Lex Eats Trader Joe's Ride or Dies

Y’all know I’m a Trader Joe’s enthusiast. I often share my hauls on Instagram Stories, but I’ve never done a list of all my favorites in one place. So here are my very, very favorites. These are the things I buy time and time again, that come the apocalypse, my pantry/freezer will be stocked with. I’ve included a full list, and then gone into more detail of each item below.

Trader Joe’s Produce

I don’t buy a ton of produce from Trader Joe’s, but do have a few things I typically pick up when I’m there.

Bananas: At only $.19 a piece, they’re the cheapest of any grocery store
Teeny Tiny Avocados: These avocados are slightly smaller than regular avocados, making them a better serving size. I buy a bag and keep them in the fridge. Pull out one at a time so they don’t all turn ripe at once.
Cruciferous Crunch: The salad/slaw blend includes kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli and cabbage. It’s great in salads, stir fry or even roasted on its own.
Mini Peppers: I love mini peppers for snacks or to add recipes throughout the week when you don’t need a whole bell pepper. I’ve found them cheapest at Trader Joe’s.

Trader Joe’s Meat

I also don’t regularly buy a ton of meat from Trader Joe’s, but have two items I consistently add to my cart.

Chicken Sausage: I love this chicken sausage for dinner in a pinch. It’s pre-cooked so takes no time to heat up and they have several different flavors.
Pastrami Smoked Salmon: This smoked salmon is so good and affordable for smoked salmon! I add it to crisp bread with avocado and everything bagel seasoning.

Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods

This is where TJ’s really shines. My freezer is always stocked with these items.

Cauliflower Fried Rice: A good low carb option.
Cauliflower Gnocchi: Honestly, I think it tastes just as good as regular gnocchi. I recommend pan-frying it, not boiling.
Cauliflower Mash: Alll the cauliflower. I serve this with shrimp for a low carb version of shrimp and grits.
Vegetable Fried Rice: The good carbs 🙂 We eat it with some chicken or shrimp or sometimes just scrambled egg.
Argentinian Shrimp: This shrimp is great quality and only $9.99 a pound.
Chili Lime Chicken Burgers: Another great dinner in a pinch. You just broil the burger patties and can cook them from frozen.
Organic Brown Rice: A box comes with three bags that you microwave for 90 seconds and boom, have cooked rice.

Trader Joe’s Condiments & Spices etc.

My pantry is full of TJ’s cooking oils, sauces etc. I’ve found they have great prices on good staple items, and some fun things you can’t find anywhere else.

Everything but the Bagel Seasoning: This is a no-brainer. You can find it at other grocery stores now, but Trader Joe’s was the og.
Chili Lime Seasoning: I love this stuff on chicken, fish and veggies.
Organic Coconut Aminos: I use this in place of soy sauce, and $2.99 for organic is a great deal.
Organic Coconut Oil: Another great organic find for only $4.99. I use coconut oil for stir frys and other Asian dishes.
Coconut Oil Spray: I feel like this is healthier than other sprays and I’ve never seen it at other grocery stores.
Green Goddess Salad Dressing: This dressing is actually in the produce section. It’s super light and full of fresh herbs.
Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup: Pair with a grilled cheese for an ideal dinner.
Organic Tomato Basil Marinara: I literally always have this in my pantry. It has no sugar added and is only $2.49
Salsa Authentica: A $1.99 buy you should always have!
Organic Earl Grey Tea: I am a tea connoisseur and can say this is my favorite store brand earl grey tea. It’s only $2.49 a box which is great for organic.

Trader Joe’s Snacks

Oven-Baked Cheese Bites: These crispy cheese bites only have 1 carb.
Organic Air-Popped Popcorn: I keep this around for a healthier snack.
Just a Handful of Pitted Manzanilla Olives: These little packs of olives are perfect for a snack on the go. I keep them at my desk for low carb days.
Scandinavian Crisp Bread: These crisp crackers are another favorite for low carb.
Dark Chocolate Peanut/Almond Butter Cups: Dave and I both love these things. He’s partial to the peanut butter ones, but I prefer almond.