14 Best Trader Joe's Products, According to Employees

Everyone knows and loves Trader Joe’s, the American grocery chain from California that has taken the world by storm, due in part to the brand's unique snacks and TikTok popularity. This affordable grocery chain is known for having some of the most passionate customers — almost everyone has their must-have products they swear by, and it’s not hard to find lists of recommendations on the Internet. But if anyone knows which Trader Joe’s products are truly best, we think it’s probably the employees. Read below for our round up of some of the best Trader Joe’s products from the people who know it best!

1. Gluten Free Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is a classic favorite, however for many gluten-free individuals the options are often more limited. According to TikTok account @maddy.e.j, Trader Joe’s carries a delicious frozen gluten free mac and cheese.

2. Crunchy Chili Onion Peanuts

Our second recommendation, brought by Trader Joe's employee Shannon (@anxiousnhungry on TikTok), is the Crunchy Chili Onion Peanuts. Not only are they not too spicy, but these elevated, salted peanuts make for a delicious snack. They are also versatile, making the perfect addition to salads, stir fries, noodles and even ice cream.

3. Barebell’s Protein Bars

Barebell’s Protein Bars are another employee favorite. One Trader Joe’s employee even says the bars taste like candy, particularly the cookies and cream flavor. Each bar has around 200 calories and 20 grams of protein, making it the perfect snack or post-workout protein. The caramel cashew flavor is another great option.

4. Patio Potato Chips

These chips are seasonal, so they won’t always be in store. But, if you are ever walking through the snacks and see them, Trader Joe's employee Alex (@alexdesiree on TikTok) rates them a 10/10. Available in four flavors (Sea Salt & Vinegar, Delicious Dill, Homestyle Ketchup and Smokin’ Sweet BBQ), these are the perfect addition to a summer barbeque or a night of television on the couch.

5. Cherry Plums

These small, organic fruits sold at Trader Joe’s are a hybrid combination between a cherry and a plum, making them the perfect refreshing summer fruit. Trader Joe’s employee Emily (@emilyinthebarnyard) says run don’t walk to go try this sweet fruit.

6. Spicy Lentil Wrap

The spicy lentil wrap is the perfect quick lunch meal. Trader Joe’s employee on TikTok, @soupluvr12345, recommends them for anyone who likes spicy food. The wrap comes with two prepackaged pieces made of lentil and bulgur wheat with shredded cabbage and red pepper paste, topped with a spicy tahini sauce, totaling 19 grams of protein and 580 calories (with dipping sauce).

7. Peanut Butter Cocoa Marshmallows

Trader Joe’s employee Alexandra (@_actuallyalex on TikTok) recommends the Peanut Butter Cocoa Marshmallows as one of the best desserts you can buy. Peanut butter and chocolate have always been the ultimate duo, but this candy also combines fluffy marshmallows making each bite crunchy then smooth.

8. Parmesan Pastry Pups

The parmesan pastry puffs at Trader Joe’s can be found in the frozen section. These pastry wrapped mini hot dogs are the perfect appetizer or snack. They’ve been around for over 20 years, and they’re still popular in stores. Place them on a tray in your oven or even a microwave, and you will be set to go with minimal effort. Thanks for the recommendation, @thatguyfromtraderjoes.

9. Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage

These Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausages, which were recommended by Kelsey (@kelseysfoodreviews), are fully cooked chicken sausage made with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions and red peppers. These sausages, which come in a pack of four, can be reheated and thrown in a bun with delicious toppings or sliced and put in soup, stir fry or whatever your heart desires.

10. Apple Blossoms

@Nickiunplugged on TikTok goes to her local Trader Joe’s and asks employees what their favorite item is. In one video, Debbie recommended the Apple Blossoms. These desserts resemble mini apple pies, as the apples are surrounded by a brown sugar crust. Each box comes with two tarts that can be microwaved or oven baked and the apples are supplied by a family owned orchard in Canada.

11. Plantain Chips

Trader Joe’s employees recommend plantain chips as a delicious and gluten-free snack option. Trader Joe’s plantain chips come from Peru where they are picked, cooked in sunflower seed oil and lightly salted. They are similar to thick potato chips, and you’ll find them in a bright pink bag with monkeys on it.

12. Vegetable Bird’s Nests

Employees and fans all over TikTok rave about the vegetable bird’s nest. These are tempura vegetables, made up of julienned onions, carrots and kale woven together and fried in tempura batter. According to recommendations, they are delicious when cooked in the air fryer and paired with a dipping sauce.

13. Strawberry Lemonade Joe Joe’s

Several employees have recommended the popular summer edition Strawberry Lemonade Joe Joe’s. A seasonal take on the traditional Trader Joe’s cookies, these are made up of lemon flavored wafer cookies with a strawberry cream filling. Trader Joe’s is known for its seasonal Joe Joe’s, and these are not to be missed.

14. No Joke Ginger Shot

Pressed juices are all the rage, but juice shots often come at a high price point. These No Joke Ginger Shots from Trader Joe’s are only $1.99 each and are made from a mixture of ingredients, including ginger juice, cayenne pepper, coconut water and lemon juice. The shot can be taken on its own or mixed in with smoothies.

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