Trader Joe’s is renowned for offering unique and affordable products that often outperform their name-brand counterparts in both price and taste.
This blog post will explore a selection of items from Trader Joe’s that exemplify this, ranging from delicious snacks and meals to skincare essentials. Let’s dive into what makes these products a must-try for any savvy shopper.
Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit $3.99/9.75 Oz
This salad kit is a refreshing blend of arugula and basil leaves, complemented by a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 150
- Fats: 13g
- Carbs: 7g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
- Salad: Arugula, Carrots, Almonds, Shaved Parmesan Cheese [Parmesan Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzyme), Powdered Cellulose (Anti-Caking)]
- Basil Lemon Vinaigrette: Water, Sunflower Oil, Basil, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar (White Wine Vinegar, White Grape Juice Concentrate), Garlic Purée (Water, Garlic), Honey, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Shallots, Lemon Peel (Lemon Peel Zest, Cane Sugar, Lemon Oil Essence), Dijon Mustard (Distilled Vinegar, Water, Mustard Seed, Sea Salt, White Wine, Citric Acid [Acidulant], Turmeric [for Color], Spices), Sea Salt, Orange Purée Concentrate, Xanthan Gum, White Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper, Coriander, Cayenne Pepper
- Contains: Milk, Almond
Preparation Instructions
Toss all ingredients with the dressing provided just before serving.
Scandinavian Swimmers $3.79/14 Oz
A delightful alternative to traditional gummy candies, featuring sea-themed shapes with fruity flavors.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 100
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 26g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
- Cane Sugar, Tapioca Syrup, Invert Sugar, Water, Modified Cornstarch, Dextrose, Citric Acid (Acidulant), Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Color Added (Fruit Juice, Vegetable Juice, Annatto Extract, Turmeric Oleoresin), Organic Sunflower Oil, Spirulina for Color, Organic Carnauba Wax
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy straight from the bag!
Steamed Lentils $3.29/17.63 Oz
Ready-to-eat lentils that are perfect for a quick and healthy addition to any meal.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 120
- Fats: 0.5g
- Carbs: 21g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
- Lentils, Salt, Essential Oils (Cloves, Laurel, Thyme, Pepper, and Garlic)
- Contains: Traces of Wheat (from Lentils)
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 1-2 minutes or add directly to salads and soups.
Joe’ O’s $1.99/12 Oz
A crunchy and satisfying cereal that rivals the taste and texture of more expensive branded O’s cereals.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 160
- Fats: 2.5g
- Carbs: 31g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
- Whole Grain Oat Flour, Cornstarch, Brown Cane Sugar, Trisodium Phosphate, Baking Soda, Sea Salt, Vitamin and Mineral Blend (Ferric Orthophosphate, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid), Mixed Tocopherols (to Preserve), Wheat Starch
- Contains: Wheat
Preparation Instructions
Serve with your choice of milk or milk alternative.
Chile & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips $2.99/9 Oz
Spicy and tangy, these rolled tortilla chips offer a bold flavor and satisfying crunch.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 150
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 17g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
- Stone Ground Yellow Corn, Vegetable Oil (High-Oleic Sunflower Oil, High-Oleic Safflower Oil, Canola Oil), Hot Chili & Lime Flavored Seasoning (Salt, Yeast, Cornstarch, Cane Sugar [Added Sugar], Citric Acid [Acidulant] for Flavor, Yeast Extract, Corn Maltodextrin [Not an Added Sugar], Gum Arabic, L-Malic Acid [for Flavor], Lime Juice Concentrate [Added Sugar], Onion Powder, Vegetable Juice Concentrate, Paprika Extract [Color], Turmeric Extract [Color], Natural Flavor, Beta Carotene [Color], Tocopherol [Antioxidant], Oleoresin Capsicum, Silicon Dioxide [Anti-Caking]), Trace of Lime
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat from the bag, perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own.
Squiggly Knife-Cut Noodles $4.99/15.9 Oz
These noodles offer a delightful texture ideal for soaking up sauces and broths.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 460
- Fats: 15g
- Carbs: 66g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients
- Noodles: Wheat Flour, Water, Salt
- Spicy Soy Garlic Sauce: Soy Sauce (Water, Glucose, Defatted Soy Flour, Invert Sugar Syrup, Wheat, Salt, Caramel Color, Ethyl Alcohol [to Preserve], Yeast Extract Powder, Malic Acid), Seasoning Sauce (Water, Cane Sugar, Salt, Yeast Extract, Malic Acid), Spicy Garlic Oil (Garlic Oil [Canola Oil, Garlic, Mixed Tocopherols (to Preserve)], Sugar, Yeast Extract, Red Chili Powder [Chili Powder, Chili Pepper], Cayenne Powder, Chili Pepper)
- Sesame Seed Paste: Sesame Seeds, Oil Blend (Canola Oil, Sesame Oil)
- Contains: Soy, Sesame, Wheat
Preparation Instructions
Boil for 5-6 minutes or until desired tenderness, then add to your favorite soup or stir-fry dish.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups $5.99/16 Oz
Rich dark chocolate filled with creamy peanut butter, a luxurious treat for a fraction of the price.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 140
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate Liquor Processed with Alkali, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin [Emulsifier], Natural Flavor), Peanut Butter (Peanuts), Sugar, Palm Kernel Oil, Lactose, Salt, Palm Oil, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier)
- Contains: Peanut, Milk, Soy
Preparation Instructions
No preparation needed, enjoy as a sweet snack.
Joe-Joe’s Chocolate Vanilla Creme $2.99/13.4 Oz
Trader Joe’s take on the classic sandwich cookie, with a variety of flavors available.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 120
- Fats: 5g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Dietary Fiber: less than 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
- Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Powdered Sugar (Cane Sugar, Cornstarch), Sugar, Palm Oil, Cocoa Powder Processed with Alkali, Canola Oil, Invert Sugar, Cornstarch, Natural Flavors, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sea Salt, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla Bean Specks, Ammonium Bicarbonate
- Contains: Soy, Wheat
- May Contain: Milk, Egg, Coconut
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy directly from the package or dip into milk.
Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches $4.99/20 Fl Oz
Creamy vanilla ice cream between two chewy chocolate chip cookies, a perfect indulgent treat.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 370
- Fats: 19g
- Carbs: 51g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Dietary Fiber: less than 1g
- Sugars: 34g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
- Ice Cream: Milk, Cream, Sugar, Whey, Natural Vanilla Flavor, Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier)
- Chocolate Chunk Cookies: Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Brown Sugar, Chocolate Chunks (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter), Soy Lecithin, Vanilla, Salt, Palm Oil, Sugar, Eggs, Butter (Cream, Salt), Invert Sugar, Water, Vanilla, Whey Protein Concentrate, Leavening, Salt
- Chocolate Drops: Semisweet Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Dextrose), Soy Lecithin
- Contains: Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat
Preparation Instructions
Serve frozen.
Nocciolini $2.69/3.5 Oz
Delicate Italian hazelnut cookies, perfect with tea or coffee.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 150
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
- Sugar, Hazelnuts, Egg White
- Contains: Egg, Hazelnut
- May Contain: Milk, Soy, Wheat, Almond, Coconut, Pistachio, Walnut
Preparation Instructions
Best enjoyed with a warm beverage or as a light dessert.
Chocolate Croissants $5.99/12 Oz
Buttery croissants filled with rich chocolate, perfect for a decadent breakfast or snack.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 320
- Fats: 18g
- Carbs: 36g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
- Unbleached Enriched Flour (Enriched Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Ascorbic Acid [Dough Conditioner], Enzymes), Butter (Cream [Milk], Natural Flavors), Water, Semisweet Chocolate (Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin [Emulsifier], Natural Vanilla Flavor), Sugar, Yeast, Dough Conditioner (Wheat Flour, Malted Wheat Flour, Ascorbic Acid, Enzymes), Salt, Wheat Gluten
- Contains: Milk, Soy, Wheat
- May Contain: Traces of Egg, Almond
Preparation Instructions
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Brazil Nut Body Butter $5.99/8 Oz
A luxurious body butter that hydrates and nourishes the skin with the richness of Brazil nuts.
Key Features
- Deeply moisturizes and softens skin
- Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids
Ingredients
- Water (Aqua), Cetyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Bertholletia Excelsa Seed (Brazil Nut) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Fragrance, Polysorbate 20, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Maltodextrin, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Yucca Schidigera Leaf/Root/Stem Extract
Use Instructions
Apply generously to the body, focusing on dry areas, after bathing or as needed.
Daily Facial Sunscreen $8.99/1.7 Fl Oz
Lightweight and non-greasy sunscreen formulated to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays daily.
Key Features
- SPF 40
- Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
Ingredients
- Active Ingredients:
- Avobenzone 3%
- Homosalate 12%
- Octisalate 5%
- Octocrylene 6%
- Inactive Ingredients:
Isododecane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polyester-7, Isohexadecane, Jojoba Esters, Silica, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol
Use Instructions
Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every 2 hours.
Almond Chipotle Dip $3.49/9 Oz
A smoky and spicy dip that pairs perfectly with chips or used as a condiment for sandwiches and wraps.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 90
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 4g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: less than 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
- Water, Almond Butter, Sunflower Oil, Lemon Juice, Tamari Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Salt, Ethyl Alcohol [to Preserve]), Tomato Purée, Yeast, Garlic, Distilled Vinegar, Sea Salt, Chipotle Pepper Powder, Granulated Onion, Smoked Paprika
- Contains: Soy, Almond
Preparation Instructions
Stir well before serving, refrigerate after opening.
Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries $6.49/12 Oz
Juicy cherries coated in rich dark chocolate, a sweet and tart treat.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 130
- Fats: 7g
- Carbs: 19g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
- Dark Chocolate (Unsweetened Chocolate Processed with Alkali, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Powder, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin [Emulsifier], Natural Vanilla Flavor), Dried Tart Cherries (Tart Cherries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Corn Dextrin, Confectioner’s Shellac
- Contains: Milk, Soy
- May Contain: Wheat, Peanut, Almond, Cashew, Pecan
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy as a decadent snack or dessert.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s proves you don’t need to spend big to get great quality. These standout picks deliver top taste, value, and versatility—no name-brand markup needed.
