100 Best Things to Buy at Trader Joe's: A Guide to Holiday Entertaining
There is something special about walking into Trader Joe's. From its colorful shelves and creative private-label products to its tempting frozen-food section and surprisingly affordable gourmet finds, the popular grocery retailer has transformed everyday shopping into an experience worth talking about.
Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Trader Joe's offers an impressive selection of products that make cooking, entertaining, snacking, and everyday living a little more exciting. The retailer has developed a loyal following by offering distinctive flavors, convenient meal solutions, seasonal specialties, and products that often feel like hidden treasures.
But with so many choices, what should actually make it into your shopping cart?
INFLUENCER Magazine has rounded up 100 Trader Joe's finds worth discovering. From delicious appetizers and easy weeknight dinners to irresistible desserts, pantry essentials, and entertaining favorites, this shopping guide highlights products that can elevate your everyday routine and aid with entertaining colleagues and clients this holiday season without requiring a luxury grocery budget.
Here are 100 items to put on your next shopping list.
THE GOURMET PANTRY: ELEVATE YOUR EVERYDAY MEALS
Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend – A cult favorite that adds a savory combination of sesame, garlic, onion, and salt to avocado toast, eggs, vegetables, and more.
Unexpected Cheddar Cheese – A deliciously distinctive cheese with a sharp, aged flavor and a crumbly texture. Perfect for cheese boards and gourmet sandwiches.
Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce – A flavorful fermented Calabrian chili condiment that brings bold heat to pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and roasted vegetables.
Crunchy Chili Onion – A versatile condiment that delivers savory crunch and spice to noodles, rice bowls, eggs, and countless other dishes.
Green Goddess Seasoning Blend – A convenient way to introduce herbaceous flavor into roasted vegetables, salads, chicken, and homemade dressings.
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil – A useful pantry staple for cooking, baking, and preparing a variety of recipes.
Garlic Spread-Dip – A creamy, garlicky favorite that makes sandwiches, wraps, grilled meats, and vegetable platters more exciting.
Truffle Powder Seasoning – An indulgent finishing touch for popcorn, fries, pasta, and homemade gourmet creations.
Creamy Toscano Cheese Soaked in Syrah – A memorable cheese with a wine-infused rind that deserves a place on your next entertaining platter.
Dolmas – These Mediterranean-style stuffed grape leaves make an easy appetizer or convenient addition to a lunch spread.
FROZEN FOOD FAVORITES: GOURMET CONVENIENCE
Mandarin Orange Chicken – One of Trader Joe's signature frozen meals, featuring crispy chicken and a sweet, tangy orange sauce.
Chicken Tikka Masala – A convenient Indian-inspired dinner featuring tender chicken in a creamy, flavorful tomato-based sauce.
Butter Chicken – A comforting frozen meal with rich, creamy sauce and warming spices.
Vegetable Fried Rice – A quick and versatile side dish that can become a complete meal with added protein.
Soup Dumplings – Delicious bite-sized dumplings filled with savory meat and broth, making an impressive appetizer or snack.
Chicken Gyoza Potstickers – Perfect for quick lunches, appetizers, or easy Asian-inspired dinners.
Brazilian Cheese Bread – These chewy, cheesy bites are ideal for breakfast, snacking, or serving alongside dinner.
Cauliflower Gnocchi – A popular alternative to traditional potato gnocchi that pairs beautifully with pesto, tomato sauce, or vegetables.
Hashbrowns – Crispy, golden breakfast essentials that are equally delicious served alongside burgers or breakfast sandwiches.
Frozen Croissants – A convenient way to enjoy freshly baked-style pastries at home. Allow time for proofing and baking.
Scallion Pancakes – Flaky, savory pancakes that work wonderfully as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Kimbap – A Korean-inspired rice and vegetable roll that makes a convenient lunch or snack when available.
Mac and Cheese Bites – A fun appetizer featuring creamy macaroni and cheese in a crispy coating.
Frozen Chocolate Croissants – A delicious bakery-style indulgence for weekend breakfasts and special mornings.
Roasted Corn – A convenient frozen vegetable that adds sweetness and texture to salads, tacos, soups, and rice bowls.
SNACKS THAT MAKE EVERYDAY LIFE MORE DELICIOUS
Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels – A sweet-and-salty combination that makes an excellent desk snack or afternoon treat.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups – A chocolate lover's favorite with a rich peanut butter center.
Sour Scandinavian Swimmers – Colorful, chewy candies that bring a playful touch to movie nights and road trips.
Patio Potato Chips – A seasonal-style snack featuring a variety of complementary potato chip flavors.
Elote Corn Chip Dippers – Crunchy corn chips inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn.
Olive Oil Potato Chips – A simple yet satisfying snack with a rich, savory flavor.
Organic Popcorn – A classic pantry staple for movie nights, entertaining, or guilt-free-feeling snacking.
Plantain Chips – A crunchy alternative to traditional potato chips, especially delicious with dips and salsa.
Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans – A sweet, coffee-inspired treat for those who enjoy a little crunch with their chocolate.
Almond Butter Cups – A delicious alternative to traditional peanut butter cups.
Dried Mango – A naturally sweet, portable snack that is convenient for travel, lunchboxes, and busy afternoons.
Spicy Chakri Mix – A crunchy, seasoned Indian-inspired snack mix that brings bold flavor to snack time.
Cheddar Rocket Crackers – Fun, cheesy crackers that are perfect for children and adults alike.
Crispy Crunchy Okra – An adventurous snack option that delivers satisfying crunch.
Soft and Juicy Mandarins – A convenient fruit snack that makes healthy eating easier throughout the day.
BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH ESSENTIALS
Everything But the Bagel Smoked Salmon – A flavorful breakfast option for creating elevated bagels and brunch spreads when available.
Greek Yogurt – A versatile refrigerator staple for breakfast bowls, smoothies, dips, and protein-rich snacks.
Almond Butter – A delicious spread for toast, oatmeal, smoothies, and fruit.
Organic Rolled Oats – An affordable breakfast foundation for overnight oats, oatmeal bowls, and homemade granola.
Maple Syrup – A pantry essential that adds natural sweetness to pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, and baked goods.
Belgian Waffles – A convenient breakfast option that can be dressed up with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or nut butter.
Everything But the Bagel Seasoned Crackers – A savory alternative to ordinary crackers, ideal for breakfast boards and afternoon snacks.
Cottage Cheese – A versatile refrigerator staple that works in breakfast bowls, smoothies, and savory recipes.
Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate – A convenient way to prepare coffeehouse-style iced coffee at home.
Speculoos Cookie Butter – A deliciously indulgent spread that transforms toast, pancakes, desserts, and fruit into something special.
FRESH AND HEALTHY FINDS
Organic Baby Spinach – A convenient green for salads, omelets, smoothies, and pasta dishes.
Persian Cucumbers – Crisp, refreshing, and perfect for salads, snacks, and homemade Mediterranean bowls.
Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage – A flavorful protein option for breakfast plates and easy weeknight meals when available.
Organic Avocados – An everyday essential for avocado toast, guacamole, salads, and sandwiches.
Fresh Basil – A fragrant herb that instantly elevates homemade pasta, salads, pizzas, and sauces.
Hearts of Palm Pasta – An alternative pasta option that works well in light, vegetable-forward meals.
Organic Frozen Blueberries – Perfect for smoothies, oatmeal, baking, and homemade breakfast bowls.
Fresh Mozzarella – A delicious ingredient for caprese salads, sandwiches, and Italian-inspired meals.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts – A convenient shortcut for roasted vegetables, salads, and skillet recipes.
Organic Broccoli Florets – An easy vegetable addition for stir-fries, sheet-pan dinners, and meal preparation.
SAUCES, DIPS AND CONDIMENTS WORTH STOCKING UP ON
Cilantro and Chive Yogurt Dip – A creamy, herb-forward dip for fresh vegetables, crackers, and wraps.
Caramelized Onion Dip – A crowd-pleasing classic for chips, vegetables, and casual entertaining.
Pesto alla Genovese – A convenient basil pesto that adds instant Italian-inspired flavor to pasta and sandwiches.
Chunky Guacamole – A convenient party and snack essential for tacos, tortilla chips, and homemade burrito bowls.
Organic Sriracha Sauce – A spicy condiment that adds heat to eggs, noodles, rice, and sandwiches.
Soyaki Sauce – A versatile sweet-and-savory marinade for chicken, tofu, vegetables, and stir-fries.
Enchilada Sauce – A practical pantry staple for preparing quick Mexican-inspired dinners.
Tzatziki Creamy Garlic Cucumber Dip – A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dip that pairs beautifully with pita, vegetables, and grilled meats.
Pepper Jelly – A sweet-and-spicy addition to cheese boards, crackers, and entertaining spreads.
Pizza Sauce – A convenient shortcut for homemade pizzas, flatbreads, and quick family dinners.
SWEET TREATS AND DESSERTS
Brookie – A delightful combination of brownie and chocolate chip cookie that satisfies two dessert cravings at once.
Chocolate Lava Cakes – An impressive dessert with a rich chocolate center, perfect for dinner parties and special occasions.
Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones – Bite-sized frozen treats that deliver plenty of dessert satisfaction.
Ube Mochi Pancake and Waffle Mix – A colorful, creative breakfast and dessert option inspired by the distinctive flavor of purple yam.
Mini Sheet Cakes – Convenient little celebration cakes that make birthdays, office gatherings, and everyday celebrations sweeter.
Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds – A classic combination of crunchy nuts and rich chocolate.
Vanilla Bean Mini Sheet Cake – A delightful dessert option for intimate celebrations and sweet cravings.
Chocolate Chip Hold the Cone! – A miniature frozen dessert that makes portion-friendly indulgence easy.
Raspberry Kringle – A flaky, fruit-filled pastry that makes an excellent addition to brunch and dessert tables when available.
Macarons – Colorful French-inspired sandwich cookies that bring an elegant touch to dessert platters.
ENTERTAINING AND HOSTING MUST-HAVES
Unexpected Cheddar Spread – An easy addition to crackers, charcuterie boards, and casual gatherings.
Fig Butter – A sophisticated accompaniment to cheese, toasted bread, and gourmet appetizer spreads.
Brie Cheese – A creamy entertaining essential that pairs beautifully with fruit, crackers, nuts, and honey.
Marinated Artichoke Hearts – A convenient ingredient for salads, antipasto platters, pasta, and appetizers.
Stuffed Olives – A flavorful addition to cheese boards, martinis, and Mediterranean-inspired entertaining.
Puff Pastry – A versatile freezer staple for creating elegant appetizers, pastries, and savory bites.
Mini Brie Bites – Convenient individual cheese portions for entertaining, snacking, and lunchboxes when available.
Sweetened Dried Cranberries – A colorful addition to salads, baked goods, trail mixes, and holiday spreads.
Organic Raw Honey – A versatile natural sweetener for tea, cheese boards, yogurt, and homemade dressings.
Fig and Olive Crisps – Gourmet-style crackers that make cheese boards feel restaurant-worthy.
LITTLE LUXURIES AND EVERYDAY LIFESTYLE FINDS
Trader Joe's Flowers – Affordable seasonal bouquets that make everyday spaces feel brighter and more inviting.
Seasonal Candles – A simple way to introduce seasonal scents and cozy ambiance into your home when available.
Hand Cream – A practical personal-care purchase to keep in your handbag, office, or travel bag.
Seasonal Hand Soaps – Functional little luxuries that add fragrance and personality to everyday routines.
Trader Joe's Tote Bags – Reusable shopping bags that have become recognizable accessories among devoted shoppers.
Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo – A refreshing personal-care option for shoppers who enjoy invigorating hair-care products.
Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner – A complementary hair-care staple for an easy everyday routine.
Brazil Nut Body Butter – A popular beauty find with a rich texture and a warm, tropical-inspired scent.
Seasonal Decorative Plants – An affordable way to bring greenery and personality into your home.
Trader Joe's Seasonal Specialty Products – From pumpkin-inspired favorites in autumn to festive holiday treats, seasonal releases are worth watching for throughout the year.
THE FINAL WORD: MAKE YOUR NEXT TRADER JOE'S RUN AN EXPERIENCE
Trader Joe's is more than a place to pick up milk, bread, and everyday groceries. It is a destination for discovering new flavors, experimenting in the kitchen, entertaining friends, and finding little luxuries that make ordinary routines feel special.
The real beauty of shopping at Trader Joe's is the opportunity to combine convenience with creativity. A package of frozen dumplings can become an easy dinner. A specialty cheese can transform a simple gathering into a memorable occasion. A new seasoning blend can give an ordinary weeknight meal an entirely different personality.
For budget-conscious shoppers, busy professionals, food enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys discovering something new, these 100 picks offer plenty of inspiration.
INFLUENCER Magazine's shopping advice? Go with a list, leave a little room for discovery, and don't be afraid to try something new. Some of the best grocery finds are the ones you never knew you needed until you spotted them on the shelf.
Shopping note: Trader Joe's product selection, pricing, and availability vary by location and season. Some products are limited-time offerings and may not be available at every store.