6 Must-Haves from Trader Joe’s

Read on for my must-haves from Trader Joe’s. 

I’ve never thought about joining a cult but if Trader Joe’s started one, I’d join. In fact, I’d be a reigning leader and work to recruit others. Trader Joe’s is hands down one of my favorite places to grocery shop. I love the smaller feel and pop in weekly for my fresh fruits and vegetables. This isn’t even a sponsored post…but if someone from Trader Joe’s is reading…have your people call my people. Okay fine, I don’t have people. However speaking of people, they are one of the reasons why I love shopping here. Everyone who works at Trader Joe’s, no matter which location or position, is friendly, personable and has an interesting story to share. This makes a huge difference to me.

Weekly, I purchase fresh fruits and veggies from my local Trader Joe’s in West Hartford. My love affair started living in Boston with the Cambridge location. If you’re in Massachusetts you’re in for a treat, the Trader Joe’s wine section is ON POINT. Ever heard of Two Buck Chuck? Wow.

Fellow Momma’s I have two tips for you. First, treat yourself to a bouquet or two of flowers. A cheap and cheerful way to do something nice for yourself. I often choose Hydrangeas or sunflowers. When it’s peony season, I will FLOCK to TJ’s along with he rest of New England. Second, every Trader Joe’s has a hidden stuffed animal. In West Hartford, it’s a Husky Dog. When you child finds it, they get a lollipop. Ah, the power of distraction while Mom shops.

From their great bags of Organic Lemons to their pastas that I stock up on in every shape and size I can get my hands on as most are .99 cents,  here are 6 of my can’t live without items from Trader Joe’s that just make life in the kitchen better.

Every Trader Joe’s fan knows this list could go to 100+. I would love to hear your favorites in the comments below. For more details on what’s new and where to find your local Trader Joe’s click here .

1. Coconut Oil Spray 

If you are not yet on the coconut oil craze I have to ask…have you been hiding under a rock? I love this coconut oil cooking spray as it’s so light and sheer, it’s multifunctional. I can use it from the grill-pan to my Sunday bread baking routine. The flavor is mild enough that regardless of what you are cooking or baking, it seamlessly blends it self right in. 

2. Organic Creamy Tomato Soup

I am usually not a fan of store-bought soups for a number of reasons however this Creamy Tomato Soup can’t be beat. I always have it on hand in the winter. Grind over some freshly ground pepper, a few basil flakes or mounds of shredded cheddar cheese. It’s super flavorful and creamy. I often pack for lunch or when I get home late for a quick dinner. Grilled Cheese dipping approved.

3. Thyme Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

I love this mix of balsamic, olive oil, thyme and honey for so many reasons. It’s a staple in my pantry for marinading chicken, coating vegetables or even tossing in salads. A no-make marinade and dressing time saver that pleases a crowd and even a little one or two.

4. Lightly Salted Edamame

TJ’s Lightly Salted Edamame is a go-to snack for Bailey. We back it in her bento box for lunch, she eats it on road trips and home from after school. I prefer the Lightly Salted version but it also comes Unsalted. A fun and healthy snack.

5. Trader Giotto’s Glaze

Although making a balsamic reduction is super easy, why not always have this sweet and oh-so-perfect drizzle on hand at all times? Plus, your family will thank you for not making the entire house smell like balsamic vinegar for days. In the summer Bailey eats Caprese or just tomato salad on a regular basis, this is the perfect add-on that she can even make her own salad. #Need

6. Chicken Cilantro Mini WonTon’s

My favorite guilty pleasure. I break out my chopsticks on a Friday night and pour a small bowl of soy sauce and get my wonton on! I live dangerously, I know I know. Wild. They are so quick to make and come in a mini sized. What’s not to love!? They are a bit on the salty side so er on the side of caution when using a salted soy sauce. Also on my favorite’s list from the frozen section, TJ’s Gnocchi Sorentino, but one guilty frozen pleasure at a time!