25 Products to Buy if You’re a Trader Joe’s Newbie

Stepping into Trader Joe’s for the first time can be like entering a whole new world of food. With aisles full of unique products and exciting flavors, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. But don’t worry! This guide will highlight 25 products to buy if you’re a Trader Joe’s newbie! With these products, you’ll be a seasoned pro in no time!

Have you joined our awesome Trader Joe’s Facebook community yet?? If not, join here! We share recipes, hacks, and all the latest and greatest from Trader Joe’s!

1. Pizza Crust

These are on my list every single week! They come in a two-pack and are PERFECT for quick “make your own pizza” night like this Easy Trader Joe’s Pizza with Balsamic Glaze.

2. Grilled Chicken Strips

Another weekly must-buy for lunch salads, quick wraps and anywhere you need a (quick) punch of protein! They are so easy to heat in the microwave or even in the air fryer.

Use them to make these insanely yummy Trader Joe’s Chicken Ranch Wraps or these chicken, bacon ranch sliders!

3. Frozen Rice

Three minutes and you’ve got perfect rice every time. We love all the varieties — especially the Spanish-inspired one!

Serve Jasmine rice with this Easy Trader Joe’s Egg Roll Bowl.

4. Frozen Hash Browns

Everyone loves these hashbrowns – they are just perfectly crisp and delicious! The air fryer is the way to go when cooking these guys!

5. Beef Bulgogi

SO FLIPPING yummy! This Beef Bulgogi is easy to cook (from frozen) and perfect to make these easy Beef Bulgogi Bowls or these Bulgogi “Tacos!”

6. Chicken Sausages

I LOVE that most of their pre-cooked sausages are chicken vs. pork. I use chicken apple for everything, and it’s even great as breakfast sausage. The Smoked Andouille is perfect in a hearty, spicy stew like this Texas Cowboy Stew and the Smoked Apple Chardonnay make an amazing fried rice!

7. Frozen Garlic

I cannot STAND jarred garlic, especially when it’s packed in oil and preservatives. I also can’t stand chopping garlic! Enter Trader Joe’s frozen crushed garlic. I won’t lie, it’s not as flavorful as freshly chopped garlic however, if you use a little more than you think you need, it does the job!

8. Mac and Cheese (red box!!)

This mac and cheese is so good I’ve served it for holiday dinners! It’s rich, and ohhhh so creamyyyyy! Just how I love my mac and cheese! It’s a great little side dish that’s ready in 5 minutes.

9. Aglio Olio Seasoning

Ok, I put this Aglio Olio seasoning on EVERYTHING but it’s especially good in pasta (like this Olive Tapenade Pasta), sprinkled on pizza, or on avocado toast!

Here are 30 Ways to Use Trader Joe’s Aglio Olio Seasoning!

10. Elote Corn Chip Dippers

“Dippers” is a bit misleading… you don’t NEED to dip these chips in anything! They are perfectly seasoned with elote spice and great on their own or crumbled into tacos, burritos, or crushed over the top of salads!

My favorite way to use them? This Elote Echilada Skillet!!

11. Unexpected Cheddar

My favorite charcuterie board and snacking cheese ever! It’s perfectly sharp without being overpowering. The Unexpected Cheddar spread is incredible, too and makes the most incredible mac and cheese!

13. Shawarma Chicken

I’m not a fan of all of Trader Joe’s pre-marinated meats, but these Shawarma Chicken Thighs are legit! The best way to cook them is in the air fryer, but they are also simple to make on the stove or in the oven. They make the best easy chicken bowl!

14. Smoked Pulled Chicken

This pulled chicken has so much flavor and it’s just heat and eat! Great piled onto buns with a little BBQ sauce and cole slaw!

15. Galicky Pasta

The problem with this product is, you’lll need 2-3 bags for a family of 4 because everyone devours it. You can totally enjoy it on its own or as a side dish, but these simple ingredients below make the most incredible Garlicky Pasta with Chicken and Asparagus!

16. Crunchy Chili Onion

If you like spice, you will be buying this Crunchy Chili Onion every week! It’s great in Asian dishes but don’t hesitate to add a spoonful whenever you need a little flavorful spice!

17. Jalapeno Sauce

I’m a big sauce girl, and this creamy jalapeno sauce is one of my favorite TJ’s products. It’s spicy but not overwhelming and the flavor is divine! I love it over eggs or tacos 🙂

18. Gluten Free Muffins

I am not g-free by any means, but I continue to buy these muffins week after week because they are darn good! They usually always have these Cinnamon Coffee Cake ones, but they also change seasonally.

My favorite are the strawberry ones in the summer!

19. Mini Sheet Cakes

Oh, sooooo good! People RAVE about these cakes–and with good reason! Like the muffins, the cake flavors get swapped out seasonally but I have never had one I didn’t LOVE.

20. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are dreamy but on a busy weeknight, who has time?? These frozen mashed potatoes come in little discs and all you do is heat and eat! Such a timesaver for dishes like this Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes!

21. Thai Wheat Noodles

I hope these never go away because they are delish and a fraction of the cost of fresh Udon noodles at the regular grocery store! Try this delicious Thai Wheat Noodle Stir Fry!

23. Orange Chicken

I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention the orange chicken! I always have 1-2 packages in the freezer for “those (crazy) nights!” Serve with the microwave Jasmine rice packets!

24. Flowers

I will never buy flowers anywhere else!! They are seasonal, always beautiful and so well-priced! Check out the best Trader Joe’s flowers by season and this quick and easy DIY floral arrangement!

25. Cards

For $1, it’s the best deal in town! Stock up on cards for all occasions so you never have to buy a $6 card again!