The 12 Best Things We Bought from Trader Joe’s This Year
It honestly seems unfair to call attention to some groceries at Trader Joe’s and not others. Nearly everything at this perfectly wacky grocery chain is a shining star. But while some things are just “good,” there are others that are seriously worth writing home about. “Home” meaning the home page on this site. (See what we did there?) Okay, this is starting to get weird, so let’s just move on.
These are the 12 best groceries we picked up at Trader Joe’s in 2019.
1. Vegan Jackfruit Cakes
A near-perfect vegan alternative to crab cakes! The shredded jackfruit in Trader Joe’s new Vegan Jackfruit Cakes looks just like lump crab meat. And that means the texture is nearly the same, too. (Each patty is a mixture of shredded jackfruit, tapioca starch, potato, chopped green onions, and celery salt-infused seasoning.) Just be sure to add some Old Bay Seasoning.
Read more: Trader Joe’s Crabless Crab Cakes Are Actually … Not Bad
2. Frozen Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
At least half of the Kitchn staff keeps these chicken potstickers in their freezers at any given time. We’ve loved them for a long time — but then we came up with this stir-fry recipe and our feelings increased exponentially.
Get the recipe: Trader Joe’s Potsticker Stir-Fry
3. Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend
What is Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend? It’s a mixture of kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper, mushroom powder, and mustard seed. It gives an extra-savory kick and we found that it goes especially well with chicken or anything super lean that might lack flavor otherwise.
Read more: I Tried Trader Joe’s Wacky New Seasoning and Here’s How It Went
4. Mini Cheesecake Cones
Our Staff Writer said these cheesecake cones were the best things she’s ever eaten. That’s all we need to say.
Read more: These Trader Joe’s Cheesecake Cones Are the Best Things Our Staff Writer Has Ever Eaten
5. Olive Wood Cheese Boards
These olive wood cheese boards returned to stores just before the holidays and they became instant favorites. They were so popular, they were selling at most locations!
Read more: People in Trader Joe’s Fan Club Are Going Absolutely Bonkers Over These Incredible Serving Trays
6. Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer
We heard rumors that the newish gel moisturizer in the Trader Joe’s beauty aisle was a copycat of a super-pricey version from La Mer. Of course, we did some digging and found an interesting discovery.
Read more: Is Trader Joe’s $9 Moisturizer Really a Dupe for La Mer?
7. Spinach & Artichoke Dip
It never hurts to have some sort of crowd-pleasing dip or snack on hand — especially this time of year when unexpected guests could pop in at any moment. The one you should stock at all times? This Spinach & Artichoke Dip, which is just $3!
Read more: The $3 Trader Joe’s Dip I Always Have in My Freezer
8. Corn, Pea, Bean, & Quinoa Crisps
The back of the bag says it all: “In what could be called a stroke of leguminous luck, we’ve developed Trader Joe’s Corn, Pea, Bean, & Quinoa Crisps. These are hexagonal corn-based puffs, accented with yellow & green split peas, black beans, and white quinoa. They’re spiked with a bit of salt & pepper making them delicious straight from the bag, and delightful in dips and salsas.”
Read more: Trader Joe’s Just Launched My New Favorite Chip-Like Snack
9. Organic Rosé Vinaigrette
Not red wine vinaigrette — this is ROSÉ wine vinaigrette! Just like a glass of rosé, this salad dressing feels effortlessly fancy.
Read more: Where Has This Trader Joe’s Salad Dressing Been All My Life?
10. Mandarin Orange Chicken
Just like those potstickers, we’ve been buying Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken for a long time now. But we had another revelation this year: These chicken bites are best when cooked up in the air fryer.
Get the recipe: The Absolute Best Way to Prepare Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken
11. Peanut Butter Blondies
Another thing to keep stocked in the freezer, these Peanut Butter Blondies just have to thaw at room temperature before it’s time to enjoy. And enjoy them you will! (You can also microwave them if you’re feeling impatient.)
Read more: Trader Joe’s Just Released My New Favorite Frozen Treat
12. Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
These Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups are like Reese’s for grown-ups. (Not like you can’t have Reese’s as a grown-up. We just mean these are slightly more sophisticated. Seriously, have both!)
Read more: 5 Little Indulgences That Are Always Worth Throwing in Your Cart at Trader Joe’s
What are some of the best things you bought at Trader Joe’s this year? Discuss in the comments below!