5 Trader Joe’s Items You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you know me, you know I LOVE Trader Joe’s. In fact, saying I go to TJ’s “often” is an understatement… there are weeks I literally go every. single. day.

*I can usually be found walking around DC carrying a TJ’s grocery bag and yoga mat at any given moment (insert comment about being #basic)*

There’s so much to love about TJ’s: their prices, friendly staff, ethical standards and of course, their PRODUCTS! From staple products like chicken tikka masala (perfect for a quick lunch), triple ginger snaps, kefir, and good ole’ two-buck chuck wine (OK, Charles Shaw if you must) to fun seasonal goodies like dark chocolate covered peppermint Joe Joe’s and (the creamiest) pumpkin ice cream.

Earlier this year, to celebrate their 50th anniversary, TJ’s released a list of their 50 best products. I could probably add a few (dozen) other things to this list.

1. Cedar Balsam Candle

In fairness, I haven’t seen this in stores since before the holidays, so it may only be available in December, but it’s too good not to share. It actually smells AMAZING and the scent is pretty strong (unlike a lot of low-priced candles that I’ve used). It’s also made of a coconut-soy wax blend. So, highly recommend whenever they return!

2. Gluten-free Peppermint Jo-Jo’s

OK, I’m not actually gluten-free. These cookies, however, are delicious and should be made available to those who are. Considering many important people in my life are GF, these cookies are important.

3. Cacao Powder

I’m SO excited that TJ’s is stepping up their superfood/supplement game! With the plethora of supplement brands out there making all kinds of claims, it’s just nice to have a brand I trust that I can buy from. Oh, and a brand that’s affordable! The cacao powder does not disappoint! I’ve been using it so many different ways:

1. Adding it to matcha lattes for a choco-matcha flavor.
2. Making hot cocao (just like a less sweet version of hot cocoa).
3. Baking with it, instead of cocoa.
4. Sprinkling it on top of dishes (like yogurt parfaits or oatmeal)
5. And of course… adding it to SMOOTHIES, duh.

4. Maca Powder

Speaking of superfoods… Maca is a root most commonly used as a powder. It’s high in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. I’d actually never tried it until this week, but so far I love it. It’s got a nutty flavor so I’ve been adding it to banana/nut butter smoothies and things like that.

5. Nutritional Yeast

To keep with the trend of powders/foods you can sprinkle on top of things…nutritional yeast is another recent fav! It’s super high in B vitamins and is used as a cheese replacement for vegans due to its cheesy flavor. I’ve been adding it to top off chili!