Ever wonder what chefs buy at Trader Joe’s? From bold condiments to ready-to-use staples, these are the 14 items they always come back for. Add them to your cart—you won’t regret it.
Cheese & Green Chile Tamales $3.79/10 oz
Hand-rolled in corn husks, these vegetarian tamales are packed with mild green chiles and melty cheese. A quick, hearty meal with authentic flair.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 28g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Water, corn masa flour (corn masa flour, trace of lime), green chiles, Monterey Jack cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme), vegetable oil (canola and/or soybean oil), salt, red chile puree (water, red chile), carrageenan, paprika oleoresin (for color).
Contains milk.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave in husk for 23 minutes or steam for 1215 minutes.
Unexpected Cheddar Cheese $3.99/7 oz
This fan-favorite cheese combines the tang of aged cheddar with a surprise Parmesan-like crunch. Perfect for charcuterie boards, grilled cheese, or grated over roasted veggies.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 9g
- Carbs: <1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.
Preparation Instructions
Slice or shred as desired. Best served at room temperature for optimal flavor.
Portuguese Custard Tarts $2.99/7.05 oz
A flaky, buttery pastry filled with rich, creamy egg custard. These traditional pastéis de nata come frozen—just heat and eat.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 19g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Dietary Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Water, wheat flour, cane sugar, butter (cream [milk], natural flavors), egg yolks, skim milk powder, glucose-fructose syrup, eggs, cornstarch, salt, lemon, cinnamon sticks.
Contains milk, egg, wheat.
May contain traces of soy, almond, coconut, walnut.
Preparation Instructions
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 810 minutes or until golden and warmed through.
Pound Plus Chocolate Bars $7.99/17.6 oz
These European-style chocolate bars come in varieties like dark, milk, and almond. At over a pound each, they’re ideal for baking, gifting, or snacking.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, soy lecithin (emulsifier).
Contains soy.
May contain milk, egg, wheat, almond, cashew, coconut, hazelnut, macadamia nut, pecan, pistachio, walnut.
Preparation Instructions
Break into pieces or melt for recipes. Store in a cool, dry place.
Crunchy Chili Onion $4.49/6 oz
This savory condiment adds crunch and heat to noodles, eggs, rice, or veggies. Made with garlic, onion, chili flakes, and oil—it’s packed with umami punch.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Dietary Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: <1g
Ingredients
Olive oil, dried onions, dried garlic, dried red bell peppers, crushed chili peppers, toasted dried onions, sea salt, natural flavors, paprika oleoresin (color).
Preparation Instructions
Stir before use. Spoon over dishes just before serving.
Green Goddess Seasoning Blend $2.99/2 oz
A dry version of the cult-favorite Green Goddess dressing. Made with garlic, chives, parsley, and lemon peel—perfect for seasoning chicken, veggies, and dips.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 0
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbs: <1g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Dried minced onion, salt, granulated garlic, ground black pepper, dried chives, dried green onion, spinach powder, lemon juice powder (citric acid [acidulant], lemon oil, lemon juice), dried parsley, safflower oil.
Preparation Instructions
Sprinkle directly onto food or mix with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a quick dip.
Medjool Dates $5.99/12 oz
Plump, naturally sweet, and full of fiber, these Medjool dates are perfect for snacking, baking, or stuffing with nut butter for a quick energy bite.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 29g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 26g
- Protein: <1g
Ingredients
Organic Medjool dates.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy as is or slice and stuff with cheese or nuts.
Organic Coconut Aminos $2.99/8.5 oz
A soy sauce alternative made from fermented coconut sap, this gluten-free, lower-sodium condiment is a go-to for stir-fries, marinades, and salad dressings.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 20
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Organic coconut sap, sea salt, water.
Preparation Instructions
Use as a direct substitute for soy sauce or tamari in recipes.
Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto $3.99/8 oz
This dairy-free pesto is packed with fresh basil, cashews, kale, and olive oil. Spread it on sandwiches, toss with pasta, or spoon over roasted veggies.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 5g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Dietary Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: <1g
- Protein: 2g
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.
Preparation Instructions
Stir before use. Use chilled or warm gently to toss with pasta or grains.
Cauliflower Gnocchi $2.99/12 oz
A cult-favorite frozen item made with 75% cauliflower, these gnocchi are a low-carb alternative to traditional potato dumplings.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 3.0g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: <1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Cauliflower, cassava flour, potato starch, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt.
Preparation Instructions
Sauté in a non-stick skillet with oil until golden and crispy. Avoid boiling for best texture.
Greek Chickpeas With Cumin and Parsley $2.949/9.88 oz
These ready-to-eat chickpeas are marinated in olive oil, herbs, and cumin. They’re flavorful, fiber-rich, and ready to elevate salads or grain bowls.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 26g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Chickpeas, soybean oil, water, parsley, salt, lemon juice concentrate, cumin powder, citric acid (acidulant), garlic powder, black pepper.
Contains soy.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy straight from the container or warm slightly to serve with rice or pita.
Zhoug Sauce $3.49/8 oz
A spicy, herby Yemeni-style green sauce made with cilantro, chili peppers, and garlic. It’s the condiment chefs use to instantly add heat and flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 3g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Dietary Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: <1g
Ingredients
Cilantro, canola oil, jalapeño peppers, chile flakes, garlic, cardamom, sea salt, cumin seed.
Preparation Instructions
Use as a topping for eggs, falafel, wraps, or roasted meats. Stir well before serving.
Everything But the Bagel Seasoning $1.99/2.3 oz
This wildly popular blend includes sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and sea salt. Chefs sprinkle it on everything from avocado toast to chicken breasts.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 5
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Sesame seeds, sea salt flakes, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds.
Contains sesame.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well and sprinkle onto salads, eggs, bagels, or veggies.
Papadums Lentil and Chickpea Crisps $2.69/5 oz
These thin, crunchy, Indian-inspired crisps are made from lentils and chickpeas and have a satisfying snap. Perfect for snacking or scooping up dips.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 13g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Lentils, chickpeas, rice bran oil, baking soda, cumin, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Eat straight from the bag or pair with hummus, curry, or yogurt dips.
Conclusion
Great taste doesn’t have to be complicated. These chef-approved Trader Joe’s picks are flavorful, affordable, and endlessly useful—perfect for upgrading your everyday cooking.
