18 Trader Joe’s Pantry Staples Every Home Cook Needs

For a home cook, there is nothing more pleasing than a well-stocked pantry. Not just cabinets that are full, we are talking about a pantry stocked with the right essentials. It’s the key to effortlessly creating meals and avoiding those frantic grocery store trips. Trader Joe’s offers a wide range of pantry staples that can make meal prep a breeze and add a touch of excitement to your cooking routine. These Trader Joe’s must-haves will keep your kitchen running smoothly and your dishes delicious.

Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Trader Joe’s Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a top-tier choice for any serious home cook who values quality ingredients. This olive oil is cold-pressed from the finest olives, ensuring that it retains its rich flavor and high antioxidant content. With a bold, slightly peppery taste, it’s perfect for everything from sautéing vegetables to dressing salads, or even drizzling over freshly baked bread. Its high smoke point makes it versatile for both high-heat cooking and finishing dishes. The premium quality of this olive oil ensures that every meal benefits from its smooth, robust flavor, making it a must-have in any pantry.

Coconut Aminos

A great alternative to soy sauce, Trader Joe’s Coconut Aminos is a savory, slightly sweet sauce that works in a variety of dishes. It’s made from the sap of coconut palms, giving it a natural, gluten-free profile that’s perfect for anyone avoiding soy or wheat. Use it in stir-fries, marinades, or even salad dressings for a lighter, less salty umami flavor. It’s also lower in sodium than traditional soy sauce, making it a healthier option for those watching their salt intake. Coconut Aminos adds a depth of flavor without overpowering your dish, making it a versatile staple.

Organic Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce

The Organic Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce from Trader Joe’s is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need a quick, flavorful pasta dish. Made with organic tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh basil, this sauce tastes homemade without the hours of simmering. It’s perfect for more than just pasta—use it as a base for pizzas, a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or a complement to meatballs. Its clean, simple ingredients mean it’s also a great choice for health-conscious cooks who want to avoid added sugars and preservatives. Stocking this sauce ensures you’re always ready for an Italian-inspired meal.

Everything but the Bagel Seasoning

This cult-favorite seasoning blend is a Trader Joe’s staple that elevates any dish with its mix of sesame seeds, sea salt, garlic, and onion. Sprinkle it on avocado toast, eggs, or salads for an extra punch of flavor. Its versatility extends to meats and vegetables, making it a great addition to roasted chicken or steamed veggies. The balance of salty and savory notes works well in countless recipes, from simple snacks to more elaborate meals. Having a jar of Everything but the Bagel Seasoning in your pantry guarantees you’re always prepared to add a flavorful twist to your cooking.

Organic Black Beans

Trader Joe’s Organic Black Beans are a protein-packed pantry staple that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re making chili, tacos, or a hearty soup, these beans provide a rich, meaty texture and are loaded with fiber and nutrients. They’re pre-cooked, which means they can go straight from the can into your recipe, saving time without sacrificing flavor. With no added preservatives or artificial ingredients, they’re a clean, healthy option for vegetarian and meat-based dishes alike. Keeping a few cans of these black beans in your pantry ensures you’re ready for a quick, nutritious meal at any time.

Herbed Tahini Sauce

Trader Joe’s Herbed Tahini Sauce is a flavorful, creamy addition to your pantry that elevates a variety of dishes. Made from ground sesame seeds, this tahini sauce is blended with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, adding a refreshing twist to the classic tahini flavor. It’s perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables, spreading in wraps, or using as a dip for falafel and pita. The rich, nutty base pairs beautifully with the vibrant, fresh herbs, creating a versatile sauce that complements both savory and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Organic Spaghetti

A box of Trader Joe’s Organic Spaghetti is a pantry essential for quick, satisfying meals. Made with organic durum wheat semolina, this spaghetti has a perfect al dente texture and rich flavor that holds up well in any sauce. Whether you’re tossing it with marinara, pesto, or a simple garlic and olive oil blend, it’s a versatile base that pairs well with many different ingredients. This organic option ensures you’re getting quality pasta without preservatives or additives. With a quick cooking time, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need a filling, wholesome meal in minutes.

White Miso Paste

Trader Joe’s White Miso Paste is a versatile ingredient that brings a mild, slightly sweet umami flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Made from fermented soybeans and rice, this miso paste is perfect for creating traditional Japanese miso soup, but it can also be used in marinades, salad dressings, and sauces. Its smooth texture and balanced flavor make it easy to incorporate into dishes without overwhelming other ingredients. White miso is milder than darker varieties, making it ideal for adding subtle depth to lighter dishes like fish, tofu, and vegetables. With its rich nutritional profile and probiotic benefits, keeping white miso paste in your pantry ensures you have a flavorful, health-boosting ingredient on hand

Organic Toasted Sesame Oil

Trader Joe’s Organic Toasted Sesame Oil is a rich, flavorful oil that adds a deep, nutty taste to a wide range of dishes. Made from toasted organic sesame seeds, this oil is perfect for drizzling over stir-fries, noodle dishes, or salads for an instant burst of flavor. It’s also a fantastic base for marinades and dipping sauces, bringing a warm, slightly smoky note that elevates any meal. A little goes a long way, as the intense flavor can enhance both Asian-inspired recipes and more traditional dishes like roasted vegetables. Keeping a bottle of organic toasted sesame oil in your pantry ensures you always have an ingredient that can turn simple meals into something special with just a few drops.

Organic Red Lentil Sedanini

Trader Joe’s Organic Red Lentil Sedanini is a gluten-free pasta alternative that’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious staple for any pantry. Made entirely from organic red lentils, this pasta offers a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a firm texture that holds up well in a variety of sauces, from marinara to pesto. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet without sacrificing taste or texture. Cooking in just a few minutes, this sedanini is perfect for quick, healthy meals that are both filling and flavorful.

Dried Mango

Trader Joe’s Dried Mango offers a naturally sweet snack that’s perfect for on-the-go or as an addition to salads and desserts. With no added sugar or preservatives, this dried fruit is a healthier alternative to sugary snacks. Its chewy texture and intense flavor make it a satisfying treat that can also be chopped up and added to trail mix or yogurt. The natural sweetness pairs well with savory dishes too, adding a unique twist to salads or grain bowls. Keeping a bag of dried mango in your pantry means you always have a nutritious, easy snack on hand.

Almond Butter

Trader Joe’s Almond Butter is a creamy, nutty spread that’s perfect for everything from toast to smoothies. With only two ingredients—almonds and salt—it’s a clean, simple choice for those looking to avoid added sugars and oils. Its rich texture and flavor make it a great alternative to peanut butter, especially for those with peanut allergies. Use it in baking, spread it on fruit, or stir it into oatmeal for a protein boost. Having almond butter in your pantry adds a versatile, nutritious option to your meals and snacks.

Organic Quinoa

Trader Joe’s Organic Quinoa is a nutrient-packed grain that’s easy to cook and can be used in a wide range of dishes. This gluten-free grain is high in protein and fiber, making it a great base for salads, grain bowls, or as a side dish for meats and vegetables. It has a light, fluffy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with both savory and sweet ingredients. With a quick cooking time of about 15 minutes, quinoa is perfect for busy nights when you need a healthy, satisfying meal fast. Keeping a bag of quinoa in your pantry means you’re always ready to create a nutrient-dense dish.

Organic Canned Pumpkin

Trader Joe’s Organic Canned Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. Whether you’re making a pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, or even adding it to oatmeal, this pure, organic pumpkin is a convenient and nutritious option. Packed with fiber and vitamin A, it’s a healthy addition to your pantry that can elevate a wide range of dishes. The smooth, creamy texture and mild sweetness make it a favorite for fall-inspired recipes, but it’s great to use year-round. With this canned pumpkin on hand, you can easily add a nutritious twist to your meals.

Crunchy Chili Onion

Trader Joe’s Crunchy Chili Onion is a game-changing condiment that adds a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet kick to any dish. Made with crispy fried garlic, onions, and peppers, it’s perfect for drizzling over pizza, eggs, or roasted vegetables. The crunch adds texture while the chili oil brings heat, making it a versatile topping for a variety of cuisines. It’s especially great for adding an extra layer of flavor to simple dishes like pasta or rice bowls. Keeping a jar in your pantry ensures you can add a burst of flavor to even the simplest meals.

Organic Coconut Milk

Trader Joe’s Organic Coconut Milk is a rich, creamy staple for curries, soups, and desserts. This dairy-free alternative adds a luscious texture to both sweet and savory dishes, making it a versatile ingredient for a variety of recipes. Use it to create creamy sauces, mix it into smoothies, or even whip it up for dairy-free whipped cream. With its high-fat content, it adds a velvety richness that’s perfect for indulgent dishes. Stocking a can of organic coconut milk in your pantry means you’re always prepared for a flavorful, creamy addition to your cooking.

Peanut Butter Pretzels

Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Pretzels are a salty, crunchy snack that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings. These pretzel nuggets are filled with creamy peanut butter, making them a perfect on-the-go snack or a fun addition to a snack board. They’re also a great pantry staple for adding to homemade trail mix or crushing over ice cream for a crunchy topping. With their unique combination of textures and flavors, these pretzels are a crowd-pleaser. Having a bag of these in your pantry ensures you always have a snack ready for any occasion.

Organic Maple Syrup

Trader Joe’s Organic Maple Syrup is a must-have for pancakes, waffles, and much more. This pure, Grade A syrup is free from artificial additives and delivers a rich, natural sweetness that elevates any breakfast dish. It’s also great for adding depth to marinades, salad dressings, and baked goods. With its smooth texture and robust flavor, this maple syrup is a versatile sweetener that can replace refined sugars in many recipes. Keeping a bottle in your pantry ensures you’re always ready to add a touch of natural sweetness to your cooking.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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