Trader Joe’s is famous for its unique and seasonal products, but there’s a treasure trove of pantry staples that often go unnoticed by shoppers.
These underrated items offer great value, versatility, and, most importantly, flavor—making them essential for any well-stocked kitchen. Whether you’re a budget-conscious family or a solo shopper looking for hidden gems, this list of 20 pantry staples will surely elevate your meals. Enjoy reading!
1. Trader Joe’s Roasted Garlic Marinara Sauce $1.99/24 Oz
This sauce is rich, garlicky, and perfect for pasta nights or even as a pizza sauce. The depth of roasted garlic flavor enhances any Italian-inspired dish.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 90 per 1/2 cup(125g) serving
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1.0 g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 550 mg
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 40 mg
Potassium: 430 mg
Ingredients:
Tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, onions, basil, salt, spices.
Prep Instructions:
Heat on the stovetop and serve over your favorite pasta or use as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
2. Trader Joe’s Pizza Sauce $1.99/14 Oz
This ready-to-use pizza sauce is tangy, well-seasoned, and perfectly complements homemade pizzas or even calzones.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 30 (per 1/4 cup serving)
Total Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 310 mg
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 1 g
Calcium: 10 mg
Potassium: 280 mg
Ingredients:
Tomato paste, salt, basil, garlic, oregano, olive oil, sugar.
Prep Instructions:
Spread on pizza dough and top with your favorite ingredients before baking.
3. Trader Joe’s Buttermilk Pancake & Baking Mix $2.49/22 Oz
This mix makes light, fluffy pancakes but can also be used for waffles, muffins, and more. It’s a versatile kitchen staple.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 160 (per 1/3 cup serving)
Total Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 4g
Ingredients:
Flour, buttermilk, sugar, baking powder, salt.
Prep Instructions:
Mix with eggs, milk, and oil, then cook on a griddle for golden pancakes.
4. Trader Joe’s Habanero Hot Sauce $2.99/4.4 Fl Oz
Spicy, tangy, and perfect for adding heat to tacos, eggs, and even soups. This hot sauce packs a serious punch.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 0
Total Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 30 mg
Ingredients:
Habanero peppers, vinegar, salt, garlic.
Prep Instructions:
Use as a condiment on tacos, pizza, or add to sauces for extra heat.
5. Trader Joe’s Pita Bite Crackers $2.99/6 Oz
These crispy crackers are ideal for cheese boards or dipping into hummus, adding texture to salads, or simply snacking.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 130 (per 11 crackers)
Total Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 150 mg
Dietary Fiber: less than 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Calcium: 10 mg
Potassium: 40 mg
Ingredients:
Wheat flour, olive oil, sea salt, yeast, honey.
Prep Instructions:
Serve with cheese, hummus, or as a base for appetizers.
6. Trader Joe’s Balsamic Glaze $2.99/8.45 Fl Oz
This glaze is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Drizzle over roasted vegetables, meats, or even desserts.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 35 (per tablespoon)
Total Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 0g
Total Sugars: 6 g
Sodium: 15 mg
Calcium: 10 mg
Iron: 1.6 mg
Potassium: 40 mg
Ingredients:
Balsamic vinegar, concentrated grape must.
Prep Instructions:
Use as a finishing touch over grilled meats or roasted veggies.
7. Trader Joe’s Organic Italian Artisan Pasta $2.99/17.64 Oz
The unique shape of this pasta holds sauces beautifully, making it ideal for hearty dishes or simple pasta salads.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 200 (per 2 oz serving)
Total Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Dietary Fiber: Less than 1g
Total Sugars: 1 g
Protein: 7 g
Calcium: 10 mg
Iron: 0.6 mg
Potassium: 100 mg
Ingredients:
Organic durum wheat semolina.
Prep Instructions:
Boil for 8-10 minutes and toss with sauce or olive oil.
8. Trader Joe’s Maple & Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal $2.99/15.1 Oz
Quick and easy for busy mornings, this oatmeal is comforting with rich maple and brown sugar flavors.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 160 (per packet)
Total Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 4g
Ingredients:
Whole grain oats, sugar, maple syrup, salt.
Prep Instructions:
Just add hot water or milk for a quick, warming breakfast.
9. Trader Joe’s Bruschetta Topping $3.29/12 Oz
Bursting with fresh tomato flavor, this topping is great on toasted bread, as a pasta sauce, or a salad addition.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 30 (per 2 tablespoons)
Total Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients:
Tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt.
Prep Instructions:
Serve on toasted bread or toss with pasta for a light meal.
10. Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup $3.49/32 Fl Oz
Creamy and rich, this soup is perfect on its own or as a base for other dishes like risotto or casseroles.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 120 (per cup)
Total Fat: 2.5 g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg
Sodium :710 mg
Dietary Fiber: 4 g
Calcium: 150 mg
Potassium: 580 mg
Ingredients:
Organic tomatoes, roasted red peppers, cream, spices.
Prep Instructions:
Heat on the stovetop or microwave and serve with a grilled cheese sandwich.
11. Trader Joe’s Enchilada Sauce $4.49/24 Oz
A bold and flavorful sauce that takes homemade enchiladas to the next level. It also works great in casseroles or as a topping for tamales.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 15 (per 2 tablespoons)
Total Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Tomato paste, water, chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt, and onion powder.
Prep Instructions:
Pour over filled tortillas, top with cheese, and bake for easy enchiladas.
12. Trader Joe’s 100% Colombian Instant Coffee $4.49/24 Oz
Rich and bold, this instant coffee is perfect for quick mornings or when you’re on the go. Its smooth flavor rivals brewed coffee.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 0 (per serving)
Total Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients:
100% Colombian coffee beans.
Prep Instructions:
Mix 1 teaspoon with hot water for an instant cup of coffee.
13. Trader Joe’s Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste $4.99/4 Oz
This vanilla bean paste adds deep, rich flavor to baked goods and desserts. It’s a fantastic alternative to vanilla extract with visible vanilla bean specks.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 40 (per teaspoon)
Total Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients:
Vanilla beans, sugar, water, bourbon extract.
Prep Instructions:
Use in place of vanilla extract in baking for an extra boost of flavor.
14. Trader Joe’s Minced Garlic
Already prepped and ready to go, this minced garlic saves time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for sautés, sauces, and more.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 5 (per teaspoon)
Total Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients:
Garlic, water, citric acid.
Prep Instructions:
Use in any dish that calls for garlic, no chopping required!
15. Trader Joe’s Organic Black Beans & Organic Garbanzo Beans $1.09/15.5 Oz
These canned beans are pantry must-haves for quick, protein-packed meals. Black beans are perfect for tacos, while garbanzo beans can be used in salads or homemade hummus.
Nutrition Facts:
Black Beans: 120 calories (per 1/2 cup)
Garbanzo Beans: 110 calories (per 1/2 cup)
Ingredients:
Black beans or garbanzo beans, water, sea salt.
Prep Instructions:
Drain and rinse before using in soups, salads, or stews.
16. Trader Joe’s Fire Roasted Diced Green Chiles $1.29/4 Oz
These diced green chiles add a mild kick to any dish, from scrambled eggs to tacos and casseroles.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 15 (per 2 tablespoons)
Total Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Green chiles, water, salt, citric acid.
Prep Instructions:
Stir into soups, casseroles, or use as a topping for nachos.
17. Trader Giotto’s Italian Tomato Paste $1.49/1.6 Oz
This double-concentrated tomato paste in a tube allows you to use just the right amount without wasting the rest. It adds rich tomato flavor to sauces and stews.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 30 (per tablespoon)
Total Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Tomato paste.
Prep Instructions:
Squeeze into sauces, soups, or stews for an intense tomato flavor.
18. Trader Joe’s Solid White Albacore Tuna $1.99/4.5 Oz
Perfect for quick lunches or snacks, this solid white albacore tuna is packed with protein and flavor.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 90 (per 2 oz serving)
Total Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 20g
Ingredients:
Solid white albacore tuna, water, sea salt.
Prep Instructions:
Mix with mayo and spices for a quick tuna salad, or use in sandwiches.
19. Trader Joe’s Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce
This marinara is a staple for pasta lovers. The blend of tomatoes and basil makes it perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 70 (per 1/2 cup)
Total Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Tomatoes, basil, olive oil, salt, garlic.
Prep Instructions:
Heat on the stove and serve with pasta or use as a dipping sauce for bread.
20. Trader Joe’s Organic Chicken Broth $1.99/32 Fl Oz
This low-sodium, organic chicken broth is a pantry essential for soups, risottos, and more. It adds depth of flavor to any dish.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 10 (per 1 cup serving)
Total Fat: 0g
Carbohydrate: less than 1 g
Protein: 1g
Potassium: 70 mg
Calcium: 10 mg
Sodium: 550 mg
Ingredients:
Organic chicken stock, sea salt.
Prep Instructions:
Heat and use as a base for soups, stews, or sauces.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s offers a wide range of pantry staples that can make meal prep easier and tastier. These 20 items may not get the same spotlight as seasonal products, but they are essential to keeping your kitchen stocked and ready for any meal! Make sure to pick up a few of these next time you shop!
