As any Trader Joe’s aficionado knows, walking into this grocery chain is like stepping into a treasure trove of unique and tempting foods. However, not all that glitters is gold.
Today, I’m sharing my top five must-have items from Trader Joe’s that you should definitely throw into your cart, and one item that might be better left on the shelf.
1. Everything but the Bartender Cosmopolitan $9.99/200 mL
Bring the cocktail lounge home with Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bartender Cosmopolitan. This ready-to-drink cocktail makes it effortless to enjoy a bar-quality drink in the comfort of your living room.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 120
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Water, Vodka, Cane Sugar, Triple Sec Liqueur, Cranberry Juice Concentrate, Lime Juice Concentrate, Blood Orange Juice Concentrate, Natural Blood Orange Flavor.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well, pour over ice, and serve.
2. Caro Sugo Italian Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce $4.99/24.3 Oz
This rich and herbaceous pasta sauce tastes like it simmered for hours, but it’s ready straight from the jar. Perfect for those nights when you want a quick, comforting dinner without the fuss.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 60 per 1/2 cup (113g)
- Total Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Whole Peeled Tomatoes (Tomatoes, Tomato Juice, Citric Acid [Acidifier]), Olive Oil, Diced Onion, Sea Salt, Chopped Garlic, Chopped Basil, Dried Oregano.
Preparation Instructions
Heat sauce on the stovetop until warm, serve over your favorite pasta.
3. Slow-Roasted Tomatoes $3.99/8.5 Oz
These Slow-Roasted Tomatoes are a versatile pantry staple that will elevate any meal. Their rich, concentrated flavor is perfect as a topping, mixed into salads, or blended into sauces.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 110 per 1/4 cup (30g) drained
- Total Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: less than 1g
Ingredients
Roasted Tomatoes, Sunflower Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Garlic, Oregano.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat from the jar or can be warmed to enhance their flavor.
4. Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches $4.99/9.47 Fl Oz
These delightful Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches combine delicate macaron cookies with rich ice cream, offering a sublime textural contrast and a truly decadent treat.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 220 per 2 sandwiches (130g)
- Total Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 29g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Cocoa Macaron Shell (Powdered Sugar [Sugar, Potato Starch], Almond Flour, Egg Whites, Sugar, Lowfat Cocoa Powder), Chocolate Ice Cream (Milk, Sugar, Heavy Cream, Cocoa Powder, Nonfat Dry Milk, Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Sodium Alginate, Guar Gum, Carob Bean Gum).
Preparation Instructions
Thaw for a few minutes before serving to soften the macarons for the perfect bite.
5. Seville Orange Marmalade $2.99/7.57 Oz
This tangy and slightly bitter Seville Orange Marmalade is as versatile as it is delicious. Spread it on toast, use it in baking, or glaze meats for a gourmet touch.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 35 per 1 Tbsp. (15g)
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Sugar, Seville Oranges (Orange, Orange Peel), Apple Juice From Concentrate (Water, Apple Juice Concentrate), Pectin, Lemon Juice Concentrate.
Preparation Instructions
Spread generously or use as a base for sauces and glazes.
Item to Dodge: Handheld Chicken Pot Pies $4.49/9 Oz
Why Skip
While the concept of a handheld pie might sound convenient and cozy, the execution falls short. The crust, which should be the star of any pie, is disappointingly thick and lacks the buttery, flaky texture one would expect. Inside, the filling is scarce, making each bite more dough than deliciousness.
Ingredients
Crust (Unbleached Enriched Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Palm Shortening, Water, Beef Suet, Sugar, Salt), Filling (Water, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast With Rib Meat, Diced Potato, Diced Onion, Diced Celery, Nonfat Dry Milk, Palm Shortening, Unbleached Enriched Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Peas, Diced Carrots, Chicken Base [Roasted Chicken, Salt, Yeast Extract, Natural Flavors, Turmeric {Color}], Dehydrated Garlic, Salt, Thyme, White Pepper).
Preparation Instructions
Bake according to package directions until golden brown.
Armed with this list, you’re ready to navigate the aisles of Trader Joe’s like a pro. Happy shopping, and remember, sometimes it’s okay to leave something on the shelf!
