Trader Joe’s is more than just your average grocery stop—it’s a treasure trove of unexpected delights. From potted tropical trees to wildly addictive snack combos, there’s always something new to discover. This week’s haul features an eclectic mix houseplants, chocolate-covered gummies, garden-fresh cukes, and crispy, buttery potato chips that are anything but ordinary. If you love trying quirky finds or leveling up your pantry and patio, these 8 picks are worth adding to your cart ASAP.
1. Dracaena $10.99/Each
Dracaena is a popular indoor plant with long, slender leaves that bring modern style and low-maintenance greenery to any space. It’s an ideal choice for apartments, offices, or shaded patios.
This fuss-free beauty thrives on neglect, making it perfect for anyone who wants the lush look of houseplants without the upkeep. Its upright growth and sculptural leaves instantly refresh indoor decor.
Key Features
- Low light tolerant
- Air-purifying qualities
- Stylish vertical growth habit
Materials
Live Dracaena plant, potting soil, planter (varies by location)
Care Instructions
Place in indirect sunlight. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid cold drafts. Rotate periodically for even growth.
2. Plumeria Tree $13
Known for its tropical aesthetic and fragrant flowers, the Plumeria Tree adds exotic charm to patios, balconies, or sunny garden corners. Trader Joe’s offers them seasonally in decorative planters.
The Plumeria’s lush leaves and colorful blooms make it feel like summer all year round. When it flowers, the scent is absolutely intoxicating—like a slice of paradise in your backyard.
Key Features
- Produces fragrant, colorful blossoms
- Thrives in full sun
- Excellent for outdoor summer display
Materials
Live Plumeria tree, soil, decorative container (varies by store)
Care Instructions
Place in full sun outdoors. Water when soil is dry to the touch. Bring indoors during colder months. Can go dormant in winter. Prune lightly in early spring.
3. Trader Joe’s Fried Shallots $2.49/5 Oz
Crispy and golden, these fried shallots add a rich, umami crunch to salads, soups, noodles, and rice bowls.
Forget boring toppings—these shallots are flavorful game-changers. They’re savory, satisfyingly crunchy, and instantly elevate any dish.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 25
- Total Fat 2.0g
- Carbs 2g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Shallots, palm oil.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat. Sprinkle over dishes as a topping or mix into sauces and dressings.
4. Trader Joe’s Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips $2.99/5.5 Oz
These crunchy kettle-style chips are cooked in small batches and flavored with real garlic butter for a rich, savory experience.
If garlic bread and potato chips had a delicious baby, this would be it. Buttery, garlicky, and crisp—every bite feels indulgent.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 140
- Total Fat 9g
- Carbs 16g
- Sodium 200mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 2g
Ingredients
Potatoes, sunflower oil, lactose, garlic, salt, sugar, yeast extract, onion, buttermilk powder, butter powder (butter [cream, salt], skim milk powder, trisodium phosphate, trisodium citrate), mushroom extract, natural flavor, parsley, lemon juice powder (maltodextrin, lemon juice), citric acid (acidulant).
Contains: Milk
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat straight from the bag. Pairs perfectly with sandwiches or a pint of beer.
5. Trader Joe’s Italian Aperitivo Medley Snack Mix $2.29/8 Oz
Inspired by classic Italian aperitivo hour, this medley includes seasoned crackers, crunchy breadsticks, and savory bites that pair perfectly with drinks.
Fancy without the fuss, this mix makes happy hour feel chic. A crunchy, flavorful blend that tastes like it belongs beside a spritz.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 140
- Total Fat 6g
- Carbs 19g
- Sodium 230mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar <1g
- Protein 3g
Ingredients
Wheat flour, sunflower oil, white wine, sea salt, black olives (black olives, salt, ferrous gluconate [to maintain color]), extra virgin olive oil, natural flavor, yeast, dried rosemary, malted wheat flour.
Contains: Wheat
May contain: Milk, soy, sesame
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy as-is with your favorite beverage, or add to a charcuterie board.
6. Trader Joe’s Milk Chocolate Covered Gummy Bears $3.99/8 Oz
This playful candy combines chewy gummy bears with smooth milk chocolate for an irresistible sweet treat.
It sounds weird, but it works. The fruity-chewy-chocolatey combo is oddly addicting—you’ll want to eat the whole bag.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 130
- Total Fat 3.5g
- Carbs 26g
- Sodium 23mg
- Dietary Fiber 16g
- Sugar 17g
- Protein 2g
Ingredients
Cane sugar, glucose syrup (wheat), milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, unsweetened chocolate, natural flavor, soy lecithin [emulsifier]), pork gelatin, citric acid (to preserve), natural flavors.
Contains: Milk, soy, wheat
Preparation Instructions
Ready to snack on—no prep needed! Store in a cool, dry place.
7. Trader Joe’s Mini Pretzel Twists $2.69/12 oz
A pantry classic done right. These pretzel twists are crunchy, salty, and perfect for dipping, snacking, or packing in lunches.
Sometimes, the simple things are best. These pretzels are crisp, lightly salted, and totally binge-worthy.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 120
- Total Fat 1.5g
- Carbs 23g
- Sodium 230mg
- Dietary Fiber 1g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 2g
Ingredients
Unbleached wheat flour, malted barley flour, sunflower oil, salt, sodium hydroxide (processing aid), yeast.
Contains: Wheat
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat. Great with hummus, cheese dips, or on their own.
8. Trader Joe’s Teeny Tiny Cukes Mini Cucumbers $2.49/16 oz
These adorable mini cucumbers are crisp, juicy, and refreshing—ideal for snacking or slicing into salads.
They’re snack-sized and satisfying with zero guilt. A crunchy alternative to chips when you’re craving something fresh.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 15
- Total Fat 0g
- Carbs 3g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 1g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 1g
Ingredients
Fresh mini cucumbers.
Preparation Instructions
Rinse and eat whole or slice into salads, wraps, or dips.
Final Thoughts
From lush potted trees to quirky snacks that hit all the flavor notes, Trader Joe’s once again proves why it’s a fan-favorite destination for the adventurous shopper. Whether you’re greening up your space, stocking up for summer snacking, or just looking to try something new, these 8 finds promise fun, flavor, and a little something unexpected in every bite (or bloom).
