In today's post, we thought we'd run through our favorites from Trader Joe's! Let us know what you think about our favorites, and share what yours are in the comments!
Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches: Okay, so when I first saw these at Trader Joe's I thought, "it's probably hard for a chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich to not be delicious." I was so wrong. These are better than any other chocolate chip ice cream sandwich I've ever tried (and Olivia and I have always been die hard Tollhouse ice cream sandwich fans). My favorite part about the Trader Joe's ones are that one, they're huge and two, they're also rolled in mini chocolate chips so you get some extra crunch and sweetness.
Mini Mint Ice Cream Mouthfuls: These ice cream sandwiches are the best because they're minty and refreshing, but also since they're minis, they're only 60 calories each. The cookie in these sandwiches tastes like an Oreo, and the mint ice cream is the perfect amount of mint and has mini chocolate chips mixed in. These are the perfect alternative if you don't want all the calories of the Sublime sandwiches, but they're still super satisfying.
Smashing S'mores: If you're a s'more lover and haven't tried these yet, definitely pick them up the next time you're at Trader Joe's! These candies have a graham cookie as the base, topped with marshmallow, and covered in milk chocolate. I heat them up in the microwave for 5 seconds, and they're to die for. I love these because the graham is crisp, the marshmallow isn't too sweet, and the chocolate coating isn't too thick.
Dark Chocolate Covered Mini Pretzels: These are the perfect balance of salty and sweet. The dark chocolate on these mini pretzels isn't bitter, and the mini pretzels add the perfect amount of crunch and salt. A serving of these is only five pretzels for 160 calories, but they're really satisfying and are the perfect dessert. These come in milk chocolate as well!
Chocolate Hummus: If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth but are trying to stay on track with healthy eating, this is a perfect compromise. Coming from someone who doesn't like regular hummus, this is saying something! I have tried other brands' chocolate hummus and they don't compare to TJ's. I usually dip strawberries or apple slices in it and it's to die for!
Speculoos Cookie Butter: I had never tried cookie butter before buying this one, so I didn't know what to expect. The texture is like that of creamy peanut butter. The best way to describe the taste of this cookie butter is Christmas in a jar. The description on the label says, "Deliciously unusual, with crushed Belgian biscuits and the warm flavors of holiday spice bread." You can taste the butteriness of the cookies, and it pairs perfectly with the warmness of the spices. It isn't like anything I've tasted but it is SO delicious.
Vanilla Bean Nonfat Greek Yogurt: This item might seem random since it is a less exciting snack. However, I am weird with texture and freshness of yogurt and this product checks all the boxes for me in terms of consistency and flavor. I eat this almost every day with my granola and fruit or in a smoothie. This is now the only Greek yogurt I'll eat so thought it was worth adding to the list!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Snack Packs: This cheese is deliciously sharp and is the perfect snack! They're individually wrapped so they're super convenient for on the go, or to throw in your lunch bag. Along the same lines, we also love the Colby-Jack Snack Sticks which are a perfect option if you're in the mood for a more mild cheese.
Burrata: Who knew TJ's even sold burrata?! I sure didn't until a more recent find when browsing and absolutely loved it. It comes with two large burrata balls (perfect for sharing or as a meal). I have been making fresh arugula, tomato, and burrata salads a lot lately now that I have found buratta that is fresh, creamy, well packaged, and delicious!
Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: I'm sure everyone has probably tried EBB by now, but if you haven't, definitely do! It's perfect on avocado toast, but it's also really good on eggs, or sprinkled on the cream cheese of a plain bagel!
Chunky Guacamole with Greek Yogurt: This was something I was a little hesitant to try the first time. I wasn't sure how it could be better than traditional guacamole, but I was interested in the concept. After trying this, I think I prefer it to traditional guac. It has half the fat and 40% less calories than regular guacamole, but aside from saving calories, it tastes just as good (if not better). It has a little bit of tang from the Greek yogurt and is light and overall delicious!
Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto: As someone who is not normally a fan of traditional pesto, I have to say trying this really surprised me! The consistency is nice and thick, the basil isn't too overpowering, and the hints of garlic really make it all the better! This would be great not only on pasta, but over a caprese or buratta salad.
Buffalo Style Chicken Dip: This dip was a recent discovery for me, and all I can say is that I wish I knew about it sooner. This dip is the perfect level of heat, but is also creamy. It's the perfect snack and pairs perfectly with the next item on our list! It would also be delicious paired with carrot/celery sticks if you want a healthier option!
Soy and Flax Seed Tortilla Chips: I wasn't sure that I'd be crazy about the flax seeds in these, but not only do I not notice the seeds, I prefer the taste of these to traditional tortilla chips. They're much less salty and have a slightly sweet taste. Because of the flax seeds, they're more substantial and have more of a complex taste than plain tortilla chips. I highly recommend them!
Cornbread Crisps: Talk about the PERFECT mix of sweet and salty. This is such a great snack when you can't pick between the two. This is a snack I definitely need to be careful with when eating from the bag because they are so addicting. I discovered these this year and cannot wait to try them with homemade chili this fall!
Cauliflower Gnocchi: These gnocchi are delicious paired with the kale, cashew and basil pesto! We love to cook these by either pan frying them in a little bit of butter/oil or putting them in the air fryer. These have the potential to get a little bit gummy if they're not cooked the right way, but we've found that both these methods keeps the outside texture a little crisp and the inside perfectly soft.
Macaroni and Cheese Balls: I was immediately intrigued when I saw these, and they did not disappoint. I have heard people say that these are a bit bland, and while I agree that they're not as flavorful as they would be if you made them yourself, I think they're great for what they are. If you want some added flavor, I've heard of people dipping them in homemade spicy ranch, marinara sauce, or even dunking them in tomato soup (I need to try that ASAP).
Parmesan Pastry Pups: Olivia and I randomly loved making corn dogs as kids, and these pastry pups are like an elevated version of a fried corn dog. The crust is what makes these so delicious: puff pastry sprinkled with Parmesan. The "pups" are mini beef franks and are delicious as well! I dipped mine in honey mustard and they were the perfect little snack!
Vegetable Fried Rice: This fried rice has carrots, edamame, peas, leeks and red bell peppers in it and it's so good! To cook, you add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to a nonstick pan and cook the rice on medium for about 5 minutes. You can also microwave it, but it's better cooked on the stove. Olivia loves making this fried rice and adding shrimp to it!
Simpler Wines Peach Italian Wine Cocktail: I tried these based on the recommendation of a friend and I have to agree that they're delicious. I know peach isn't for everyone, but it wasn't overpowering or too sweet in my opinion. They're crisp and perfectly refreshing for summertime. The bubbles only make it that much better!