein, add zhoug, stir in yoghurt to taste :)
If anyone has a dupe for the zhoug!! I’ve tried several middle eastern recipes but I want it to taste like TJ’s, it’s so fresh! Number one food I miss since moving to Europe. We used to go through 3 a week! For breakfast with strained yogurt and tomatoes was the best, or on an egg sandwich.
I love their desserts! The chipwiches and the carrot cake are SO good!
Ooh yes also the mini cones???
Small PSA: oats are not always Celiac safe. Everyone loves to mention when things are GF to be inclusive, which is much appreciated. Alas, eating GF is far more nuanced than many people realize. So, if you are buying treats for Celiacs, please remember that even if something is marked GF, they still might not be able to eat it. Signed, mother of Celiac, for whom people generously buy treats that he still cannot eat
As someone with celiac, I came here to say what you just said so well. Even if it says gluten free on the package, for oats to be celiac safe I need it to be listed in the ingredient list as gluten-free oats. Basically they have been harvested, transported stored and processed with equipment that haven’t been contaminated by other grains that are taboo for us with celiac.
In particular, be wary of Trader Joe’s oats, even if labeled gluten free. My celiac kid can’t tolerate them but is fine w bob’s red mill gf oats. https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/news/gluten-free-watchdog-recommends-against-the-use-of-trader-joes-gluten-free-oats/
It looks as though my son is about to be diagnosed with celiac and I’m distraught. Any advice? Any words of reassurance? I’ll take any. Worried and scared.
So true! We learned this when my mom had to switch to 100% GF diet.
Kelly, my son was diagnosed at 2.5. There are so many resources now than back then (he’s nearly 18). What I can tell you is that most things can be made GF! You just have to Google substitutions. Also get the Find Me Gluten Free app…so helpful!
Kelly – we are about 7 months post diagnosis. The difference in my kid after going gf has been life changing – and they never had any gastric symptoms. So it’s scary but worth it. Depending on where you live, there may be a support group associated with your gastro. Ours is Celiac Kids Connection and it’s so helpful!!
Thank you! I have a friend who was diagnosed as an adult and I didn’t know this. So helpful!
The oat bites are a copy of Bobo’s bites, which do have different /non peanut butter flavors (tho they “may contain nuts” if i recall). I do like those TJ’s ones tho, they taste like a raspberry filled powder sugar donut to me.
I have seen the viral dumpling bake all over TikTok/IG and had been on the fence about trying it, but you’ve convinced me! I’m a big fan of the Thai Veggie dumplings.