Ever since I moved to Dallas from my small hometown in Southeast Texas, I’ve become a huge Trader Joe’s fan. They’re ideal for dorm life or when you just want to keep it simple, with a wide range of reasonably priced, ready-made meals that you just need to heat up. They also have some of my all-time favorites for snacks, drinks, quick dinners, and breakfast foods. Whether you need help prepping a full meal in a short amount of time or just need to stock up on some dorm-friendly foods, Trader Joe’s is great! Here are just a few of my current must-haves.
- Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips, Chili & Lime Flavored
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This one had to be first – I’m genuinely obsessed with these. I’ll eat almost a whole bag just in one study session! They’re great if you like Takis but want a little bit less heat.
- Cauliflower Gnocchi
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My sister recommended this one, and I was pleasantly surprised. They’re so easy to make – all you have to do is boil them in some water. The great thing is that you can add whatever you want and make it your own – I keep it simple and eat them with some veggies.
- Kettle Corn
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This one’s great for when you need that perfect movie night snack! Me and my friends easily demolish a whole bag in one night.
- Ready to Drink Cold Brew Coffee
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Their cold brew is one of my go-to items! It’s so yummy, and this one isn’t concentrate, so it’s ready to drink. All I do is pour some out and add a little almond milk! It’s something really useful to have in your mini fridge for those mornings when you don’t have the energy to go grab a coffee before your 8 am.
- Thai Lime and Chili Almonds
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Another great snack! What I love about these lime and chili almonds is that the flavor is subtle, and not super spicy. This is something I love to snack on while doing work or just watching Netflix when I just want something light.
- Gone Bananas
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I’d definitely recommend these if you’re looking for a new dessert or snack! I’ve heard this is a childhood favorite for many people, but I’ve only recently discovered it. You can’t go wrong with chocolate and banana, though.
- Thai Yellow Curry Sauce
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Curry Sauce is great for cooking practically anything you want. You can throw it in with some chicken or make a chickpea and vegetable curry. This is a good and easy way to change up your go-to meal with just one ingredient!
- 1,000 Day Aged Gouda
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Me and my friends love going on picnics or making cheese boards, and Trader Joe’s is great for that. If you love a good sharp cheese, I’d definitely recommend this one! You can cook with it, put it in a salad, or just eat it with crackers.
My list could go on and on – these are just a few of me and my friends’ go-to Trader Joe’s items. If you’re looking for really well-priced snacks or meals that are easy to put together, look no further. I always find myself buying way more than I should there, but it’s totally worth it!