The Trader Joe's Products That Have a Cult Following for a Good Reason

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

There are regular grocery stores and then there is Trader Joe’s. Sure, you can find the things you need at your local grocery store but when you step into a Trader Joe’s, it’s like stepping into foodie heaven. Trader Joe’s takes grocery shopping to an entirely different level and the food retailer has gained somewhat of a cult following for good reason. They have the best selection of ready-to-eat meals, appetizers and snacks as well as mouth-watering ingredients that you can’t find anywhere else.

While just about every item at Trader Joe’s is guaranteed to be delicious, there are a select few that people have fallen so deeply in love with that they have become pantry staples and must-have products. From Everything But the Bagel Seasoning to cheese dip, here are the Trader Joe’s products that have garnered a cult following for a good reason — they’re absolutely delicious.

A version of this article was originally published in 2020.

• Trader Joe’s Scandinavian Swimmers

  

  Scandinavian Swimmers are an OG Trader Joe’s sweet treat, and there’s a reason why people have been snacking happily on these gummies for years now.

  Trader Joe’s Scandinavian Swimmers$11.50
  Buy now

   

• Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch

  

  Chili crisp lovers have to try Trader Joe’s version, which is loaded with chili and onion flavor.

  Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch$11.99
  Buy now

• Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub Seasoning Blend

  

  This flavorful rub isn’t just for salmon, though the blend of smoked paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, and thyme does pair beautifully with everyone’s favorite fish. But you can also use it to season any meat to give it a smoky-sweet-savory flavor, and it’s delish on chicken wings, too.

  Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub Seasoning Blend$7.50
  Buy now

• Trader Joe’s Mochi Cake Mix

  

  Sweet, chewy, and buttery, Trader Joe’s take on the Hawaiian dessert classic Mochi Cake is unlike anything you can get from Betty Crocker. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked.

  Trader Joe’s Mochi Cake Mix$11.99
  Buy now

• Trader Joe’s Fig Butter

  

  Not to be dramatic, but if your cheese board is missing this jar of fig butter, it’s incomplete. The rich, sweet flavor of ripe figs pairs perfectly with pretty much any cheese we can think of, and it’s delicious as a sandwich spread, too — think arugula, fresh mozzarella, and prosciutto on ciabatta.

  Trader Joe’s Fig Butter$11.00
  Buy now

• Everything but the Bagel Seasoning

  

  There are countless ways to use this seasoning. Try it on avocado toast, eggs or as a dry rub. 

  Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning$7.20on Amazon.com
  Buy now

• Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Spread

  

  Cinnamon Bun Spread may be a winter seasonal item, but we crave it all year long. It makes pretty much any breakfast, from toast to croissants to pancakes and more, taste like a million bucks.

  Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Spread$14.95
  Buy now

• Everything But the Elote Seasoning

  

  This is one of TJ’s newest seasoning blends and it tastes amazing on popcorn. 

  Everything but the Elote$6.33on Amazon.com
  Buy now

• Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

  

  Think Reese’s PB cups but like ten times more delicious. 

  Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups$18.00on Amazon.com
  Buy now

• Salsa Verde

  

  I go through a jar of this every week because it’s just THAT good. I love putting it on my eggs in the morning!

  Salsa Verde (pack of 2)$16on Amazon.com
  Buy now

• Cookie Butter

  

  Cookie butter will change your life. Try it on toast or just by the spoonful. 

  Cookie Butter$11.99on Amazon.com
  Buy now

• Powerberries

  

  These dark chocolate pearls of perfection are the best sweet snack you’ll ever taste. 

  Powerberries$9.89on Amazon.com
  Buy now

• Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup

  

  Toss that old canned tomato soup and swap it for this instead. It goes so well with a nice grilled cheese sandwich! 

  Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup$12.99on Amazon.com
  Buy now

• Pimento Cheese Dip

  

  Sure, lots of stores offer pimento cheese but none of them taste quite as good as Trader Joe’s. 

• Chile Lime Seasoning

  

  If you like Tajin, you’ll love this Chile Lime seasoning from Trader Joe’s. Try rimming your next cocktail with it for the best margaritas, palomas, and micheladas around. 

  Trader Joe’s Chile Lime Seasoning Blend 2-pack$10.21
  Buy now

   

   

• Popcorn In a Pickle

  

  This special popcorn is usually only available during the summer so make sure you stock up when you see it. The salty, bold flavor is to die for. 

• Thai Yellow Curry Sauce

  

  Saute some veggies, add this sauce and serve over rice for the quickest and most delicious vegetarian meal you’ll ever make. 

  Thai Yellow Curry Sauce 2-pack$20.05on Amazon.com
  Buy now

• Sweet Chili Sauce

  

  This is great for dipping and cooking. Whenever I make lumpia, this is what I dip it in!

  Sweet Chili Sauce 2-Pack$14on Amazon.com
  Buy now

• Cowboy Caviar

  

  Cowboy caviar is perfect for serving at (socially distanced!) parties or just when you want your salsa to be a little bit elevated. 

  Cowboy Caviar$12.88on Amazon.com
  Buy now

• Reduced Guilt Mac & Cheese

  

  This frozen mac and cheese may have 65% less fat than TJ’s regular mac and cheese, but you won’t notice it in the flavor. I add a little hot sauce to mine and it’s the perfect lunch! 

• Mandarin Orange Chicken

  

  Orange chicken is a takeout staple but sometime you’d rather cook at home and that’s where Trader Joe’s comes in. This easy-to-make orange chicken tastes just as good as anything you’d order from a restaurant. 

Source: Read Full Article