Within the last semester, a great change has taken over me…I’ve started grocery shopping (for things besides protein bars and string cheese). I found out there was a Trader Joe’s just 15 minutes from SLU’s campus, and I’ve become, for lack of a better term, a Trader Joe Hoe. A Trader Hoe, if you will.
The last few times I’ve been to Trader Joe’s, I’ve gone with my friend Leah, a seasoned veteran of Trader Joe’s. Together, we’ve found the absolute hits that we feel everybody needs to try. Pull out your notepad and pen, and get your reusable bag ready, because your shopping list is ready for you right here.
1. Soft and Juicy Dried Mango
Truly the beginning of my Trader Joe’s obsession, these mango slices make a great sweet option for on-the-go snacking, or even a treat to munch on while watching TV. For just $1.99, you can treat yourself to a six-ounce bag; theoretically, these should last a few days, at least. However, it’s probably a safe bet to stock up on a few bags at once because these things are addictive. Since the dried mango is sweetened, it’s not quite as healthy as I like to pretend it is. But, hey, it’s still fruit! That counts for something, right?
2. Roasted Plantain Chips
These plantain chips are truly a cult classic. While I’m not entirely sure what a plantain is (looks like a banana, treated like a potato? I’m unsure and a little weirded out), these little chips make for a great potato chip alternative. Since they’re roasted, I don’t find them too greasy as I usually do with the typical fried chip. These plantain chips are pretty filling for being such little guys, and they even last me a little longer than the mango does, despite both being sold in six-ounce increments. For $1.69, these are a must-buy on your next trip.
3. Mini Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Full disclosure, I’ve only bought these once, but that’s because I cannot contain myself around chocolate (especially when there’s peanut butter involved). To make it even worse, when I say I bought these, I bought these as a gift. That’s right, I ate half of my girlfriend’s Christmas present; these are that good. These aren’t your average Reece’s PBC size, as the word “mini” implies; they’re absolutely tiny and absolutely perfect in ratio. At $3.49, these lil guys are perfect for adding to shakes or for shoving handful after handful straight into your mouth.
4. Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream
So, think of cookie butter. Combine that with vanilla ice cream. That’s what we’re dealing with here. I have yet to try this ice cream because it falls under my “eat all of it in five minutes” category, but, according to seasoned vet Leah, this is the ice cream is crazy addicting – be careful! For $4.99 a quart, this is perfect for stocking the freezer with.
5. BBQ Chicken Teriyaki
This has been described to me as the dieter’s best friend. Legend has it you can eat an entire family size container (priced at $4.99) in one sitting and it will still be considered “diet friendly.” While not a big fan of dieting, I am a big fan of teriyaki chicken. Trader Joe’s also has an impressive Mandarin Chicken of the same line, and they also have chicken-less vegetarian options that are equally as tasty. Pair this with Trader Joe’s fried rice, and you’ve got yourself a full meal.
6. Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
Everyone loves a good spinach dip, and this is one of the best (and most health-conscious) spinach dips around. Paired with crunchy veggies or a multi-grain crisp, this dip is great for a light snacking or bringing in bulk as an easy appetizer to a get-together. My only complaint with this dip is how fresh it is; fresh? A good thing. So fresh you can’t finish it before the expiration date? Not as great. If you’re committed to it, though, this is a great choice for just $3.99.
7. Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
“I could easily go off on this in a graphic way,” is a direct quote from Leah. However, we’ll keep it PG and tell you that this is the perfect seasoning for vegetables, eggs, toast, pretty much everything you would typically season with salt and pepper, this is perfect for. A new cabinet staple! If you could only buy one thing on your next Trader Joe’s visit, this should be it.