18 Must-Have Trader Joe’s Items Every Georgian Should Keep in Their Home
If you’ve ever gone into Trader Joe’s for “just one thing,” you already know how that story ends—twenty bucks later with cookie butter, cauliflower something, and a frozen meal that somehow makes you feel like a chef.
But let’s be honest, some of us don’t have time to experiment with mystery dips and five kinds of vegetable pasta.
If your Georgia pantry’s missing these TJ essentials, it might be time for a restock—and maybe a second cart.
Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
This little jar has become one of Trader Joe’s biggest celebrities. Everything But the Bagel Seasoning tastes just like the topping of a New York-style everything bagel—minus the actual bagel.
It’s a mix of sesame seeds, garlic, onion, salt, and poppy seeds. People sprinkle it on eggs, toast, salads, and even avocado to give boring foods a major upgrade.
You don’t need to be fancy with it either. A quick sprinkle on a cream cheese-covered cracker or over plain popcorn can totally transform your snack game. Some people even use it on chicken or roasted veggies to add a crunchy, savory kick.
The best part? A little goes a long way, so one jar will last a while.
Frozen Mandarin Orange Chicken
This frozen favorite has a bit of a cult following, and for good reason. Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is sweet, savory, crispy, and totally satisfying—assuming you’re a meat eater, of course.
It comes with sauce packets that you warm up while the chicken gets golden in the oven or air fryer. Toss it all together, and boom—you’ve got a takeout-style dinner at home.
Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is perfect for busy nights when cooking from scratch just isn’t happening. Pair it with some white rice or microwaveable jasmine rice (which TJ’s also sells), and dinner is done in 20 minutes.
It also works great for feeding a group without spending a fortune on delivery.
Plenty of shoppers say it’s one of the best frozen meals they’ve ever had. In fact, it’s been voted a fan favorite multiple times in Trader Joe’s annual Customer Choice Awards.
It’s freezer gold, and once you try it, you’ll probably never let your stash run dry again.
Unexpected Cheddar
Don’t let the plain packaging fool you—this cheese is anything but basic. Unexpected Cheddar is one of those foods you try once and suddenly start telling all your friends about.
It tastes like a mix of aged cheddar and Parmesan, which means it’s sharp, nutty, and a little crumbly.
It works great on a cheese board if you’re having people over, but it’s also amazing in everyday meals. You can shred it into scrambled eggs, melt it into grilled cheese, or sprinkle it over pasta.
Because it’s so flavorful, you don’t need much to make a dish stand out. It’s the kind of cheese that makes you pause and go, “Whoa, what is that?”
It’s called “Unexpected” for a reason—and if it’s in stock, you should absolutely grab a block or two.
Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
If you’ve never tried these crunchy, salty, peanut-buttery bites, prepare to get addicted. Trader Joe’s little pretzel nuggets are stuffed with creamy peanut butter and come in a big bag that’s way too easy to polish off.
They’re the perfect combo of salty and slightly sweet.
Customers love them as a grab-and-go snack, especially for kids or road trips. You don’t need to refrigerate them, and they’re not messy, so they’re also great for lunchboxes or keeping in your desk at work.
They also come in a no-salt version if you’re watching your sodium. But honestly, the salty ones are where the magic happens if you can swing it.
Stock up—you’ll thank yourself later when the snack craving hits.
Chili Onion Crunch
This spicy, crunchy, savory topping has a serious fan base. Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch is a jar of flavor-packed oil loaded with crispy garlic, chili flakes, and onion.
It adds heat, texture, and umami to just about anything you put it on.
A spoonful over eggs? Delicious.
Stir it into noodles? Game-changer.
People even drizzle it over pizza, dumplings, and salads. It’s basically like giving your food a punch of flavor and crunch in one move. If you’re someone who likes a little spice in your life, this is a pantry must.
Chili Onion Crunch also makes a fun gift for foodies or people who love experimenting in the kitchen. Just be careful—once you start putting it on everything, it’s hard to stop.
Many shoppers end up buying two jars at a time to avoid running out.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Trader Joe’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups are hands down one of the store’s best sweet treats. They’ve got that perfect chocolate-to-peanut butter ratio, and the chocolate is smooth and just a little bit bitter—so it’s not overly sweet.
They’re a favorite for dessert lovers who want something indulgent but not too sugary.
In our opinion, they’re way better than Reese’s, and they come in a tub that’s easy to stash in a cabinet or share (if you’re feeling generous).
As if it couldn’t get better? They come in mini sizes too!
That means you can control how much you eat… or at least pretend to. Whether you keep them in the pantry or hide them from the rest of the family, these dark chocolate peanut butter cups are a sweet snack you’ll want to keep on hand.
Green Goddess Dressing
Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Dressing is like springtime in a bottle. It’s made with fresh ingredients like avocado, green onions, and basil, and it’s totally dairy-free.
The texture is smooth, and the flavor is herby, tangy, and refreshing.
It’s great on salads, obviously, but it also works as a dipping sauce for veggies or chicken. Some folks even drizzle it over grain bowls or use it as a sandwich spread.
It gives food a fresh, homemade taste without you having to chop or blend a single thing.
Because it’s made with real, simple ingredients, it doesn’t have that fake bottled taste that some dressings do. If you’re looking to eat more greens or just want your salads to taste better, this is the dressing to keep in your fridge.
Speculoos Cookie Butter
This stuff is legendary. Speculoos Cookie Butter is basically creamy, spreadable gingerbread cookies. It has a cinnamon-spice flavor and a texture kind of like peanut butter, but sweeter and smoother.
And, yes, it’s just as amazing as it sounds.
You can spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, dip apples into it, or just eat it by the spoonful. It’s especially good during the fall and winter months, but honestly, fans enjoy it all year long.
It’s the kind of treat you pull out when you want a little comfort food without baking anything.
Trader Joe’s also sells crunchy and swirled versions of Speculoos Cookie Butter, but the original creamy one is the best pick to start with if you ask us.
Just consider yourself warned: Once it’s in your pantry, it’s not staying there for long.
Cauliflower Gnocchi
This frozen gem is a beloved Trader Joe’s item among many shoppers. Cauliflower Gnocchi is a lower-carb alternative to traditional potato gnocchi, and customers love it for being both tasty and versatile.
We’re going to give you an insider tip, though: Don’t follow the bag’s instructions. Pan-frying is the way to go.
When you crisp Cauliflower Gnocchi up in a skillet, it gets golden and slightly chewy, making it perfect for tossing with marinara sauce, pesto, or even browned butter and sage. You can also use it as a base for a veggie bowl or serve it with chicken for a simple weeknight dinner.
It’s gluten-free and made with just five ingredients, including cauliflower, cassava flour, and a little olive oil.
Even if you’re not avoiding carbs or gluten, Cauliflower Gnocchi is a fun, light meal that feels fancier than it is.
Joe-Joe’s Cookies
If you’ve never had Joe-Joe’s, you’re missing out on Trader Joe’s take on sandwich cookies. They look kind of like Oreos, but many fans say they taste even better. The filling is creamy, and the cookies have a deep cocoa flavor that makes them extra satisfying.
Joe-Joe’s come in lots of seasonal versions, too.
During the holidays, you can find peppermint Joe-Joe’s. In the fall, pumpkin spice Joe-Joe’s show up. There’s even a vanilla version if chocolate isn’t your thing.
Joe-Joe’s are great for dessert, dunking in milk, or even crushing up to use in homemade pie crusts.
Keep a box in your pantry for cookie emergencies. Because yes, that’s a real thing.
Mini Hold the Cone Ice Cream Cones
These tiny ice cream cones pack a surprising amount of joy. Trader Joe’s Mini Hold the Cone treats are exactly what they sound like—little waffle cones filled with creamy ice cream and topped with a chocolate shell.
They come in classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and chocolate chip, plus limited-time ones like pumpkin ginger or peppermint during the holidays.
Each cone is just the right size for a small sweet bite, which makes them perfect for people who want dessert without going overboard. They’re also a hit with kids, and you don’t have to feel bad about sneaking one (or two) after dinner. The chocolate at the bottom of the cone is the best surprise—no soggy cone ends here.
Keep a box in your freezer for when the sweet tooth strikes. These little guys disappear fast, so maybe grab an extra box if you’ve got a house full of snackers.
Roasted Garlic Hummus
Trader Joe’s Roasted Garlic Hummus is one of the most flavorful, creamy, and versatile hummus options out there. It has a smooth texture with bold garlic flavor that pairs well with just about anything—pita chips, sliced veggies, crackers, or even sandwiches.
This stuff works as more than just a dip. You can spread it on toast with cucumbers for a quick snack, or use it as a sauce for grilled chicken or rice bowls.
It’s also a great option for vegetarians or folks looking to eat more plant-based meals without losing out on flavor.
Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to many creamy dressings and dips. The chickpeas give you protein and fiber, while the garlic gives your breath some… flair.
But it’s totally worth it.
Corn and Chile Tomato-less Salsa
This isn’t your average salsa, and that’s what makes it awesome. Trader Joe’s Corn and Chile Tomato-less Salsa is sweet, smoky, and just a little spicy.
It’s made with corn, red peppers, onion, and chile, and it tastes more like a relish or chunky dip than traditional tomato salsa.
Corn and Chile Tomato-less Salsa is the kind of thing that tastes amazing on tortilla chips, but it really shines when you get creative. People mix it into scrambled eggs, spoon it over grilled meats, or use it as a topping for tacos.
It also works great stirred into rice or quinoa for an easy flavor boost.
Because it doesn’t have tomatoes, Corn and Chile Tomato-less Salsa is also a great option for folks who avoid nightshades or just don’t love tomato-heavy salsas. It’s sweet, spicy, tangy, and so good you might end up eating it by the spoonful.
Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers
These chips are seriously addictive. Inspired by Mexican street corn, Trader Joe’s Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers are crunchy corn chips coated with spices like chili, cheese, and lime.
They have a hint of sweetness and just enough heat to make things interesting.
Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers are shaped perfectly for scooping up salsa, guacamole, or queso, but honestly, they don’t even need a dip. You can snack on them straight out of the bag, and they’ll still steal the show at any party or movie night.
Because they’re so full of flavor, they also make a fun topping for soups, chili, or taco salads.
If regular tortilla chips bore you, these dippers will totally change the game.
Frozen French Onion Soup
This one is a hidden gem in the freezer section. Trader Joe’s Frozen French Onion Soup comes in individual portions, and all you have to do is heat it up in the oven or microwave.
The cheese is already on top, so it gets bubbly and golden just like the kind at a restaurant.
This french onion soup is surprisingly rich, with caramelized onions and a deep, beefy broth that tastes like it simmered for hours.
It’s perfect on cold days or when you want a comforting lunch without doing any real cooking.
Pair it with a piece of crusty bread or a small salad, and it feels like a fancy meal.
Microwaveable Brown Rice
Trader Joe’s Microwaveable Brown Rice is one of the easiest ways to get a healthy side dish on the table fast. It comes in individual pouches, and each one steams perfectly in just three minutes—no pot, no stove, no cleanup.
The rice comes out fluffy and not sticky, which is rare for microwaveable rice.
It’s great to have on hand for weeknight stir-fries, burrito bowls, or even a quick lunch with some veggies and protein.
The fact that it’s frozen means it stays fresh way longer than those shelf-stable bags.
It’s also a lifesaver if you’re trying to eat more whole grains but don’t want to deal with the 40-minute cooking time brown rice usually takes.
Thai Green Curry Simmer Sauce
This sauce is a total lifesaver when you want a homemade meal that tastes like it took hours but only took ten minutes.
Trader Joe’s Thai Green Curry Simmer Sauce is full of flavor, with coconut milk, lemongrass, and green chili giving it that restaurant-style Thai flavor.
All you have to do is pour it over chicken, tofu, or veggies while cooking, and boom—instant curry night. It’s mild enough for people who don’t love spice, but it’s still rich and savory. Serve it with rice, and you’ve got a cozy, comforting dinner in no time.
It’s shelf-stable, too, so you can keep it in your pantry until you need a dinner shortcut.
Busy weeknights or lazy Sundays just got a lot more flavorful thanks to this little bottle.
Brownie Truffle Baking Mix
Trader Joe’s Brownie Truffle Baking Mix is a chocolate lover’s dream in a box. It’s rich, gooey, and super easy to make.
All you need is some eggs, water, and oil, and in less than an hour, your kitchen will smell like a fancy bakery.
The texture is what makes it special—it’s dense like a fudge brownie but still soft in the center. If you’re really feeling extra, you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or swirl in peanut butter before baking.
Some folks even turn it into brownie cupcakes or layer it with ice cream for a killer dessert.
Trader Joe’s Brownie Truffle Baking Mix is a great mix to keep in your pantry for last-minute gatherings, bake sales, or just a random Tuesday night when the chocolate craving kicks in. You’ll get homemade-tasting brownies with barely any effort.
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