15 Best Trader Joe’s Finds You Need This December

As December settles in, Trader Joe’s offers a range of seasonal products that perfectly capture the flavors and spirit of the holidays. Many of these finds feature seasonal flavors which evoke warmth and comfort during the colder months. Others provide a sophisticated, international flair, perfect for those who want to introduce something unique to their holiday spread. With so many options, it is easy to create a memorable holiday feast, whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying cozy nights at home. Here are some of the best Trader Joe’s finds you need to add to your cart this December.

Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms

Trader Joe’s Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms are a savory snack that combines the earthy umami flavor of shiitake mushrooms with a satisfying crunch. These mushrooms are expertly fried to create a crispy texture that is both light and crispy, offering an addictive snack that’s hard to put down. The rich, deep flavor of the shiitakes is enhanced by a light seasoning, making them a perfect alternative to traditional chips or nuts for those seeking something a little more savory and gourmet. They’re great for snacking on their own or sprinkling over salads, soups, or stir-fries to add an extra layer of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them during a holiday movie night or as part of a larger spread, these mushrooms offer a sophisticated, plant-based snack that feels indulgent. With their unique texture and rich taste, they are a great way to bring a little variety to your December snacking.

Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

Trader Joe’s Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that perfectly captures the flavors of the holiday season. These cookies feature two spiced gingerbread biscuits sandwiched around a creamy, sweet filling that balances the warm, spiced flavors with a touch of sweetness. The gingerbread itself is firm with just the right amount of molasses flavor, making it a comforting bite reminiscent of homemade gingerbread. The smooth filling adds a soft contrast to the crunchy cookies, creating a satisfying texture combination that makes each bite feel special. Perfect for dunking in hot cocoa or enjoying as an afternoon treat, these cookies are an easy way to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them solo, they’re a delicious and whimsical addition to your holiday snack lineup.

Cranberry Butter Cookies

Trader Joe’s Cranberry Butter Cookies are a delightful combination of buttery richness and tart cranberry flavor, making them the perfect winter treat. These shortbread-style cookies are light and melt-in-your-mouth, with a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tang of dried cranberries. Ideal for a holiday cookie platter, they are sure to please guests or make a lovely gift. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch with a burst of fruitiness, making them a standout snack for the season. Enjoy them with a warm mug of tea or coffee, and you’ll have a moment of pure comfort. These cookies capture the essence of December in every bite, adding a festive touch to your holiday celebrations.

English Fudge Collection

For those with a serious sweet tooth, Trader Joe’s English Fudge Collection is a must-try. This decadent assortment of fudges offers a variety of flavors, including classic chocolate, vanilla, and toffee. The fudges are rich and smooth, with just the right balance of sweetness and creaminess. They are perfect for anyone who enjoys a more traditional, indulgent candy treat during the holidays. Packaged in a charming box, this collection makes for an elegant gift or a luxurious treat for yourself. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a glass of dessert wine, these fudges are a delicious, festive way to celebrate the season.

French Onion Popcorn

For a savory snack that elevates your popcorn game, Trader Joe’s French Onion Popcorn is a game-changer. Infused with the savory flavors of caramelized onions, garlic, and a hint of sour cream, this popcorn offers a rich, creamy taste that is hard to stop eating. The perfect balance of tangy and savory, this snack has all the comforting appeal of French onion dip but in popcorn form. It is ideal for cozy nights at home, holiday movie marathons, or even as an appetizer at a festive gathering. The popcorn is light yet indulgent, with a satisfying crunch and just the right amount of seasoning. This is a snack that will quickly become a pantry staple once you try it.

Granny Smith Apple & Calvados Spirited Fruit Spread

Trader Joe’s Granny Smith Apple & Calvados Spirited Fruit Spread is a sophisticated addition to any holiday cheese board. The spread combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the warm, fruity notes of Calvados, a French apple brandy, to create a rich and aromatic topping. It pairs wonderfully with both hard and soft cheeses, especially sharp cheddar or creamy brie. The subtle, boozy undertones elevate the fruitiness, giving it a grown-up twist that is perfect for entertaining guests. Whether spread on a cracker, spooned onto a charcuterie board, or paired with a warm wheel of brie, this spread brings an elegant touch to your holiday gatherings. It is a true celebration of winter flavors, perfect for those who enjoy gourmet, festive bites.

Cashel Blue Cheese Irish Potato Chips

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, the Cashel Blue Cheese Irish Potato Chips are an absolute must-try. These thick-cut chips are coated with the creamy, tangy, and slightly sharp flavor of Cashel Blue Cheese, a rich Irish cheese that is sure to impress. The combination of the crispy, salty chips with the indulgent cheese coating is utterly irresistible, creating a perfect balance of savory flavors. They’re the perfect snack for any cheese lover or anyone looking to elevate their snack game. Whether enjoyed during a football game or as an appetizer at a holiday party, these chips are sure to be a conversation starter. If you’ve never tried a blue cheese potato chip before, this is the time to indulge.

British Shortbread Cookie Collection

Trader Joe’s British Shortbread Cookie Collection brings the timeless treat to your holiday celebrations. These buttery, crumbly cookies are a perfect blend of sweetness and richness, with a smooth texture that melts in your mouth. The collection features different varieties of shortbread, from classic to chocolate-dipped, offering a little something for everyone. Made with high-quality ingredients, these cookies are perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of tea or gifting to friends and family. Their elegant packaging adds an extra touch of sophistication, making them perfect for the holidays. If you’re a fan of classic British baking, these shortbread cookies will quickly become a favorite in your holiday lineup.

English Toffee Ice Cream

For those with a love for both ice cream and toffee, Trader Joe’s English Toffee Ice Cream is a must-have this December. This decadent ice cream features a rich, creamy base with generous chunks of buttery toffee throughout, creating a deliciously indulgent treat. The toffee pieces add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety ice cream. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with a warm dessert like pie or cake, this ice cream adds a luxurious touch to any occasion. It is a perfect dessert for holiday dinners or to enjoy as a sweet treat by the fire. Creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor, this is the ice cream you will want to savor this season.

Chao Tôm

For those seeking something savory and unique, Trader Joe’s Chao Tôm is a standout option. These Vietnamese-inspired shrimp skewers are wrapped in a delicate rice paper and filled with shrimp, pork, and seasoning for an incredibly flavorful bite. The skewers are perfect for grilling or pan-frying, and they cook up quickly, making them ideal for a weeknight dinner or a holiday appetizer. The savory combination of shrimp and pork, along with the aromatic spices, creates a dish that feels both festive and exotic. Whether served with a side of rice or on their own with dipping sauce, Chao Tôm offers a refreshing twist on traditional holiday fare. This is one Trader Joe’s find that brings a taste of international cuisine right to your table.

Shishito Crisps

Shishito Crisps from Trader Joe’s offer a unique, crunchy snack that brings the flavors of the popular Japanese appetizer into a snackable form. Made with real shishito peppers, these crisps are lightly salted and perfectly crisp, offering a delicious combination of mild heat and savory flavor. The slight bitterness of the peppers is balanced by the saltiness of the crisps, making them incredibly addictive. They’re perfect for those who enjoy the occasional spicy kick in their snacks but don’t want anything too overpowering. Ideal for pairing with drinks or as a light snack, these crisps will become a go-to for casual holiday gatherings. If you haven’t tried shishito peppers before, this is a fun, accessible way to enjoy them.

Cinnamon Spiced Coffee

Nothing says cozy winter mornings like a steaming mug of Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Spiced Coffee. This limited-edition blend is the perfect way to start your day with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of sweetness. The coffee itself is rich and smooth, with a hint of spice that is not overpowering but just enough to make it feel festive. Whether brewed in your standard coffee maker or in a French press, this coffee fills your kitchen with an inviting, seasonal aroma. Pair it with a slice of holiday bread or enjoy it alongside your favorite winter treats for a perfect morning ritual. For coffee lovers, this is an easy way to bring a touch of holiday cheer into every cup.

Sugared Rice Cracker Stars

Trader Joe’s Sugared Rice Cracker Stars are a playful and delightful snack that brings a touch of sweetness to your traditional savory rice cracker. These star-shaped crackers are coated with a light dusting of sugar, giving them a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. They are ideal for serving at a holiday gathering or enjoying as a snack with a glass of wine. The texture is light and crispy, with just enough sweetness to satisfy your cravings without being overwhelming. The festive star shapes make them a great addition to a holiday snack mix or as an easy treat for kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for a unique and fun twist on classic rice crackers, these are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Garlic Gondolas

If you’re a fan of garlic bread but want something a bit different, Trader Joe’s Garlic Gondolas are the perfect solution. These crispy, garlic-infused puff pastry boats are filled with a savory garlic butter filling that is rich, flavorful, and downright irresistible. When baked, they become wonderfully crispy on the outside while maintaining a soft, buttery interior. They make an excellent appetizer or side dish for holiday meals, and their elegant shape adds a touch of class to your table. The garlic flavor is robust without being overpowering, making these perfect for anyone who loves garlic but wants something a bit more refined than the usual bread. A quick bake in the oven, and you have a sophisticated yet simple addition to any meal.

Cassata Baked Ricotta Cheese

Cassata Baked Ricotta Cheese is a creamy and decadent treat that brings a touch of Italy to your holiday spread. This rich, ricotta-based cheese is flavored with orange zest and a hint of cinnamon, offering a smooth and luxurious texture. The cheese is baked to perfection, creating a golden, slightly crispy exterior while the inside remains creamy and indulgent. Perfect for spreading on crackers or served with fruit, this cheese is a festive addition to any cheese board. Its subtle citrus flavor adds a refreshing brightness that pairs wonderfully with savory snacks and wines. If you’re looking for something both comforting and a little different for your holiday gatherings, this baked ricotta is an excellent choice.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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