Trader Joe’s has long been a beloved grocery store for home cooks and professional chefs alike. From unique sauces to versatile snacks, TJ’s offers a range of products that can elevate any meal. Here are 10 essentials that chefs swear by, adding a touch of gourmet flair to everyday dishes.
1. Zhoug Sauce $3.49/8 oz
Inspired by traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, Trader Joe’s Zhoug Sauce is a flavorful blend of cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and spices. It’s the perfect way to add a kick to any dish.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients
Canola oil, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, chili flakes, garlic, cardamom, sea salt, cumin, and various spices.
- Serving Size: 2 Tbsp (30g)
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: <1g
Zhoug Sauce adds a burst of fresh, spicy flavor to anything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. Chefs love its versatility and the way it enhances the natural flavors of ingredients.
2. Organic Sriracha and Roasted Garlic BBQ Sauce $3.49/19.5 oz
A tangy twist on classic BBQ sauce, this blend of sriracha and roasted garlic provides the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients
Tomato puree, brown sugar, distilled vinegar, sriracha, roasted garlic, molasses, salt, and spices.
- Serving Size: 2 Tbsp (35g)
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 0g
This sauce is perfect for adding depth to grilled meats, vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce. Its rich flavor profile makes it a favorite among chefs for marinating and finishing dishes.
3. Vegan Kale, Cashew, & Basil Pesto $3.99/8 oz
A vegan twist on classic pesto, this sauce combines kale, cashew nuts, and basil for a creamy, flavorful spread.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients
Kale, olive oil blend (olive oil, extra virgin olive oil), water, basil, cashew butter (dry roasted cashews, safflower oil or sunflower oil), garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper.
Contains: Cashew
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 2g
This pesto is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be used as a pasta sauce, a spread on sandwiches, or a dip for vegetables. Chefs appreciate its fresh, vibrant flavor and creamy texture.
4. Greek Chickpeas With Cumin and Parsley $2.49/9.88 oz
These marinated chickpeas are a flavorful and convenient addition to salads, grain bowls, and more.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients
Chickpeas, soybean oil, water, parsley, salt, lemon juice concentrate, cumin powder, citric acid (acidulant), garlic powder, black pepper.
Contains: Soy
- Serving Size: 2/3 cup (130g)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 96g
- Protein: 8g
These chickpeas are ready to eat and packed with flavor, making them a quick and easy addition to any meal. Chefs love their convenience and the way they enhance salads and grain bowls with a Mediterranean flair.
5. Papadums Lentil and Chickpea Crisps $2.69/5 oz
Inspired by traditional Indian snacks, these lentil and chickpea crisps are crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients
- Serving Size: 1 oz (28g)
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 6g
Lentil flour, chickpea flour, rice flour, sunflower oil, salt, and spices.
These crisps are light, crispy, and full of flavor. They make a great snack on their own or paired with dips. Chefs appreciate their unique texture and the way they complement various dishes.
6. Organic Coconut Aminos Seasoning Sauce $2.99/8.5 oz
A soy-free alternative to soy sauce, Organic Coconut Aminos are made from the sap of coconut blossoms and sea salt, offering a slightly sweet and savory flavor.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients
Organic coconut sap, sea salt.
- Serving Size: 1 Tbsp (15ml)
- Calories: 20
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 0g
Chefs love using coconut aminos as a healthier, lower-sodium alternative to soy sauce. Its subtle sweetness enhances stir-fries, marinades, and dressings without overpowering the dish.
7. Organic 3-Cheese Pizza $4.99/10.6 oz
Made with a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses, this organic pizza is a quick and delicious meal option.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients
Organic wheat flour, organic tomato sauce, organic mozzarella cheese, organic provolone cheese, organic parmesan cheese, and spices.
- Serving Size: 1 Tbsp (15ml)
- Calories: 15
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 0g
This pizza is perfect for a quick meal or snack. Chefs love the high-quality ingredients and the delicious combination of cheeses, making it a staple for busy days.
8. Cauliflower Gnocchi $3.29/12 oz
A gluten-free alternative to traditional gnocchi, these cauliflower gnocchi are a healthy and delicious option for pasta lovers.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients
Cauliflower, cassava flour, potato starch, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt.
- Serving Size: 1 cup (140g)
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
Cauliflower Gnocchi is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Chefs appreciate its light texture and how it can be used in a variety of dishes, from traditional pasta sauces to creative stir-fries.
9. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese $3.99/7 oz
This unique cheese combines the sharpness of aged cheddar with the creamy texture of Parmesan, resulting in a truly “unexpected” flavor.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients
Pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.
- Serving Size: 1 oz (28g)
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: <1g
- Protein: 7g
This cheese is a favorite among chefs for its bold, distinctive flavor. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from cheese boards to melted in grilled cheese sandwiches.
10. Everything But the Bagel Seasoning $1.99/2.3 oz
This seasoning blend captures the savory flavors of an everything bagel, combining sesame seeds, sea salt, garlic, onion, and poppy seeds.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients
Sesame seeds, sea salt, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds.
- Serving Size: 1/4 tsp (1g)
- Calories: 5
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
This seasoning is incredibly versatile and adds a burst of flavor to almost anything. Chefs love sprinkling it on avocado toast, eggs, vegetables, and more, making it a pantry staple.
Conclusion
These 10 Trader Joe’s essentials are not just popular among home cooks but are also beloved by professional chefs for their quality, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re looking to add a new twist to your meals or stock up on reliable favorites, these products are sure to enhance your culinary creations.
