Additional Coverage:
- I’m a professional baker and former Trader Joe’s employee. I still head back to the store for these 7 products. (businessinsider.com)
A former Trader Joe’s employee and seasoned baker shares a selection of his favorite store products that blend convenience with quality for everyday meals and snacks.
Simon Printz, who has over eight years of professional experience in the food industry, offers insight into some Trader Joe’s items he consistently relies on, especially during busy days when elaborate cooking isn’t an option.
Starting the day right, Printz favors the Black Acres Colombia Aponte Honey coffee, a medium-roast bean known for its bright, fruity notes and smooth balance-perfect for a quick, satisfying brew.
Among his go-to ingredients is the smoked rainbow trout fillet. Versatile and flavorful, it can be enjoyed simply on a baguette with a smear of sour cream or transformed into a quick whitefish-style salad by mixing the fish with mayonnaise, mascarpone, red onion, lemon juice, and seasonings, then served on a bagel.
For snacking, the dark russet kettle-cooked potato chips stand out due to their rich, deep-roasted flavor. Printz shares a tip from a former manager: pair these chips with hot frozen chicken wings and crumbled blue cheese for an indulgent treat.
Another staple is the ready-made tabbouli salad, praised for its fresh taste and simplicity. Printz often enhances it by mixing in canned Greek chickpeas, parsley, and cumin to create a nutritious, flavorful salad.
In the kitchen, Printz appreciates the convenience of Dorot Gardens crushed ginger from Trader Joe’s freezer section. It saves time without compromising the authentic flavor needed for his East Asian-inspired dishes.
He also recommends Trader Joe’s tinned calamari pieces in olive oil. These add great texture and taste to weeknight stir-fries, soups, or pastas, including his homemade Korean sundubu-jjigae, a comforting tofu and seafood soup.
For a sweet finish, Printz highlights the milk-chocolate bar with cornflakes. The combination of creamy Belgian chocolate and crunchy cornflakes creates a delightful contrast, so much so that he often has to hide it from his roommate to keep it all to himself.
These selections reflect Printz’s balance of culinary passion and practical convenience, providing inspiration for quick, delicious meals and snacks from Trader Joe’s shelves.