15 Trader Joe’s Pantry Staples That Don’t Get Enough Credit

We all have our go-to Trader Joe’s favorites, but what about the hidden gems that don’t make it to the top of everyone’s list? Some of the most versatile and useful products are right under our noses, waiting to be discovered. These pantry staples might not be the flashiest items in the store, but they pack a punch in the kitchen.

Organic Coconut Aminos

Organic Coconut Aminos is a versatile and flavorful alternative to soy sauce, perfect for those who are gluten-free or watching their sodium intake. With a slightly sweet and savory profile, it adds depth to stir-fries, marinades, and dressings. Unlike traditional soy sauce, it’s made from the sap of coconut blossoms, offering a unique taste that complements a variety of dishes. It’s a pantry must-have that deserves more love for its ability to enhance both everyday and exotic recipes.

Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend

Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend is a game-changer for adding that “everything bagel” flavor to just about anything. This blend of sesame seeds, sea salt, garlic, and onion can elevate simple dishes like eggs, avocado toast, and roasted vegetables. While it’s a popular product, its potential goes far beyond just bagels. Keep it on hand to instantly boost the flavor of your meals without any extra effort.

Chili Onion Crunch

Chili Onion Crunch is a condiment that brings a satisfying combination of heat, crunch, and umami to your dishes. Made with a blend of crispy garlic, onion, and chili peppers in olive oil, it’s perfect for drizzling over pizza, pasta, or even a simple bowl of rice. The subtle heat and rich flavor add a gourmet touch to everyday meals, making it an underrated pantry hero. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.

Organic Tomato Paste

Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato Paste is a pantry staple that often goes unnoticed but is crucial for deepening the flavor of soups, stews, and sauces. Packed with concentrated tomato goodness, a little goes a long way in adding richness and body to your dishes. Unlike other tomato pastes, this one has a pure, fresh flavor with no added sugars or preservatives. It’s a small can with big potential, perfect for enhancing a variety of recipes.

Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread

Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread takes the beloved flavor of Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar and transforms it into a creamy, spreadable form. This spread is perfect for slathering on sandwiches, crackers, or using as a dip for veggies. The sharpness of aged cheddar combined with a slight parmesan tang makes it a versatile addition to your pantry. It’s a hidden gem that adds gourmet flair to simple snacks.

Organic Balsamic Glaze

Trader Joe’s Organic Balsamic Glaze is a sweet and tangy reduction that can instantly elevate your meals with just a drizzle. Perfect for finishing salads, roasted vegetables, or even grilled meats, it adds a complex flavor without any extra cooking. This glaze is thick, rich, and made from high-quality balsamic vinegar, making it a pantry staple that’s often overlooked. It’s a quick and easy way to make your dishes look and taste like restaurant-quality fare.

Eggplant Garlic Spread

Eggplant Garlic Spread is a rich and flavorful condiment that combines the smoky taste of roasted eggplant with the savory depth of garlic. This spread is incredibly versatile, perfect for adding to sandwiches, using as a dip, or incorporating into pasta dishes. Its robust flavor can transform a simple meal into something special with minimal effort. Often overlooked, this pantry staple deserves recognition for its ability to bring a Mediterranean touch to your cooking.

Corn and Chile Tomato-less Salsa

Corn and Chile Tomato-less Salsa is a unique twist on traditional salsa, offering a sweet and slightly spicy combination of corn, red peppers, and chiles. It’s perfect for those who want something different from the usual tomato-based salsas. This salsa is great for dipping, but it also works well as a topping for tacos, burgers, or grilled meats. Its versatility and flavor make it a standout product that’s often overlooked.

Herbed Tahini Sauce

Trader Joe’s Organic Herbed Tahini Sauce is a creamy, nutty paste made from ground sesame seeds that’s essential for making hummus, dressings, and sauces. Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. While tahini might not be the first thing that comes to mind when stocking your pantry, it’s a powerhouse ingredient that can elevate your cooking. It’s an underrated staple that’s worth having on hand.

Black Garlic

Black Garlic is a unique ingredient that adds a deep, umami-rich flavor to your dishes with its sweet and tangy taste. This aged garlic has a soft texture and a complex flavor profile that’s different from fresh garlic, making it perfect for adding depth to sauces, marinades, and even desserts. It’s an unconventional pantry item that can transform your cooking in unexpected ways. Despite its transformative qualities, it’s often overlooked in favor of more familiar ingredients.

Organic Refried Pinto Beans

Trader Joe’s Organic Refried Pinto Beans are a simple but essential pantry item that’s perfect for quick, satisfying meals. These beans are smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor, making them ideal for tacos, burritos, or as a side dish. Unlike other canned beans, these have a clean, wholesome taste with no added preservatives. They’re an underrated staple that can be the foundation of many delicious and easy meals.

Marinated Artichokes

Marinated Artichokes are a flavorful and versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, pastas, or as a topping for pizza. These tender artichokes are marinated in a blend of olive oil, vinegar, and spices, giving them a bright, tangy flavor that adds depth to any dish. They’re ready to use straight from the jar, making them a convenient and delicious pantry staple. Often overlooked, these artichokes are a quick way to add a gourmet touch to your cooking.

Umami Seasoning Blend

Trader Joe’s Umami Seasoning Blend is a powerful mix of mushrooms, salt, and spices that can enhance the flavor of just about any dish. It’s an easy way to add that elusive umami flavor to soups, sauces, meats, and even vegetables. This seasoning blend is a must-have for anyone looking to boost the savory depth of their meals. Despite its ability to transform simple dishes, it’s often overshadowed by more popular seasonings.

Dried Mango Slices

Dried Mango Slices are a sweet and tangy snack that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings without added sugars or preservatives. These naturally sweet mango slices are chewy, flavorful, and make a great addition to trail mixes, yogurt, or baked goods. They’re a healthy and convenient snack that’s often underrated compared to other dried fruits. Keep a bag in your pantry for a quick and delicious treat that’s packed with tropical flavor.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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