13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (2024)

The many Trader Joe's locations around the United States may be recognizable for their passionate fans and long (but worth waiting in) lines, but Trader Joe's wouldn't have its crowd of followers or aficionados without the excellent line of top-notch products. The best items at Trader Joe's are great on their own, but you can only get them at TJ's—unless you turn to that elusive Trader Joe's black market—which makes them even tastier, somehow. What's that saying about always wanting what you can't have?

Everyone has a favorite Trader Joe's product, whether it's the Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel Seasoned Smoked Salmon or that Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi. If you have yet to find a Trader Joe's item to make braving the store’s weekend crowds worth it, you probably haven't looked hard enough. For those just discovering this cult-favorite grocery store, the editors at Real Simple have their own Trader Joe’s picks—and they just might offer a little inspiration.

Some Trader Joe's products are a little out there, but those famously low Trader Joe's prices make sampling anything that catches your eye doable—and affordable. Fill your cart with the colorful packaging and clever names that catch your eye, and prepare to fall in love. Once you've found your go-to Trader Joe's snacks, you'll never go back. Let these editor picks guide your trip, but don't be afraid to buy something new and different, too—you might be surprised by what ends up tickling your taste buds.

01of 13

Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt Chunky Guacamole with Greek Yogurt

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (1)

“It may be lower in fat and calories than regular guac, but I actually buy it because it’s delicious. The addition of Greek yogurt adds just a tiny bit of tang, which tastes great on tacos or scooped onto tortilla chips. I’ve been known to eat the whole thing in one sitting, but the leftovers keep for a few days, especially when properly storing guacamole.—Jennifer Davidson, Deputy Digital Editor

02of 13

Trader Joe’s Just a Handful of Olives Pitted Salted Manzanilla Olives

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (2)

“They come in a single-serve bag for 99 cents. They pack them without the brine so they’re easy to eat on the go, and wow are they delicious. After a recent trip to Barcelona, I noticed from the bag that these olives are imported from Spain. It’s no wonder they’re so top notch! I like to bring them to work for a briny snack during that mid-afternoon slump. I also love to pack them in my carry-on to plop into an on-the-plane Bloody Mary while traveling (you’re welcome!).”—Brandi Broxson, Senior Editor

03of 13

Trader Joe’s Carne Asada Autentica

“This is an absolute lifesaver for busy work nights. The meat comes pre-marinated (and delicious), so the time-consuming part is over.”—Anneke Knot, Assistant Beauty Editor

04of 13

Trader Joe’s Chèvre with Honey Goat’s Milk Cheese

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (4)

“It’s insane.”—Rina Stone, Executive Creative Director

05of 13

Trader Joe’s Kettle Corn

“The kettle corn is the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Every time I buy it, I eat way too much at once, feel sick, promise myself I’m never buying it again, and always end up going back for more.”—Betty Gold, Senior Digital Food Editor

06of 13

Trader Joe’s Roasted Plantain Chips

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (5)

“I’m not much of a snacker, but when I do snack, it’s on these salty chips. They feel like a healthier alternative to potato chips or even pretzels, with only three ingredients (and one’s technically a fruit!). I can snack on these and still feel like I’m getting a serving of fruit—I call that a win-win.”—Lauren Phillips, Associate Digital Editor

Trader Joe’s Spicy Chai Tea Latte Mix and Trader Joe’s Spiced Chai Black Tea Liquid Concentrate

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (6)

“These two Trader Joe’s products create the ultimate chai latte! Mixing these two items makes a wonderful fall drink that is good hot or iced.”—Sara Brown, Social Media Specialist

08of 13

Trader Joe’s Dried Fruit Just Mango Slices

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (7)

“These are so sweet, flavorful, and fun to eat—like fruit snacks for adults. Best of all, there are no added sugars or preservatives.”—Jenny Brown, Copy & Research Chief

09of 13

Trader Joe’s Party Size Mini Meatballs

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (8)

“I’ve found these to be a great three-fer in my home. Perfect for a young, picker eater who finds every other meatball too spicy, great as a quick appetizer for an impromptu gathering (just add barbecue sauce), and a shortcut for delicious Italian Wedding Soup. A super useful item to keep in the freezer year-round.”—Leslie Yazel, Editor in Chief

10of 13

Trader Joe's Vegan Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (9)

“I don’t eat cheese, so most pesto you find in the grocery store is off-limits for me. Sure, I can make my own, but sometimes you just need something quick and easy, not to mention pesto ingredients quickly add up cost-wise. Enter Trader Joe’s vegan kale, cashew, and basil pesto, which is delightful despite having no cheese. I use it for pasta, as a dip for crackers or vegetables, mixed into plain hummus, and drizzled onto just about anything—pizza, roasted vegetables, eggs, you name it. It also freezes beautifully.”—Elizabeth Sile, Features Editor

11of 13

Trader Joe’s Frozen Turkey Meatballs

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (10)

“They are a great addition to a weeknight soup or pasta dish. Just add them to broth, then add spinach, orzo and voila!” —Filomena Guzzardi, Editorial Production Director

12of 13

Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (11)

“They are my go-to get-together food. Crispy patties—or ‘nests,’ if you will—of shredded carrots and zucchini along with the accompanying soy sauce dip makes this easy appetizer a no-fail crowd pleaser.” —Stephanie Sisco, Home Director

13of 13

Trader Joe’s Whole Milk Yogurt Cups

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (12)

“Their yogurt is so creamy and delicious; we always get it. Sometimes, I have it as a dessert and add whipped cream on top.” —Rebecca Hart, digital creative director

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (2024)

FAQs

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love? ›

The most loved section of Trader Joe's is the frozen food aisle which has a variety of diverse food choices that can be made in minutes. The best part of these options is that they taste authentic and include Asian, Mexican and Greek food which are perfect for students who are craving diverse food dishes.

Why do college students like Trader Joe's? ›

The most loved section of Trader Joe's is the frozen food aisle which has a variety of diverse food choices that can be made in minutes. The best part of these options is that they taste authentic and include Asian, Mexican and Greek food which are perfect for students who are craving diverse food dishes.

How does Trader Joe's choose their products? ›

As Sloan put it, the tasting panel process is what really set Trader Joe's apart from other grocers. “It's not just about something on the shelf, it's something worth its spot on the shelf,” he explained. “And this is where we are decidedly different [from other grocery stores] on purpose.

What is Trader Joe's message? ›

We are committed to providing our customers outstanding value in the form of the best quality products at the best everyday prices.

What do people love about Trader Joe's? ›

She mentioned the outgoing, charismatic employees who are encouraged to strike up conversations, its quirky hand-drawn signs, its low prices, its unique seasonal products, and its fun, laid-back atmosphere that helps it to stand out from the hustle and bustle of other popular supermarket chains.

Are Trader Joe's employees trained to flirt with customers? ›

In a recent episode on the Inside Trader Joe's podcast, CEO Bryan Palbaum addressed the rumors that employees are trained to flirt with customers and said it's just that – a rumor.

Why is Trader Joe's so addictive? ›

When you go into a large grocery store you have so many choices… Too many for most people to make an informed decision. Trader Joe's pares that down for you so it makes it easier to navigate the store. Another big thing that attracts people is that they cater to special diets, from gluten free to vegetarian to kosher.

Who is Trader Joe's biggest competitor? ›

Top 10 Trader Joe's competitors
  • Walmart.
  • Bravo Supermarkets.
  • CJ Express.
  • DealsOfAmerica.com.
  • HEB Grocery.
  • Kroger.
  • Pete's Market.
  • Target.

Why is Trader Joe's cheaper than other grocery stores? ›

According to the Trader Joe's website, the grocer deals directly with manufacturers and growers instead of with brokers and distributors, which is the norm for most American grocery chains. Cutting out that middle tier is part of the reason TJ's is able to offer products at such consistently low prices.

Does Aldi own Trader Joe's? ›

Aldi Nord also owns the Trader Joe's grocery chain in the United States which operates separately from the group. Aldi Süd's responsibilities are for Southern Germany, Australia, China, Ireland, United Kingdom, United States and through Austrian subsidiary Hofer AG in Austria, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland.

What is Trader Joe's sister company? ›

A tale of two Aldis

For those who are stunned to learn Trader Joe's isn't just an Aldi subsidiary but that there are two Aldis, let's take a step back. CNBC explains Aldi was originally founded as a suburban German corner store which brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht inherited after World War II.

What did Trader Joe's used to be called? ›

The company began in 1958 as a Greater Los Angeles area chain known as Pronto Market convenience stores. Coulombe felt the original Pronto Markets were too similar to 7-Eleven, which he described as the "800-pound gorilla of convenience stores", and was concerned that the competition would be too heavy.

What does Trader Joe's call their employees? ›

Instead of calling their workers employees, Trader Joe's has nautical titles for positions. crew members are entry-level workers. Merchants are crew members who've received recognition for stellar customer service.

What is the most popular item at Trader Joe's? ›

Best Overall Trader Joe's Item: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips. When it comes to Trader Joe's products, there's one that shoppers believe is a cut above the rest—snack category winner Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips.

Is Trader Joe's expensive or cheap? ›

That is: Trader Joe's more or less only sells products under its own brand name, with few exceptions. Trader Joe's is definitely cheaper than the average grocery store, but you might have to wait in a longer checkout line to take advantage of them.

What company owns Trader Joe's? ›

Trader Joe's is not a publicly traded company. It's a private company owned by Aldi Nord, part of the Aldi Group, which owns the Aldi supermarket chain. Aldi Nord acquired Trader Joe's from its founder, Joe Coulombe, in 1979.

Is Trader Joe's for college students? ›

I am a huge fan of Trader Joe's. The widely recognized grocery chain has gained immense popularity among students. The store is renowned for its diverse range of products, which are both budget-friendly and high quality. These unique items are reasonably priced, making them perfect for students on a tight budget.

Does Trader Joe's help with college? ›

Scholarship America. Sign up to be notified when the Trader Joe's College Scholarship application is available for the upcoming academic year.

What is the average age of Trader Joe's customers? ›

Despite being known as a "neighborhood store" with affordable options, Trader Joe's locations are mostly in well-off neighborhoods. In 2022, the typical Trader Joe's customer was a married person living in an urban area, between 25 and 44 years old, earning at least $80,000.

Do Millennials like Trader Joe's? ›

Brands like Whole Foods, Erewhon, Crumbl and Trader Joe's have committed consumers and have amassed social media followings that play into what Gen Z and millennials love — fancy food videos.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Manual Maggio

Last Updated:

Views: 5793

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Manual Maggio

Birthday: 1998-01-20

Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

Phone: +577037762465

Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.