What Chefs Buy at Trader Joe's

Molly Yeh, Nancy Fuller, Jeff Mauro and more share their go-to Trader Joe finds.

From: Food Network Magazine

Related To:

What's In the Bag?

Trader Joe's is famous for its unusual selection of foods. We asked some star chefs to name their favorites.

Bamba Peanut Snacks

“I crush the Bamba Peanut Snacks over pad thai or just eat them like cereal — don’t judge!”

-Spike Mendelsohn, Vim & Victor, Springfield, VA

Hot & Sweet Jalapenos

“The Hot & Sweet Jalapeños are perfectly balanced and crisp — they’re great on everything.”

-Jeff Mauro, co-host of The Kitchen

Broccoli & Kale Pizza Crust

“My family loves the Broccoli & Kale Pizza Crust. We add shaved cauliflower, sumac-dressed kale and goat cheese.”

-Jeramie Robison, City Hall Bistro, Dallas

100% Greek Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil

“Trader Joe’s does great olive oil. Their top-of-the-line stuff, like the 100% Greek Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil, is perfect for finishing dishes.”

-Anne Burrell, co-host of Worst Cooks in America

Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds

“When I work long hours without eating, the Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds fuel me.”

-Rodney Scott, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, Charleston, SC

Organic Balsamic & Fig Dressing

“The Organic Balsamic & Fig Dressing is great on salads, and I love using it as a marinade for grilled pork chops.”

-Matt Abdoo, Pig Beach, Brooklyn

Speculoos Cookie Butter

“I’m addicted to the Speculoos Cookie Butter. I’ve used it in sauce for bread pudding and in filling for king cake.”

-Mike Brewer, Copper Vine, New Orleans

Tarte d’Alsace

“We love the Tarte d’Alsace, a take on tarte flambée. We ignore the cooking instructions and heat it on a pizza stone.”

-Sayat and Laura Ozyilmaz, Noosh, San Francisco

Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions

“Fresh is best, unless you’re stressed! The Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions are one of my favorite apps for cocktail parties.”

-Nancy Fuller, judge on Spring Baking Championship

Red Pepper Spread with Eggplant and Garlic

“The Red Pepper Spread with Eggplant and Garlic is a fabulous dip for unexpected guests.”

-Brian Riggenbach, The Mockingbird, Nashville

Gluten Free Norwegian Crispbread

“The Gluten Free Norwegian Crispbread is a great base for canapés or avocado toast.”

-Franklin Becker, La Central, New York City

Just Coconut Chunks

“I’m obsessed with the frozen Just Coconut Chunks for smoothies. So satisfying!”

-Katie Lee, co-host of The Kitchen

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

“I’m a sucker for a good dip, and Trader Joe’s makes the best Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip I’ve ever had.”

-Camille Cogswell, Zahav, Philadelphia

Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend

“I’ve been making a dried portobello powder from scratch in my restaurants for years, but now I skip that step at home and use the Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend.”

-Christopher Gross, Geordie’s, Phoenix

Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip

“With some fresh vegetables, the Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip is the perfect healthy snack after a long shift.”

-Leigh Omilinsky, Bellemore, Chicago

¡Mango! ¡Mango! Fruit & Yogurt Gummy Candies

“I can inhale a bag of the ¡Mango! ¡Mango! Fruit & Yogurt Gummy Candies in one sitting.”

-Natalie Saben, Pacific Standard Time, Chicago

Mirepoix

“I use the Mirepoix (prechopped carrots, onions and celery) to get a slow-cooker soup going or prepare a Bolognese.”

-Jose Guerrero, ViewHouse Eatery, Bar & Rooftop, Denver

Chocolate Brooklyn Babka

“I love getting Trader Joe’s care packages from loved ones. I turn the Chocolate Brooklyn Babka into French toast.”

-Lisa Marie White, Thompson, Nashville

Cauliflower Gnocchi

“I sauté the Cauliflower Gnocchi in oil and butter. When the butter browns a bit, I add a squeeze of lemon juice, freshly grated parmesan and flaked sea salt.”

-Tyler Anderson, Millwright’s Restaurant and Tavern, Simsbury, CT

Super Seed & Ancient Grain Blend

“I top smoothies and oatmeal with the Super Seed & Ancient Grain Blend. It looks like earthy sprinkles!”

-Molly Yeh, host of Girl Meets Farm