Trader Joe’s Must Haves

Isabella Truong, Minjun Kim, and Desiree Perez

For all those foodies out there, Trader Joe’s is a popular market full of unique recipes, snacks and foods to try. As Trader Joe’s offers a large inventory from cooking essentials to lifestyle items, it can be overwhelming for shoppers to figure out what to purchase. The Paw Print curated a list of our favorite goods that we believe are the most worth it!

 

Isabella’s Most-Loved

Cookie Butter Ice Cream

Found in the freezer section, sweet and rich Cookie Butter Ice Cream is high on our list of favorites. The ice cream is an overall successful merge of vanilla ice cream and generous swirls of cookie butter folded into the cold dessert. Its main component, cookie butter, is derived from European spice cookies known as speculoos. 

 

Everything But the Bagel Seasoning 

Affordable and versatile Everything But the Bagel Seasoning is a staple to have for anyone, even if you don’t cook. A blend of garlic, black sesame seeds, sea salt, onion and poppy seeds can be used in a variety of settings, from a quick snack to a full course. The seasoning is a simple jumble of flavors, yet its easiness to sprinkle on foods sets it apart from others. 

 

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Trader Joe’s take on gnocchi, an Italian dish, uses sweet potatoes to make a buttery, creamy and overall delicious meal to have. By including a butter and sage sauce, a velvety texture is accomplished as the potato dumplings soak. Additionally, the food is quite easy to prepare, with just a few minutes in the microwave or on the stove. 

 

Desiree’s Delights

Milk Chocolate Caramel Crunch Medallions


A sweet reward for chocolate and caramel lovers, Trader Joe’s offers a wondrous take on this classic combination by incorporating Belgian milk chocolate with a bursting center of caramel and a coating of hazelnut crunch. Although a single box contains 18 medallions, it is difficult not to finish them all by yourself.


Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix


For various Asian cultures, purple yams and rice flour are nostalgic ingredients, since they are traditionally used in many treats that are eaten growing up. Trader Joe’s mixes the two, creating an ube mochi flour mix. The chewy texture mirrors mochi with a subtle sweetness of ube, while putting a truly fun spin on the average breakfast pancakes and waffles.

 

Coconut Body Butter


Despite Trader Joe’s abundant supply of creative and tasty foods, they have cultivated a wide selection of beauty and skincare products. The Coconut Body Butter is an instant favorite with its creamy texture and pleasant coconut scent. Catering to all skin types, this body butter provides long lasting moisture throughout the day as its key ingredients are coconut oil, shea butter and vitamin E. 

 

Minjun’s Munchies

Greek Yogurt with Honey

Trader Joe’s Greek Yogurt with Honey is a fan favorite and is one of the best Greek yogurts around. Perfect as a breakfast along with granola, this special yogurt and honey combination is a must-have. With no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, these yogurts are also a good option for a healthy diet.

 

Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings

Also known as Xiao Long Bao, Trader Joe’s Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings offer a savory taste and a special texture for a low cost. The dumplings melt in your mouth and the savory broth inside fills you up with warmth, perfect for this upcoming spring. Preparation is simple as well—you can heat it up in the microwave or on the stove. 

 

Hot & Sweet Jalapeños 

With its unique combination of spicy and sweet flavors, Trader Joe’s Hot & Sweet Jalapeños is a perfect versatile side dish. These jalapeños are perfect alongside both meats and creamy food as the jalapeños’s spice reduces the excessive greasy taste.

 

The Paw Print hopes these recommendations make the shopping list for your next Trader Joe’s visit. Be sure to check out our local Trader Joe’s on Bouquet Canyon Rd. to try out these products!