The 10 Best Dips at TJ’s, According to the Creator of Black Girls in Trader Joe’s

I’ve said it before, but the Trader Joe’s dip section is one of my favorite areas in the entire store. Recently, I put my best chip forward and did the hard work of testing the numerous dips that Trader Joe’s has to offer. (Tough day in the office, right?) I tried the spicy, the savory, the herb-forward, even the vegan ones. Of all the options to scoop, dollop, spread, and, of course, dip, I’ve narrowed things down my top 10. So hold onto your naan: We’re diving right in.

This dip is Ol’ Faithful for me. It’s rich in flavor, super creamy, and never disappoints. Here’s a tip: If you want to take this up a notch, zap it in the microwave for 60 seconds. I sometimes even use it as a pasta sauce when I don’t feel like caramelizing onions.

This flavor-packed dip/spread is the combination you didn’t know you needed. It has the consistency of mayonnaise, which makes it great for fish, chicken, salad dressings, or even just swiped on a burger. It’s a must-have when I make my famous shrimp burgers.

Ooey, gooey, zingy, melty — this cheesy dip is a true crowd-pleaser (even if you’re a crowd of one). It’s made with chicken breast, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, and cayenne pepper. This dip tastes delicious cold, but when you warm it up it’ll make you do a happy dance.

If you love TJ’s Green Goddess salad dressing, you’ll love this Green Goddess dip too. It’s made with a creamy avocado base, along with tons of herbs and garlic, so it pairs extremely well with fresh veggies.

Don’t let the addition of Greek yogurt deter you here: It lends this dip an added tang that makes it the perfect pair for crunchy, salty pita chips.

Take your normal breakfast routine up a notch by swapping regular cream cheese with this smoked salmon dip. The smoke isn’t too overpowering; it’s more like a smoky kiss. I like to mix in some capers for a little pop of acid and brine.

This dip marries the best parts of tzatziki and guacamole. Trust me: You’re going to want to spread this cool and creamy dip on everything.

I consider myself somewhat of a ranch connoisseur, so I was skeptical of the idea of a vegan ranch. It’s safe to say I was pleasantly surprised when I dipped a hunk of broccoli in to test it out. I’ll definitely be buying this dairy-free ranch again.

Another vegan hit! The cashews make this slightly creamy so I don’t even miss the cheese. It’s herbaceous, zingy, and fresh. It’s a dip and a sauce. Sometimes I toss in some pasta to make it a meal.

Trader Joe’s has a top-notch hummus selection. I’ve explored them all, but my favorite is the new Tabbouleh-Style one. It’s loaded with parsley, tomatoes, onions, and mint — simple but delicious.

What’s your favorite dip at Trader Joe’s?