I lived for a year on Trader Joe’s. Not in a tragic way. In a “I just bought a house and was renovating it and could not cook in my own kitchen” way. What I learned is that there are about 25 items at TJ’s that hold up to being bought every single week. For me, the rest of the store is rotation, novelty, and the occasional purchase. The 25 are the actual reason I still go each week, even now that my kitchen is finished.

This is the list of my Trader Joe’s must have items. The cart that fills itself.

For more of my fave Trader Joe’s products, check out: The Best Trader Joe’s Summer BBQ Products, The Best New Trader Joe’s Products and The Best Trader Joe’s Wines Under $15.

Trader Joe’s Must Have Items

How I Shop Trader Joe’s

Three rules.

1. I have a grocery list, and I do not wander (usually). The wandering is how you end up with $100 of seasonal pumpkin items in October.

2. Buy two of anything you love that has the word “limited” anywhere on the package. They do not come back on a schedule. The cinnamon roll lip balm taught me this.

3. The freezer aisle has the highest hit rate at the store. Most things in the freezer are good. Most things at the regular checkout shelves are noise.

Trader Joe’s Must Have Items

Pantry Items

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (the Italian one). $7 for a bottle that holds its own against $25 imports. The everyday cooking oil.

Brioche Toasts. My fave crackers. Pair with any cheese. Disappear at parties.

Coconut Oil. For cooking, for skin.

Crunchy Salted Peanut Butter. My fave peanut butter.

Organic Chicken Broth. I use this broth for soups, making orzo, and as the base of sauces.

Trader Joe’s Must Have Items

Cheese & Dairy

Greek Non-Fat Yogurt. Thick. Tangy. The Fage dupe at half the price.

Goat Cheese Log with Honey. $3.29. A crowd-pleaser that takes zero effort. Great with the Brioche toasts for quick entertaining.

Unexpected Cheddar. The Cabot dupe. Sharper than expected. Melts beautifully.

Organic Buttery Plant-Based Spread. A plant-based butter that tastes just as good as the real thing.

Trader Joe’s Must Have Items

Frozen Items

Mandarin Orange Chicken. The internet says this is the most-purchased item at TJ’s. The internet is right.

Cauliflower Gnocchi. The viral one. Holds up. Pan-sear, do not boil.

Organic Wild Blueberries. For smoothies, for oatmeal, for eating out of the bag.

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Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings. Tasty, and a perfect late-night snack.

Trader Joe’s Must Have Items

Snacks

Sweet & Spicy Rice Cracker Mix. Perfect mix of crunchy, sweet, and spicy.

Dark Chocolate Mini Pretzels. My guilty pleasure.

Roasted & Salted Rosemary Marcona Almonds. A very elevated snack that is also great for hosting.

Just Mango Slices. (the dried one). Totally addicting.

Chocolate Chip Energy Bar. My go-to afternoon pick-me-up or fuel for a hike.

Trader Joe’s Must-Have Items

Produce & Beverages 

Organic Baby Red Butter Lettuce & Baby Arugula. Pre-washed greens mix that holds up for five days in the fridge.

Stir Fry Veggie Blend. I just add a sauce and protein, and you have a super simple and healthy meal.

Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate. Gotta have my cold brew in the morning.

Organic Energy Juice Shot. Before my coffee, or for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Trader Joe’s Must-Have Items

Beauty & Household

Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40. Must have. $9. The dupe of the $42 Supergoop! Unseen. I covered this in detail in my full Trader Joe’s beauty roundup.

Flowers. I always get 3 bunches of the same flower, always under $20, always last a week or more. The single best reason TJ’s beats Whole Foods.

Neroli Blossson Scented Hand Soap. This is my new favorite hand soap, and it also comes in a room spray and surface cleaner. But it’s a limited release, so buy 3!

Laundry Detergent Sheets. I’ve switched over to these smart detergent sheets.

Trader Joe’s Must-Have Items

What I Stopped Buying 

A short list, just for honesty.

The Cookie Butter. I know it is iconic. I think it is too sweet.

The Frozen Mac and Cheese. Mediocre. Skip it.

Most of the salad dressings. The bottles photograph well. The contents are fine. I make my own.

Seasonal chips in odd flavors. 

Best Trader JOE’S SUMMER BBQ PRODUCTS

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Bought Trader Joe’s item, full stop?
Mandarin Orange Chicken. Has held the title for years.

Best Trader Joe’s Hostess Gift Under $10?
The Truffle Marinated Mozzarella plus a great box of brioche toasts. Done.

Most Overrated Trader Joe’s Item?
Cookie Butter. Fight me.

Best Trader Joe’s Beauty Item?
See all my picks: The 25 Best Trader Joe’s Skincare and Beauty Products