At home, I live about 30 minutes away from Trader Joes; my family rarely ever went when I lived at home. It was out of the way compared to other places. Since moving to Milwaukee, though, Trader Joe’s is a quick seven minute drive up the freeway. That blessing has been one of the greatest gifts since coming to Marquette.
When I moved down in August, I had my mom make a pit stop at Trader Joe’s on the way so that I could experience it after it exploded on my TikTok FYP. I browsed the aisles seeing familiar products that I have heard never ending chatter about on the internet. Joe Joe’s, cauliflower gnocchi, chocolate hummus, the overly friendly staff — it all was just as it was portrayed.
From that experience in August, Trader Joe’s quickly became my second home. I can be caught there at least one day each week, sometimes more, and always trying new things that entice me even in the slightest. Here are some of the best picks from the store whether you’re a Trader Joe’s virgin or a Trader Joe’s regular:
1. Cinnamon Grahams
I feel like a French housewife about to hit the town after I finish dipping my cinnamon grahams in my morning joe. A box of these lasts me about 1-2 weeks. I eat two of them every morning with my breakfast dipped in coffee. There is no other way for me to eat them other than to be crushed over greek yogurt with fruit. Chef’s kiss.
2. Sweet Potato Gnocchi
I first was introduced to gnocchi through shopping at Trader Joe’s. The store has a few different kinds including sweet potato, cauliflower, gorgonzola, kale and more. My favorite is the sweet potato because it is served in a butter and thyme sauce. With that, I also cut up a Trader Joe’s chicken sausage and mix it in for a little protein, as well as some chopped and sauteed veggies.
3. Joe Joe’s
Ugh — the Joe Joe’s. My mouth is watering thinking of them. My sweet tooth is a bit more aggressive than the average person’s. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have at least a small sweet after each meal. I love a good Oero but the Joe Joe’s, a knock off Oreo, are so much softer. And better. And amazing. I could finish a box in one sitting.
4. Green Tea Mints
When my aunt was in college I was in middle school. She would take my sisters and I places in her red jeep all of the time. She always had Trader Joe’s Green Tea mints on the dash and I would take some when I got in the car as I got older. Maybe they just remind me of a pastime, but I now always have Trader Joe’s Green Tea Mints on my desk and in my car.
5. Flatbread + Hummus
The selection of hummus at Trader Joe’s is endless. Jalapeno, red pepper, cilantro, even chocolate. My favorite is the cilantro and jalapeno hummus. I scoop some onto a plate and heat up a piece of Trader Joe’s flatbread on the stove. Once the flatbread is warmed up and getting a little crisp, I take it off, cut it into pieces and eat it with the hummus. A carb-lovers dream.
6. Vegan Banana Bread
If you can get your hands on it (it’s typically in stock at my TJs about 50% of the time), dip that stuff in your coffee, too! I just dipped a slice of the banana break in an oat milk latte this morning. I can’t think of a more perfect way to get the day going.
7. Green Goddess Seasoning
Last time I went to Trader Joe’s I picked up a Green Goddess seasoning. It is good for eggs, salads, fish, and veggies but I have been putting it on absolutely everything. It is the Green Goddess Salad dressing but in a more universal form!
Run — do not — walk to Trader Joes. 9:00am to 9:00pm, seven days a week. Try not to overflow your shopping cart. And if it is your birthday or your first time visiting, make sure to let a staff member know!!