One of the amazing locals I met on a trip to Canada, was telling my friend and I that she and every other Canadian wishes Trader Joe’s were located in Vancouver, B.C. She went on to talk about how Canadians go crazy for Trader Joe’s products and that in fact, there was a guy that would drive down to the States, buy Trader Joe’s hot ticketed items, and return to Canada and sell to the residents of Vancouver, B.C. I at first thought this was a simple case of the ‘wanting what you can’t have’ concept. It made me think of when my brother and dad visit Southern California and want In N’ Out Burger for nearly every meal. They claim because it’s delicious (which is true), but I think it’s mostly because In N’ Outs aren’t located anywhere near where they live.
I soon realized that Trader Joe’s is different. With a jam packed parking lot and some of my favorite items selling off the shelves at my latest Trader Joe’s shopping trip, I couldn’t help but think, “What makes Trader Joe’s so compelling?”
As I shopped the store and looked around, I was able to fully observe what makes this store so different from the other leading grocery stores. With a Hawaiian/tiki themed atmosphere, a budget friendly price tag, happy & helpful staff, already chopped fruits & veggies, pre-made & pre-cooked products, to original items that other stores don’t carry (like a pb&J chocolate bar or their famous cookie butter), it’s no wonder Americans and Canadians alike are going crazy for this store. I was able to reflect on the products that can’t live with out, the products that I return to Trader Joe’s for week after week and I immediately began to appreciate this unique store and all that it has to offer. After this shopping experience, I felt compelled enough to share with you all, my must have, absolute favorite, Trader Joe’s products. You may recognize some of the items. For the items that you don’t recognize, I hope on your next shopping trip you decide to give some of these items a try, but more importantly, I hope you enjoy them just as much as I do!
In order from least favorite, here are the 7 Best Trader Joe’s Products of all Time:
7. Speculoos Cookie Butter
Are you shocked to see this made the list? The Trader Joe’s speculoos cookie butter is a Trader Joe’s staple. This surprisingly makes it on the bottom of my list because although it’s super tasty, it’s unfortunately NOT super healthy. When I do indulge, I like to combine it with apple slices or spread over an english muffin topped with sliced bananas.
6. Almond Croissants or Chocolate Croissants
I can’t think of anything better than when these bad boys come out from baking in the oven. From their amazing scent, to their warm, flakey, fluffy, melt in your mouth taste. The only reason these make it lower on the list is simply because of their indulgent nature. A real treat and definitely not a daily affair, but absolutely perfect. If you haven’t tried these, go to Trader Joe’s immediately and try them out. You’ll thank me (or curse me) later.
5. Coconut Oil Spray
I love cooking with coconut oil. This is a Trader Joe’s essential for me. The convenient spray makes it so easy. I use this spray on a daily basis when cooking both meat and veggies on the stove top and for any baking done in the oven.
4. Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask
I was recommended by a friend to give this a try and it did NOT disappoint. I feel like I noticed an immediate difference just after the first use. I have fine, blonde, tangly hair and need something that’s a stronger than your average conditioner. This coconut hair mask is much thicker than your average conditioner, but light enough for every day use. It’s extremely affordable and my newest Trader Joe’s staple (I’m on my second bottle)!
3. Seasonings (Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend) & (Chile Lime)
I couldn’t decide on just one seasoning, so my number 3 pick is a two for one. I honestly love both of these seasonings and cook with them on a daily basis.
Chile Lime- is mainly used when cooking with meats. I’ll use it when cooking a chicken breast by itself or I’ll throw it over some diced chicken thighs when mixing in a stir fry. It has a bit of a kick, but not too overpoweringly spicy.
The Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend- is a huge craze all over social media and I definitely think it deserves all the attention it’s getting. Take the flavor from an everything bagel, but subtract the carbs and you’ll get ‘The Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend’. Genius! I like to sprinkle it over eggs, top it off over a baked potato, or douse it all over avocado toast. This is an ingredient you will want to have stocked at all times.
2. Frozen Organic Jasmine Rice
Rice cooker, what’s that? No need for one of those. The frozen organic jasmine rice comes in pre-portioned (2-3 servings), microwavable packages. This is hands down a Trader Joe’s favorite. Plop one of these packets in the microwave for 3 minutes and you have hot, perfectly cooked rice. I find myself using these at least a couple times a week. I like to meal prep for the week and tend to cook things like stir fry and yumm bowls where rice is a staple. Sometimes I just want some cooked rice as a side with my chicken and steamed veggies. This is a serious MUST HAVE!
*NOTE: Also comes in other flavors (Brown rice & a Rice medley). The Jasmine rice flavor is still my favorite.
1. Unsweetened Organic Açaí Puree Packets
Do I even need to explain myself? For those of you that know me, you know that açaí bowls are my favorite! For those of you who don’t know me, put it this way, I would be happy if I ate an açaí bowl every day of the week for the rest of my life. Needless to say, I’m a HUGE fan and it should come at no surprise why this is my number one Trader Joe’s product! (Click on the link below for my prior blog post on how to use this product to make the perfect açaí bowl from home).
CLICK HERE: RECIPE for Making the Perfect Açaí Bowl from Home
Kyla Benson 