

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!
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Everything Kerry Washington Has Said About Her Husband Nnamdi Asomugha
Actress Kerry Washington and her relationship with her husband, actor Nnamdi Asomugha, is the perfect example of a winning team.
The pair became an item following a chance encounter in 2009, and many years later, on June 24, 2013, Washington and Asomugha would secretly tie the knot. Since then, the high-profile couple has expanded their blended family by welcoming two children, a daughter Isabelle Asomugha, 8, and a 6-year-old son Caleb Asomugha. Asomugha also has a daughter from a previous relationship.
Despite Washington and Asomugha choosing to live a relatively private life for the most part by not sharing images of their family on social media and occasionally attending events together. The rare glimpses they provide to the public showcase that Washington and Asomugha have much in common regarding essential topics.
For example, Washington is highly involved in politics and encourages others to participate by spreading information about various issues and how everyone would be affected.
As for Asomugha, the 41-year-old officially founded the Asomugha Foundation in 2010, years after doing other charity work in Nigeria. According to its site, the organization was created to help "disadvantaged youth and women by providing educational opportunities and mentorship."
Washington's public remarks regarding her relationship with Asomugha and their family may be rare, but when she does speak about their family, it's all positive.
Kerry On Why She Keeps Her Relationship Private
Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Bronx Children's Museum
In March 2016, the UnPrisioned actress revealed during a discussion panel at SXSW Festival that one of the reasons why she is adamant about remaining private about her union with Asomugha is because she doesn't want the public to make any narratives regarding her marriage.
At the time, it was reported that Washington and the former NFL player were experiencing marital troubles and were allegedly planning on getting a divorce. Washington would shut down those allegations by saying she hasn't and will not share any information about her private life.
"Social media has actually been great for [other celebrities'] relationships with the weeklies or the gossip sites because people say things and they say, 'That's not true!' So I'm thinking in some ways, it's been great because people are able to maintain their voice," she explained.
"It's a little different for me because I don't talk about my personal life. That means not only did I not tell you when I was getting married, it also means if somebody has rumors about what's going on in my marriage, I don't refute them, because I don't talk about my personal life."
Kerry On How She Met Nnamdi And What A Normal Day Looks Like for Their Family
Fast forward to October 2018, the Scandal star gave insight into how she met Asomugha and their family life. During an interview with Marie Claire, Washington shared that she and Asomugha met in 2009 while she was working on the Broadway play Race.
The mother of two told the publication that her life has "completely transformed" since their encounter. "The last time I did theater, it completely transformed my life. That's where I met my husband. I love being with my family. My days off look like homework, reading, and watching stuff. Just hanging out, doing things we love to do," she stated.
Kerry On Nnamdi's Accomplishment
Photo by Jeffrey Camarati/Getty Images
But as time progressed, Washington began speaking a little more openly about her man. In October 2022, Washington gushed over Asomugha and his Netflix project, The Good Nurse, which came out around the same time her film, The School for Good and Evil, was released. While talking to Entertainment Tonight, the star expressed how "proud" she was of her husband.
"I'm really proud of him, I think he's doing amazing work. I'm really excited for his film, The Good Nurse," she said. "It's really exciting to both have really important films at Netflix right now, we feel really blessed.”
Kerry On Why Nnamdi Is Her Soulmate
Washington shared how her love with Asomugha goes beyond the surface after spending over a decade together.
In a March 2023 interview with Marie Claire, Washington explained that she and Asomugha are perfectly aligned because she's allowed to be her authentic self with him.
"I'm in my immediate truth with [him]," Washington said. "Those mirrors are important because they help me get back to myself."
Kerry On The Couple's Upcoming 10-Year Wedding Anniversary
Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
That same month, Washington expressed that in addition to the many years the couple has been together, and their personal and professional accomplishments, she still finds Asomugha "incredible."
Washington shared this revelation while promoting her latest project, UnPrisioned, in an Entertainment Tonight interview.
"I do have an incredible husband," the actress told ET host Kevin Frazier as she disclosed little to no details about their upcoming plans for their tenth wedding anniversary. "Do you remember how secret my wedding was? How private and secretive it was? That's how the anniversary is gonna be too!"
Kerry On Why She Thinks Nnamdi And Their Children Are A Gift From God
Washington's love and admiration for Asomugha and their family grow increasingly each day, so much so that she uses it as inspiration to share positive messages with her fans.
The 46-year-old revealed during a panel with Al Sharpton at National Action Network Convention on April 12 that she sees her husband and their children as "proof" that God exists and loves her because of the great joy they bring to her life.
"Well, you've met my husband, my husband's amazing. I got a good one. We have three beautiful children. And I think, you know, when I look at my marriage, and I look at my kids, fundamentally, they are proof of God to me,” she said. "Because I know that God loves me to have put those people in my life. And that sense of like, knowing that God loves me. That, to me, is so much of how I make the decisions about the activism that I do and the content that I make."
Regardless of what the public may think about Washington and Asomugha's private union, they are proving with each moment that love can conquer all.
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Feature image by Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue