Trader Joes Favorites

We lived in Little Rock for 4 years. When I moved there, I knew I would have Trader Joe’s withdrawals, and I was right. There wasn’t a single store in the entire state. Anytime we’d travel anywhere that was near one, I would take two coolers, walk in those doors as happy as could be, and spend approximately $4,000 to last me until the next time we’d be close to one. I’ve Trader Joe’d in Birmingham, Tulsa, Memphis, Dallas, St. Louis, and Louisville, which is proof of how much I love pushing that red cart.

I must be a prophet. When I got to Little Rock I remember saying, “Watch. The moment we leave. They will open a Trader Joe’s.” We left at the end of August, and in October, they opened the doors to one. See? I’m a prophet.

Anyways, this store has a big place in my heart, and it’s shaped like one of their dark chocolate peanut butter cups. I love shopping there because I always find something new. I thought I’d share some of my recent favorites. I tried to choose things that might not normally be on your radar. Some of these I’ve mentioned before in other posts, and some of them may cause you to turn up your nose. Open minds, people. Keep open minds. Let’s get going.

My favorite seasoning they have. I love to use it on roasted vegetables.

The BEST pasta sauce. There’s nothing better.

Don’t scoff at these. They’re delicious and make a great lunch or side with your lunch.

I am not a coffee person. I am a tea person, but I don’t want hot tea; I want it full of ice. This is what I drink. I’ve always thought I’m the only person who buys this. I must not be because I’ve been drinking it for 6 years, so surely someone else does.

My favorite! You won’t be disappointed.

I’ve mentioned my love of cheese from a goat about 700 times on this blog. At Trader Joe’s, you can buy it in the form of a slice. God hears our prayers.

Get a jar…or 4.

I mentioned this a few months ago on a post dedicated to quick dinners. I love to have several of these on hand when I don’t really feel like cooking. If you buy this, don’t make it per the instructions because you’ll be disappointed. Check out her way to make it.

ALERT: These are only in stores during the summer. Grab several bags on your next trip. Then you’ll need to hide a few because you’ll want to eat all of them in one day.

Is there any other flavor combo that’s more nostalgic than PB&J? No. These are darling and delightful.

I realize a savory banana sounds weird, but I love these. Such a good snack.

Claire has a nightly dessert habit. In fact, one night she didn’t mention it after dinner, so I didn’t either. After we had done her whole bedtime routine, we were reading books, and she shot up in the bed like a Pop Tart coming out of a toaster and loudly gasped. “I didn’t have dessert tonight!” Bless it. Anyways, she loves these, and they are the perfect size for a little one, or someone who just wants a taste or two of something sweet.

I hope this gave you some ideas!

Peace, love, and organic cheetos,