I can remember when the first Trader Joe’s store opened in my neighborhood. People were waiting in a line wrapped around the building, excited to get their hands on the products they’d heard about but never tried. That was over 20 years ago, and yet the store remains just as popular today, with loyal shoppers picking up their favorite items on a weekly and sometimes daily basis. In a recent Inside Trader Joe’s podcast episode, JayJay, a store “captain” (TJ’s lingo for store manager) in Studio City, California, chats with customers to see what’s in their carts.
Mushroom and Black Truffle Flatbread
Frozen pizza is a staple in many households, and there are some pretty good ones out there, but Trader Joe’s Mushroom and Black Truffle Flatbread is one of the best, at least according to some shoppers. With ingredients “sourced straight from Italy,” this flatbread packs big umami flavor thanks to the truffles, wild mushrooms and blend of mozzarella cheeses. One shopper interviewed for the podcast raves, “We make them two at a time because it goes so fast.”
Organic Free Range Chicken
If you’re in need of chicken for tonight’s dinner, grab some at Trader Joe’s. Specifically, their organic chicken, which one shopper interviewed for the podcast proclaims is “the best thing in the store”. According to their website, Trader Joe’s organic chicken breasts are sourced exclusively for the brand from family farms from chickens fed only a vegetarian diet. Next time you’re there, pick up a package and use it to make our Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry.
Chili Lime-Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
If you’re looking for a spicy snack packed with crunch, Trader Joe’s Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips has a bit of a fan following. In the podcast, one customer admitted that when his local store was out of them, he rode his bike to another location to find them, and picked up five bags (and he ate all of them that night). The chips are made from stone ground corn masa, are gluten-free and ultra-crunchy, thanks to how they’re cut and rolled. They’re spicy, tangy and delicious enough to warrant buying five bags at a time.
Pico de Gallo Salsa
Making homemade pico do gallo takes a bit of time, so we like that Trader Joe’s has a version that’s ready to eat. It’s made in the “classic style,” according to the website, “with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro and lemon juice.” It’s great for snacking, says one shopper, and can be enjoyed with tortilla chips or added to other dishes to boost flavor. Try it in tacos or as a topping for grilled fish.
Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack
Another favorite snack, according to the same shopper who loved the pico de gallo, are the Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snacks. “Open the bag, [and] it’s gone,” JayJay says. We get it! That super crispy, umami-bursting roasted seaweed is an intriguing food that keeps getting better with each bite. According to Trader Joe’s, the snack is made in Thailand and created by taking sheets of nori and dipping them in tempura batter before frying them until crisp. The final touch is a dusting of togarashi-inspired seasoning, which brings the heat in the best way.
Mandarin Orange Chicken
A long-time favorite, Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is a delicious option for a quick, weeknight dinner. One shopper says, “My kids love the orange chicken,” and added that they often see people gathered around it in the freezer aisle. The tender chicken pieces are perfectly breaded and drenched in the most delicious orange sauce that’s the right balance of sweet and spicy. Serve it with your favorite whole grain and green vegetable for a complete and satisfying meal.
Fig Butter
One of the fun things about Trader Joe’s is their selection of jams, jellies and spreads. Yes, they can be used on toast, but thanks to their unique flavors, they’re fun to play with too. When asked about their favorite holiday item, one customer said it was Trader Joe’s Fig Butter, and JayJay shared the great news that it’s available all year long. Pick up a jar and slather it on bread, use it as a base for pizza, or stir it into winter soups and stews for a hint of earthy sweetness.
