Colorful bowl of smoothie topped with fruit shapes, banana, and tropical palm leaf on vibrant background.

Best Things to Buy at Trader Joe's for Your Family

We're sharing the best things to buy at Trader Joe's according to our families!

This "neighborhood" grocery chain is known for delicious and unique food items sold at lower prices, as well as its commitment to environmental sustainability, fair trade and always-cheerful cashiers. Fearless families also love that Trader Joe's products are often packaged and prepared in such a way as to help make some of the quickest and most satisfying dinners ever.

Add your review in the comments if you've tried any of these products, and let us know of any Trader Joe's must-haves we've missed by recommending them below!


 

    Bruschetta Sauce

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    Kelly R said:  The bruschetta sauce is one of my family's Trader Joe's must-haves! It's a fresh-tasting blend of finely diced tomatoes marinated in olive oil, balsamic, garlic and basil. We love using it on top of bread, grilled chicken, pizza, salmon, salads and pasta. It's in the refrigerated case with the hummus and other dips.

    Alexandra F.

    Crunchy Curls

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    Alexandra F. said:  These potato and lentil snacks are SO addicting. They are a favorite for everyone in our family, and one of the few snacks we can all eat with our various dietary restrictions.

    traderjoes.com

    Chunky Garlic & Jalapeño Hot Sauce

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    Kelly R said:  We go through a LOT of this amazing hot sauce...some of us so liberally that it's used more like a salsa. It's garlicky and not overpoweringly spicy, and has a fun texture instead of being totally smooth.

    Uploaded by Kelly R

    Halloumi Cheese

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    Kelly R said:  The kids and adults in my family all love this salty, squeaky halloumi cheese. It's a seasonal item, so I pick up one or two every time I'm in the store over the summer months and I'm not ashamed. We like to slice and pan fry it for a casual dinner with flatbread and raw or grilled veggies.

    Upparent

    Candy Cane Green Tea

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    Kelly R said:  This seasonal tea is just carried around the holidays, and I always make sure to pick up a box as soon as I see it in stock! It's a slightly sweet and minty green tea that my kids love to enjoy, too.

    Uploaded by Kelly R

    Teeny Tiny Avocados

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    Kelly R said:  I pick up a bag of these "teeny tiny" avocados every time I'm at Trader Joe's. They are the perfect size for a single serve, so no more letting the unused half slowly go brown while you try to find someone else to eat it. There are also way fewer "duds" than when I buy bags of avocados elsewhere.

    uploaded by Tracy Snyder Molina

    Argentinian Red Shrimp

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    Tracy Snyder Molina said:  I love the Argentinian Red Shrimp located in the freezer section. They are wild-caught shrimp with a sweet lobster-like flavor to them and look pink even when they are uncooked. They come already shelled and cook in just a couple of minutes. I love to add them to risotto or in soups for a special treat.

    Upparent

    Cinnamon Schoolbook Cookies

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    Shila said:  I almost always have these Cinnamon Schoolbook Cookies in stock to present as an after-school play date snack. When little friends come over, I set this big bucket out on the table, and let the kids dig in! They taste a bit like graham crackers with a hint of cinnamon. Kids love to spot letters and spell out words and it's sweet to hear those "little kid" conversation starters!

    uploaded by Sarah Calamita

    Everything But The Bagel Seasoning

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    Sarah Calamita said:  Everything But The Bagel Seasoning is by far the best blended seasoning you can buy! Think everything bagel but without the carbs! I have seen recipes out there to make it but let's be real that's not practical for most parents and this tastes amazing. We use it on avocado toast, scrambled eggs, salad, in soup, on salmon fillets and chicken breasts...it will taste amazing on anything!

    traderjoes.com

    White Cheddar Corn Puffs

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    Amanda Banta said:  The White Cheddar Puffs have been a staple in my house for years. They are a crunchy like a Cheeto puff with a nice cheddar taste. I buy a handful of bags every month when we do a TJs run because everyone loves snacking on these and for $1.99 a bag it's worth it to stock up. My kids would take down an entire bag in one sitting if I'd let them.

    Upparent

    Battered Halibut

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    Vanessa Goldberg said:  Better than fish sticks.

    Alexandra F

    Yogurt

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    Kim Henrichs said:  I highly recommend their yogurt. It's affordable and delicious!

    Dry Roasted & Unsalted Almonds

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    Beth Blenz-Clucas said:  We love Trader Joe's nuts selection. Our go-to buys are the walnut bits & pieces and the roasted & unsalted almonds. These are always fresh and at the best prices we can find anywhere. You can get these on Amazon and Walmart's sites, but it's best to buy directly at the store.

    uploaded by Tracy Snyder Molina

    Mediterranean Hummus

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    Tracy Snyder Molina said:  We love the Mediterranean Hummus at Trader Joe's. It's got a very smooth creamy texture and not as bitter as some hummus brands can be. Enjoy it with pretzels, veggies or crackers for a great snack that the whole family can enjoy.

    Chicken Tikka Samosas

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    Shila said:  These frozen Chicken Tikka Samosas are baked in the oven and served hot to fully satisfy my kids' evolving taste palette. Each tiny triangular bite packs just enough flavor and just enough spice to crave a second one, and a third, and a fourth! These appetizers make for a nice introduction to Indian cuisine.

Primary photo:   Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.