
The Ultimate Trader Joe's Shopping List: 14 Must-Have Items That Don't Miss

There are very few grocery stores that spark the kind of joy and excitement quite like Trader Joe’s. Depending on your location, making a casual stop at Trader Joe’s throughout the week has become synonymous with errands that count as a “me-day.” Their pocket-friendly selection, friendly environment, and seasonal rotations have a way of making your grocery shopping experience feel less like a chore and more like an experience worth sharing.
Online, it’s hard not to find yourself down a rabbit hole of Trader Joe’s hauls that feature the latest staple items to add to your cart. Because there’s always something new down every aisle, you never know what new goodies you’re gonna leave with. And to help, we've rounded up the latest staple items to pick up during your next Trader Joe's trip!
Happy shopping!
1.Trader Joe's Steamed Chicken and Ginger Soup Dumplings
These savory dumplings are made of juicy chicken and ginger, with a spicy kick. The soup inside delivers a flavorful surprise when you bite in and make for a warm, convenient snack full of umami flavors.
2.Garlic Indian Style Flatbread
Packed with the delicious taste of garlic, this buttery bread pairs perfectly with butter chicken, tikka masala, and other Indian dishes.
3.Seasoned Corn Ribs
Don’t judge them for how they look, because these quirky corn ribs deliver on taste. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and a dash of Tajin for a complete elote dish.
4.Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread
Cheesy and spicy—who can ask for a better combination in their carbs? Pull at the sides of cheddar cheese and jalapeños bread for a little touch of heat.
5.Brookie
This modern spin on a brownie and cookie has left the internet asking for more. It’s the perfect chocolatey, chewy, and sweet treat that you just might finish in one sitting (but who’s judging?)
6.Roasted Garlic & Pesto Pizza with Deep Fried Crust
Bring a slice of Italy into your home with this deep-fried crust. The roasted garlic and touch of pesto deliver a fresh and herby flavor.
7.Unsweetened Organic Açaí Puree Packets
These Açaí Puree Packets are the perfect breakfast or snack for women on the go. Add some slices of banana, sprinkles of granola, and your choice of chia or flax seeds for full satisfaction.
8.Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice
Don’t walk, run to the freezer section and grab Trader Joe's Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice. The rich and creamy tomato-based sauce is flavored with a blend of traditional Indian spices and pairs perfectly with Basmati rice.
9.Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons
Great things come in small packages and these mini wontons are no exception. Boil, fry, or steam them and serve with a dipping sauce to satisfy your cravings.
10.Stir Fried Garlicky Cabbage
We’re currently obsessed with this flavorful side dish from TJ’s. Pair with rice, dumplings, or potstickers—the options are endless.
11.Gluten Free Breaded Shrimp
This one’s for the gluten-free ladies out there; we’ve found these crispy, tender, breaded shrimp with all the flavor, minus the bloating.
12.Mini Chicken Tacos
Mini chicken tacos are a delicious and popular snack or appetizer that can be enjoyed for a snack, lunch, or dinner. Grab these small but flavor-packed mini tacos and smother them with your choice of cheese, salsa, guacamole, and/or sour cream.
13.Tumeric Ginger Coconut Beverage
Tumeric and ginger are just two reasons to pick up this Ayurvedic beverage on your next Trader Joe's run. If you're looking for a beverage that is on the sweeter side but also healthy, the Tumeric Ginger Coconut Beverage is an absolute must-have.
14.Mac and Cheese Bites
We can promise that you’ll love these, but we can’t promise you’ll be able to put them down. These cheesy, bite-size poppers prove that everything is better deep-fried.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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There’s caviar, and then there’s Black-owned caviar. With the recent explosion of #CaviarTikTok, this luxury delicacy seems to be everywhere these days. I can’t scroll through my feed without seeing our favorite celebs and influencers diving headfirst into extravagant caviar spreads.
From Rihanna pairing her caviar with chicken nuggets (I wonder if our Fenty queen shares with RZA and Riot Rose or if this is just for mama) to Bethenny Frankel educating us on caviar with her series "Caviar University," there’s just no escaping it.
And let’s not forget the elite king himself, DeAndre Brown, indulging in fried chicken and caviar! From videos with caviar-topped burgers, potato latkes, deviled eggs, and pasta dishes—folks are topping everything with caviar. Yet, I had not come across any Black-owned caviar brands until I discovered Caviar Dream.
My Introduction Into Caviar
I started off eating caviar in undergrad on top of sushi, exploring with a variety of roe and tobiko but as an adult, I knew I was ready to try something a little more refined. The first time I fell in love with caviar was in grad school at a southern Italian restaurant in Flatiron.
I tried an appetizer that featured caviar on bruschetta, served with thick garlic bread and burrata cheese, and from that moment, I was hooked. That has become my favorite way to enjoy caviar next to this filet mignon crostini appetizer that I served recently at a dinner party.
Everything You Need To Know About Caviar Dream
Caviar Dream is the first nationally distributed Black and woman-owned caviar business, redefining how people experience caviar. Founded by Kendra Anderson, a Chicago based chef and sommelier, the company’s mission is to make caviar more accessible and inclusive, breaking down barriers and demystifying this delicacy.
@caviardreamkendra so you’ve got your Caviar Dream…now what to eat it with? i’ve probably had cavi with just about anything you can imagine at this point {topped some fried cheese curds with my California White a few months ago and it was 💥} but i gotta say that i have some on my scrambled eggs every week 😌 no need to get fancy — just scramble your eggs however you usually do and scoop that cavi right on top 🤤 you can upgrade from there in a few ways: ✨ add a dollop of crème frâiche {see my previous video for a 30 second make-at-home recipe} ✨ sprinkle some chopped chives or green onions on top ✨ put the whole caviar / scrambled egg situation on a toasted + buttered bagel, croissant or onion bun! p.s.: i love our Smoked Trout Roe with scrambled eggs too 💖 if you try any of these combos, let me know what you think! 🩵💭✨👩🏽🍳 #CaviarDream #caviarforthepeople #putsomecaviaronit #caviar #caviartok #fyp #caviarparty #caviarnight #affordableluxury #chicagotiktok #homecooking #galentines #valentinesday #tiktokuniversity #cooking #easyrecipe #caviar101
What Caviar I Tried
Caviar Dream Kaluga Hybrid ($105-$420 depending on the ounce)
How I Experienced The Caviar:
For this review, I opted for a more traditional approach by pairing Caviar Dream's Kaluga Hybrid with crème fraîche, blinis, and my favorite Black-owned champagne, Le KOOL Champagne by Robert Kool Bell.
My Honest Review:
I do not say this lightly - this was by far the best caviar I’ve ever had in my life. It was buttery, had no aftertaste, and truly felt as luxurious as it looked.
Prior to this, my favorite caviar was Imperial Caviar. I’ve tried many brands, from well-known to affordable, while recreating my favorite decadent appetizers at home or enjoying caviar bumps at parties with my friends and they were my favorite until now.
Caviar Dream boasts that chefs are obsessed with this versatile hybrid, which tastes more expensive than it actually is—and they were right. This buttery caviar would pair well with any recipe, especially if you’re looking to impress someone or even treat yourself.
As a Black woman, a business owner, and someone who understands that an extension of financial wellness is circulating our dollars, I recognize the importance of incorporating Black-owned businesses throughout every aspect of my life. From my skincare to my favorite sustainable wine, my bank, and even indulgent experiences like caviar, it matters.
As we celebrate culinary innovation and expand our palates, let’s also take the extra step to support Black-owned businesses while doing it. So the next time you’re tempted by the allure of caviar, order from Caviar Dream—it just might become your new favorite.
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