13 Trader Joe’s Items Loved by Professional Chefs

Trader Joe’s is a go-to destination for professional chefs looking to improve their culinary creations. With a wide range of high-quality ingredients, the store offers pantry staples and unique items that can enhance any dish. Many of these products have become kitchen essentials, known for their ability to add depth, texture, and unique flavors to dishes. These Trader Joe’s items are perfect for those seeking to add a professional touch to their everyday meals.

Portuguese Flor de Sal

Trader Joe’s Portuguese Flor de Sal is a high-quality sea salt that professional chefs love for its delicate texture and fine crunch. Harvested from the pristine salt pans of Portugal, it adds a finishing touch to dishes like seafood, meats, and even vegetables. Its mild, yet robust flavor makes it a versatile seasoning, elevating both savory and sweet recipes. Chefs appreciate its authenticity and the subtle minerality it brings to their culinary creations. It’s perfect for garnishing salads, roasted veggies, or even baked goods like chocolate chip cookies. With its natural origin, this salt is a great addition to any gourmet kitchen. Its artisanal appeal makes it an ideal gift for culinary enthusiasts.

Organic Pitted Medjool Dates

Trader Joe’s Organic Pitted Medjool Dates are beloved by professional chefs for their rich, caramel-like sweetness and chewy texture. These dates are perfect for adding natural sweetness to both savory and sweet dishes, making them a versatile pantry staple. Chefs often use them in energy bars, salads, or stuff them with cheese or nuts for appetizers. Their large size and rich flavor profile make them ideal for baking into cakes, cookies, and energy bites. Packed with fiber and nutrients, these dates also make an excellent alternative to refined sugar. The convenience of being pitted saves time in the kitchen, adding to their appeal. Whether used in desserts or savory sauces, they consistently impress.

Organic Polenta

Trader Joe’s Organic Polenta is a go-to for chefs seeking a versatile, comforting base for many dishes. This cornmeal-based food is perfect for making creamy polenta or slicing and grilling it for a crispy, savory treat. It works wonderfully as a side dish to accompany meats, stews, and vegetables. Chefs also use it as a base for layered casseroles or top it with cheese, herbs, and sauces for a meal on its own. The organic certification adds an extra layer of quality, making it a trusted ingredient in kitchens. It holds its shape well when cooked and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements various seasonings. This pantry staple is a must-have for any professional kitchen.

Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend

Trader Joe’s Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend is an essential item for chefs who appreciate deep, savory flavors. The combination of mushrooms and other natural ingredients creates a rich, umami-packed seasoning that enhances almost any dish. It adds complexity to soups, pasta, stir-fries, and even grilled meats. Professional chefs love its versatility, using it in everything from vegetable dishes to sauces and dressings. The blend also works wonders when sprinkled on roasted potatoes, eggs, or popcorn. Its earthy richness is perfect for elevating vegetarian meals, giving them the same depth found in meat-based dishes. A sprinkle of this seasoning can instantly make a dish more flavorful and satisfying.

Incredisauce

Incredisauce from Trader Joe’s is a fan favorite among professional chefs for its ability to add instant flavor to any dish. This versatile sauce combines sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, making it a perfect condiment for everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. Chefs often use it as a marinade or dipping sauce for appetizers like spring rolls and chicken skewers. Its creamy texture and bold flavor profile also make it a great addition to sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Professional kitchens often keep it on hand for those moments when a dish needs a little extra something. It’s loved for its ability to transform everyday meals into something extraordinary. The balance of flavors makes it an easy-to-use, all-purpose sauce for various cuisines.

Bay Leaves

Trader Joe’s Bay Leaves are a kitchen staple, treasured by chefs for their ability to add depth and aroma to dishes. These leaves are perfect for slow-cooked meals, such as soups, stews, and braised meats, where their flavor can infuse the dish over time. Professional chefs use bay leaves in stocks and broths, giving them a fragrant, slightly bitter flavor that complements savory dishes. The leaves are often added whole and removed before serving, ensuring their taste enhances the meal without overwhelming it. Bay leaves also work well in rice, pasta, and bean dishes, adding an herbal note. With their long shelf life, they are a practical ingredient that never goes out of style. These leaves provide a subtle yet essential flavor that is highly valued in both traditional and contemporary kitchens.

Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Trader Joe’s Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a favorite among professional chefs for its smooth, balanced flavor and high-quality production. Cold-pressed from the finest olives, it offers a delicate yet robust flavor that enhances salads, vegetables, and Mediterranean dishes. Chefs rely on this oil for everything from sautéing to drizzling over finished dishes, as it adds a rich, fruity note without overpowering the ingredients. Its versatility makes it ideal for vinaigrettes, marinades, and dipping sauces. The high-quality extraction process ensures that the oil retains its full flavor and health benefits. With its rich, golden hue and clean finish, this olive oil elevates both simple and complex dishes. It is a pantry must-have for any chef who appreciates the importance of quality fats in cooking.

Lightly Smoked Sardines in Olive Oil

Trader Joe’s Lightly Smoked Sardines in Olive Oil is a gourmet treat that professional chefs reach for when they want to add smoky, savory depth to their dishes. These sardines are sustainably sourced and packed in high-quality olive oil, making them a rich, flavorful addition to salads, pastas, or spread on toast. Chefs often use them in Mediterranean and Italian dishes, where their smokiness complements the other ingredients perfectly. They are also great for making dips or as a topping for crackers and breads. Their strong, flavorful profile allows them to shine in recipes, adding a sophisticated touch without overwhelming the dish. Sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, making them as nutritious as they are delicious. This unique product brings a distinct taste to dishes and is loved for its quality and convenience.

Lentils

Trader Joe’s Lentils are a pantry essential for professional chefs, offering a quick and nutritious base for many dishes. These small, round legumes are perfect for soups, stews, curries, and salads, providing a hearty texture and earthy flavor. Chefs use lentils to add protein and fiber to vegetarian and vegan dishes, making them a staple for plant-based meals. They cook quickly and do not require soaking, making them a convenient option for fast meals. The versatility of lentils allows them to be seasoned in many ways, from curry spices to Mediterranean herbs. They also pair well with grains, like rice and quinoa, for a well-rounded dish. With their affordability and ease of use, lentils are a must-have for any kitchen.

Miso Ginger Broth

Trader Joe’s Miso Ginger Broth is a flavorful and comforting ingredient that professional chefs rely on to create deep, umami-rich dishes. This broth combines the savory taste of miso with the fresh zing of ginger, making it an excellent base for soups, ramen, or even stir-fries. Chefs love the balance of flavors, as it enhances dishes without being too overpowering. It is also a great starting point for marinades, adding both saltiness and a hint of spice. The broth is versatile, and chefs often use it in vegetable dishes, tofu stir-fries, and even as a dipping sauce. It can also be enjoyed on its own, served as a hot, nourishing drink. With its rich, layered flavor, it brings a comforting depth to any dish.

Three Chilis For Your Consideration

Trader Joe’s Three Chilis For Your Consideration is a unique blend of dried chili peppers that chefs love for its ability to add complex heat to any dish. This seasoning features a mix of chilis that vary in heat and flavor, allowing chefs to adjust the spice level to their preference. The blend is perfect for adding a punch to salsas, sauces, stews, and marinades. Professional chefs appreciate how the three varieties of chili peppers combine to offer a balance of smokiness, heat, and fruitiness. The spice mix is ideal for those looking to experiment with different chili profiles, making it a favorite in both traditional and modern kitchens. It can be sprinkled over roasted vegetables, mixed into meats, or used as a garnish for soups. Its versatility and bold flavor make it a go-to seasoning for heat lovers.

Peppercorn Passport

Trader Joe’s Peppercorn Passport is a fantastic seasoning for professional chefs who want to bring international flair to their dishes. This set includes an assortment of peppercorns from around the world, each with its own distinct flavor and heat profile. Chefs use it to experiment with different pepper flavors in everything from soups to steak rubs. The variety allows for creative combinations, whether you are looking for a mild, fruity flavor or something with a more intense kick. The grindable peppercorns add freshness and texture to dishes, and chefs enjoy how they enhance both simple and elaborate meals. It is perfect for sprinkling over salads, pizzas, or roasted meats, offering a customized seasoning experience. For those who love bold, pepper-forward flavors, this product is an indispensable addition to the spice rack.

Very Berry Granola

Trader Joe’s Very Berry Granola is a delicious, nutrient-packed snack that chefs love for its combination of crunchy oats, dried berries, and sweet honey. It is a versatile item that works well as a topping for yogurt, smoothies, or even salads, adding both texture and natural sweetness. Chefs use it in breakfast dishes, pairing it with fresh fruit or mixing it into baked goods for added crunch. The granola’s mix of flavors and textures brings balance to dishes that might otherwise lack variety. It is also a perfect on-the-go snack for those who appreciate healthy, satisfying options. The natural ingredients in this granola make it a favorite among chefs who prefer to avoid artificial additives. Its wholesome goodness and vibrant berry flavors make it a standout in any kitchen.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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