Grocery
53 Trader Joe’s Snacks We Could Polish Off in One Sitting
Our staff picks their all-time favorites.
Photo by Rocky Luten
Walking into Trader Joe’s can be an overwhelming experience. For so many reasons. First, there are all the charming, helpful employees with their breezy Hawaiian shirts and delightful smiles. And then there are all the the products: bags and boxes and containers of food that seems to extend for miles and miles and miles. The sheer amount of options is dizzying.
Because we’re creatures of habit, we tend to stick to what we know, that which brings us comfort. We’ve all got our favorites and that’s totally okay. But I was curious to know about—hungry for, if you will—everyone’s go-to Trader Joe’s purchases.
So I asked the staff, posed a simple question: What are your favorite Trader Joe’s snacks? Goodies you couldn’t live without? Munches you could devour a whole bag of in one sitting?
What I received in turn was a maelstrom of energy and answers. The Slack channel practically crashed from pure excitement. It seemed everyone had something to say, some snack to profess their love for. And so, I share with you all this list of favorites. They range the gamut from salty to sweet and back again.
I’ve edited and condensed the list for clarity and flow.
Rob Strype: Milk Chocolate–Covered Peanut Butter Pretzels, amazing!
Jackson Fust: SALTED PEANUT BUTTER PRETZELS… The unsalted are trash.
Jeremy Beker: Their Pita Crackers, and always the Unexpected Cheddar.
Joanna Sciarrino: Crispy, Crunchy Mochi Rice Nuggets. They're always near the line to pay and get me every time. I've come reallllly close to finishing a bag in one sitting. Also the wasabi almonds—they're just nose-tingly enough without blowing your head off.
Amanda Hesser: Merrill introduced me to their Peanut Butter Cups. Damn her!
Eric Kim: An entire jar of Speculoos Cookie Butter for dinner!
Sophie Corwin: Omg their Sweet & Spicy Pecans are everything… Also their Chocolate Cat Cookies dipped in coffee for dessert… Also any of their mini cookies… Basically all of Trader Joe’s.
Brinda Ayer: Zesty Nacho Kale Chips and their Popcorn in a Pickle. Or their Popcorn with Herbs and Spices.
Megan Güntaş: Does the Flax and Chia Seed Crunchy Peanut Butter count? I eat that literally every day. Oh!! The Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips are so addicting. They are so much better than the usual tortilla chip. Oh, also the Pistachio Pomegranate Crisps! Also, the Mediterranean Hummus is so yummy.
Erin Alexander: I don’t even like them that much, but I could eat a thousand of the Inner Peas Baked Peas and Happy Trekking Nut Mix!
Danielle Curtis-Williams: I buy 2 of the Chipotle Garlic Salsas at a time because I ran out once and it was a sad, sad day. Also their Bollywood Popcorn.
Eunice Choi: The Mini Mint Ice Cream Mouthfuls, Hold the Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones, dried mangos, veggie chips, mango gummies, and so much more.
Jackson Fust: Double Roasted Salsa deserves a shout out too.
Sophie Corwin: Cowboy Caviar, too!
Danielle Curtis-Williams: And the Green Goddess Salad Dressing is good on ANYTHING (salads and meat)!
From Our Shop
Erin Alexander: I will forever love the Pistachio and Pomegranate Crisps. My mom always buys them during the holidays for dips, cheese spreads (they taste incredible with a goat cheese and a drizzle of honey), and of course, eating straight out of the box.
Hana Asbrink: The Sour Cream & Onion Corn Puffs!
Caroline Harris: Their Crispy Crunchy Chocolate Chips Cookies are my downfall.
Sarah Yaffa: Their Bamba Peanut Snacks: the best snack for babies.
Lindsay-Jean Hard: Scandinavian Swimmers and all of their seasonal varieties (vegetarian-friendly gummies for the win!) and their berry and strawberry Soft Licorice Twists.
Erin Sanders: Peanut butter-filled pretzels, and the dark chocolate peanut butter cups...lol, anything with peanut butter!
Eric Kim: I always stock up on roasted seaweed snack when I’m there.
Danielle Curtis-Williams: Chili and lime-flavored rolled corn tortilla chips for the win.
Eric Kim: OH, and I j'adore the green bean chips.
Annalee Leggett: Frozen mango!
Megan Guntas: Their Norwegian Crispbread Crackers with Trader Joe's almond butter.
Danielle Curtis-Williams: Oh! Their mozzarella with their balsamic glaze and a tomato and salt....a beautiful snack (add an avocado if you're feeling fancy).
Merrill Stubbs: I know Ryan Charles likes their unsweetened dried cherries—not so easy to find, though. +1 on dark chocolate peanut butter cups, and my kids love their animal crackers.
Eddie Barrera: Cats cookies but NOT the chocolate kind.
Rebekah Daniels: I love the maple leaf sandwich cookies. Those have to go on a very high, difficult-to-reach shelf whenever I buy them.
Brette Warshaw: The multigrain pita bite crackers and the frozen dark-chocolate-covered bananas.
Funmi Ojo: Belgian butter almond thins.
Erin Alexander: Their dark chocolate-covered mini pretzels are SO GOOD it's impossible to put down the bag.
Written by: Valerio Farris
Popular on Food52
185 Comments
Carol
November 6, 2022
Chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches. I used to work right near the “original” Trader Joe’s and have had one near me for more years than I can remember. It IS like Disneyland. Always something new to try and love. And I agree with whoever said the Maple Leaf sandwich cookies have to be on a top shelf (but problem is that mine hardly make it home as I open the box the second I get in the car!!!)
Susan
February 13, 2021
I love the Indian vegetarian samosas from the freezer. Pair it with the mango chutney for a real treat. I also love their cheese blintzes.
Cookie
February 28, 2020
TJ's dark chocolate covered marshmallows - keep them in the freezer for a great chewy melty satisfying two-bite dessert.
Elaine R.
January 25, 2020
I am just so glad I actually live on top of Trader Joe's in Los Angeles. It was one of the main reasons I wanted to move to my building.
Beverlee A.
January 24, 2020
Hey Jackson! I LOVE UNsalted TJ's Peanut Butter Pretzels...Not trash. Great for treating those of us on lower salt diets.
sherry L.
January 24, 2020
Trader Joe's Champagne Pear Vinaigrette, Chevre Creamy fresh goat cheese. lettuce, cut up red pepper, carrots, celery and slice a fresh pear add cheese and dressing. The best the very best. Also love Homestyle Salsa Especial Medium. The best of any refrigerated Salsa
on the market.
on the market.
Penny L.
December 28, 2019
The rosemary Marcona almonds are my favorite snack. I take bags with me when I visit friends in Europe and have my friends addicted too. My latest addiction is the dark chocolate peanut butter cups. And the brandy beans during the holidays. I buy boxes to have past the season.
Denise
September 3, 2019
The Trader Joe's Lightly Sweetened Coconut Strips. I buy them every time i go. They are addictive........
Lisa
June 30, 2019
My all time favorite TJs item is the pesto Gouda cheese. However, I can no longer find it. I check every single time I’m in a TJs, to no avail. :( other favorites are the organic corn chip dippers, white cheddar corn puffs, cinnamon schoolbook cookies, low salt almonds, ham and cheese tarte.
Emily L.
June 29, 2019
I just discovered sweet corn burrata basil raviolis that I paired with my homemade spaghetti sauce and they totally knocked my socks off! You must try them & I think they're a great starting point for any number of ideas not just pasta flavors, peach salsa could extra yummy on them! Mmmm
Renee F.
June 18, 2019
Halloumi cheese slices only available during summer grilling season which I buy five or six packages at a time and freeze for using after the season - this non-melting cooking cheese does not suffer from freezing; organic chocolate covered sunflower seeds with a naturally colored thin candy coating; both their ginger and green tea mints. Two serving precut watermelon chunks tend not to be cost effective in other stores but well priced at TJ and get packed in my plane and train food cooler.
Emily L.
June 29, 2019
I looked for their chocolate covered sunflower seeds 2 weeks ago & I was told they don't carry them anymore! That was so sad! I'm in San Diego if anyone knows one that still carries them 😉
Beverlee A.
June 16, 2019
I started shopping TJ's at their first store in Monrovia, CA...in several California cities, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Laramie, Wyoming, and now in The Woodlands, Texas. Trader Joe's is my Disneyland. When we moved to Texas, I told the RE Agent, get us near a Trader Joe's. It's less than a mile away. TJ's has been a part of my life for nearly as long as they've been open. I plan my meals around what I can get there, so I rarely shop anywhere else.
Toddie
June 2, 2019
The precooked lentils with the bruschetta sauce mixed in. With or without the cheese sprinkled on. Great quick lunch or snack. I know it is more cost efficient to make my own but the convenience is sometimes worth it.
susan Z.
January 31, 2019
i cant live without their TEJAVA tea...in 4 pack lunch size bottles or quart size for table or parties. it has a clean refreshing taste. like water for me! their organic corn chips are very good, hold up to chunky guacamole and salsa.
Mary M.
January 27, 2019
Organic Corn Chip Dippers!!!!! Organic version of Fritos Scoops...so salty and crunchy1
Eileen N.
November 23, 2018
Have a fun story. In 1990, my bf & l bought a peach mango ginger salad dressing in Safeway. I ate it by the spoonful & put it on more than salad. Years later, got word being discomtinued. One Saturday we went to every Safeway in 25 mile radius. Most already gone. Last one had 18 bottles. Bought every one. We felt like thieves with an addiction. What looks & comments we got.
Total bought 36! When we opened last bottle & one serving left, we couldn't finish it. Eventually did. Still mourning!
Total bought 36! When we opened last bottle & one serving left, we couldn't finish it. Eventually did. Still mourning!
Eileen N.
November 23, 2018
I enjoy the Wine Country Chickken salad, but sometimes l get a bone or grizzle. I am very careful when l eat it!
I also love the kale dip. It's in section with l believe pub cheese in containers near packaged salads.
Anything with dark chocolate, cranberry pomegranate or the fig olive crackers, veggie potstickers, frozen lemon tarts, chocolate cranberry trail mix etc etc etc!
Kudos to the free tasting area with coffee. Never go to TJs when very hungry!
I also love the kale dip. It's in section with l believe pub cheese in containers near packaged salads.
Anything with dark chocolate, cranberry pomegranate or the fig olive crackers, veggie potstickers, frozen lemon tarts, chocolate cranberry trail mix etc etc etc!
Kudos to the free tasting area with coffee. Never go to TJs when very hungry!
di
October 15, 2018
I was so addicted to Honey Butter potato chips and, without telling me(!) they discontinued carrying them!
They were the best, a great balance of sweet & salty flavors and not too unhealthy! TJ’s them made to their specs.
I have written TJ’s and they will reinstate if others email.
I tried another brand from Amazon, but the flavor was not at all the same!
Anyone else like enjoy these???
They were the best, a great balance of sweet & salty flavors and not too unhealthy! TJ’s them made to their specs.
I have written TJ’s and they will reinstate if others email.
I tried another brand from Amazon, but the flavor was not at all the same!
Anyone else like enjoy these???
Eileen N.
November 23, 2018
Will do same. How do you email them? No flyer right now & need to use lnstacart. The service l used once to order TJs had a $25 Service fee for $55 worth of groceries, plus gave her $5 tip and 5 items l always buy she couldn't get! Would have bought more, just got paid!
Mary-Gay
October 12, 2018
Lightly salted in-shell edamame from the freezer section, dolmas (no one believes they're from a can!), Unexpected Cheddar cheese-my favorite, and chocolate chips for my non-dairy daughters (TD's chips are dairy free and way cheaper than pretty much everywhere else.)
zeldie
October 12, 2018
Why would Food 52, which I consider smart and health oriented, promote this garbage unhealthy junk food? My opinion of Foid 52 just went down several points
Anja
October 12, 2018
Why would you consider Food 52 health oriented? The zillion recipes for cakes and other delectable items does not support such an assertion.
Linda S.
October 14, 2018
Perhaps a vegans-r-us website would be more appropriate for some people. Love food 52 but never think of it as healthy eating inspired.
Mickie H.
October 12, 2018
RAW ALMONDS ARE MY DAILY GO-TO SNACK - AND YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME TO INVESTIGATE A FEW OTHERS FOR SOME VARIETY!
Kelly
October 7, 2018
Yep, it’s the Crispy, Crunchy Mochi Rice Nuggets. They taste strangely like a Cheeto without the “Chee.” And the Salt and Pepper Chips, and all the lovely frozen appetizers (the little puff pastry wrapped cocktail wieners with brown mustard....), the Breakfast Brie, the sesame sticks, the truffle Marcona almonds (and the rosemary), and probably about 30 other things I’m not remembering off of the top of my head. And here’s a shout out for TJ’s ice creams: I worked for a period of time as an ice cream taste tester (poor me;) with Haagen Dazs, and Trader Joe’s Vanilla and Coffee were among the best ice creams on the planet. Both in flavor and texture.
Tessa
July 8, 2018
The green olive tapenade is the best ever!
Carol R.
October 14, 2018
Cook penne or similar pasta until al dente, reserve some pasta water. Meanwhile, cook bacon cut in lardons until crisp in a saute pan, add cut up cherry tomatoes and cook until soften. Then stir in a few dollops of olive tapenade, add pasta, combine. Add pasta water, stir until pasta glistens. Turn off heat and sprinkle with parsley (optional) and Romano cheese. Serve.
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Jan G.
June 30, 2018
Listen, I’ve made 3 trips to TJ’s this week because of all these suggestions! The problem is-I love them all(except the chocolate or coffee things-allergic)😰
Ttrockwood
June 30, 2018
So many favorites! For snacks the salted pb pretzels are tied with the pumpernickle pretzel sticks (which i proceed to dip in pb), the sesame cashews are a legit problem for me to have around, triple ginger snap cookies and of course the vegan mochi- especially the mango!
Staci P.
June 30, 2018
Since it's seasonal only to summer, I stock up for the year on BBQ Rub & Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic. Chicken, steak, pork chops - become memorable and addicting with this rub.
sassygirl711
July 1, 2018
the bbq coffee rub has never let me down. it is so sad when they take it off the shelves. i’m a huge fan!
:)
:)
Hank A.
June 28, 2018
For Brioche Hamburger Buns give Aldi a try ... you'd think they just came from the local Bakery...and I'm a bread nut!
Toddie
June 28, 2018
Completely forgot to mention that TJs is my source for "New England Style" hot dog buns, a/k/a side split! Great for hot dogs, absolutely necessary for lobster rolls.
Jaye B.
June 28, 2018
Ditto on the Salted Peanut Butter Pretzels, I can't leave the store without them. All of the nuts, especially the luxury of not having to crack Brazil nuts. Horseradish Pub Cheese on anything. I don't think there's a bad cracker on their shelves, but the Brioche Toasts reign supreme!
Holly B.
June 27, 2018
Oh so many! Fresh tomatillo salsa; must have dark choc pb cups; spinach & kale bites (in frozen) roasted slow and long - a really good appetizer/cocktail treat; low-calorie lemonade; EV olive oil; hummus w/horseradish; premium chocolate ice cream best in the world; 100% pure grade B maple syrup, also best in the world.
KM
June 27, 2018
Garlic Dip&Spread on everything. Spud Crunchies (sprinkled with malt vinegar or dipped in the Garlic Dip). Lentil Curls. Vegan protein chai as an afternoon pick-me up. And RIP Pane Guttiau. Those were perfect on their own or with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Also miss their refrigerated Pickled Cauliflower Medley. It was the perfect light and satisfying snack, but apparently I was the only one who liked it--it was discontinued for low sales :(
Magdalena R.
June 26, 2018
Anyone else love the dark chocolate–pistachio toffee or the dark chocolate–sea salt graham cracker squares ? And to the dark chocolate–peanut butter cup–fans, we stand united. All together, these 3 items are enough to brave NYC check-out lines.
dishelle
June 26, 2018
Raisin Rosemary crisps are fab served with goat cheese and honey. Also the Triple Ginger Snaps, so good with tea. The Tarte D'Alsace "pizza" with caramelized onions and gruyere makes a fabulous appetizer if you cut it into bite size pieces and top with a little lightly dressed arugula and parmesan shavings - or a really great light dinner with arugula dressed with evoo and balsamic and parm. But, the tomato-less Corn Salsa is AWESOME! On their corn chips, with a little guac, the corn-on-corn action is not to be missed.
Monica B.
June 26, 2018
One year they had frozen Chocolate Raspberry Tamales. That's right, chocolate and raspberries.... in tamales. I could have eaten those for breakfast everyday. Where are they now?
Toddie
June 26, 2018
I recently discovered that Kringles are not just for the holidays. The almond filled pastry was available at Christmas and, around Easter, they had one filled with raspberries. So good. Also the Lemon Viennese Tart - with tart being the operative word. The frozen cheesecake rivals Junior's.
On the savory side, I love the Cambozola blue cheese with Some Enchanted Crackers. Also, pretty much everything listed below
On the savory side, I love the Cambozola blue cheese with Some Enchanted Crackers. Also, pretty much everything listed below
Eileen N.
November 23, 2018
Right on Juniors and TJ cheesecake! Used to shop in Brooklyn just for a slice in 60-70s. In Cali now & no car!
Beth G.
June 26, 2018
Nobody else comes home with 10 blocks of cheese and just eats a cheese plate for dinner for the next three days? Asking for a friend.
Heather J.
July 9, 2018
I love a good cheese plate for dinner, a nice loaf of bread and a thinly sliced crisp apple. Yum
Kathy V.
June 25, 2018
They used to carry a pear tart (in the frozen section) that was to die for !!!! I keep good. Back lookong for it... but I never in luck! And their pi k bag of sweet n salty popcorn, and kale pesto!
Lynnie
June 25, 2018
Love the Chicago popcorn which is darn great caramel popcorn mixed with piquantly great cheddar popcorn in one bag = sweet/savory/salty bliss!!
Doris C.
June 25, 2018
Triple Ginger Snaps are the best! They make great little ice cream sandwiches too. I love to mix their blister pack peanuts with the honey roasted and put them in a jar for snacking. Love the large Belgian Chocolate Bars, especially with the almonds, the little everything crackers and the fresh mild salsa. Okay, now I'm going to TJ's. Glad that where we just moved it's only 5 minutes away instead of 45!!
Lily
June 25, 2018
Large Belgian Chocolate Bars. Wish TJ’s would bring back the white chocolate bars The are no longer selling.
Renee F.
June 25, 2018
Chocolate covered sunflower seeds. No artificial colors or flavors. Seasonally available sliced halloumi cheese - must test to see if it freezes well so I can stock up this summer while it’s still on the shelf.
cosmiccook
June 25, 2018
I don't think our Trader Joe's in Metairie (N.O.) has many of the items listed--so I concur with the comment "not all TJ's are created equally)!
drbabs
July 1, 2018
No but The Metairie one has (or had a couple of months ago) horseradish hummus, which is awesome, and which they don’t have in Austin.
cyndi
June 24, 2018
Chocolate Almond Biscotti (try dipping in coffee or tea, and then try to resist; it will be impossible). Also, Chocolate Covered Sea Salt Butterscotch Caramels.
Jo
June 24, 2018
Mochi Mochi Mochi. I’m SO addicted to their crisp Mochi treats. Buy 5 bags at a time!
Traveler
June 24, 2018
I am fortunate to live in a town of about 35,000 people with two TJ's - and both are always crowded. Have been going there since they moved in. My favorites are the reduced guilt cheese puffs, almond biscotti, the ice cream sandwiches with the chocolate chips, and cheese with caramelized onions. Most everything is good and quite reasonable.
Sue N.
June 24, 2018
When IWas there yesterday, the sam-le was a scoop of their French Vanilla ice cream with a splash of their Clementine soda on top.Heavenly! i’ve shopped there for more than 20 years, never to be outdone—TJs forever!
SophieL
June 24, 2018
Creamy Tomato Soup Seasoned Crackers, esp with pimento cheese. Also, Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives. So glad I live in So Cal where there's a TJ's nearly everywhere. BTW, I'm printing this list of other's favorites and keeping it in my car!
Kathleen S.
June 24, 2018
The Triple ginger cookies are addictive, delicious and unparalleled by any other. How is this not on the original list???
Laurence T.
June 24, 2018
The little bags of 5 or 6 mini Brie cheeses. Best snack with an apple or handful of fresh cherries.
Andrea
June 24, 2018
Surprised no one mentioned the blue cheese pecan dip. Those little flower chocolate mousse cakes, the mini choc peanut butter cups, the chunky applesauce, the macrons, those new dried fruit discs individually wrapped--the apricot/nut is si Delish!
Paulette
June 24, 2018
Dark chocolate nibs in those nifty little tins that go in my purse, and the blue bags of refill nibs so I never run out. I have about a dozen tins and just keep refilling them. Never go anywhere without one on my person
Smaug
June 24, 2018
Geez, that's 6,453 posts just today on this article- pardon me, but I have to go buy some Trader Joe's stock.
Lottie
June 24, 2018
The coconut cashews are my undoing! I also love to dump a bag of toasted coconut chips into a bag of chocolate cashew almond trail mix. The tomatillo salsa is yum. And i recently discovered the delight of their Pain Au Lait (milk bread)! I could go on and on.
Dayle H.
June 24, 2018
Great lust list giving me new snack ideas. Cannot believe no one mentioned fall/Xmas seasonal addictive fave dark choc covered stars cookies! Also French Roast coffee ice cream! (I really miss long ago fave dark and delicious chocolate sorbet imported from California) Others: small and crunchy cheddar "Cheetos", cheddar popcorn, bags of dried fruit leather 'ends'. Of course: dark choc peanut butter cups, tiny choc chip cookies, dark choc w almond bars, triple ginger cookies, cinnamon sugar grahams, unsalted raw and roasted nuts of all sorts. Summer fave frozen treat: small Euro-style yogurt cups (mocha is my fave), shaken to mix choc/coffee flavor from bottom, then frozen- sitting in a row in my freezer waiting to be grabbed for light, yummy, cooling, healthy snack!
Lynnie
June 25, 2018
Yes on the Christmas Star cookies ... and ALSO the holiday frosted Gingerman cookies with bits of chopped candied ginger in the dough. Staff tells me those sell out FAST and sure enough, when I went back for "round 2" they were gone at all 5 of the stores in my area...
Dennis N.
June 24, 2018
Thanks, now I'm hungry!
Seriously, totally agree with the salted peanut butter filled pretzels.
If peanut butter counts, my favorite snack is a heaping spoonful of the salted crunchy PB.
Cheese puffs, kona shortbread cookies ... the list could keep going on.
Seriously, totally agree with the salted peanut butter filled pretzels.
If peanut butter counts, my favorite snack is a heaping spoonful of the salted crunchy PB.
Cheese puffs, kona shortbread cookies ... the list could keep going on.
Hank A.
June 24, 2018
For Pita Chips you can get the same Product (promise, Costco also BOUGHT from the same Company) for 30-40% CHEAPER!
And Sweet and Spicy Pecans must be the EASIEST snack I've ever made. Google Emeril's Recipe and buy some Raw Pecans!! YMMV and Happy Snacking!!
And Sweet and Spicy Pecans must be the EASIEST snack I've ever made. Google Emeril's Recipe and buy some Raw Pecans!! YMMV and Happy Snacking!!
Hank A.
January 28, 2019
No they aren't, common misconception ... from Wiki: In the US he owned the Trader Joe's specialty grocery store chain. His brother Karl Albrecht owned the Aldi Süd discount supermarket chain. ... Aldi Süd operates the Aldi groceries in the United States. Aldi and Trader Joe's, while owned by the brothers, have separate and distinct ownership and operations.
Susanna
June 24, 2018
Everything but the bagel seasoning—so versatile. I often top the Alexandra stafford no-knead bread with it.
Yuzu hot sauce
Toffee chips
And a definite yes to the frozen croissants and unexpected cheddar.
Yuzu hot sauce
Toffee chips
And a definite yes to the frozen croissants and unexpected cheddar.
cosmiccook
June 24, 2018
Their chocolate and nuts nuggets, Pub cheese and the garlic spread. We are NEVER w/o these 3!
Cheryl
June 24, 2018
Everyone goes crazy for the Cilantro and Jalapeno Hummus. I use their jar of organic Tomatillo & Roasted Yellow Chili Salsa as often as I can--perfect!
I have made it a Thanksgiving tradition to put out their Cocoa Truffles. My granddaughter always looks for them and takes home the remainder.
I have made it a Thanksgiving tradition to put out their Cocoa Truffles. My granddaughter always looks for them and takes home the remainder.
Jan G.
June 24, 2018
Can’t believe no one has mentioned the scrumptious, totally addictive mochi especially the strawberry & the mango ones-always eat the whole box!
JustOneBite
June 24, 2018
Oven Baked cheese bites. They are SO good!! And really inexpensive compared to other brands at other stores. Also love the Roasted Plantain Chips. Feel super lucky to live in So. Cal with 4 different TJ's within 10 minutes of my house!
Janet R.
June 24, 2018
Wow, I'm really jealous! We have only 1 TJ's in the whole state of Maine. It's 75 miles from me, but there are rumors of another one coming 20 miles from me. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Staci P.
June 30, 2018
There's not one in the state of South Dakota - we have to drive to Minneapolis or Omaha - almost 4 hours one way. We are begging them to come to Sioux Falls.
Eileen N.
November 23, 2018
May TJs be all over Maine by New Year 2020! Fortunate to live in San Franciscoo Bay Area. Bless Lyft~no car.
Poppygold
June 24, 2018
Mandarin Orange Chicken -- we kick it way up by adding stir fried sweet onion, yellow or red pepper and fresh pineapple.
I also bake it longer than the directions because I want super crispy. Sauce is served on the side. Serve over brown rice or more veggies...
We also love Trader Joe's Pane Guttiau Sardinian Parchment Crackers with Olive Oil [even though I know they are not authentic] BUT my store no longer carries it -- I used them for a roasted artichoke tarte that got raves...
Peach salsa on most everything.
Butter butter waffle cookies -- addictive.
I also bake it longer than the directions because I want super crispy. Sauce is served on the side. Serve over brown rice or more veggies...
We also love Trader Joe's Pane Guttiau Sardinian Parchment Crackers with Olive Oil [even though I know they are not authentic] BUT my store no longer carries it -- I used them for a roasted artichoke tarte that got raves...
Peach salsa on most everything.
Butter butter waffle cookies -- addictive.
Connie B.
October 12, 2018
I miss the Sardinian Parchment Crackers too! I loved to spread them with TJ's Creamy Goat Cheese (which I adore even tho it's a little pricey for the small container).
We're fortunate to have two TJs here on the Monterey Peninsula in CA.
We're fortunate to have two TJs here on the Monterey Peninsula in CA.
Judy
June 24, 2018
How could this list be complete without Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans???!! Also last Autumn they made Hold The Cone in pumpkin ice cream with a ginger cone. Please, pretty please with dark chocolate on it, bring those back and make enough that they last more than 10 days!!!!! I went back three days after I had bought them and they were gone!! Sadness filled my heart!
Anja
June 24, 2018
Chili lime cashews, rosemary marcona almonds, cambazola cheese. They used to have salmon croquettes in the frozen appetizer section, but no more. They were a fabulous dinner. Also no more are the incredible rosemary scones. However, there are plenty of fabulous things left!
Nancy B.
June 24, 2018
The Hot and sweet red pepper jelly. See my paean to it in my blog. Goes great on ANY sandwich, especially with pork. http://www.nycsnackattack.com/blog/condiment-o-mania/4/7/2017
Nancy B.
June 24, 2018
Seems my link didn't link to actual blog post, but it's Condiment-o-Mania Post in March 17 archive.
Nannette
June 24, 2018
House staples we LOVE:
Salted peanut butter pretzel bites
Sea salt and turbinado sugar dusted dark chocolate almonds-crazy good so surprised no one listed this!
Pimento cheese (in southern stores, at least I think they still carry-Northeast stores discontinued). Cheddar cheese with little kick of jalapeño and pimento. Really good.
Rosemary and sea salt marcona almonds.
Dark chocolate peanut butter cups (we keep in the container in the fridge for quick grabs)
Frozen croissants especially thr chocolate—another one I’m surprised no one mentioned! These proof overnight and bake up to be crazy good, patisserie-like croissants. They are THAT good. Houseguests love, kids love. You’ll look like a rockstar in the morning! They also offer seasonal varieties around the holidays like Queen of Hearts, really good too.
Olive oil popcorn.
Mirepoix containers. For speed.
Squarish focaccia rolls are great for sandwiches and mid size panini’s.
Chocolate S’more bites. Taste sensation!
Agree with all on cheese, crackers, interesting chips and salsa selection. Really good. I could go on and on!
Salted peanut butter pretzel bites
Sea salt and turbinado sugar dusted dark chocolate almonds-crazy good so surprised no one listed this!
Pimento cheese (in southern stores, at least I think they still carry-Northeast stores discontinued). Cheddar cheese with little kick of jalapeño and pimento. Really good.
Rosemary and sea salt marcona almonds.
Dark chocolate peanut butter cups (we keep in the container in the fridge for quick grabs)
Frozen croissants especially thr chocolate—another one I’m surprised no one mentioned! These proof overnight and bake up to be crazy good, patisserie-like croissants. They are THAT good. Houseguests love, kids love. You’ll look like a rockstar in the morning! They also offer seasonal varieties around the holidays like Queen of Hearts, really good too.
Olive oil popcorn.
Mirepoix containers. For speed.
Squarish focaccia rolls are great for sandwiches and mid size panini’s.
Chocolate S’more bites. Taste sensation!
Agree with all on cheese, crackers, interesting chips and salsa selection. Really good. I could go on and on!
bas26
June 24, 2018
My favorites are triple ginger cookies, dark chocolate caramels, and orange flavored dried cranberries (great to eat or mix into scones, muffins, apple pie, etc.) I get anxious when they're not in stock and I'm almost out. Also, brie with mushrooms is something I can't not buy. Chicken or beef taquitos with salsa verde, beef tamales with chili sauce (I make my own) are also satisfying snacks. I'm sure I'm forgetting something but this is all I could think of for now.
Mary C.
June 24, 2018
Sesame covered cashews, Goat Cheese medallions in herbs and olive oil, Fig and Rosemary Crackers, and Soft Licorice (strawberry is best)...just to name a few!
JR
June 24, 2018
So many great TJ snacks! We like their excellent cheese selection with almost any of their crackers. Such great quality and variety of cheeses for the price point! Next, could you please do an article with TJ easy appetizer recipes?? Would LOVE this!
Lorraine L.
June 24, 2018
Chocolate covered cocao nibs. I have a few in my muesli every morning with a couple of their raw Brazil nuts, coconut chips and organic raisins. A lovely bite. Also the dried white peaches. I stock up every March cos they’re seasonal and only back around August. Their nuts are amazing, every single bag. The toasted chopped pecans are great for baking. Roasted almonds for snacking at work, Go Raw trek mix for road trips, sweet potato crackers. And fig and olive crackers for a cheese board. I break up that huge Belgian dark chocolate bar into two oz pieces and store in a ziplock to make hot chocolate (does that count as a snack? (:
beezus
June 24, 2018
It's been a year since I've been to TJ's due to distance (1 1/2 hours!). Addicted to the Chili Pepper Sauce, but Westport store didn't have any last trip. Does anyone know if TJ's in Westport or Darien carry it now?
Panfusine
June 24, 2018
Chili and salt coated mango leather, blister peanuts and the salty baked banana chips
Nan G.
June 24, 2018
They make a macha tea cookie that is SO good!
When we retired I told hubby it was OK to move out of SoCal - as long as there was a Trader Joe's nearby. Utah has two, soon to be three. I run into people who drive 200 miles to shop there.
When we retired I told hubby it was OK to move out of SoCal - as long as there was a Trader Joe's nearby. Utah has two, soon to be three. I run into people who drive 200 miles to shop there.
Roseanne C.
June 24, 2018
The organic blue corn tortillas chips are the best anywhere, especially when combined with the organic roasted tomatillo salsa. I also love the mango gummies and kettle cooked fruit gems, when I'm craving something sweet. The lentil crisps and roasted garlic hummus are great when you want something a little healthier. They also recently introduced a Gone Berry Crazy Frozen treat that is amazing, and the salted caramel gelato is delicious.
PMJ
June 24, 2018
Their fresh pasta selection, the crusty bread, the vegetable dumplings, etc, etc.....
Calisson
June 24, 2018
Caramel popcorn---the best!
Dark chocolate covered caramels with sea salt
Rosemary Marcona almonds
Dark chocolate covered caramels with sea salt
Rosemary Marcona almonds
Amanda P.
June 24, 2018
Truffle potato chips! Kale balls and Spanikopita triangles in the frozen section.
Gammy
June 24, 2018
TJ used to carry scrumptious dark chocolate covered mango sorbet bon-bons. They were a most perfect after-dinner treat of 2-3 bites. I do so wish they would bring them back.
Roberta
June 24, 2018
Wow does such a place exist? I’m in Sydney Australia and we have no such luck! Seems I’m going to have to plan my next holiday to the US and set up camp in a Trader Joe’s! Seems I’m going to need more than a week or two to try all the goodies!
Colleen
June 24, 2018
I’m in the US, but we don’t have a TJ near us either. Plan your holiday carefully. ;)
Eileen N.
November 23, 2018
Bring a empty suitcase and say to Customer Service~"Eh Mates, come on down and make Aussies happy. Our American mates visit & chuffed no TJs. Spread your joy all over the World."
My Kiwi friends want TJs too.
My Kiwi friends want TJs too.
Araxi
June 22, 2018
The can of Dolmas are a meal in a minute for me, I love the reduced fat cheese puffs, the little 6 pack of chocolate covered chocolate mousse shapes they have seasonally-I love them frozen, the dried coconut strips, sea salt caramels plain no chocolate, the sesame rice crackers that sound like poker chips are delicious dipped in Nutella (try it!!!) the cookie butter on pretzels, oh and that insanely delicious Cilantro dressing on anything and everything! Trader Joes is snack heaven!!!!
Heather K.
June 20, 2018
Trader Joe's is snack mecca. Rosemary maple sunflower seeds, original turkey jerky, fresh mozzarella sticks, salty plantain chips, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, milk chocolate peanut butter cups. YUM!
Olivia B.
June 19, 2018
Totally wishing I had been a part of this Slack convo live. I keep a bag of the frozen chunks of mango in my freezer at all times and eat them by the bowful. Those little baby rice crackers. If I need a mid-afternoon weekend snack, I fry up a few of the frozen chicken cilantro dumplings. They used to make this specific kind of spicy hummus but it is DISCONTINUED and my life has never been the same.
Gail J.
June 19, 2018
Chocolate chip cookie dippers, bottom covered in chocolate. I bake some pretty great cookies, eso Xmas, but can'r have these in the house.
Bamba peanut snacks, I can leave them alone if I eat a handful flowed by a beverage. But I followed a man (age 40 ish) in checkout lane who had about 50 bags, party,,? No, told the clerk they were his favorite snack.
Bamba peanut snacks, I can leave them alone if I eat a handful flowed by a beverage. But I followed a man (age 40 ish) in checkout lane who had about 50 bags, party,,? No, told the clerk they were his favorite snack.
dmass
June 19, 2018
So hard to choose, but I always buy the dark chocolate covered peanut butter cups, small chocolate bars located at checkout, and most importantly the 50%less salt roasted peanuts. No other store or brand stands up to TJ’s peanuts. All their nuts are excellant for that matter. 😊
Chrys
June 18, 2018
Cacao nibs and Brazil nuts! Always fresh tasting and the best prices. Last time we were there, we tried out some of their cheeses..very tasty and the brie was fantastic.
Yays
June 18, 2018
Dried Chili Spiced Mango 😋
Gilliwinks
September 24, 2018
Yes! I keep telling myself - just one more - and before you know it they are all gone.
Kell
June 18, 2018
I am 58 years old and I adore the chocolate cat cookies. Of course I buy them for the kids. .. and by that I mean me.
Smaug
June 18, 2018
Lacey's cookies. Not much of a snacker really, but I always have peanuts around, TJ's is my favorite source; it's getting hard to find them without bizarre additives. I have, with the help of my dentist, kicked the licorice habit, but those little Scotties were really good. If they ever bring back the dark chocolate walnuts, I'll be there.
Noreen F.
June 18, 2018
Oh, so many things! Dark chocolate peanut butter cups, low-salt cashews, sesame cashews, Organic Corn Chip Dippers, dipped Jo-Jos for the holidays (I always hide at least one box in the depths of the freezer for a mid-summer treat), Cowboy Bark, Baconesque White Cheddar Popcorn (sadly discontinued), Corn & Chili Tomatoless Salsa, bacon jam, Delice de Bourgogne, and many more that I can't think of right now.
Joyce D.
June 18, 2018
The Organic Corn Chip Dippers... no time to dip them in anything ..except my mouth
hungrybruno
June 18, 2018
The giant Peruvian Inca corn! It's like MONSTER corn nuts and it's amazing.
Virginia S.
June 18, 2018
Dried mango with chili, sesame cashews, beet hummus, spinach kale dip, sea salt pita chips, animal crackers, cowboy salsa (makes a crazy good potato salad), dried seaweed snacks, flaxseed tortilla chips, pastrami style salmon, the new spicy "Cheetos", the jerkies, OMG the chocolate covered frozen banana bites, the 50%less salt cashews.... plus everything else everyone mentioned and so much more...I love you Trader Joe's.
Patti D.
June 24, 2018
Pamesan Crisps; Bagged Arugula; almost any cheese; bagged snack crackers; SAD TO SEE the orange scones go - the replacement: not so much. Spices: best garlic powder. Mandarin orange chicken!! And on and on and on.....
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