In the ever-changing world of culinary arts, having reliable and delicious pantry staples is a must. Trader Joe’s, a favorite among food lovers, offers a unique array of items that have transformed my kitchen routine.
Here are 25 must-have products from Trader Joe’s that you should consider adding to your shelves. Whether you’re looking to spice up your meals, streamline cooking processes, or enjoy healthier options, this list has something for everyone.
1. Organic Spaghetti Triangoletti Pasta $1.99/1 Lb
A versatile foundation for numerous dishes, perfect for quick dinners.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 200 per serving
- Fats: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Durum wheat semolina.
Preparation Instructions
Boil in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
2. Basmati Rice $3.99/2 Lb
Aromatic long-grain rice that complements any cuisine.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 160 per serving
- Fats: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
Pure basmati rice.
Preparation Instructions
Rinse thoroughly and cook with a 1:2 ratio of rice to water.
3. Tricolor Quinoa $3.49/16 Oz
A colorful blend of white, red, and black quinoa, perfect for salads and sides.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150 per serving
- Fats: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Organic white quinoa, organic red quinoa, organic black quinoa.
Preparation Instructions
Rinse well and cook in boiling water for 15 minutes.
4. Rolled Oats $3.99/32 Oz
Ideal for a hearty breakfast, baking, or smoothies.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 170 per serving
- Fats: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
100% whole grain oats.
Preparation Instructions
Combine with water or milk and cook for 5 minutes; let stand for 2 minutes.
5. Dolmas $3.49/9.86 Oz
Stuffed grape leaves filled with rice and herbs, a Mediterranean delight.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120 per serving
- Fats: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Grape leaves, rice, onions, sunflower oil, dill, mint, black currants, pine nuts, salt, lemon juice, and spices.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
6. Lightly Smoked Sardines in Olive Oil $1.99/4.25 Oz
Rich in flavor and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, perfect for a nutritious snack or meal component.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 190 per serving
- Fats: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 23g
Ingredients
Sardines, olive oil, smoke flavor.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy straight from the can or on a salad.
7. Chicken Soup Dumplings $3.49/6 Oz
A comforting and savory snack, these dumplings are filled with delicious, rich chicken broth.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Fats: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients
Chicken broth, wheat flour, chicken, ginger, garlic.
Preparation Instructions
Steam or microwave according to package directions.
8. Spanish Manzanilla Olives with Pimento Paste $2.99/14.5 Oz
Add a Spanish touch to your dishes with these flavorful olives, stuffed with vibrant pimento.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 15 per serving
- Fats: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Manzanilla olives, pimento paste, water, salt, lactic acid.
Preparation Instructions
Perfect as an appetizer or a garnish for cocktails and salads.
9. Marinated Artichokes $1.29/1.58 Oz
Tender artichoke hearts marinated in a savory blend of oils and herbs, ideal for enhancing salads or as a standalone side.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 15 per serving
- Fats: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Artichoke hearts, sunflower oil, vinegar, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat from the jar, or heat lightly as a warm side dish.
10. Garbanzo Beans $1.09/15.5 Oz
A versatile and nutritious legume, perfect for salads, stews, and hummus.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110 per serving
- Fats: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Garbanzo beans, water, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Rinse and use in your favorite recipes or enjoy as a healthy snack.
11. Italian-Style Wedding Soup $4.99/22 Oz
A hearty and comforting soup with meatballs, spinach, and pasta in a rich broth.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150 per serving
- Fats: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients
Chicken broth, meatballs (beef, pork, breadcrumbs), spinach, pasta, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Heat in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally.
12. Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup $3.49/32 Fl Oz
A smooth and creamy blend of tomatoes and sweet roasted red peppers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120 per serving
- Fats: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Tomato puree, roasted red peppers, cream, garlic, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Heat on the stove until warm or microwave in a suitable container.
13. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil $4.99/16 Fl Oz
A versatile oil that’s great for cooking, baking, or even as a natural beauty product.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120 per tablespoon
- Fats: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Organic virgin coconut oil.
Preparation Instructions
Use in place of butter or other oils; suitable for high-heat cooking.
14. Organic Coconut Milk $1.69/13.5 Fl Oz
A creamy, dairy-free alternative perfect for curries, soups, and desserts.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110 per serving
- Fats: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Organic coconut milk, water.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well and use in your favorite recipes or as a cream substitute.
15. Avocado Spray Oil $3.99/5 Oz
A convenient spray for cooking, providing a mild, buttery flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 0 per spray
- Fats: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Pure avocado oil.
Preparation Instructions
Spray onto pans or directly onto food for non-stick cooking.
16. Spicy Honey Sauce $4.99/12 Oz
A sweet and spicy sauce that adds a kick to any dish.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 70 per serving
- Fats: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Honey, chili peppers, vinegar.
Preparation Instructions
Drizzle over chicken, pizza, or incorporate into dressings and marinades.
17. TJ’s Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend $2.99/2.1 Oz
A flavor-packed seasoning blend that adds depth and richness to any dish.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 0 per serving
- Fats: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Porcini mushroom powder, white button mushroom powder, salt, mustard seed, red pepper, thyme.
Preparation Instructions
Sprinkle over meats, vegetables, or mix into sauces and soups for enhanced flavor.
18. Nori Komi Furikake Japanese Multi-Purpose Seasoning $2.99/1.95 Oz
A Japanese seasoning blend used to sprinkle over rice, vegetables, and fish for added flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 25 per serving
- Fats: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Sesame seeds, sea salt, chopped nori, sugar, dried fish flakes.
Preparation Instructions
Sprinkle lightly over dishes as a flavorful garnish.
19. Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce $3.49/6.7 Oz
A fiery condiment made from fermented hot chili peppers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 60 per serving
- Fats: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Chili peppers, sunflower oil, salt, acetic acid, garlic.
Preparation Instructions
Use sparingly to add heat to pizzas, pastas, and other dishes.
20. Dijon Mustard $1.99/13 Oz
A classic French condiment, perfect for sandwiches, dressings, and marinades.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 10 per serving
- Fats: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Water, mustard seeds, vinegar, salt, citric acid, turmeric.
Preparation Instructions
Spread on sandwiches or whisk into vinaigrettes for a sharp, tangy flavor.
21. Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce $2.99/18 Oz
A sweet and tangy sauce that brings the essence of Southern BBQ to your kitchen.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 60 per serving
- Fats: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, honey, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Perfect as a marinade or glaze for grilled meats, especially pork and chicken.
22. Organic Freeze-Dried Berry Medley $3.99/1.2 Oz
A mix of frozen berries, ideal for smoothies or as a natural dessert topping.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120 per serving
- Fats: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries.
Preparation Instructions
Thaw and serve over yogurt or blend into smoothies.
23. Organic Dried Mango Unsulfured & Unsweetened $4.99/6 Oz
Sweet and chewy dried mango slices, free from added sugars and preservatives.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 130 per serving
- Fats: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Mango.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy as a snack or chop into pieces for baking or topping cereals.
24. Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets $2.49/16 Oz
Crunchy pretzel nuggets filled with creamy peanut butter, a perfect salty-sweet snack.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150 per serving
- Fats: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Wheat flour, peanut butter (peanuts, salt), salt.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat from the bag; great for on-the-go snacking or sharing.
25. Creamy Peanut Butter $2.49/16 Oz
A smooth and creamy peanut butter, essential for sandwiches and recipes.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 190 per serving
- Fats: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Roasted peanuts, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Spread on bread, mix into smoothies, or use in baking recipes.
This wraps up the detailed look at 25 kitchen game changers from Trader Joe’s that can transform how you cook and snack. Whether you’re stocking up on essentials or exploring new flavors, these items are sure to enhance your culinary experiences.
