Trader Joe’s Products That Beat Name Brands in Price and Taste

Trader Joe’s is renowned for offering unique and affordable products that often outperform their name-brand counterparts in both price and taste.

This blog post will explore a selection of items from Trader Joe’s that exemplify this, ranging from delicious snacks and meals to skincare essentials. Let’s dive into what makes these products a must-try for any savvy shopper.

Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit $3.99/9.75 Oz

This salad kit is a refreshing blend of arugula and basil leaves, complemented by a tangy lemon vinaigrette.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories per serving: 150
  • Fats: 13g
  • Carbs: 7g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 4g

Ingredients

Arugula, basil, dried cranberries, almonds, Parmesan cheese, lemon vinaigrette.

Preparation Instructions

Toss all ingredients with the dressing provided just before serving.

Scandinavian Swimmers $3.49/14 Oz

A delightful alternative to traditional gummy candies, featuring sea-themed shapes with fruity flavors.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories per serving: 100
  • Fats: 0g
  • Carbs: 26g
  • Sodium: 20mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 19g
  • Protein: 0g

Ingredients

Cane sugar, invert sugar, corn syrup, modified corn starch, citric acid, natural flavors, colored with fruit and vegetable extracts.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy straight from the bag!

Steamed Lentils $3.29/17.63 Oz

Ready-to-eat lentils that are perfect for a quick and healthy addition to any meal.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories per serving: 120
  • Fats: 0.5g
  • Carbs: 21g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 10g

Ingredients

Lentils, water, salt.

Preparation Instructions

Microwave for 1-2 minutes or add directly to salads and soups.

Joe’ O’s $1.99/12 Oz

A crunchy and satisfying cereal that rivals the taste and texture of more expensive branded O’s cereals.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories per serving: 160
  • Fats: 2.5g
  • Carbs: 31g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 5g

Ingredients

Whole grain oats, corn flour, sugar, oat fiber, cornstarch, salt, calcium carbonate, natural flavor.

Preparation Instructions

Serve with your choice of milk or milk alternative.

Chile & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips $2.99/9 Oz

Spicy and tangy, these rolled tortilla chips offer a bold flavor and satisfying crunch.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories per serving: 150
  • Fats: 8g
  • Carbs: 17g
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Corn masa flour, sunflower oil, chile and lime seasoning (salt, spices, citric acid).

Preparation Instructions

Ready to eat from the bag, perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own.

Squiggly Knife-Cut Noodles $4.99/15.9 Oz

These noodles offer a delightful texture ideal for soaking up sauces and broths.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories per serving: 460
  • Fats: 15g
  • Carbs: 66g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 15g

Ingredients

Noodles (Wheat Flour, Water, Salt), Spicy Soy Garlic Sauce (Soy Sauce [Water, Glucose, Defatted Soy Flour, Invert Sugar Syrup, Wheat, Salt, Caramel Color, Ethyl Alcohol {To Preserve}, Yeast Extract Powder, Malic Acid], Seasoning Sauce [Water, Cane Sugar, Salt, Yeast Extract, Malic Acid], Spicy Garlic Oil [Garlic Oil {Canola Oil, Garlic, Mixed Tocopherols (To Preserve)}, Sugar, Yeast Extract, Red Chili Powder {Chili Powder, Chili Pepper}, Cayenne Powder, Chili Pepper]), Sesame Seed Paste (Sesame Seeds, Oil Blend [Canola Oil, Sesame Oil]).

Preparation Instructions

Boil for 5-6 minutes or until desired tenderness, then add to your favorite soup or stir-fry dish.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups $5.99/16 Oz

Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Rich dark chocolate filled with creamy peanut butter, a luxurious treat for a fraction of the price.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories per serving: 140
  • Fats: 9g
  • Carbs: 14g
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 11g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Dark chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin), peanut butter (peanuts, salt).

Preparation Instructions

No preparation needed, enjoy as a sweet snack.

Joe-Joe’s $2.99/13.4 Oz

Trader Joe’s take on the classic sandwich cookie, with a variety of flavors available.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories per serving: 120
  • Fats: 5g
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Dietary Fiber: less than 1g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 1g

Ingredients

Wheat flour, sugar, palm oil, cocoa processed with alkali, invert sugar syrup, baking soda, soy lecithin, salt, natural flavor.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy directly from the package or dip into milk.

Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches $4.99/20 Fl Oz

Creamy vanilla ice cream between two chewy chocolate chip cookies, a perfect indulgent treat.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories per serving: 370
  • Fats: 19g
  • Carbs: 51g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Dietary Fiber: less than 1g
  • Sugars: 34g
  • Protein: 5g

Ingredients

Cream, sugar, wheat flour, chocolate chips (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, soy lecithin), egg yolks, vanilla extract.

Preparation Instructions

Serve frozen.

Nocciolini $2.69/3.5 Oz

Delicate Italian hazelnut cookies, perfect with tea or coffee.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories per serving: 150
  • Fats: 8g
  • Carbs: 16g
  • Sodium: 15mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 16g
  • Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Hazelnuts, sugar, egg whites, vanilla extract.

Preparation Instructions

Best enjoyed with a warm beverage or as a light dessert.

Chocolate Croissants $5.49/12 Oz

Buttery croissants filled with rich chocolate, perfect for a decadent breakfast or snack.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories per serving: 320
  • Fats: 18g
  • Carbs: 36g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 11g
  • Protein: 6g

Ingredients

Wheat flour, butter, chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin), sugar, yeast, salt.

Preparation Instructions

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Brazil Nut Body Butter $5.99/8 Oz

A luxurious body butter that hydrates and nourishes the skin with the richness of Brazil nuts.

Key Features

  • Deeply moisturizes and softens skin
  • Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids

Ingredients

Brazil nut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, vitamin E.

Use Instructions

Apply generously to the body, focusing on dry areas, after bathing or as needed.

Daily Facial Sunscreen $8.99/1.7 Fl Oz

Lightweight and non-greasy sunscreen formulated to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays daily.

Key Features

  • SPF 40
  • Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
  • Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin

Ingredients

Zinc oxide, octinoxate, aloe vera, vitamin E.

Use Instructions

Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every 2 hours.

Almond Chipotle Dip $3.49/9 Oz

A smoky and spicy dip that pairs perfectly with chips or used as a condiment for sandwiches and wraps.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories per serving: 90
  • Fats: 8g
  • Carbs: 4g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: less than 1g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Almonds, chipotle peppers, garlic, salt, vegetable oil.

Preparation Instructions

Stir well before serving, refrigerate after opening.

Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries $6.49/12 Oz

Juicy cherries coated in rich dark chocolate, a sweet and tart treat.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories per serving: 130
  • Fats: 7g
  • Carbs: 19g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 1g

Ingredients

Dark chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin), cherries, sugar, natural flavor, citric acid.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy as a decadent snack or dessert.

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