14 Trader Joe’s Must-Haves Food Editors Never Skip

Food editors have their own list of tried-and-true favorites they’ll never pass up. These aren’t just trendy items; they’re the real deal—essential staples and hidden gems that make every meal easier, tastier, and a little more fun. Whether it’s for recipe testing, quick weeknight dinners, or their own kitchen cravings, these must-haves have earned their permanent spot in the carts of food editors everywhere. Ready to see what the pros swear by at Trader Joe’s? Here are the picks they never skip!

Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce

This spicy, tangy condiment is a must-have for anyone looking to add a kick to their meals. Made from a blend of crushed Calabrian chili peppers, it’s both fiery and flavorful, offering a depth of taste beyond simple heat. Food editors love it for its versatility, using it in everything from pasta sauces to marinades and even scrambled eggs. The Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce’s unique, layered flavor comes from its olive oil base, which softens the heat and adds a rich, savory undertone. With just a spoonful, it can transform an ordinary dish into something extraordinary.

Mandarin Orange Chicken

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is a long-time favorite among food editors for its unbeatable taste and convenience. This frozen entrée features crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy orange sauce that’s sweet and slightly spicy, capturing the flavors of classic takeout. It’s ideal for a quick dinner on busy nights, needing just a few minutes in the oven or air fryer to become golden and delicious. The sauce packet allows you to control the amount, perfect for those who like a lighter coating. Pair it with rice or veggies, and you have a satisfying meal that tastes homemade.

Everything and the Elote Greek Style Yogurt Dip

Inspired by Mexican street corn, this dip blends creamy Greek yogurt with elote-style spices, creating a flavor profile that’s savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy. The addition of cheese and chili powder enhances the taste, making it an irresistible choice for dipping chips or vegetables. Food editors enjoy its balance of tang and spice, with hints of lime and corn that mimic the flavors of traditional elote. It’s versatile enough to be used as a spread on sandwiches or a topping for tacos. With each bite, you’ll get a satisfying blend of creaminess and spice that’s hard to resist.

Kimbap

Trader Joe’s Kimbap is a Korean-inspired roll filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, including veggies and savory proteins wrapped in seaweed and rice. This frozen version offers a quick and tasty snack or light meal, especially for fans of Asian cuisine. Food editors appreciate its balance of flavors, with each bite offering a mix of freshness from the veggies and a savory punch from the protein fillings. It’s a great alternative to sushi, providing a similar experience with its own unique taste. Simply heat it and enjoy with a side of soy sauce or spicy mayo for a flavorful treat.

Mini Croissants

Perfectly flaky and buttery, Trader Joe’s Mini Croissants are a delightful bakery item that food editors can’t skip. These frozen croissants rise and bake in the oven to create a fresh, golden-brown pastry with layers of rich flavor. They’re ideal for breakfast or as a snack, whether served plain, with jam, or used for mini sandwiches. The texture is remarkably similar to what you’d find at a bakery, with a crisp exterior and soft, airy interior. Each bite brings a perfect balance of buttery richness and delicate pastry layers, making them a versatile and indulgent treat.

Unfiltered Apple Juice

Unlike most apple juices, Trader Joe’s Unfiltered Apple Juice retains the rich, full flavor of fresh apples. This juice is cloudy, a sign that it’s packed with more apple solids, which food editors appreciate for the extra depth of flavor. It’s refreshingly sweet with a hint of tartness, making it a perfect drink on its own or as a base for smoothies and mocktails. The unfiltered process preserves more nutrients, providing a slightly heartier and more complex taste. For a simple yet wholesome beverage, this juice is a satisfying choice.

Jalapeño Sauce

This sauce combines the fiery flavor of jalapeños with a smooth, creamy texture that enhances a wide variety of dishes. It’s perfect as a topping for tacos, burgers, and grilled vegetables, adding a touch of heat without overwhelming the palate. Food editors praise its versatility, as it’s easy to drizzle on just about anything for a flavorful kick. The jalapeños bring a fresh, vibrant taste that pairs well with the creamy base, creating a balanced sauce that’s not overly spicy. For fans of bold flavors, this is a Trader Joe’s staple that’s worth keeping in the fridge.

Chili Onion Crunch

Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch is a flavorful condiment packed with crispy bits of garlic, onion, and chili flakes in oil. Food editors rave about its versatility, as it can be drizzled on anything from pasta to avocado toast for an added spicy crunch. The balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors makes it a unique topping that enhances a wide range of dishes. The crunchy texture gives each bite a satisfying, flavorful pop, making even simple meals feel gourmet. It’s a quick way to elevate your dishes, adding both depth and heat in one delicious spoonful.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

These peanut butter cups are a rich, decadent treat that has become a cult favorite at Trader Joe’s. Food editors adore the balance of smooth dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter, with just the right amount of sweetness. The dark chocolate adds a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich peanut butter filling, making them more satisfying than your average candy. They’re great for a quick dessert, or to keep on hand for a midday treat that feels indulgent. Individually sized, they’re easy to portion out, so you can enjoy a little sweetness without overindulging.

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi is a freezer staple that food editors appreciate for its versatility and health-conscious ingredients. Made primarily from cauliflower, this gnocchi is a lower-carb alternative to traditional potato-based gnocchi, yet it still maintains a satisfying, chewy texture. It’s incredibly versatile—just sauté it with some olive oil, toss it in your favorite sauce, or add it to soups. Food editors enjoy how it absorbs flavors well, making it adaptable for various dishes, from pasta-inspired meals to stir-fries. It’s a convenient, nutritious option that adds variety to your weekly meal rotation.

Scandinavian Swimmers

Trader Joe’s Scandinavian Swimmers are a whimsical take on gummy candy, shaped like ocean creatures and featuring bright, fruity flavors. These candies have a softer, chewier texture compared to standard gummies, which food editors often find more enjoyable. Each flavor—from berry to citrus—is distinct and well-balanced, without being overly sweet. They’re perfect for satisfying a candy craving and make a fun addition to movie nights or snack boards. Plus, their unique shapes and vibrant colors add a playful touch, making them a treat that both kids and adults can enjoy.

Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend

This popular seasoning blend combines sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, poppy seeds, and sea salt, capturing the flavor of an everything bagel. Food editors find it incredibly versatile, as it can be sprinkled on almost anything to add a savory, toasty crunch. It’s especially great on avocado toast, eggs, salads, and even popcorn, instantly elevating simple dishes with a burst of flavor. The seasoning has a well-balanced taste, so a little goes a long way. For those who enjoy bagel flavors but want to skip the carbs, this blend is a pantry must-have.

Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing

Trader Joe’s Spicy Cashew Butter Dressing is a creamy, slightly spicy dressing that has quickly become a favorite for food editors. Made with cashew butter, lime juice, and a hint of spice, this dressing adds a unique, nutty flavor to salads, grain bowls, and roasted vegetables. Its creamy texture makes it ideal for coating greens or drizzling over bowls, while the spice level is mild enough to appeal to most palates. Food editors love its versatility, using it as a dip, a marinade, or a finishing sauce for an added layer of flavor. It’s a delicious, dairy-free option that brings richness and zest to any dish.

Unexpected Cheddar

Unexpected Cheddar is a cheese that lives up to its name, surprising shoppers with its unique blend of cheddar’s sharpness and Parmesan’s nutty finish. Food editors often recommend it as a cheese board essential, as its bold, complex flavors make it a standout. The cheese has a slightly crumbly texture that melts beautifully, making it great for snacking, grating over pasta, or adding to sandwiches. It’s beloved for its versatility and ability to elevate both casual meals and sophisticated recipes. With its unique flavor profile, Unexpected Cheddar has become a must-try item for cheese lovers.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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