Trader Joe’s Shopping Guide: A Beginner’s List of 20 Favorites for New or Overwhelmed Shoppers

Can’t lie; we just don’t really love grocery shopping around here. But if there’s one grocery store that we don’t mind spending time in.. it’s Trader Joe’s.

Between their ever-changing seasonal items, the sample stations scattered across the store, or the prettiest blooms that no one can resist– it’s no wonder it’s one of the fastest growing grocery chains in the nation.

Whether we’re stocking up for the week or planning another next get-together, a trip to Trader Joe’s is practically a ritual at this point. But we know firsthand just how overwhelming the store can be. While not that large in size, what makes TJ’s so confusing (but what also gives it their superpower) is that they’re filled with only TJ’s private label brand.

At Trader Joe’s you won’t find Kellogg’s, or Kraft, or any other major food distributor that you’ve come to recognize. Instead, Trader Joe’s teams up with smaller distribution facilities to choose their favorite items and then private label their products. So basically, anything available in the store, has the Trader Joe’s seal of approval.

Last month, a lot of you shared how lost you were when shopping there, so we decided to round up a few of “PINCK Picks” for you to try. While their seasonal flavors and fresh flowers (especially peonies in the early summer) are an absolute must, we’re sharing products that are great all year long.

A Beginner’s List of Favorites for New or Overwhelmed Trader Joe’s Shoppers:

Perfectly chewy & coated with a savory blend of sesame seeds, garlic, onion, poppy seeds, and sea salt, making them a flavorful breakfast staple.
Soft, buttery, shell-shaped treats with a light, cake-like texture, perfect for pairing with your afternoon coffee or tea for a touch of sweetness.
A rich, indulgent blend of spinach, artichokes, and cheese that heats up in minutes, making it a crowd-favorite appetizer for effortless entertaining.
With Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions, these flaky, golden puffs are filled with a savory-sweet blend that’s guaranteed to disappear fast, perfect for cocktail parties or last-minute hosting.
A flavorful, ready-to-heat dish made with perfectly al dente noodles tossed in a bold, garlicky olive oil sauce, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy hosting side.
Crisp, spicy-sweet cookies with just the right amount of zing from real ginger, perfect for snacking, gifting, or pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A simple yet decadent Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti coated in a creamy, peppery Pecorino Romano cheese sauce, ready in minutes for a comforting meal.
Bite-sized, tender, and perfectly seasoned, ideal for tossing in your favorite sauce, serving on toothpicks, or adding to pasta for effortless entertaining or weeknight dinners.
A crisp and elegant sparkling wine made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, offering bright citrus and green apple notes, perfect for celebrations or sipping anytime you want a touch of sparkle.
A vibrant, effervescent beverage that offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart citrus flavors. Housed in a charming glass bottle, this soda is a versatile addition to any gathering.
A crisp and vibrant white wine from Chile’s Loncomilla Valley, offering refreshing notes of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruit.
Speculoos Cookie Butter is a creamy, sweet spread made from spiced speculoos cookies. It has a rich gingerbread flavor and is perfect for spreading on toast, waffles, or dipping fruits.
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese, flavored with hot sauce and garlic. It’s great served warm or cold with chips, crackers, or veggies.
Mango Pineapple Pico de Gallo Salsa is a fresh, tropical twist on classic salsa, blending sweet mango and pineapple with zesty tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro. Perfect for chips, tacos, or grilled dishes.
Mandarin Orange Chicken offers crispy battered chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sweet and tangy orange-ginger sauce. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s a delicious and convenient meal that rivals takeout favorites.
Handheld Chicken Pot Pies have a flaky, buttery crust packed with tender chicken, peas, carrots, and potatoes in a savory gravy. Convenient and satisfying, they’re perfect for a warm, comforting meal or snack on the go.
4 Almond Croissants are frozen pastries featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with a sweet almond cream and topped with crunchy sliced almonds. When baked, they puff up to golden perfection, offering a delicious, bakery-quality treat you can enjoy fresh at home.
8 Mini Croissants are flaky, buttery pastries that bake up golden and fresh. Perfect for a convenient, delicious bakery-style treat at home.
Spaghetti Carbonara features al dente pasta in a creamy sauce with smoky pancetta and Italian cheeses. Though richer and creamier than traditional versions, it’s a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal.
Blondie Bar Baking Mix lets you create rich, chewy blondies with a perfect balance of brown sugar, vanilla, and semisweet chocolate chips. Simply add butter and an egg, then bake for a warm, golden dessert that’s quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious.
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