Anyone who shops at Trader Joe’s probably has a list of favorite items from the store.
I never leave the store without a bag of peanut butter pretzels, a container of spinach-artichoke dip, and a handful of Chomps for my daughter.
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Whenever I have friends or family for dinner, I head to Trader Joe’s for dessert. My go-to is a mixed platter of Trader Joe’s Hold The Cone mini ice creams, Passion Fruit Merengue Tartelettes, and assorted mochi balls. It’s easy and delicious.
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Trader Joe’s has never steered me wrong, and I know I’m not alone.
There aren’t that many stores that have literal fan pages across social media, a podcast (“Inside Trader Joe’s,” in case you’re interested), and a vibrant blog with recipes and household tips. Then there are the mini canvas totes that the brand drops a couple of times a year and that often sell out.
Most Trader Joe’s customers have a favorite item or two that they never leave the store without.
Image source: Shutterstock
Trader Joe’s is definitely one of those stores with cult status.
Trader Joe’s private labels many beloved products
Trader Joe’s is beloved for many reasons, including its low prices. Even though it’s considered a specialty grocer, you will find pretty much every staple you could need, at prices that are surprisingly low when compared to mainstream grocery stores.
One of the ways Trader Joe’s keeps its prices relatively low is by private-labeling products.
Over on Reddit, redditor @cookiebutterlove keeps a long list of items s/he believes are Trader Joe’s private labeled:
Butter Waffle Cookies – Jules Destrooper Butter CrispsCheddar CheeseSticks – John Wm. Macy’sCheese Blintzes – J&J KosherChicken Cilantro Mini Wontons – BibigoClassic Original Water Crackers – Carr’s Table Water CrackersGoddess Dressing – Annie’sHenry Hotspur’s Hard Pressed For Rosé Cider – Angry Orchard?Joe Joe’s Vanilla Sandwich Cream Cookies – Country Choice Organic Vanilla Sandwich CremesMeyer Lemon Cookie Thins – Dewey’s Meyer Lemon Moravian CookiesOriginal Savory Thin Crackers – SesmarkPeanut Butter Filled Pretzels – Good Health Natural Foods Peanut Butter Filled PretzelsSmooth and Creamy Classic Hummus – TribeTeas (boxed) – Celestial SeasoningsUnsweetened Green Tea Beverage – TejavaVery Green 100% Juice Smoothie – Naked
Even during this ongoing egg-flation situation Trader Joe’s has managed to keep egg prices mostly in check.
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Trader Joe’s is also known for carrying seasonal items, which can frustrate some shoppers (or maybe it’s just me?).
For example, you will only find puff pastry during the fall and winter holiday period. You will only find Halloumi cheese, that delicious feta-like cheese, during certain times of the year, and roasted pumpkin ravioli is a fall-only treat.
Trader Joe’s carrot cake is here for now
Apparently the company’s Carrot Mini Sheet Cake is one of those items that’s not always in stock. So when it is, people go crazy for it.
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If you’re someone who waits for the spring Trader Joe’s carrot-cake drop, make sure to grab one as soon as you can, as it’s in stock now, for a limited time.
One of the reasons people seem to love this sweet treat is that unlike most traditional carrot cake recipes, it doesn’t contain raisins or chunks of walnut (though it does have walnut meal in the batter, so if you’re allergic, you’ll want to avoid this one).
The cake retails for $5.99, so it won’t break the bank. On Reddit, some TJ’s fans report they usually grab a few cakes. One for eating and the rest for freezing.
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