What’s Good at Trader Joe’s 2021: Must-Try Items and Hidden Gems

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Trader Joe’s. The name itself conjures images of quirky packaging, friendly staff, and a treasure trove of unique and affordable groceries. But with a constantly rotating selection and a loyal fanbase always on the hunt for the next big thing, navigating the aisles of Trader Joe’s can be overwhelming. What’s worth the hype? What are the hidden gems? And what should you definitely add to your cart in 2021? Let’s dive in and explore the best Trader Joe’s has to offer.

Seasonal Sensations and Limited-Time Treats

Trader Joe’s thrives on the excitement of seasonal offerings. They’re masters of creating buzz around limited-edition products that capitalize on the flavors and spirit of each season. 2021 was no exception, bringing a wave of delightful, albeit fleeting, treats.

Fall Flavors That Flew Off Shelves

Fall at Trader Joe’s is synonymous with pumpkin spice, apple cider, and everything cozy. The Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur was a standout, offering a creamy, indulgent twist on the classic fall flavor. Equally popular was the Pumpkin Brioche Twist, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat alongside a warm beverage. And for those craving a savory option, the Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites were a cheesy, comforting delight. These items, while seasonal, highlight Trader Joe’s ability to capture the essence of a season in delicious and innovative ways.

Holiday Delights and Festive Fare

As the weather turned colder, Trader Joe’s transformed into a winter wonderland of culinary delights. The Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s were a perennial favorite, offering a minty, chocolatey twist on the classic cookie. The Jingle Jangle, a festive mix of chocolate-covered pretzels, popcorn, and candies, was a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings. For a more sophisticated treat, the Panettone, an Italian sweet bread, was a delicious addition to any holiday spread. The availability of these items helped fuel the holiday spirit and provided customers with unique and exciting options.

Pantry Staples and Everyday Essentials

Beyond the seasonal excitement, Trader Joe’s shines in its selection of pantry staples and everyday essentials. These are the items that you can rely on for quality, value, and unique flavors that elevate your everyday meals.

Savory Staples for the Discerning Palate

When it comes to savory staples, Trader Joe’s offers a diverse range of options. The Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend has become a cult favorite, adding flavor to everything from eggs to avocado toast. The Spicy Italian Sausage is a versatile protein option, perfect for pasta dishes, pizzas, or grilling. And for a quick and easy meal, the Frozen Vegetable Fried Rice is a convenient and flavorful choice. These staples provide a solid foundation for building delicious and satisfying meals.

Sweet Treats to Satisfy Your Cravings

Trader Joe’s knows how to satisfy a sweet tooth. The Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are a decadent indulgence, offering the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter. The Speculoos Cookie Butter is another beloved item, adding a touch of spiced sweetness to toast, waffles, or even just a spoon. For a lighter option, the Gone Bananas! frozen chocolate-covered banana slices are a refreshing and satisfying treat. These sweet staples offer a variety of options to satisfy any craving.

Cheese, Please! A Curated Selection of Dairy Delights

Trader Joe’s is renowned for its impressive cheese selection, offering a wide variety of both domestic and imported cheeses at affordable prices.

Must-Try Cheeses for Every Palate

The Unexpected Cheddar Cheese is a consistent winner, offering a sharp and tangy flavor with a slightly crumbly texture. The Brie en Croute with Cranberries & Walnuts is an elegant and flavorful appetizer, perfect for entertaining. For a more adventurous option, the Syrah-Soaked Toscano Cheese offers a unique and complex flavor profile. These cheeses represent the breadth and quality of Trader Joe’s cheese selection.

Frozen Foods: Convenience and Flavor in the Freezer Aisle

The frozen food aisle at Trader Joe’s is a treasure trove of convenient and delicious options, perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply don’t feel like cooking.

Quick and Easy Meal Solutions

Trader Joe’s excels at providing quick and easy meal solutions that don’t sacrifice flavor. The Mandarin Orange Chicken is a perennial favorite, offering a crispy, sweet, and tangy meal in minutes. The Chicken Tikka Masala is another popular option, providing a flavorful and authentic Indian dish. And for a lighter option, the Shrimp Scampi is a quick and easy seafood dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. These frozen meals offer convenience and flavor without the hassle of extensive cooking.

Frozen Fruits and Vegetables for Healthy Eating

Beyond frozen meals, Trader Joe’s offers a wide selection of frozen fruits and vegetables, perfect for smoothies, soups, or side dishes. The Frozen Wild Blueberries are a great addition to smoothies or oatmeal, providing a boost of antioxidants. The Frozen Riced Cauliflower is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a substitute for rice in a variety of dishes. And the Frozen Artichoke Hearts are a convenient way to add a healthy and flavorful vegetable to your meals. These frozen fruits and vegetables make it easy to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet.

Snacks and Dips: Perfect for Parties or a Solo Treat

Trader Joe’s is a snack lover’s paradise, offering a wide variety of unique and flavorful snacks and dips that are perfect for parties or a solo indulgence.

Savory Snacks That Satisfy

For those who prefer savory snacks, Trader Joe’s has plenty to offer. The Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels are a classic combination of salty and sweet. The Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips are a flavorful and addictive snack that’s perfect for dipping. And the Crispy Crunchy Mochi Rice Nuggets are a unique and satisfying snack with a delightful texture. These savory snacks offer a variety of flavors and textures to satisfy any craving.

Dips and Spreads to Elevate Your Snacking

Trader Joe’s dips and spreads are a great way to elevate your snacking experience. The Everything But the Bagel Dip is a creamy and flavorful dip that’s perfect for vegetables, chips, or crackers. The Spinach & Artichoke Dip is a classic crowd-pleaser that’s always a hit. And the Hummus comes in a variety of flavors, offering a healthy and delicious option for dipping or spreading. These dips and spreads add flavor and variety to your snacking routine.

Sweet Snacks for the Sweet Tooth

For those with a sweet tooth, Trader Joe’s offers a delectable array of sweet snacks. The Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars provide a refreshing burst of chocolate and mint. The Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. And the Scandinavian Swimmers offer a delightful mix of fruity gummy candies. These sweet snacks are sure to satisfy any sugary craving.

Beverages: From Coffee to Kombucha, Quench Your Thirst

Trader Joe’s beverage selection is as diverse as its food offerings, with options ranging from coffee and tea to kombucha and sparkling water.

Caffeinated Delights and Refreshing Teas

Coffee lovers will appreciate Trader Joe’s selection of unique and affordable coffee beans. The Dark Roast Coffee is a bold and flavorful option for those who prefer a strong cup. The Organic Fair Trade Breakfast Blend is a lighter and smoother option that’s perfect for starting the day. Tea drinkers will enjoy the variety of black, green, and herbal teas available. These beverages offer a variety of options to suit any taste.

Kombucha and Sparkling Water for a Healthy Boost

For those looking for a healthier beverage option, Trader Joe’s offers a variety of kombucha and sparkling water. The Organic Kombucha comes in a variety of flavors, offering a probiotic-rich and refreshing beverage. The Sparkling Water is a calorie-free and flavorful alternative to soda, available in a variety of fruit flavors. These beverages provide a healthy and refreshing way to quench your thirst.

Final Thoughts: Why Trader Joe’s Remains a Beloved Grocery Store

Trader Joe’s continues to be a beloved grocery store for a reason. Its commitment to quality, value, and unique products, combined with its friendly and engaging atmosphere, makes it a truly special shopping experience. While the specific items available may change over time, the core values of Trader Joe’s remain the same, ensuring that it will continue to be a favorite among grocery shoppers for years to come. Its ability to consistently deliver interesting and affordable products keeps customers coming back to discover new favorites and rediscover old classics. The curated selection, the friendly staff, and the overall shopping experience contribute to the enduring appeal of Trader Joe’s.

What are some must-try snack items at Trader Joe’s in 2021?

Trader Joe’s never disappoints when it comes to snacks! For a sweet treat, the Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix is a standout. It provides a delicious, slightly sweet, and chewy texture that’s perfect for breakfast or a dessert-like snack. For savory options, the Everything But the Bagel Seasoned Kettle Chips are consistently popular. They deliver that familiar bagel seasoning flavor in a crispy, satisfying chip.
Other great snack options include the Spicy Crispy Okra, which offers a unique and crunchy experience with a kick, and the Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels, a classic combination of salty and sweet. Don’t forget to check out their seasonal offerings as well. Trader Joe’s frequently introduces new and exciting snack items based on the time of year, guaranteeing a rotation of interesting bites to try.

What are some good prepared meals or frozen foods at Trader Joe’s?

Trader Joe’s excels in convenient and tasty meal options. The Mandarin Orange Chicken remains a perennial favorite. It’s a quick and easy dinner that is crispy, flavorful, and budget-friendly. For a vegetarian option, the Palak Paneer is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying, especially when paired with naan or rice. These frozen dishes require minimal preparation, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
Beyond the well-known choices, consider exploring their frozen pasta selection. The Cacio e Pepe ravioli, for instance, are a simple yet delightful meal, while the Cauliflower Gnocchi, though requiring some proper cooking technique, can be a healthy and versatile base for various sauces and toppings. Many of these frozen options are excellent to have on hand for a fast and delicious meal.

Are there any unique or unusual finds worth trying at Trader Joe’s?

Trader Joe’s is known for its distinctive and sometimes quirky items. A good example is the Everything But the Elote Dip. It captures the flavors of Mexican street corn in a creamy dip form, perfect for tortilla chips or vegetables. Another unique item that often gets rave reviews is the Vegan Kale, Cashew, and Basil Pesto. Even non-vegans appreciate its fresh and flavorful profile.
Furthermore, keep an eye out for items that feature trendy ingredients. In 2021, many products incorporated flavors like ube or ingredients like nutritional yeast. These are great opportunities to try something different and perhaps discover a new favorite ingredient or flavor profile. Exploring these unique finds is part of the fun of shopping at Trader Joe’s.

What are some good vegetarian or vegan options at Trader Joe’s?

Trader Joe’s offers a wide array of vegetarian and vegan choices. The Vegan Bolognese Sauce is a delicious and versatile option that can be used with pasta, lasagna, or even as a filling for stuffed vegetables. It’s packed with plant-based protein and flavorful herbs. Another excellent choice is the Soy Chorizo, which offers a spicy and savory alternative to traditional chorizo.
Beyond these, consider staples such as the various hummus flavors, the ready-to-eat lentils, and the many fresh produce options. Trader Joe’s also frequently releases new vegan items, such as plant-based burgers and cheeses, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the refrigerated sections. The store actively caters to vegetarian and vegan customers, constantly expanding its selection.

What are some tips for navigating Trader Joe’s and finding the best products?

One of the best strategies is to visit Trader Joe’s frequently. Their inventory changes regularly, with new items appearing and seasonal favorites rotating in and out. By visiting often, you’ll be more likely to discover hidden gems and take advantage of limited-time offerings. Also, don’t hesitate to ask crew members for recommendations. They’re usually knowledgeable and eager to share their favorites.
Pay attention to end-cap displays and the “Fearless Flyer.” End-caps often feature promotional items or new products that the store wants to highlight. The Fearless Flyer is a monthly newsletter that showcases upcoming products, recipes, and store news. By keeping an eye on these resources, you’ll stay informed about what’s new and trending at Trader Joe’s.

Are there any popular items that might be overrated at Trader Joe’s?

While Trader Joe’s has many beloved products, not everything is a universal hit. The Cauliflower Gnocchi, while popular, can be tricky to cook properly. Without careful attention, it can become gummy or mushy. It requires specific cooking techniques to achieve the desired texture. Some customers may also find certain trendy items, like the ube products, to be somewhat overhyped if they don’t particularly enjoy that flavor profile.
Ultimately, taste is subjective, and individual experiences will vary. It’s always wise to read reviews and consider your own preferences before purchasing a product solely based on popularity. While many items live up to the hype, it’s important to manage expectations and be open to trying a variety of things to find what suits your personal taste.

What are some good pantry staples to stock up on at Trader Joe’s?

Trader Joe’s offers excellent options for building a well-stocked pantry. Their olive oil, canned beans, and nuts are high-quality and affordable. Also, consider their various spices and seasonings, which can add depth and flavor to your cooking. The Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend is a must-have for adding a savory touch to almost anything.
In addition to these basics, Trader Joe’s also offers unique pantry items like jarred hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, and various sauces. These can be used to quickly create flavorful meals or add a special touch to your dishes. Stocking up on these staples will ensure you always have ingredients on hand for easy and delicious meals.

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