Top 5 Trader Joe’s Favorites and 5 You Should Avoid

Trader Joe’s offers an interesting variety of foods, but not all are worth your money. Here’s a list of five things you should buy and five you should skip to make your next shopping trip easier.

Purchase: Unexpected Cheddar Cheese ($3.99/7 Oz)

This cheese is a real treat. It tastes like a mix of cheddar and Parmesan. Indeed, it’s delicious and versatile for snacking, cooking, or adding to a cheese board. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with crackers and fruits.

Purchase: Sweet Italian Sausage made with Pork ($6.49/1 Lb)

This sausage is perfect for many meals. It’s seasoned with authentic Italian spices, making it great for pastas, pizzas, or casseroles. It’s easy to cook up and adds great flavor to any dish.

Purchase: Hold The Cone Tips ($3.99/3.53 Oz)

These mini ice cream cones are a sweet snack. They have a crunchy cone and creamy ice cream, perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings. They come in different flavors, so there’s something for everyone.

Purchase: Shawarma Chicken Thighs ($6.99/1 Lb)

These chicken thighs are marinated in Middle Eastern spices. It makes them a flavorful and easy meal. Cook and serve with rice or salad for a complete dish. They’re quick to cook and full of flavor.

Purchase: Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers ($2.69/9.75 Oz)

These chips bring the fun flavors of Mexican street corn right to your snack time. With a hit of lime and a sprinkle of cheese, they’re crunchy, tangy, and totally munch-worthy. Perfect for dipping or just snacking straight from the bag.

Avoid: Everything But The Bagel Seasoned Potato Chips ($2.99/7 Oz)

These chips are bland and don’t have the punch you’d expect from the popular seasoning. They make for a disappointing snack. It’s better to stick with the real seasoning on something more substantial.

Avoid: Gyro Slices ($4.69/8 Oz)

Pre-sliced gyro meat seems convenient, but it’s greasy and lacks authentic flavor. It’s not worth your time or money. You’re better off getting gyro meat from a local restaurant or making your own.

Avoid: Cauliflower Pizza Crusts ($3.99/10.6 Oz)

These crusts are a good gluten-free option, but they tend to be soggy and have a cauliflower aftertaste that makes them less appetizing. A homemade crust or a different brand might be better.

Avoid: Savory Herbed Chicken Thighs ($6.99/1 Lb)

These chicken thighs are overly seasoned, making them too salty or bitter. The texture can also be inconsistent. You’re better off marinating your own chicken thighs at home.

Avoid: Almond Butter Puffs Cereal ($3.49/9 Oz)

This cereal falls short on flavor and can become soggy quickly, making it a poor breakfast choice. A different brand or making a different breakfast might be a better option.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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