Snacks

Trader Joe’s does a great job of offering a wide variety of healthy snacks to its patrons. Roasted plantain chips are great if you’re in the mood for something crunchy, savory, and salty. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, and they taste great on their own or with peanut butter. This tasty snack is only $1.79.

Drinks

The juice and tea selection at Trader Joe’s is top notch. Try the Moroccan Style mint tea for $2.99. This refreshing iced tea is a great option for a hot spring day.

Wine

Trader Joe’s has long been famous for its Charles Shaw wine selection, also known as “Two-Buck Chuck." Charles Shaw now offers an organic variety of its signature low-cost wine for $3.99. This updated offering is delicious, does not require use of a corkscrew, and comes with a  cute, contemporary label.

Ready-to-Go Salad

Trader Joe’s has a wide variety of premade salads for lunch on the go, or days when you just don’t have the time and energy to cook. Try the Mexicali Salad with white chicken meat, mixed greens, corn, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, pepitas and asiago cheese with a jalapeno Caesar dressing. This salad, atonly $4.49, is more affordable than going out to eat.

Frozen Entrées

It is hard to find a rival that can compete with Trader Joe’s frozen entrée selection. Their broccoli-and-cheddar-cheese quiche is an easy-to-make meal. You can microwave it or cook it in the oven. If you want to spice it up, you can add sliced tomatoes and hot sauce for some extra flavor. This simple entrée is $2.29.

Heat and Serve

For those days that you want a hot meal with no preparation, Trader Joe’s Heat & Serve section is the way to go. Try their roasted rosemary boneless chicken breast with a brown and wild rice blend for $6.49. You can bake the meal in the oven or heat it in the microwave, and you’ll have a flavorful and healthy meal with no preparation or clean up required.

Produce

The produce selection at Trader Joe’s is seriously awesome. Many of the items come prepackaged in convenient sizes. To take your cooking up a notch, get some fresh herbs like basil. For only $2.79, basil is a delicious addition to any pizza or pasta dish. Its delicious flavor, health benefits, and low price point make it a great purchase.

Pasta

If you want to cook, but don’t feel like making anything too involved, then look no further than the pasta section. Their tortellini with pesto filling only costs $2.99 and pairs nicely with pesto, marinara, or olive oil. Cooking the tortellini only takes 16-18 minutes, making it a great option for days that you want a home-cooked meal but don’t feel like working away in the kitchen.

Pizza

Trader Joe’s sells a premade pizza crust for $3.49. The package comes with two crusts in a flatbread shape. You can add whatever toppings you desire, and simply heat in the oven for 8-12 minutes and voila, dinner is served!

Dessert

The chocolate selection alone is worth the trip to Trader Joe’s. Whether you’re in the mood for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, caramel, or nuts, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth. Dark chocolate peanut butter cups are a fan favorite, and at $4.29 it’s easy to see why people keep coming back for more of these tiny treats.