December is a magical time at Trader Joe’s, where shelves are stocked with seasonal goodies and exciting new products. From sweet treats to savory delights, this curated list of 20 must-try items will make your holiday shopping easier and your celebrations even more delicious. Let’s dive in and discover what makes these finds so special!
1. Peanut Brittle $3.99/7 Oz
Trader Joe’s Peanut Brittle is a classic holiday treat, packed with crunchy peanuts and a sweet, buttery base. Perfect for snacking or gifting.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sodium: 85mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Sugar, peanuts, corn syrup, butter, salt, natural flavor.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat straight from the box—no preparation needed.
2. Chocolatey Caramel Pretzel Drumstick Decorating Kit $4.99/9.88 Oz
This DIY decorating kit includes chocolate caramel-filled pretzel drumsticks, icing, and sprinkles—a fun and delicious holiday activity.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 200
Total Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sodium: 150mg
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Pretzels, caramel, milk chocolate, powdered sugar, icing mix, colored sprinkles.
Preparation Instructions
Use the included icing and sprinkles to decorate the pretzel sticks to your liking. Let the icing set before enjoying.
3. Nantucket Style Cranberry Pie $6.99/16.5 Oz
A holiday dessert staple, this pie combines tart cranberries and sweet almond filling with a flaky crust.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 310
Total Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Sodium: 200mg
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Cranberries, sugar, butter, flour, eggs, almonds, vanilla extract, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
4. A Trio of Chocolate Boules $4.99/5.63 Oz
This festive trio includes three chocolate-filled pastry rolls with a crispy exterior and a rich, gooey center.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 200
Total Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sodium: 90mg
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Flour, cocoa, sugar, butter, yeast, salt, milk.
Preparation Instructions
Warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes for the best texture and flavor.
5. Crunchy Italian Amaretti Cookies $2.99/3.5 Oz
These Italian almond cookies are light, crispy, and perfect for pairing with coffee or tea.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 130
Total Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Sodium: 10mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Sugar, almonds, egg whites, apricot kernels, natural flavor.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy as-is or crumble over ice cream or yogurt for added crunch.
6. Chocolate Peppermint Loaf & Baking Mix $3.99/19 Oz
This seasonal baking mix makes a rich and moist chocolate loaf infused with refreshing peppermint.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 190
Total Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sodium: 190mg
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, salt, natural peppermint flavor.
Preparation Instructions
Follow the box instructions to bake the loaf. Add water, oil, and eggs to the mix and bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes.
7. Astounding Multi-Flavor Mini Pretzels $7.99/16 Oz
A delightful mix of pretzels coated in different chocolate and caramel flavors. Perfect for snacking or sharing at holiday parties.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sodium: 100mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Pretzels, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, caramel, sugar, butter.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy straight from the bag for a mix of sweet and salty goodness.
8. Astounding Multi-Flavor Joe-Joe’s $3.99/12 oz
These festive Joe-Joe’s feature multiple holiday-inspired flavors, including peppermint and caramel.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sodium: 75mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Sugar, flour, cocoa, oil, peppermint extract, natural flavors.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy as a dessert or dunk in milk for extra indulgence.
9. Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies $5.99/20 Oz
These gingerbread cookies are sandwiched with a sweet, creamy filling and dusted with sugar for a festive touch.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Sodium: 120mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Sugar, flour, ginger, cinnamon, butter, molasses, natural flavor.
Preparation Instructions
Serve as-is or pair with hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
10. French Onion Popcorn $2.69/5 Oz
A savory popcorn snack seasoned with the rich, tangy flavor of French onion soup.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 130
Total Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sodium: 250mg
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Popcorn, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, natural flavors, oil.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat straight from the bag—no preparation needed.
11. Lemon Stuffed Olives $2.99/12 Oz
These green olives are stuffed with a zesty lemon filling, adding a bright, tangy twist to your appetizer spread.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 25
Total Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Sodium: 210mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Green olives, lemon paste, salt, water, citric acid.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a snack or garnish.
12. Granny Smith Apple & Calvados Spirited Fruit Spread $2.99/7.5 Oz
A unique fruit spread made with tart Granny Smith apples and Calvados, a French apple brandy, perfect for cheese pairings or toast.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 40
Total Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sodium: 0mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Granny Smith apples, sugar, Calvados, pectin, citric acid.
Preparation Instructions
Spread on toast, pair with cheese, or use as a glaze for desserts.
13. Cashel Blue Cheese Irish Potato Chips $2.99/5.5 Oz
Crispy potato chips infused with the bold, tangy flavor of Cashel Blue Cheese from Ireland.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sodium: 180mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Potatoes, blue cheese seasoning, salt, oil, natural flavors.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy straight from the bag or pair with dips for added flavor.
14. Jingly Jangly $1.49/2.95 Oz
A mix of chocolate-covered pretzels, candy-coated chocolates, and festive sprinkles in a holiday-themed tin.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 200
Total Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sodium: 75mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Chocolate, pretzels, candy coating, sugar, natural flavors.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to enjoy—perfect for gifting or snacking.
15. English Toffee Ice Cream $3.79/1 Pint
Rich and creamy ice cream swirled with English toffee pieces for a decadent dessert.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 270
Total Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sodium: 80mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 4g
Ingredients
Milk, cream, sugar, toffee pieces, natural flavors.
Preparation Instructions
Scoop and serve directly from the pint. Best enjoyed cold.
16. Sugared Rice Cracker Stars $1.99/6.35 Oz
These crispy rice crackers are lightly sweetened and shaped like stars for a festive, gluten-free snack.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Sodium: 50mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Rice flour, sugar, salt, natural flavors.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat straight from the bag.
17. Phyllo Crisps $2.99/2.8 Oz
Light and flaky crisps made from layers of phyllo dough, perfect for dipping or pairing with cheese.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 130
Total Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sodium: 120mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Phyllo dough, butter, sugar, salt, natural flavors.
Preparation Instructions
Serve at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven for a crispier texture.
18. Cocoa Truffles Collection $4.99/7.6 Oz
A luxurious assortment of cocoa truffles in various flavors, perfect for gifting or indulging yourself.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 190
Total Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Sodium: 20mg
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Cocoa, butter, sugar, cream, natural flavors.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to enjoy straight from the box.
19. Gingerbread Non-Dairy Oat Creamer $1.99/16 Fl Oz
This creamy, dairy-free creamer brings the cozy flavors of gingerbread to your morning coffee or tea.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 30
Total Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Sodium: 15mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Oat milk, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, natural flavors.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well before use. Add to your coffee or tea and stir for a festive flavor boost.
20. Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms $4.99/10.58 Oz
These crispy, savory mushroom snacks are a unique alternative to chips, offering a satisfying umami crunch.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 110
Total Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Sodium: 75mg
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Shiitake mushrooms, oil, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy straight from the bag or use as a crunchy topping for salads and soups.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s December lineup is bursting with holiday cheer and delicious innovations. Whether you’re shopping for festive desserts, savory snacks, or unique gifts, this list has something for everyone. Stock up on these limited-time items before they’re gone, and make your December extra special!