13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (2024)

The many Trader Joe's locations around the United States may be recognizable for their passionate fans and long (but worth waiting in) lines, but Trader Joe's wouldn't have its crowd of followers or aficionados without the excellent line of top-notch products. The best items at Trader Joe's are great on their own, but you can only get them at TJ's—unless you turn to that elusive Trader Joe's black market—which makes them even tastier, somehow. What's that saying about always wanting what you can't have?

Everyone has a favorite Trader Joe's product, whether it's the Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel Seasoned Smoked Salmon or that Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi. If you have yet to find a Trader Joe's item to make braving the store’s weekend crowds worth it, you probably haven't looked hard enough. For those just discovering this cult-favorite grocery store, the editors at Real Simple have their own Trader Joe’s picks—and they just might offer a little inspiration.

Some Trader Joe's products are a little out there, but those famously low Trader Joe's prices make sampling anything that catches your eye doable—and affordable. Fill your cart with the colorful packaging and clever names that catch your eye, and prepare to fall in love. Once you've found your go-to Trader Joe's snacks, you'll never go back. Let these editor picks guide your trip, but don't be afraid to buy something new and different, too—you might be surprised by what ends up tickling your taste buds.

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Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt Chunky Guacamole with Greek Yogurt

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“It may be lower in fat and calories than regular guac, but I actually buy it because it’s delicious. The addition of Greek yogurt adds just a tiny bit of tang, which tastes great on tacos or scooped onto tortilla chips. I’ve been known to eat the whole thing in one sitting, but the leftovers keep for a few days, especially when properly storing guacamole.—Jennifer Davidson, Deputy Digital Editor

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Trader Joe’s Just a Handful of Olives Pitted Salted Manzanilla Olives

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“They come in a single-serve bag for 99 cents. They pack them without the brine so they’re easy to eat on the go, and wow are they delicious. After a recent trip to Barcelona, I noticed from the bag that these olives are imported from Spain. It’s no wonder they’re so top notch! I like to bring them to work for a briny snack during that mid-afternoon slump. I also love to pack them in my carry-on to plop into an on-the-plane Bloody Mary while traveling (you’re welcome!).”—Brandi Broxson, Senior Editor

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Trader Joe’s Carne Asada Autentica

“This is an absolute lifesaver for busy work nights. The meat comes pre-marinated (and delicious), so the time-consuming part is over.”—Anneke Knot, Assistant Beauty Editor

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Trader Joe’s Chèvre with Honey Goat’s Milk Cheese

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“It’s insane.”—Rina Stone, Executive Creative Director

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Trader Joe’s Kettle Corn

“The kettle corn is the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Every time I buy it, I eat way too much at once, feel sick, promise myself I’m never buying it again, and always end up going back for more.”—Betty Gold, Senior Digital Food Editor

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Trader Joe’s Roasted Plantain Chips

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“I’m not much of a snacker, but when I do snack, it’s on these salty chips. They feel like a healthier alternative to potato chips or even pretzels, with only three ingredients (and one’s technically a fruit!). I can snack on these and still feel like I’m getting a serving of fruit—I call that a win-win.”—Lauren Phillips, Associate Digital Editor

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Trader Joe’s Spicy Chai Tea Latte Mix and Trader Joe’s Spiced Chai Black Tea Liquid Concentrate

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“These two Trader Joe’s products create the ultimate chai latte! Mixing these two items makes a wonderful fall drink that is good hot or iced.”—Sara Brown, Social Media Specialist

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Trader Joe’s Dried Fruit Just Mango Slices

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“These are so sweet, flavorful, and fun to eat—like fruit snacks for adults. Best of all, there are no added sugars or preservatives.”—Jenny Brown, Copy & Research Chief

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Trader Joe’s Party Size Mini Meatballs

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“I’ve found these to be a great three-fer in my home. Perfect for a young, picker eater who finds every other meatball too spicy, great as a quick appetizer for an impromptu gathering (just add barbecue sauce), and a shortcut for delicious Italian Wedding Soup. A super useful item to keep in the freezer year-round.”—Leslie Yazel, Editor in Chief

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Trader Joe's Vegan Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto

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“I don’t eat cheese, so most pesto you find in the grocery store is off-limits for me. Sure, I can make my own, but sometimes you just need something quick and easy, not to mention pesto ingredients quickly add up cost-wise. Enter Trader Joe’s vegan kale, cashew, and basil pesto, which is delightful despite having no cheese. I use it for pasta, as a dip for crackers or vegetables, mixed into plain hummus, and drizzled onto just about anything—pizza, roasted vegetables, eggs, you name it. It also freezes beautifully.”—Elizabeth Sile, Features Editor

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Trader Joe’s Frozen Turkey Meatballs

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“They are a great addition to a weeknight soup or pasta dish. Just add them to broth, then add spinach, orzo and voila!” —Filomena Guzzardi, Editorial Production Director

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Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests

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“They are my go-to get-together food. Crispy patties—or ‘nests,’ if you will—of shredded carrots and zucchini along with the accompanying soy sauce dip makes this easy appetizer a no-fail crowd pleaser.” —Stephanie Sisco, Home Director

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Trader Joe’s Whole Milk Yogurt Cups

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“Their yogurt is so creamy and delicious; we always get it. Sometimes, I have it as a dessert and add whipped cream on top.” —Rebecca Hart, digital creative director

13 Trader Joe's Products Real Simple Editors Love (2024)

FAQs

Is Trader Joe's a private brand? ›

Trader Joe's is a privately held chain of premium grocery stores with headquarters in Monrovia, California.

Is everything in Trader Joe's their brand? ›

You may have noticed that Trader Joe's almost exclusively sells Trader Joe's brand items. Well the truth is, they do what is called private labeling. They buy from other brands such as Stacy's (Pita Chips) and Annie's (Mac and Cheese), and sell the products under their own label for a cheaper price.

Is Aldi owned by the same company that owns Trader Joe's? ›

Aldi Nord also owns the Trader Joe's grocery chain in the United States which operates separately from the group. Aldi Süd's responsibilities are for Southern Germany, Australia, China, Ireland, United Kingdom, United States and through Austrian subsidiary Hofer AG in Austria, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Who just bought Trader Joe's? ›

Trader Joe's gets bought by Aldi Nord

Though owned by the parent company, TJ's still operates independently from Aldi Nord as a separate division.

Does China own Trader Joe's or USA? ›

California-based Trader Joe's brands itself as a “national chain of neighborhood grocery stores.” But the grocery chain known for its private label goods and competitive prices is owned by the same German family that founded another well-known grocery store: Aldi.

What is Trader Joe's biggest seller? ›

The #1 Overall award went to Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips.

What is the old name for Trader Joe's? ›

The company began in 1958 as a Greater Los Angeles area chain known as Pronto Market convenience stores. Coulombe felt the original Pronto Markets were too similar to 7-Eleven, which he described as the "800-pound gorilla of convenience stores", and was concerned that the competition would be too heavy.

Is Trader Joe's a public company? ›

No. Trader Joe's is a privately held company.

What percent of Trader Joes is private label? ›

The company struggled in its nascent years, but the breakthrough came in 1972 when Coulombe produced the store's first private-label product, a proprietary granola that undercut the competition on price. Today about 85 percent of Trader Joe's inventory is private label.

Is Trader Joe's a generic brand? ›

Tara: More than 80% of the products we sell at Trader Joe's are private label. Keeping things in our label as opposed to the brand name label or a supplier's label helps us keep our costs low.

What type of company is Trader Joe's? ›

Trader Joe's is a national chain of neighborhood grocery stores. We are committed to providing our customers outstanding value in the form of the best quality products at the best everyday prices.

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