Colorful bowl of smoothie topped with fruit shapes, banana, and tropical palm leaf on vibrant background.

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

We're sharing the best things to buy at Trader Joe's according to our families!

This "neighborhood" grocery chain is known for delicious and unique food items sold at lower prices, as well as its commitment to environmental sustainability, fair trade and always-cheerful cashiers. Fearless families also love that Trader Joe's products are often packaged and prepared in such a way as to help make some of the quickest and most satisfying dinners ever.

Add your review in the comments if you've tried any of these products, and let us know of any Trader Joe's must-haves we've missed by recommending them below!


 
    Upparent

    Cinnamon Schoolbook Cookies

    Shila said:  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!

    traderjoes.com

    White Cheddar Corn Puffs

    Amanda Banta said:  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.

    uploaded by Sarah Calamita

    Everything But The Bagel Seasoning

    Sarah Calamita said:  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!

    Upparent

    Battered Halibut

    Vanessa Goldberg said:  Better than fish sticks.

    Bruschetta Sauce

    Kelly R said:  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.

    Alexandra F

    Yogurt

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

    Dry Roasted & Unsalted Almonds

    Beth Blenz-Clucas said:  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.

    Chicken Tikka Samosas

    Shila said:  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.

    traderjoes.com

    Chunky Garlic & Jalapeño Hot Sauce

    Kelly R said:  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.

    Autumnal Harvest Sauce

    Shila said:  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.

    Fruit Frenzy Bars

    Alexandra F. said:  If you're lucky you'll find these delicious popsicles in the freezer section of your local Trader Joe's next to the ice cream and other frozen treats - provided they haven't been cleaned out, as is often the case by me! The natural raspberry, lemon and strawberry fruit base that make up these popsicles is so refreshing, making them one of our family's favorite items to get at Trader Joe's during the summer months.

    traderjoes.com

    Turkeyless Protein Patties

    NoName said:  The reason why I recommend them is mainly the cost. They are only $4.49 for an eight-ounce package which is much cheaper than what plant based meat substitutes sell for at regular grocery stores. Also, they have 23 grams of protein which is more than their original meatless burger patties.

    Cold Brew Latte Dessert Bars

    Jennie Utsinger said:  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.

    uploaded by Tracy Snyder Molina

    Mediterranean Hummus

    Tracy Snyder Molina said:  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.

    Alexandra F.

    Crunchy Curls

    Alexandra F. said:  These potato and lentil snacks are SO addicting. They are a favorite for everyone in our family, and one of the few snacks we can all eat with our various dietary restrictions.

Primary photo:   Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.