The ultimate Curry Mommy approved Trader Joe’s shopping list and guide is finally here. Simply pull this page up and make it available at your fingertips when shopping at one of my favorite grocery stores! Don’t forget to grab my everyday essentials to make Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes. A Guide to Trader Joe’s Shopping HAPPY SHOPPING! This is a list of things I normally buy when shopping at Trader Joe’s, but it is not limited to just these due to convenience. Due to the pandemic, I have not updated this post much. However, my favorites still remain available. Be sure to catch up with me on Instagram in case I forget to list an item here.
My first visit to Trader Joe’s Visit
I walked out with mints! No joke. I was very intimidated the first time I walked into a Trader Joe’s. In fact, I wondered why people shopped there because they had no “real” brands. A Trader Joe’s Shopping List was something I would never need because I told myself I was never going back to that store again. After a few conversations with friends, I felt more confident to walk back into the store and give it a chance. My gosh was I amazed. Decades later, I am an ultimate fan.
Trader Joe’s Indian Food Variety
As an Indian Food Blogger and someone with picky tastebuds, I can definitely say the variety that they have is actually great. The flavor, texture, and serving size are actually all great. Trader Joe’s Indian Food is done right! If you don’t agree, then just give some of my recipes that use their staples a try. You won’t disagree ;).
What to add to your Trader Joe’s Shopping List
I can go on and on… and on! This is my guide so I hope that it helps you be less intimidated when walking through your local location.
Produce Buying Guide
Produce can be bought anywhere. Whether you shop at a farmer’s market or your local grocery store, most of the items are the same. A few things that I grab from Trader Joe’s and make sure to add on the list include these items. Lentils are found in the produce section, so I have added them here. They work great as an addition to salads. Micro greens are perfect for morning eggs, broccoli slaw for a quick saute with turmeric and mustard seeds, and pre-cut vegetables for air fryer french fries.
Broccoli Slaw Steamed Beets (beet salad recipe here)Pre-Cooked Lentils Micro Greens LeeksRambutan (seasonal fruit)Sesame Crunch Chopped Salad KitVegetable and Soba Noodle Stir Fry KitPre-cut vegetables
Cheese Guide
I am not a cheese expert by any means, but I can be a taste tester all day long and tell you what is good. My all time favorite must have from Trader Joe’s is burrata. I add it to a cheeseboard often and serve it on top of salads throughout the week. It is a cheese you do not want to pass up so be sure to add it to your Trader Joe’s Shopping List.
Aged Syrah Cheese BurrataUnexpected Cheddar (Perfect for Broccoli Pasta)Unexpected Cheddar-Shredded Rebel Pepper CheeseHerbed Goat Cheese Goat Cheese MedallionsTruffle BrieTriple Cream BriePre-Sliced MozarellaAuthentic Greek Feta in BrineCheddar and Gruyere Port SalutStilton Blue CheeseOrganic Dutch Gouda
Refrigerated Section
My Trader Joe’s Shopping List is never complete without a huge section for the refrigerated section. I make gyros with the deli meat, hummus for grab and go lunch/snacks, and zhoug sauce for my quick and easy jeera chicken recipe (linked below). I can’t stress how easy these exclusive items make weekly meals easy and weekend meals so tasty!
Fiesta Cashew DipGreen Chile Chicken TamalesGyro Deli MeatProciuttoSalamiOrganic Sprouted TofuHummusExtra Hot Habanero Ghost Pepper SalsaZhoug Sauce (Jeera Chicken Recipe)Almond Jalapeno DipGarlic Spread Pizza DoughMarinara SauceBuffalo Style Chicken DipVegan Soy ChorizoCurried Chicken SaladTuna SaladBlack Bean and Cheese TaquitosTabouleh
Meats and Seafood
Controversial topic here! I constantly hear not to add meats to my Trader Joe’s shopping list. But have you tried their salmon or lamb chops? For the price, I feel like you get a great quality of meat. The freezer section has a great variety of seafood that I keep on hand as well. Some of it is seasonal so be sure to grab it while you can!
Organic Chicken (all varieties)Lamb Chops (Ultimate TJ Lamb Chop Recipe)Ground LambPork TenderloinFrench Cut Pork Chops (Ranch Pork Chop Recipe)Norwegian Farmed Atlantic Salmon (BBQ Cut) Garlic Salmon RecipeChicken ShawarmaOrganic Ground Beef (Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe)Carne AsadaPollo AsadaBeef Stew Meat
Freezer Section
I can’t say enough great things about the freezer section at Trader Joe’s. Their Indian food helped me survive motherhood. When my husband would go shop I would make sure it was added to our Trader Joe’s shopping list, because I could never have enough (hello breastfeeding appetite). Try some of my other favorites like cauliflower cheese pizza :).
Butter ChickenFiery Chicken CurryFish KormaLamb VindalooFettucini AlfredoMushroom Ravioli with Mushroom Truffle SauceCauliflower Cheese PizzaBBQ Chicken PizzaKorean Short RibsHalibut Fish Nuggets (gluten free and regular)Wild BlueberriesPetite Green PeasSpicy Thai Fried Rice Vegetable Panang CurryAcai packetsPistachio GelatoMini Ice Cream ConesI Dream of Chocolate CakeMini Bon BonsCauliflower GnocchiChicken Gyoza Pot StickersSteamed Chicken Soup DumplingsShrimp TempuraChipotle Vegetable QuesadillaChicken Tikka SamosaVegetable SamosaSpinach and Artichoke DipHatch Chile Mac & CheeseKung Pao ChickenOrange ChickenHold the Corn AppetizerMini cheesecake conesBreaded Chicken Tenderloin Breast
Cereals and Such
One thing I don’t buy much of here, but I do love their hemp seed bars!
Flax SeedsOrganic Hemp Seed BarRaw Shelled Hemp Seeds
Jarred Sauces, Spreads, Condiments
Buy it all! That is all I can say when it comes to this section. I’ve had a handful of things that I did not like, but mostly everything else is a must have in my kitchen. In fact, I just wish Trader Joe’s was my pantry/refrigerator. Dreams come true, right?
Italian Bamba Hot Pepper SauceTunisian HarissaHabanero Hot SauceTruffle Alfredo (seasonal)Masala Simmer SauceThai Red Curry Organic BBQ SauceGhost Pepper BBQ SauceSunflower Butter (not the organic version)Cookie ButterOrganic Creamy Peanut ButterHot and Spicy Dill PicklesMiso Ginger BrothOrganic Chicken or Beef BrothRoasted Red Pepper Tomato SoupPepita SalsaOrganic Toasted Sesame DressingRomaine Caesar DressingOrganic Coconut Aminos
Dairy and Eggs
Not all Trader Joe’s locations sell pasture raised eggs. For that reason, if you are lucky enough to get them then be sure to purchase here. I love and value everything about Trader Joe’s. Hence, Why I am sharing these ideas with you here. Want to try an egg recipe? Give my Chutney Grilled Cheese a try!
Pasture Raised EggsTruffle Flavored ButterPeach Whole Milk SmoothieVanilla Bean YogurtKerry’s Gold ButterTruMoo brand whole milk chocolate milkCoconut Whip Cream
Pasta + Dry Goods
Brown rice pasta can always be found on my Trader Joe’s list. It is just one of those things I have to have in my pantry. We don’t eat a lot of regular pasta, and brown rice pasta has been my holy grail for about 10-15 years now. The Trader Joe’s variation has never failed me with taste or texture.
Red Lentil SpaghettiBrown Rice PastasOrganic Italian PastaOrganic Jasmine RiceCheese Tortellini
Seasonings
I can not live without 21 seasoning salute. I use it on everything, whether it is heavily used or sparingly. It really enhances the flavor of foods. Be sure to add it to your shopping list!
21 Seasoning SaluteChile Lime SeasoningEverything But the Bagel SeasoningUmami Mushroom SeasoningSpanish SaffronTaco SeasoningGhost Pepper Flakes (seasonal)Truffle Seasoning (seasonal)
Breads, Crackers, non-freezer Sweets
Here’s the deal… Trader Joe’s bread does not last long. Buy it and use it up quick. In my experience, it tends to mold easily. For that reason, refrigerate or use it up ASAP :).
Gluten Free Crisp Bread (Crackers)Round Pita CrackersBrown Rice Tortillas (if clean-eating)NaanOrganic French Baguette (fully enclosed package)Focaccia BreadAlmond Danish Kringle (flavors are seasonal)Handmade Flour Tortillas (goes great with Butter Chicken)Organic Olive Oil Flour TortillasMediterranean Pita BreadDark Chocolate Covered Honey GrahamsGlazed Chocolate and Sour Cream DonutsRustic Spice CakeBlueberry MuffinsRaspberry Short Bread Heart Cookies (seasonal)
Snacks
Cheeseboards are more tasty with candied pecans and spicy cashews. Trust me, you want to add those two to every cheeseboard you ever make. If you live for spice, then ghost pepper chips will also hit the spot!
Raw Pumpkin SeedsCandied PecansPine NutsCoconut CashewsSesame Stick SnackRoasted Broccoli Roasted Plantain ChipsSeaweedChomps Brand Jerky SticksPita CrackersChocolate and Coconut Covered AlmondsGhost Pepper ChipsOrganic Tortilla ChipsOrganic Corn DippersPeanut Butter Filled PretzelsOrganic Blue Corn Tortilla ChipsChocolate Covered Mini PretzelsBamba Peanut Snack
Wines, Drinks, and Things
Although, I am not much of a drinker I can say that Trader Joe’s wines are tolerable. Two buck chuck, also known as Charles Shaw, is available regularly (given that your store sells alcohol).
Butter ChardonnayCharles Shaw Cabernet, Merlot, and Red Blend (I dont like the white wines but they are good for cooking)Simpler Wines (cans)Trader Joe’s Brand Ginger Beer Suja Brand Celery Juice Trader Joe’s Brand Coconut Water (check refrigerated section with juices)Trader Joes Brand Spiced ChaiGT’s Organic Gingerade Flavored Kombucha
Beauty and Homegoods
Microdermabrasion is possible in my world because of my holy grail exfoliant! I buy it buy the bulk and after one use I assure you will to. Give it and these others a try!
Trader Joes Nourish All in one Facial CleanserWitch HazelOrganic Argan OilHyaluronic Moisture Boost SerumAntioxidant Facial Serum and MoisturizerSPF 15 moisturizerCandles (seasonal)Dryer Balls (use with essential oils)Dr. Bonners Castile Soap BarLavender Salt ScrubMicrodermabrasion exfoliantMoisturizing Eye serum
Everything else to add to your Trader Joe’s Shopping List
Flowers
