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- I’m a mom who drives an hour to stock up on pantry staples at Trader Joe’s. Here are 13 items I always buy. (businessinsider.com)
Trader Joe’s Devotee Reveals Top 13 Must-Have Pantry Staples
Winter Park, FL – For many, a trip to Trader Joe’s is an event. For Ashley Archambault, it’s a bi-monthly pilgrimage, an hour-long drive to the Winter Park location just north of Orlando, all in the name of stocking up on beloved pantry essentials.
What started nearly a decade ago as a budget-conscious choice for a single mom has evolved into a family tradition, with her husband now equally “hooked” on the grocer’s unique offerings. Archambault shared her top 13 items that make the journey worthwhile.
Leading the charge is Trader Joe’s Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce, a staple so vital that four jars are purchased per trip. Archambault praises its homemade taste, noting it elevates weeknight pasta dinners and forms the base for their homemade pizzas.
Complementing this, Trader Joe’s Italian Spaghetti, imported directly from Italy, is a consistent buy. Half a bag feeds her family of three with leftovers, and its perfectly al dente texture and subtle sweetness even make it enjoyable with just olive oil and sea salt.
For a quick, protein-rich meal, Trader Joe’s Garbanzo Beans are a household favorite. Archambault sautés them with sliced cooked sausage and herbs, commending their fresh taste compared to other brands.
A more whimsical, yet equally cherished item, is the Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancake and Waffle Mix. Its gluten-free nature and unique ube flavor appeal to both Archambault and her son, who has even taken to preparing them himself for a colorful, out-of-the-ordinary dinner.
Daily rituals are also fueled by Trader Joe’s. Archambault’s morning coffee gets a decade-long dash of Trader Joe’s Organic Ground Cinnamon, which she considers the best she’s ever tasted, also incorporating it into smoothies and baked goods. Similarly, Trader Joe’s Unsweetened Cocoa Powder is essential for her nightly homemade hot chocolate, with two tablespoons per cup, and doubles for brownies and chocolate cakes.
For a sweet treat, the Trader Joe’s Organic Frosted Toaster Pastries are a grown-up take on a childhood favorite, perfect with a hot cup of coffee. However, if Archambault could only buy one item, it would be Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Peanut Butter. Described as a “delicacy,” it’s enjoyed by the spoonful, in smoothies, and drizzled over ice cream for a Reese’s-like indulgence.
Kid-approved snacks also feature prominently on the list. Trader Joe’s Pineapple Salsa provides a sweet, non-spicy option that her son adores, packed with fruits and vegetables.
Another inventive snack involves Trader Joe’s Ranch Seasoning Blend sprinkled on plain cashews, a discovery made by her son that rivals flavored potato chips. For crunchy cravings, Trader Joe’s Baked Cheese Crunchies offer a lower-fat alternative to traditional cheese puffs, praised for their authentic cheese flavor.
Rounding out the fresh produce section, Sprinkles Teeny Tiny Tomatoes are a unique find, likened to “vegetable candy.” Archambault enjoys them solo, in salads, or straight from the bag on the drive home.
And it’s not just the humans in the family who benefit from these Trader Joe’s runs. The family’s dogs eagerly await their Trader Joe’s Grain-Free Dog Treats with Peanut Butter and Banana. At just $3 a box, Archambault stocks up on three to four boxes per visit, appreciating their real ingredients like chickpeas, peanut butter, and dried bananas.
Archambault’s detailed shopping list provides a valuable guide for anyone looking to optimize their next Trader Joe’s haul, proving that some staples are truly worth the drive.