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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!
These Newlyweds Found Love Thanks To A Friend Playing Matchmaker
How We Met is a series where xoNecole talks love and relationships with real-life couples. We learn how they met, how like turned into love, and how they make their love work.
Jason and Elise Robinson’s union is a reminder that kind people still get their happily ever after. The pair had their first date in October of 2021 and tied the knot on June 15, 2024. Both of them have dedicated their lives to celebrating and supporting Black culture so it was only fitting they get married in what's considered the Black Hollywood of America during the Juneteenth celebration weekend. From the florists to Elise and Jason's gown and suit designers to the table signage and so much more, everything was Black-owned. It's no wonder their love for Black culture was the jumping-off point for their love story.
When they met, Jason had just moved to Atlanta for a new job opportunity, and Elise was living happily in her career and had put dating on the backburner. But luckily, a mutual connection saw something in both of them and thanks to a yoga-themed baby shower and a chance text message, they found their forever. Check out their beautiful How We Met story below.
I’ll start with the easiest question. Can you both tell me a little bit about yourself and your background?
Elise: Sure, my name is Elise. I’m actually from Atlanta, GA – not a transplant. I grew up here and left right after college to pursue my career. Now I’ve been back going on eight years, and I’m in my early 40s.
Jason: And I’m Jason. I’m originally from Racine, Wisconsin. I went to school at Florida A&M University, so I am a rattler. I went back to the Midwest for a period of time, in Indianapolis. Now, I’ve been in the Atlanta area for a little over two and a half years.
Jason and Elise Robinson
Photo by FotosbyFola
Wow, that’s nice because Atlanta gets a bad rap when it comes to relationships. So you have to give us the deets. How did you two find each other?
Elise: So I work in TV and I was on-air for a number of years and then transitioned into being a producer and then a manager. As a producer, I’d always have guests on. And there was a woman who came on frequently named Rosalynn (@Rosalynndaniels, often referred to as The Black Martha Stewart), and we connected instantly. Anyway, she got pregnant right before COVID and invited me to a “modern-day yoga baby shower.” I came to support, but was also just curious about that theme.
I had an amazing time. And when it was over a few of us stuck around and convos got personal. She ended up asking me the infamous ‘Are you dating’ question. When I told her no, she decided to set me up. So I should tell you, in both of my only two serious relationships, I was set up – so I was like no.
But she pointed at her husband, who was folding up chairs, and said that another friend set her up with him. Sometimes, it takes people outside of us to see what we need. A few months later, she reached out and said she had family relocating and thought I’d really like him. So she gave him my number, and I reached out with a text. He responded with a call, and that night, we talked for about 2-3 hours. So that’s how we met. I was a little nervous because me and Rosalynn were starting a friendship, and here I was, talking to her family!
Jason: It was new for me too. Remember, I was new to the area, and I had heard so many “stories” about how people have been done wrong in the dating world. Whether it’s by theft or scamming (laughs). Plus, I had just got a new job and wanted to focus on that. But I did want to be able to date someone in a more personal way and see where it led. I felt like who better than someone who I trust to connect me. Rosalynn knows I’m private, about business life, and my personal life is important to me.
So let’s get into your courtship. What was your first date like?
Elise: We had our first convo on a Monday, and he asked me out the next day. I didn’t have any plans, but I still said no. I was just playing hard to get (laughs). But we were talking every day, and he told me he wanted to take me somewhere I’ve never been. And I’m like, you’re in my city! But he sends me three options, and sure enough, two of the places I hadn’t gone to. So, our first date was October 1, 2021, and somebody was 45 minutes late.
Now Jason, why were you 45 minutes late?
Elise: It was me – in my own city. I just got turned around, and the traffic was horrible. I kept calling him and giving him permission to leave. Full transparency: I probably wouldn’t have waited if the shoe was on the other foot. But this was my first sign of what I now know and love the most about him. It’s his patience. When I got there, I was frazzled and everything, but he was just super calm. It ended up being a great first date.
Jason: I remember just waiting and being concerned for her well-being. Because I know how traffic can be, especially when someone is rushing. I was just scrolling through my phone and looking through the menu. It was cool.
Elise and Jason Robinson
Courtesy
That’s beautiful. Now let’s talk about the “what are we” convo? Did you have one of those and if so, who initiated it and how was it?
Elise: I initiated it. Jason was dating me – and still does. But by this time, we had been on a number of dates. We were on our way to a winery, and we had a bit of a drive. So I decided to state my intention. We were just a few weeks in, but we were spending a lot of time together and we are people of a particular age. So I told him, I know Atlanta can be a Black man’s playground. There’s so many beautiful professional women here. But I’m dating with intention. I don’t want to kick it or hang with a good guy even though he’s not my person. I was done with all of that. So I’m “laying down the law” in my eyes, and he didn’t flinch. He let me finish and basically let me know we were on the same page. He was not trying to sow his royal oats.
Jason: Yeah, I was not trying to be Prince Akeem. But also, it was more so about setting a tone and goal for myself. My mama always told me to set my goals. And having a family was always one of mine. I think the biggest thing of it all, was I felt blessed – in terms of moving for work and meeting Elise, now being married. There’s victories being placed in my life.
I love that you both shared that because sometimes I get feedback on these stories and it seems like sometimes we’re afraid to really voice what we desire, no matter what that looks like.
Elise: Yeah, I think sometimes women feel like they don’t want to put pressure on their partner. But it’s not pressure. Look, Jason and I are based in faith, and what is for us is for us. Being upfront and honest is best – and early makes sense. You don’t have to convince someone to be your person.
Jason: I think her sharing those values resonated with me, and hearing her “lay down the law” was fine because I was there, too. I would say to millennial women, don’t be afraid to tell a mate what you want. You never know what that would lead to. Time is a precious commodity. Elise saying that early on showed me that she values both of our time. It showed her heart, character, and integrity, and I was drawn to that and the mature conversation. In the social media world, we don’t have those pointed conversations face-to-face. I would challenge readers to have those conversations in person, and you would get more from that convo than any post or reel. Because you see body language reactions and have deeper communication.
Yeah, I think sometimes women feel like they don’t want to put pressure on their partner. But it’s not pressure. Look, Jason and I are based in faith, and what is for us is for us. Being upfront and honest is best – and early makes sense. You don’t have to convince someone to be your person.
You both have mentioned time, family, and integrity. I’m curious what other core values do you both share?
Elise: Early on, our faith. Not just do you believe in God. It had to be deeper in that. I needed someone who would lead me, our home, and our family. I didn’t want to be in a push-and-pull relationship about prayer, church, or have conversations about being better people. Also, we discussed finances. That doesn’t just mean going to work. We chatted about ownership and what it looks like for us. How do we support each other individually and together? I know I like having my hands in a few different pots, and I needed someone who was supportive of that and likewise.
Jason: My background is that I was raised in the church. My father is a deacon and my mom is a deaconess. They've been married for 55 years. Faith was very important to me and it was crucial that my wife have that relationship as well.
Elise and Jason Robinson
Photo by FotosbyFola
Can we talk about challenges? Big or small, what are some things you had to grow through together?
Elise: I have never lived with anyone – not a roommate, a sister, friend, boyfriend or anything. Now, I’m in my 40s and I'm living with someone. When you’ve been by yourself for so long that was a challenge for both of us. We weren’t pulling each other's hair out but I’m a bit extreme. Things are color-coded in my closet. For me, working in news is chaotic so I want my home to be peaceful and organized.
Jason: I’m a man, and she’s a woman. That dynamic alone adds a flair to it. She wants things a certain way. She’s a Capricorn. But just in terms of how she wants to keep a home was a big adjustment for me. It took time.
On a smaller level, what are some of the things you disagree about day-to-day?
Elise: Cleanliness and systems. Like, he recycles and I do not. But sometimes I just have to decide if it really needs to be a thing or if I can just take care of it.
Jason: This is where my organization takes over (laughs).
What are your love languages? Do you know?
Elise: Jason’s is an act of service which works because I love cooking for him. It doesn’t feel like a chore to me. I love when I’m out, picking up his favorite juice. The other day I saw he needed t-shirts while folding clothes. So I just like doing small things for him that he doesn’t expect. He’s very much that guy that will ask to help so it doesn’t bother me.
Jason: I’d say Elise is all of them, but physical touch would probably be the biggest one. I had to get used to that. She’s taught me it in a number of ways. I remember we actually talked about love languages, and I sent her this song called “More Than Words” by Extreme. That explained to her how I felt.
Finally, can we end with the proposal? Tell us everything!
Jason: It was at a restaurant. And again, I was trying to find somewhere she hadn’t been. Also, I didn’t want to do it on our anniversary because that would have been too obvious. I contacted one of the restaurant’s staff and decided to change up the dessert menu. Each item was something special to us.
Elise: We go on so many date nights, so I just thought it was a regular night. We had finished eating, and I had to go to the bathroom. They had a nice mirror, girl. So I’m in there taking videos and stuff.
Jason: While she’s in the restroom, I’m getting everything in place with the waitress.
Elise: So as I’m reading the menu, I realize it’s telling our story and he eventually proposed. It was so special; I actually had the menu framed! It was so beautiful and thoughtful.
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Thinking About Joining The "Boy Sober" Movement? Here’s A Few Things To Consider.
Remember when dating was fun? Meeting strangers out on the subway, getting set up by your friends, matching with someone on a dating app, and going somewhere further than answering the incessant “WYD” text.
I do.
There was a time when I didn’t lament my dating life because it was just that: alive. It had a heartbeat, a rhythm. I knew that if I caught a vibe with a guy outside, he would at least lock my phone number in and set up a meet-cute in the days to follow. Now? Many singles like myself can attest to the dating landscape being close to a dumpster fire. From the ghosting to the mixed intentions, emotionless hookups, and tainted POVs caused by unfiltered social media discourse, it’s easy to understand our frustrations.
Blame it on the pandemic or the digital age we live in, but something is definitely in the water, and single women are begging the question of whether it’s better to opt out of the chaos entirely.
Enter the boy-sober movement.
The Boy-Sober Movement, Defined.
Coined by TikToker and comedian, Hope Woodard, the concept of being "boy sober" is a refreshing shift that isn't about swearing off men forever but rather taking a deliberate break from romantic entanglements to focus on oneself. As Woodard shared in her video explaining the concept, the rules are simple: “no dating apps,” “no dates, no exes,” “no situationships,” and “no hugs and kisses – etcetera.” As she puts it, “You’re not single if someone is taking up your brain space.”
If that description alone piqued your interest, you’re not alone.
A study conducted by Tinder showed that 72% of millennials are “making a conscious decision to be single for a period of time” as they “value their freedom and independence.” Additionally, 81% of those respondents reported that being single offers benefits extending beyond their romantic lives, such as forming new friendships, increasing dedication to their work, and having more time for personal wellness. This makes it clear why the boy-sober movement is resonating with so many fatigued daters.
@justhopinalong The official boysober rules lmk if you had questions or feedback
But taking a vow of dating sobriety didn’t just come out of the blue. I’ve found from conversations with close friends and social discourse that many women are trying to put in the effort to find “the one.” But due to a lack of suitable options, general frustration, less tolerance for nonsense, the reprioritization of valuable friendships over romantic partnerships, or overall fatigue from navigating dating apps, it’s safe to say the girls are tired.
“Women are fatigued by dating and are willing to give it a break because it hasn't been easy,” Monique Head, founder of the Feminine Influence Finishing School, tells xoNecole. “With all the early conversations, the meet-ups, the talking that leads nowhere or comes to nothing, getting her hopes up only to feel disappointed... it's exhausting. It's no wonder the boy-sober movement exists.”
Dating in and of itself is an act of vulnerability that can draw out insecurities and trigger fears of rejection and abandonment. Hinge’s 2024 D.A.T.E. (Data, Advice, Trends and Expertise) report states that Gen-Z daters cite fear of rejection as their top concern. While fear is a normal feeling brought on when forming connections with others, Head says that if it’s the top motivator for opting out of dating, consider, “Coming from a place of empowerment” when choosing to take an extended break from dating.
Still, many single women can attest to how being single and dating takes an emotional toll on one’s self-esteem. For some, this begs the question of whether the pursuit to find love and connection is truly worth the trouble. When these feelings come up, it could be a sign to take a step away from dating to reconnect with your needs and reevaluate your approach to your dating life.
With the right planning and support, taking a boy-sober stance can be a beneficial act to reset your dating life, free from outward and inner pressures. It’s not that you have to cut yourself off completely from the male species, it just means you move through your life without your single status and the thought of men at the forefront.
Ask yourself: How does it feel to be removed from stressful situationships? How do your mental space and heart feel when you detach from the constant longing and languishing for love? Dating is tough as it is, so setting clear intentions and defining why you're choosing this path can help you to jump back on the scene with ease once your leave of sobriety is over.
Prioritize activities that nurture your mind, body, and soul, like journaling and picking up on volunteer opportunities that allow you to explore new interests. Dive into hobbies or activities you've always wanted to try. This is your time to explore and expand your horizons, so consider surrounding yourself with supportive friends, a mentor, or a life coach who can provide a safe and supportive space for you along the journey.
Sobriety of any kind leads to more clarity. And if taking a few months or even a year away from dating can give you the space to get clear about your needs, build up your confidence, and step into the dating game with a renewed sense of optimism, take that time. But don’t stop flirting; continue making healthy connections, and allow yourself to put the fun back into your dating life.
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