A trip to Trader Joe’s is not for the faint of heart, the claustrophobic or those who prefer as little human contact as possible. However, Trader Joe’s is known for spectacular products and fair prices, so it is worth it to brave the maze of people and narrow aisles. Look at this weekly shopping trip as a challenge, perhaps even a mission of sorts. Here are five must-buy Trader Joe’s items:
Speculoos Cookie Butter
Do you like cookies? Would you like to make everything you eat to taste like cookies? If so, you will find that all your dreams have come true with Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter, a spread similar to Nutella or peanut butter. It is great on a bad day; it is great on a good day. Eat it with toast, ice cream or straight from the jar.
Large White Eggs
A chef’s hat has 100 pleats, symbolizing the chef’s ability to cook an egg 100 different ways. While a college student really only needs to be familiar with about six ways to cook an egg (ten if you are ambitious), these eggs are always good to have in the icebox, especially when they come at only $1.99 per dozen. They can be a simple but nutritious meal with the addition of just a few simple ingredients.
Trader Ming’s Mandarin Orange Chicken
A list of five great Trader Joe’s items would not be complete without this, the store’s top-selling product for two years running. Just throw this chicken in the oven or on the stove for a deliciously tangy meal. It comes with a luscious orange glaze that perfectly coats the chicken. The authenticity of this dish may be debatable, but its mouthwatering flavor certainly isn’t.
Chevre (Goat Cheese) Log with Honey
Whether you’re familiar with chevre or not, you’re sure to find this goat cheese delicious. Trader Joe’s Raisin Rosemary Crackers are the perfect complement to this mildly sharp but sweet cheese.
Sun-dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Ravioli
The refrigerated section features a myriad of pre-made stuffed pastas ready for you to boil and devour in just a few minutes. While the Spinach and Ricotta, Arugula and Parmigiano Reggiano and Butternut Squash Triangoli are great, the Sun-dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Ravioli tops the selection. Just grab a jar of Trader Joe’s marinara sauce to top it off and dinner is as good as done.
Brittany Yu is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].
