Best Things to Buy at Trader Joe's for Your Family

Shila:  I almost always have these Cinnamon Schoolbook Cookies in stock to present as an after-school play date snack. When little friends come over, I set this big bucket out on the table, and let the kids dig in! They taste a bit like graham crackers with a hint of cinnamon. Kids love to spot letters and spell out words and it's sweet to hear those "little kid" conversation starters!

Sarah Calamita:  Everything But The Bagel Seasoning is by far the best blended seasoning you can buy! Think everything bagel but without the carbs! I have seen recipes out there to make it but let's be real that's not practical for most parents and this tastes amazing. We use it on avocado toast, scrambled eggs, salad, in soup, on salmon fillets and chicken breasts...it will taste amazing on anything!

Amanda Banta:  The White Cheddar Puffs have been a staple in my house for years. They are a crunchy like a Cheeto puff with a nice cheddar taste. I buy a handful of bags every month when we do a TJs run because everyone loves snacking on these and for $1.99 a bag it's worth it to stock up. My kids would take down an entire bag in one sitting if I'd let them.

Vanessa Goldberg:  Better than fish sticks.

Kelly R:  The bruschetta sauce is one of my family's Trader Joe's must-haves! It's a fresh-tasting blend of finely diced tomatoes marinated in olive oil, balsamic, garlic and basil. We love using it on top of bread, grilled chicken, pizza, salmon, salads and pasta. It's in the refrigerated case with the hummus and other dips.

Shila:  You'll find this decadent harvest sauce and more Trader Joe's products enhancing the autumn season and stocking the shelves in the Fall. The pasta sauce is so creamy with a warm hint of pumpkin and butternut squash. Paired with any pasta of your choice (we often use ravioli or zucchette), it serves as an awesome seasonal dinner the whole family enjoys.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Cauliflower Gnocchi from Trader Joe's is healthy and delicious. You will never miss the wheat, sugar, eggs or dairy as these are made from 75% cauliflower. I pair it with our favorite red sauce and my kids have never realized it is a veggie dish - and they ask for seconds!

Jennie Utsinger:  They may be called dessert bars, but I love these popsicles as a treat on a hot summer afternoon instead of my usual cup of coffee.

Shila:  Organic Riced Cauliflower comes finely diced (to the size of rice), cooks up tender, and is somewhat flavorless. This combination makes for another great secret vegetable ingredient to hide in kids meals. Most commonly, I'll add about a 1/2 cup into pasta dishes, soups, and stir fry. They never notice! Found in the frozen aisle.

Beth Blenz-Clucas:  We love Trader Joe's nuts selection. Our go-to buys are the walnut bits & pieces and the roasted & unsalted almonds. These are always fresh and at the best prices we can find anywhere. You can get these on Amazon and Walmart's sites, but it's best to buy directly at the store.

Kim Henrichs:  I highly recommend their yogurt. It's affordable and delicious!

Kelly R:  We go through a LOT of this amazing hot sauce...some of us so liberally that it's used more like a salsa. It's garlicky and not overpoweringly spicy, and has a fun texture instead of being totally smooth.

Shila:  These frozen Chicken Tikka Samosas are baked in the oven and served hot to fully satisfy my kids' evolving taste palette. Each tiny triangular bite packs just enough flavor and just enough spice to crave a second one, and a third, and a fourth! These appetizers make for a nice introduction to Indian cuisine.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  We love the Mediterranean Hummus at Trader Joe's. It's got a very smooth creamy texture and not as bitter as some hummus brands can be. Enjoy it with pretzels, veggies or crackers for a great snack that the whole family can enjoy.

Shila:  Some of the best things to buy at Trader Joe's are located in their frozen dessert section! We recommend trying the Mochi - an amazing Japanese treat. These bite-sized balls are filled with delicious ice cream surrounded by a thin layer of sweet rice dough. Trader Joe's sells them in a variety of flavors, free from high fructose corn syrup and artificial fillers.