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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Trader Joe's ·

Trader Joe’s Faves PART 4


What better way to spend a Friday than with some of my current faves from Trader Joe’s!

Here’s the problem…after our trip, we had no food in the house, so I went to Trader Joe’s…annnnd it was cold, cloudy and raining…so what does that mean?  I overbought alllllllll the hearty food.  Does anyone else do that?  Sunny, bright day?  I’m buying a fresh pineapple.  Cloudy, cold day?  I’m buying anything that has the words “creamy” and “cheese” on them. Bahaha!  So, here’s what we have, here’s what I’m loving and here’s what I’m suggesting you get the next time you go.  At the end of the post, I have links to all of my Trader Joe’s Faves in case you want to flip through those as well.  Happy, happy Friday!!!  Love you guys!

I love that this bacon is already cooked.  On busy school mornings, I can just microwave as many pieces as we need and they have bacon on their plate in seconds.  Super easy!

I’m currently eating these at my desk as I type.  They’re not spicy.  I actually think they’re more lime-y with just a nice hint of chili powder.

That’s so fun, right?!  It’s a twist on two classics!!  These are great to heat up and enjoy for quick lunches.

I always keep things like this on hand for easy and fast side dishes.  You can saute either one or even roast them (or heck, pop them in the microwave or even just eat them raw).  Easyyyyy!

I actually had this as a side last night!!  Love!

Speaking of salads, have you tried this dressing???  It has just a bit of Gorgonzola in there and is INSANE.  It turns basic Romaine into something really delish!

Run, don’t walk, to get these!!!!  I think they’re seasonal, so stock up!!  These are great as little appetizers at parties and would make an easy, original and delicious Super Bowl bite!!  Right?!  They’re in the freezer section!

This just makes everything taste better.  From a block of cream cheese to boring white rice…this stuff is delish!

I had a reader tell me to buy this so I did the very next day and heated one up for lunch!  It was so easy and delicious!!  It’s found in the freezer section.

I was buying the crackers like this from Costco (they’re so yummy!), but when I saw these, I thought I’d try them too.  They really taste the same, so if you’re a TJ person verses a Costco person, grab ’em.  They go insanely well with…

…this Buffalo Style Hummus!!  Or…

…this Buffalo Style Chicken Dip.  Erika Slaughter, you need BOTH!

I have been using (and loving) their lavender body scrub, but when I saw this one, I thought I’d grab it too.  I’m really into citrus scents.  If you haven’t tried their bath products, TJ has some amazing ones (like their coconut body butter!).

The easiest and most delicious breakfast!!  It’s in the freezer section too!

Anyone else out there like this stuff?  These are so yummy to snack on while I’m at my desk or making dinner (anyone else snack a bit while they make dinner?).

I bought this for lunch back in the fall and have continued to get it when I go.  This makes the simplest lunch for me when I’m at home plus my kids like it in their thermoses for school lunches too.

I love an egg pasta!!  This is fresh so it’s in the refrigerated section.

Yes, yes, YES!  This is seasonal, so make sure you get it while it’s out now.  I could eat my weight in this yummy cheese.  It’s a little sweet and so yummy on a charcuterie board.

Madeley loves any type of sausage or pepperoni.  I will put one of these in her lunch box, and she’s always so happy!

For nights when we make burgers, but I don’t make homemade fries, these are surprisingly easy and delish!  They’re really good out of the air fryer too!!

Okay, this is a great dip, but one time, I stirred it into my slow cooker with two packages of their frozen turkey meatballs and one jar of their marinara sauce and it was INSANE!

Whew!  That’s my latest round up.  WHAT SHOULD I BUY NEXT TIME?  And by next time, I mean like Monday when I go 😉 .  Please comment and share!

If you want to see some of the other things we love to buy at Trader Joe’s, click on the links below.  They change out their selection seasonally, so we always buy a variety throughout the year.
Trader Joe’s Faves PART 1 (from February last year, so most of these items are currently in store!!)
Trader Joe’s Faves PART 2 (from May!)
Trader Joe’s Faves PART 3 (from August!)
Trader Joe’s FALL FAVES

I hope you guys all have a wonderful weekend!!! xo

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Comments

  2. Alexis deZayas says

    I don’t know why but Trader Joe’s has the BEST chocolate milk!! It’s such a treat!

  3. Beth says

    I’ve heard their carnita pork is delicious and have it on my list. I got an air fryer for Christmas and am going to do cauliflower gnocchi in it. I’m also getting a little crazy with it and put chocolate gnocchi on my list. I love their vegetable fried rice (I add more veggies, chicken) and chimichurri rice from the freezer. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t have a romaine salad for lunch, topped with broccoli slaw, candied pecans, and TJ’s spicy peanut vinaigrette.

      • Maddie Giamello says

        Hi! Do you put anything on the cauliflower gnocchi before you put it in the air fryer? Like oil! Or do you just put it in there plain? This is a great idea, can’t wait to try it!! Thanks!!

  6. Holly Breton @ Pink Lady says

    My mouth is watering here at 6:30 in the morning- ha! Thank you for sharing- will be adding a few of these things to my list. Quick question/side note: What software/program do you use to create your graphics? Looking for your recommendation- thanks and have a wonderful weekend Shay!

  7. Miranda Foster says

    I love these posts! We love costco and trader Joe’s! I have to have the fiesta cashew cheese dip with plantain chips at all times! I serve the dip warm as a cheese and chips alternative! I also love the vegan kale cashew pesto. I serve it with chicken & roasted veggies. It would make a good pasta dish or salad also but we rarely eat pasta!
    Special request! I would love to see a weeks worth of school lunches & tips. I have a daughter going into kindergarten next year and definitely will be using the thermos trick!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I love those plantain chips, but I’ve never tried the dip. Thank you for the rec!! And yes, I can try and do that too!

  10. Gina says

    I roast brussel sprouts and cauliflower and then put a little of the sweet chili sauce on top. We had it as an appetizer at a restaurant and it was so delicious I knew I had to try to copy it. We have it at least a couple times a month!

  11. Catherine says

    I’m not sure if it’s seasonal, but they have Elote Corn Chip Dippers that are out of this world!! Pair them with their Reduced Guilt Chunky Guacamole and ?

  12. Natalie Bryant says

    We tried something new this week- their bag of root veggie fries. Soooooo good and a healthy alternative to French fries. All four of us loved them!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Okay, I almost picked those up but decided to wait until next time! Adding it to my list for next week!

  13. Lisa N says

    Bummed that there is no Trader Joe’s near me every time I see one of these post… but do have something to share with you. I always love all the little lamps in your house and even ask one time if they are on timers or you manually turn them all on. At that time you said manually. Do you know that Amazon has kits that you plug your lamps into and comes with a remote control to operate them? The one I purchased controls 3 lamps on one remote.

  14. Michele says

    The inner peas are my ADDICTION!! I love them so much. And I had no idea they had buffalo chicken dip, I’ve been buying the one at Publix when I’m too lazy to make my own.

  17. Julie says

    I actually just tried a bag of coffee for the first time (LOVE that it’s called “Joe,” that makes me smile) and it is VERY good. I bought medium roast and am loving it, but they had a variety of roasts for whatever you like. I don’t usually buy my coffee there but I’m so glad I did this week! I also love that apricot cheese. I am eagerly awaiting the next round of candles! I used pine all winter but they are out now, so hopefully they’ll have some new scents soon. Happy Shopping!

  18. Mary says

    This post was perfect timing! My Trader Joe’s is about 40 min away and I planned a trip there today!! Thanks Shay ?

  19. Abby says

    Have you tried TJs Butter Toffee Pretzels? They are on the Chip aisle and are so yummy. The Brie bites are a great appetizer, but they were seasonal, so when I went back for more, they were gone.

  20. Tracey Cobb says

    The Chicken Tikka Masala (freezer section) is one of my favorite lunches! It also happens to be gluten-free! My seven-year-old has Celiac Disease, and TJ’s carries some of our favorite (and reasonably priced, which is unheard of in the GF world) gluten-free finds. The GF waffles (frozen) are her absolute favorite. So perfect with PB or Nutella on school mornings. Their GF Chocolate Chip Cookies taste like Tate’s! They’re crispy and buttery. And the GF Frozen Mac and Cheese is INSANE. It’s so good. You’d never know it was GF. I seriously contemplated microwaving 6 of them and throwing them all in a bowl to serve on Christmas Eve. No one would have guessed or known the difference. That. Good.

      • Tracey Cobb says

        We’ve been gluten-free for 5.5 years now! It’s not an easy (or cheap) road to travel. I’ve learned a lot and have come to truly appreciate places like TJ’s! (We love their “Pirate’s Booty” better than the OG. Their GF Mini Cupcakes are a delight, too. I could clearly go on and on about my GF recs and thoughts about challenges/successes.) Also, sooooo many of your yummy recipes are easy to make GF (or may already be inherently gluten-free) by subbing a few ingredients. Thank you for yummy and simple recipes!

  21. Patrice Stagliano says

    I believe you reported on TJ’s seasonal Rosemary Pecans. Sadly I did not stock up and quickly they sold out. They are in my top 5 best buys from TJ’s. Also, which brand air fryer do you use? TIA

  22. Julie says

    I’ll have to try the Thai bowl, buffalo dip, and the sweet chili sauce. Making me hungry this morning. We love their freezer beef and broccoli. It has a nice kick to it too. We also like their corn chili salsa, and my kids love their whole grain blueberry waffles.

  23. Shannon Foote says

    I got the sweet potato gnocchi a while back but haven’t made it because I don’t quite know what to serve it with. Any ideas? ☺️

  24. Tamra says

    We love Joe’s frozen mashed potatoes. Yes, I can make my own but when busy these are delish!

  25. Erika says

    I cannot believe you haven’t snagged their bruschetta! It’s so so good! We eat with crackers, scoop over chicken or stir into warm pasta. That with their garlic dip makes the best cracker and dip!
    Their apricot crackers and honey goat cheese are delicious too.

  26. LisaD says

    TJ has a good green Chile mac and cheese in the freezer section. I buy frozen salmon – wild caught. My daughter uses the vegan butter and says it’s good.

  28. Cheryl says

    Good morning Shay!
    I love all of your posts and this is a little off topic of today’s, but..just a suggestion. Is it possible to revert the comments section back to black print? The updated look is fantastic but the light green print can be a bit daunting on the eyes ?
    So glad you’re all recovered and hope you have a beautiful 2020!

  30. Sandra Knight says

    I live about 2 1/2 hours from McKinney that is the closest Trader Joes to me. My aunt lives there so everytime we go visit we go there. I bought the sweet chili sauce a while ago but I didn’t know how to use it. Do you just pour it over the cream cheese and dip with crackers? I love the idea over rice also. Maybe my kids will eat rice if I put that on it!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      You can totally do that with cream cheese! It’s also great as a side with chicken, rice, any sort of stir fry…dipping for veggies, egg rolls, all of it!

  31. Beth Valenta says

    Just went last night after gym and I love their block of white cheddar at $3.99 it is a steal and oven baked cheese bites with truffle are addictive. I stocked up on cards (so cute) to send out to a pal once a month. I also tried this mini lemon spray for the bathroom. It’s perfect as it’s not too big to sit on your sink and smells like you just cleaned, which is a bonus for me. Have a great weekend!

  32. Kim S. says

    I just started using their Tea Tree oil shampoo and I love it. Also love their curry sauce, gyro meat, Step Up to the Snack Bar mix. And I just ate one of their molasses cookies. Funny story – I went there yesterday and got guacamole for dinner tonight. My kids ate the whole container yesterday for an after dinner snack.

    • Kelly Brick says

      The tea tree tingle shampoo and co sit-up we have been a staple in our home since 2011. When guests use it they are always blown away at how nice it is. My mother in law went from using $25/bottle shampoo to this.

    • Michelle says

      I have a few favorites! Dark chocolate almonds, marinara sauce, roasted corn in the freezer section-SO YUMMY, eggplant dip, broccolini in the produce section because I can’t find it at our local grocery, and the cauliflower pizza crusts. Their dips are great as pizza sauces to change up flavors! Thanks for your faves posts!!! Love them!

  33. Steph says

    Would you put that already cooked bacon in the kids lunches? If so, how would you package, etc?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I have put it on a sandwich before (like a BLT), but I haven’t put it in there by itself. I think I would wrap it in foil.

  34. Bridget says

    Ahhh! I was just at Trader Joe’s last night and had all of your Trader Joe’s posts up and skimmed through each one while there. Missed this new post by a day. Shucks! 🙂

    Going to try the Trader Joe’s Meatballs in the crockpot this weekend. I also got the organic riced cauliflower to go with it. My husband looked at me with crazy eyes when I pulled it out of the bag last night. I’ve got a hunch he’s going to like it!

    • Tina Spork says

      Have you tried the Green Curry Simmer Sauce? I pair it with their frozen Asian vegetables, Roasted Red Peppers(frozen) and bag of their hair cots vert (fresh). If I need protein I sauté up some of their Frozen chicken tenders. Serve it over their Frozen Brown Rice! It is better than most Thai restaurants! I promise!! If you want something “creamy” and delicious, this is it! Top it with toasted slivered almonds to take it over the top!

  35. Kristine W says

    I love their Garlic Olive Oil, Triple Ginger Snaps, frozen Mac and Cheese, Plantains, Blondies, Dark Chocolate Orange Sticks. Over the holidays their Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake mix was amazing. We also love their Mildly Sweet and Spicy Beef and Broccoli (you would need 2 packages).
    A TJ worker told me to make this and i did and it was yummy-Sauté onion slices (I used the garlic olive oil), add their Shaved Steak and cook quickly. When done crumble their English Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onion on steak and let it melt. Serve on toasted Brioche Buns. You will love it. I could go on and on. Love TJ!! Have a great weekend.

  36. Eileen P says

    Love the dates! I grabbed a couple of boxes when I was there last time. Once we devoured them all, I wound up just making some at home – we almost always have all 3 ingredients on hand. When I got them, I also picked up a couple of boxes of the mini brie en croute (right next to the stuffed dates in McKinney store) – they were also super tasty.

  37. Alison T says

    If you’re an olive person, their olive tapenade is so good! It’s a perfect accompaniment on a charcuterie board!

  39. Meg says

    Can’t remember if you have discovered the Brookie (brownie/cookie bar) yet! Also – would you ever consider doing an air fryer post? Thanks!

    • Cheryl says

      Ooh…I would love an air fryer post, too! I got one last Christmas and have only used it a couple of times…

  40. Ashley says

    Have you tried the spaghetti squash au gratin? It is in the frozen section (seasonal) and delish! I also love their chile relleno.

  41. Courtney says

    I love these posts! Ha! Mostly because I love food and I’m always planning what I’m going to eat for my next meal while I’m eating my current one! ?

    Soyaki is the BEST marinate I have ever tried. Like ever. We have been marinated chicken breasts in the morning and then popping them in the air fryer in the evening for dinner. Seriously so good.

    Also the chocolate hummus is wonderful. My picky toddler is obsessed. You can eat it with apple slices, bananas, graham crackers, whatever. Sounds disgusting but it’s really good. It’s like a thick chocolate pudding.

    I really love their herb fresh pizza dough. Makes the best crust for pizzas.

    The açaí bowls you mentioned are my fav! And the Shea and coconut hair serum is the best! Thanks for all your recs! Can’t wait to go grocery shopping. Weird the things we get excited for as adults.

  42. Stephanie F Sanders says

    I love TJ too, but the closest one to me is over 30 min away. However, I love Aldi! Not sure if McKinney has one, but you really should check it out. They have a lot of the same products (under diff names) that TJ is famous for. Their return policy is great if you find something you don’t like. And since you like German food so much, Aldi is a Germany based grocery and carries a alot of specialty German food!

      • Bridget Brown says

        Aldi is PHENOMENAL. Love me some Aldi!! ? I went twice today and once last night!

        I recall that you and Andrew like a good charcuterie board. Aldi has amazing meats and cheeses for charcuterie boards. There are even Facebook groups for Aldi fans and in them, people share pics of what they put on their charcuterie boards. Pretty sure I could stare at those pics all day long. *Swoon*

  43. Lindsay D. says

    So funny…on Instagram you asked Trader Joe Favorites. I listed the Thai lime & chili cashews. Then I come to your blog and you also had that listed. 🙂 Next time you go to Costco grab a bag of the chili roasted pistachios. I think I like them even better than the cashews from TJ’s.

  44. Dawn says

    Love their Sweet & Hot Jalapeno peppers. They come in a jar & are fabulous!! I put them on everything 🙂

  45. Leslie says

    I’ve just discovered Trader Joe’s has a podcast and it is delightful! Different episodes give background information about how their buyers find different products around the world. They also discuss seasonal products, criteria for opening stores in certain locations, etc. If you haven’t listened to it – I highly recommend it.

  46. Anna says

    Hey shay you should try Trader Joe’s blonde bar mix. It’s really good! Also have you tried their Bruschetta Sauce! We love using it as a salad dressing!

  47. Mallory says

    Japanese Style Fried Rice (in the freezer section). Emphasis on the Japanese Style. Buy at least 2 bags to feed the whole family. Closest thing to restaurant fried rice there is.

  48. Adriana says

    These items I think are seasonal- but if you can still find them are worth it. A Caramelized onion cheese, cranberry and i think brie (or some other cheese) bites and cornbread with pepper jack cheese both in freezer section. So good for snacks and used a lot for holiday hosting. One staple for weekday lunch is the yellow jackfruit curry- craveable!! Lastly, if you haven’t listened to their podcast (Inside Trader Joes) you must. Quick easy 20-30 minute listens that are full of fascinating information- how products are tested, sourced, new products coming up, discontinued favorites, etc. Love it!

  49. Paula B. says

    Wow, great list. I am wanting so much on here and will be heading to Trader Joe’s tomorrow or Sunday for some of those appetizer items. My retired teacher friends and I have “After Christmas Bingo” this weekend – we bring presents that, perhaps, could find a more suitable home and, play Bingo for those as our prizes. Sometimes we have a buffet dinner but this year it is all apps and desserts. Yum! Also, that citrus scrub, yes, indeed, I am all about those scents, too.

  50. Lauren Priddle says

    The sweet potato fries are amazing! I use to make them homemade but when I tried them from Trader Joe’s, I’m never going back. They are so easy and tasty!

  51. Ruth says

    Currently can’t get enough of their burrarta, only two in a container, but one goes a long way over a salad. Their chili onion crunch is a fun twist for a bread dipping oil, too.

  52. Katie Allred says

    The three layer hummus is also delicious! That champagne pear dressing is one if my favorites of all time!

  53. Abby says

    I love the Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi. It is gnocchi stuffed with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. So quick and easy to make and delicious!!

  54. Amy says

    Can’t wait to try those açaí bowls! Also, that sugar scrub looks great – thanks for this list.

  55. Nicole says

    I love that you tell which is seasonal so I can be sure to stock up! I have a habit of becoming obsessed with things and a lot of times they’re seasonal items and when I go back with the intention of cleaning them out and they’re no longer available—- UGH, the devastation is REAL. This was I can clean em out from the start and avoid such trauma LOL.

    You’ve covered my would-be recommendations, but if you ever need Whole Food recommendations— I am your girlllll!!!! 🙂

  56. Heather says

    We love the Bacon Ranch dip with crackers ?(get two or three, it disappears fast!) organic yogurt smoothies for the kids, and their taco seasoning is YUM (read the package; you mix it all with tomato sauce.) Also, chocolate orange sticks are DANGEROUS. Mini PB crackers for the kids too.

  57. Tricia says

    Hi Shay,

    Happy New Year to you and your sweet family! I’m continuing to pray for you and your girls as well as your dear friends and their families.

    Sadly, we don’t have Trader Joe’s in Canada, but I still enjoy reading your posts about all of your terrific finds…!

    My comment has nothing to do with TJ’s, but I just wanted to thank you for telling us about “Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza” a while back! Oh my goodness!! Bought it for my older daughter (11), to give to my younger daughter (9) for Christmas. We have been playing it non stop since Christmas Day!! What a fantastic game for the whole family to enjoy! So many laughs!! The hubs and I tend to get a little competitive… ?

    I don’t usually comment on your posts, but thank you, Shay, for being a ray of light in so many of our lives! I so look forward to sitting down with a cup of tea at the end of each day and reading your blog! God bless!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yay!!!! I”m so happy you guys love that too!!! Thank you for your kind comment. You spoke to my heart this morning. xo

  58. Mary Jane McNeill says

    We’re big snackers at our house and LOVE the Meyer Lemon wafer cookies and the vanilla wafers. They make my mouth water just thinking about them!

  59. Laura says

    The new frozen cold brew latte ice pops have changed my life! I have one in the bathtub and it’s extra delicious haha

  60. Aida says

    Shay you should definitely try the the Truffle dip with the Norwegian Crispbread. Makes a yummy snack.

  61. Karen says

    We love any of the Chinese foods….I make one bag of the veggie fried rice and mis it with the cauliflower fried rice to make it go farther. The potstickers are good as well. I also love the tamales for a quick lunch for myself. I pop 1 in the microwave at a time and it’s a perfect amount.

    We did NOT like the root veggie French fries—I really bought them for myself and was hoping my family would like them too—but we all did not like them and tossed them.

  62. Detroit Duchess says

    I just went to Trader Joe’s for the first time a few weeks ago to get their Everything But the Bagel Seasoning (which is great!). This is so helpful because I really wasn’t in my element there and didn’t know what to look for. I am making a list for the next time I need to go!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yes! Sheaffer told me to get that the first time I went too! It’s fantastic on avocado toast!!

  63. Jordyn @ Southern & Style says

    If you haven’t tried their smoked salmon dip, you’ve got to-it’s insanely good!

  64. Lauren says

    I know I’m late to the party on this but here are a few of our favorites to give a try:
    Frozen – Chicken Chile verde burritos, Italian style meatballs, Mac and cheese
    Pre Made Salad – Kale and broccoli slaw with chicken
    Kids Lunch Snacks – Breakfast Bars, Seaweed, Soft & juicy mango
    Hummus
    Pita Bite Crackers
    Pizza dough and pizza sauce (refrigerated)
    Almond butter (great price)
    Tuscan Italian dressing
    Cuban style black beans (canned)
    Roasted red pepper soup
    Mango Shave cream
    Greeting cards – 99 cents and good quality
    Red Wine – Trentatre Rosso, doesn’t taste like a $5.99 bottle of wine!

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