Additional Coverage:
- 12 Underrated Trader Joe’s Items Everyone Needs To Try (#6 Is Addictive) (financebuzz.com)
Unearthing Hidden Gems: A Dozen Underrated Trader Joe’s Finds You Need to Try
Trader Joe’s is a treasure trove of unique and globally inspired foods, often under their own quirky brand names. While many of us have our go-to staples, there’s a whole world of often-overlooked items just waiting to be discovered. We’ve dug deep into the aisles to bring you a list of 12 incredibly underrated Trader Joe’s products that deserve a spot in your cart.
Editor’s Note: Prices and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
1. Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup
Price: $2.49
Don’t let the bottom shelf fool you! This organic lentil vegetable soup, often found nestled among the canned goods, is a true sleeper hit.
For just $2.49, you get a hearty and inexpensive meal packed with organic celery, onions, potatoes, spinach, and seasonings. With 210 calories and 12 grams of protein per can, it’s a satisfying and surprisingly nutritious option.
2. Hold the Dairy!
Vegan Chocolate Mini Cones
Price: $4.29
Craving a sweet treat without the dairy dilemma? Look no further than these delightful mini non-dairy chocolate cones.
Made with coconut milk and vegan chocolate, complete with a charming chocolate shell stripe, these cones are a revelation. A box contains twelve, and they’re so good even dedicated dairy lovers will be reaching for a second (or third!).
3. Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit
Price: $3.99
For a fresh and flavorful meal on the go, this salad kit is a winner. Enjoy it as is, or elevate it with your favorite protein like salmon or chicken. Rumor has it that popular brand Taylor Farms might be behind these convenient kits, which include fresh arugula, carrots, almonds, parmesan cheese, and a zesty basil lemon vinaigrette.
4. Pretzel Slims
Price: $2.49
If you’re a fan of thin and crunchy pretzels, Trader Joe’s Pretzel Slims might just become your new obsession. And here’s a little secret: they’re reportedly made in the same factory as the popular Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps, meaning you might be getting the same great taste for less. These quality-ingredient snacks come in at under 900 calories per bag.
5. Dry Roasted & Salted Pistachios
Price: $6.99
Pistachios are a delicious and nutritious snack, but their price tag can sometimes be a deterrent. Trader Joe’s offers a pound of dry roasted and salted pistachios for a fantastic price of $6.99. Even better, these are said to come from the same factory as the Wonderful brand, which typically sells a similar bag for $4 more.
6. Trader Jacques – A Dozen Macarons variés
Price: $5.99
Embrace your inner Francophile with “Trader Jacques” – Trader Joe’s delightful take on French classics. These frozen macarons come in a twelve-pack featuring a variety of flavors including apricot, coconut, fig, salted caramel, lemon, and pistachio. At just fifty cents a macaron, this is a criminally good deal for an elegant dessert.
7. Dark Chocolate Orange Sticks
Price: $3.99
While nostalgic chocolate oranges are a seasonal delight, Trader Joe’s offers a year-round solution for your dark chocolate and orange cravings. These decadent sticks capture the perfect balance of flavors, using real fruit concentrate and no artificial flavors. At only 24 calories per stick, they’re a guilt-free indulgence.
8. White Cheddar Corn Puffs
Price: $2.69
Love the cheesy, airy crunch of Pirate’s Booty? You’ll want to grab a bag of Trader Joe’s White Cheddar Corn Puffs.
These remarkably similar snacks are made with real white cheddar and are reportedly produced in the same factory as the fan-favorite Pirate’s Booty. Plus, you get seven ounces for $2.49 compared to four ounces of Pirate’s Booty for $4.49 – a clear win for your wallet!
9. Mango Cream Bars
Price: $3.49
At just fifty-eight cents each, these 110-calorie mango cream bars are a tropical taste sensation. Much like a classic creamsicle, these treats feature a vanilla ice cream bar coated in all-natural mango puree, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet.
10. Tarte aux Champignons
Price: $4.79
Beyond sweet treats, Trader Joe’s also brings savory French flair to your table with the Tarte aux Champignons. This affordable, French-style flatbread boasts hand-braided edges and is topped with a delicious blend of mushrooms and cheese. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as is or dressed up with extra produce and seasonings.
11. Almond Croissants
Price: $5.99
For a truly decadent breakfast or brunch, grab a four-pack of Trader Joe’s almond croissants. These take-and-bake pastries are filled with a creamy marzipan filling and topped with crunchy almonds, coming in at a mere $1.37 each. Ready in 20-25 minutes in a conventional oven, or even faster in an air fryer, they’re a delightful start to any day.
12. Coffee Panna Cotta
Price: $3.49
Indulge in this rich, Italian-inspired coffee panna cotta, a caramel-covered custard dessert. Trader Joe’s offers two cups of this refrigerated sweet for less than $2 per serving. With a texture similar to flan and a toasty coffee flavor, it’s perfect on its own or paired with ice cream, berries, or whole milk.
The Bottom Line
Shopping at Trader Joe’s is more than just a grocery run; it’s an opportunity to discover unique, high-quality ingredients at wallet-friendly prices. Whether you’re exploring new hacks or sticking to your tried-and-true favorites, Trader Joe’s commitment to quality and often local sourcing sets it apart. So next time you’re browsing the aisles, keep an eye out for these underrated gems – your taste buds (and your budget) will thank you!
Read More About This Story:
- 12 Underrated Trader Joe’s Items Everyone Needs To Try (#6 Is Addictive) (financebuzz.com)