The Best of Trader Joe's

For those of you who know us, you know how much we love shopping at Trader Joe's! We wanted to create a list of some of our favorite items we get from there. Something you may not know about this amazing place, is that if you want to try anything at all, just take it up to the tester counter and you can try it for free! (except something that needs to be cooked).

1. "Take and Bake" Chocolate Croissants

These bad boys are seriously one of the best things you can buy at TJ's. It comes in a box of 4 frozen croissants that you leave out over night to raise. In the morning, brush them with egg-wash and pop them into the oven and minutes later, whalah! We purchased a couple boxes when we had family over and to say it was a hit is an understatement. They looked and tasted like they were from a French bakery in Paris and for the bonus, the house smelled like it too!

2. Outside-in Stuffed Gnocchi

This is pretty much the best carb you can put into your body! These little balls of gnocchi are stuffed with mozzarella and marinara sauce. Needing only 5 minutes to cook (from frozen), it's the perfect quick meal. Just toss in some Alfredo sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan.

3. Pink Lemonade

The perfect drink for spring, summer, and really any time of the year. Seriously though, why just limit it when it's that good? Just don't read the label, you'll thank us later.

4. Truffle Brownie Mix

If you are looking for a mouthwatering dessert that's quick to throw together when you have company coming over (or just a Friday night snack) this is absolutely perfect! So quick to whip up and seriously the best brownies we've ever had.

5. Gone Bananas

When you're on a diet and REALLY don't want to cheat but are craving something sweet, these little frozen bananas dipped in chocolate are a great sweet fix. We always have a box of these in our freezer as a nice little surprise. They also have a strawberry version (but the banana is better).

6. Cookie Butter

The consistency of peanut butter with the taste of heaven. This spreadable mixture is ideal on a pancake or waffle, or even just on a spoon (don't worry, we won't judge you). Trader Joe's also has a Cookie Butter ice cream, no convincing needed.

7. Greeting Cards

There have been countless times that we've just bought a ton of cards just to keep on hand for when we need them. The designs are super cute and they are only $1! Score!

8. Honey Mango Shaving Cream

Yes, this may sound odd but Trader Joe's shaving cream is amazing, it smells so good it makes me want to eat it. It's super gentle on sensitive skin and lasts a very long time.

9. Pizza dough

We've made quite a few pizzas at home with the garlic pizza dough which is a pretty great product. However, the plain pizza dough can be used for so much more! We often use it as the base for cinnamon rolls, just add some butter and brown sugar and pop it in the oven. We've also made cheesy mozzarella balls that can be dipped into marinara sauce YUMMM!

10. Corn Salsa

Now Trader Joe's has quite the selection of salsa's and to be honest they are all SO good, it's really hard to pick which one's best. But their corn salsa is definitely a crowd pleaser. Every time we take it out for some chips and dip, we get asked where it's from. A couple days later we get a message saying they've already purchased a bottle for themselves. Yes, it's that good.

11. Frozen Minced Garlic and Ginger

Do your fingers smell like garlic after chopping up some cloves? It's like they read our minds when we said there has to be a better way. These little frozen cubes stay in the freezer until they are popped onto the pan. It still tastes super fresh and that's what we love about it.

12. Spinach Artichoke Dip

The best part of this dip is that it's hot and doesn't take more than 4 minutes to heat up. This gooey, cheesy dip pairs well with Stacy's Pita Chips.

13. Cilantro Chicken Wontons

Another quick snack or appetizer that is absolutely delicious and healthy! When you're on a diet, this is a great dinner item that will really fill you up without all the calories.

14. Chicken Wrap

This is Rumma's go to lunch item, when we are not in the mood for fixing lunch the next day. It's super affordable and really delicious. The sauce is so good, sometimes I think he buys it just for that!

15. $2 Buck Chuck

Always keep some on hand (comes in white, red and rose)! At one of our parties we had this wine out for people to try and everyone loved it. Guests could hardly believe it was $2 Buck Chuck.

Wow, that was so hard trying to narrow this list down to just 15! We hope you get to try some of these amazing items! Feel free to add some of your favorite Trader finds in the comments below.

XOXO,

RuRu