23 Hidden Gems at Trader Joe’s

Here’s 25 of the best Trader Joe’s products that will make you jump for joy! Don’t leave the store without them, especially if they’re seasonal.

Let’s face it. There’s a bajillion hidden gems at Trader Joe’s (and a few duds!). And this won’t be the last post dedicated to them. Trader Joe’s is loaded with sweet, crunchy, addictive loot.

That being said, as much as I love Trader Joe’s, not all their goodies taste sublime. In fact, some are downright criminal. Anybody else try the watermelon jerky? Never. Again.

This post is dedicated to the elite items at Trader Joe’s that make my heart swoon! The ones that make me want to weep for joy and fist bump a stranger.

Best Trader Joe’s Products 2023

I did my research for this post! I scoured the internet, talked to Trader Joe’s employees, and chatted with any shopper with a mountain-top grocery cart. I must’ve purchased half the store.

My question was the same, “What product can you NOT leave this store without?”.

I bought all the items and tried them with friends and family. Some lived up to the hype and others didn’t. All the products listed below are 100% undeniably delicious!

1. Black Pepper Toscano Cheese

Every trip to TJ’s starts and ends with the cheese section. It’s overwhelming for a first-timer, so skip the cheese dance and go for the black pepper Toscano cheese. You can thank me later.

I admit I live for black pepper. It’s completely overlooked and adds a spicy punch to everything.

The subtle heat combined with the creamy cheese is divine! It adds that wow-factor to any cheese board.

2. Stuffing Popcorn (Seasonal)

Oh. My. Goodness. If you see this gem, grab three bags. It’s only out for a few weeks. If you’re lucky enough to snag one, you will devour it in one sitting. Then when you head back to buy more, they will be OUT! Ask me how I know this.

I didn’t even get a picture. Because it was gone that fast.

3. Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas

Light, cheesy, crispy edges! These chicken enchiladas are a must-try. Even my husband liked them and he doesn’t like enchiladas.

Make sure you cook them in the oven, NOT the microwave!

My only complaint is they need more salsa Verde! Grab a jar and douse it on top! A little shredded cheese never hurt either.

Find these in the refrigerated, pre-packaged foods section. Perfect for a quick dinner!

4. Unexpected Cheddar

A crumbly sharp cheddar with little bits of crystallization. It’s like a brilliant mashup of parmesan and aged cheddar.

Throw it on your next charcuterie board and just wait for friends to ask where you bought it. I’d stake my right pinky on it.

5. Roasted Garlic & Pesto Pizza with Deep Fried Crust

This pizza is inspired by pizza fritta, a fried pizza from the streets of Naples. The crust is crunchy yet pillowy and the pesto on top makes it!

Occasionally, this pizza gets a bit messy in the oven. To prevent this, place a sheet pan one rack below the pizza to catch any cheese slippage.

6. Wildberry Cheesecake Ice Cream (Seasonal)

You might think the best seasonal items are only around the holidays! But you’d be dead wrong. Trader Joe’s wildberry cheesecake ice cream screams summer with it’s sweet cream base, bits of cheesecake, and mixed berry swirl.

Be on the lookout in the spring/summer.

7. Fig and Olive Crisps

I bought these after my sister said she makes a special trip to TJ’s just for these crackers! Pair with creamy goat cheese and apricot jam for snacking nirvana.

She told me she’s tried to find similar crackers at all her favorite stores and NONE compare! I can’t help but agree.

8. Mascarpone Cheese

Because where else can you find an 8 ounce tub of mascarpone cheese for 3.99?! Whipped mascarpone elevates any dessert, but lends itself well to savory dishes like pasta and scrambled eggs.

It’s dreamy, rich, and surprisingly affordable.

9. Japanese Fried Rice

A solid recommendation from a Trader Joe’s employee! If this isn’t already on your grocery list, add it now.

It doubles as a side dish or as a vegetarian main. It tastes great and it’s a breeze to make. Just cut it open and heat it up in a hot skillet. I add chicken, but you could easily add tofu or steak!

The one caveat: it contains seaweed. If you dislike seaweed, skip this one.

10. Organic Vanilla Bean Paste (Seasonal)

Find the little jar in the baking aisle! Vanilla bean paste is loaded with tiny flecks of vanilla bean. Add it to lattes, whipped cream, creme brulee, or frosting for an aromatic vanilla punch.

Unfortunately, this gem is seasonal. Find it around the holidays and buy two jars!

11. Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

Another recommendation from my sister! I knew these were the real deal because my sister doesn’t mess around when it comes to ice cream.

Her and my dad once visited four ice cream shops in ONE day. Trader Joe’s describes these ice cream sandwiches as transcendent, rightfully so.

And the mini chocolate chips around the sides are the perfect touch.

12. Thai Vegetable Gyoza

Even meat eaters love their vegetable gyozas! Theses vegetarian dumplings are filled with cabbage, carrot, chive, white radish, and onion.

Perfect for a dipping sauce but delicious without one!

I prefer to pan-fry them, but you can steam them or add them to hot soup!

If you pan-fry them, be careful not to add too much oil. Adding water to hot oil is a recipe for disaster.

13. Shawarma Chicken Thighs

You can find these in the raw, refrigerated meat section. They’re marinated chicken thighs in a shawarma spice mixture.

These did not disappoint! We grilled them up so the edges were crispy and the chicken was tender and moist. They barely made it to our plates before we devoured them. Highly recommend!

14. Hot and Sweet Jalapeno Peppers

These were freaking amazing! Hot and spicy with a subtle sweetness. They quickly elevate a cheeseburger or burrito bowl.

These are a staple in our house. I plan to gift these to all my pepper-loving siblings. The world deserves to know just how good they are!

15. 4 Chocolate Croissants

Golden brown, flaky layers with a melted chocolate center. These chocolate filled croissants taste like they came from an artisanal bakery!

The only caveat is they take 9 hours to proof, so remember to set them out the night before. They are 100% worth the wait. 10/10 – no complaints here!

16. Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes

So this recommendation came from my oldest sister. But I knew these were legit because her husband is Taiwanese.

Apparently green onion pancakes are quite the process with rolling, cutting, and a lot of TLC. She said these frozen ones are super quick and tasty! Her in-laws told her about them.

17. Mandarin Orange Chicken

One of their best-selling products! The cashier emphatically told me so.

And so did my brother and his wife. Fried and battered chicken pieces smothered in a sweet, sticky orange sauce. It’s simple, but effective!

I will say, the sauce is defenitely sweet! There’s nothing subtle about it. But if you love a sweet sauce, this is for you.

18. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Do NOT leave the store without these babies! How can a peanut butter cup make the list, you ask? Because they are THAT good.

These blow Reese’s cups out of the water. Creamy middles with a satisfying snap as you bite into it. Yes, please!

19. Shrimp Gyoza

These are just as delicious as the vegetable gyoza, but with a different filling! They’re full of shrimp, white cabbage, onion, ginger, and garlic.

I prefer to pan-fry them, but you can steam or microwave them too.

20. Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

One glance at these and I knew they were amazing. They are thick, chewy, and heavy for their size. I made my kiddos split one and they quickly begged me for more!

These chocolate chip cookies rival the best homemade chocolate chip cookies! And there’s no baking required. Score.

21. Chimichurri rice

This chimichurri rice was a pleasant surprise! It has a bold flavor with a little bit of heat. I made my own chimichurri shrimp and tossed it over this rice for a quick, flavorful dinner!

Just pulse olive oil, vinegar, fresh parsley, garlic, and salt in a food processor and toss with fresh shrimp before pan-frying.

22. Thai Green Curry

The veggies are a little scant, but the flavor is on point! Just add whatever veggies you have on hand if you want to bulk it up.

It’s creamy with a subtle sweetness and lovely heat. I even enjoyed the texture of the tofu and I’m not normally a tofu lover.

23. Cowboy Caviar

I love this stuff – on anything and everything! It’s a corn, black bean, and pepper salsa with a nice kick. It’s thicker than salsa and tastes amazing on burgers, tacos, and black bean burgers.

I like to add it to Trader Joe’s green chile pupusas with sour cream. I could eat it by the spoonful.

24. Trader Joe’s Pepita Salsa

This salsa is magic! It’s slightly sweet from the red peppers with a kick from chipotle powder. It’s one of my favorite products from Trader Joe’s and I buy it every time I go!

Trader Joe’s Must Haves

What Trader Joe’s products do you love? Let us know in the comments!