Trader Joe’s grocery chain has a stellar reputation and a massive fan base for obvious reasons– it can do no wrong. It’s a magical place filled with consistent staples as well as as a wide variety of daring products to try and to love. Everyone knows that when fall comes around, pumpkin products find their way onto our grocery store shelves, and at Trader Joe’s there’s no exception.
Not only do people love the great products that TJ’s carries, but they also love the money left in their wallet after their shopping trips. When you shop here, there’s no reason to choose between quality or price. After years of practicing and perfecting my grocery shopping skills, I would absolutely consider myself a TJ’s-Pro. Here’s a list of 10 products that I have recently started loving, and that every Collegiette should pick up.
1. Avocado Salsa, $2.99
I recently discovered this amazing guac/salsa/dip combination, and will probably purchase it for the rest of my life. It’s almost like a silky guacamole, and honestly, who wouldn’t want that? This is a tasty, healthy snack, and low cal option to take your sandwiches, breakfast toast, and tortilla chips to the next level.
2. Pumpkin Tortilla Chips, $1.99
I stood in the isle with a bag of these tortilla chips in my hand for at least five minutes trying to imagine what dip I could possibly use on this confusing chip. I never came to a conclusion, but placed it in my little red basket regardless and I am so glad that I did. These chips have an incredible duality that allows them to be used with either a sweet dip, like Greek yogurt or even a cookie butter (highly recommended with the one listed below), or a salsa (also highly recommended with the one listed above). The cinnamon and nutmeg notes pair well with both a sweet and salty profile because their pumpkin-y attributes are achieved without any sugar.
3. Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookie Butter, $3.99
Okay, so it may be a little high on the calorie spectrum, but this has to be the most addicting jar of anything ever produced. In all honesty, I finished my jar in under 5 days. I have no words to describe how good it is, but I think my actions and fast consumption time speak for themselves. That’s some seriously good gourd people, 10/10 would recommend.
4. Sipping Chocolate, $3.99
If you have access to a kitchen, or some way to boil milk, this cocoa mix blows away any hot chocolate that I’ve ever had on campus. Not to mention, this cute little tin has 9+ servings! It’s really the perfect blend– sweet, rich, and a bit salty, which balances out nicely. I tend make mine with almond milk because it’s sweeter and creamier, but I’m sure using regular milk would be just as good. This is seasonal as well, so enjoy while it lasts.
5. Pumpkin O’s, $2.49
I’m a huge cereal person, so why not embrace the pumpkin spice craze at breakfast too? Standing alone without milk, the taste of this cereal is very similar to Apple Jacks due to the cinnamon, but when you add milk, the pumpkin really comes into its own. The leftover milk at the bottom of the bowl is too good not to drink.
6. Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup, $2.79
This is an age old TJ’s jewel. I know so many people who swear by this soup! As we are approaching cold, flu, and UMass Plague season, this item should be top on your list. It’s a creamy tomato soup base with slight hints of red pepper, which is such a great combination. It’s a perfect pairing with grilled cheese or some crackers on a cold fall evening if you don’t feel like walking to the dining hall.
7. Joe’s Diner Mac & Cheese, $2.99
This is indeed a frozen mac and cheese, which makes it extraordinarily convenient if you live on campus. But this isn’t just another frozen mac and cheese. This mac and cheese has multiple cheeses, which give it a certain level of depth and creaminess. This is such an underrated product that I always have in my freezer because, let’s face it, we all have those lazy nights.
8. Dark Chocolate Bar: Caramel with Black Sea Salt, $1.99
In my opinion, this is the end all be all of caramel and sea salt bars. Chocolate must raise moods and uplift spirits by at least 45%, and because this bar has the marriage of gooey caramel and contrast of sea salt, we’re talking more along the lines of a 55% increase. That’s a lot of happiness in one bar of chocolate.
9. Unsweetened Green Tea, $1.49
It comes in pint sizes, which are easy to finish in a day. I bought it with 0 expectations, but was pleasantly surprised. This is such a lazy person drink because in reality, how hard is it to boil water and add a tea bag? Sometimes, things just taste better when you’re not the one making it, and this is a perfect example. I usually get the standard green because I love how it isn’t sweet, but still so refreshing. The other flavor is blueberry pomegranate, which is very nice as well.
10. Bite Size Everything Crackers, $2.49
I am a huge fan of these crackers. I love to put them in my soups because they add a nice crunch and flavor. They are also great with hummus or even cheese. These have all the great toppings “everything bagels” have, but they’re in cracker form (and it’s really life changing).
What will you be picking up on your next grocery run, Collegiettes?