Trader Joes' Favorites

Hi foodies,

Olivia and I thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite buys from one of our very favorite grocery stores. Trader Joe's has some of the most beautiful and relatively inexpensive flowers, as well as some quick meals, delicious snacks and treats! Unfortunately, we don't have a store located close to our college campus so it's a treat when we find ourselves at Trader Joe's.

Produce

Mini Persian Cucumbers - These small little guys are perfect for a grab and go snack. Pair them with the everything but the bagel seasoning dip and it makes the perfect lunch side or snack!

Avocados - These bags of avocados are THE BEST! They are smaller than regular grocery store avocados, making it pretty easy for me to eat them all in about a week and a half. To keep avocados fresh for a long time: keep them on the counter until they ripen and then store them in the fridge. I can usually keep them for a couple of weeks this way!

Beefless ground beef - I fried this up in a skillet and subbed it for taco meat. You could throw it in a rice bowl and add all the veggies! Delicious.

Italian Tofurky sausage - There are so many "fake meat" products on the market now, but I love the simplicity of the ingredients in Tofurky products. It is mostly just made of tofu. I make these to go with roasted veggies, or I cut them into coins to put on pasta.

Frozen

Potato Mix - This potato mix includes peppers and onions, which adds a lot of flavor. I enjoyed my potatoes with an over easy egg on top or paired with some chicked sausage. Endless options with these yummy potatoes as a side dish.

Mexican Style Roasted Corn - Delicious flavored corn topped with cojita cheese. Good as a stand alone side dish or mixed into a rice/burrito bowl.

Chicken Tiki Masala - A go to microwave meal, tastes just like the authentic chicken tiki masala.

Seasonings/Dips

EBTB - Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. If you haven't tried it, you need to! It is a must! I love this seasoning on eggs and roasted vegetables especially. You could add it to meats, fish and really anything savory.

EBTB dip - Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Dip. Like the seasoning, but a yogurt based dip. I dip my carrots, cucumbers, celery and peppers in this creamy dip. You could also eat it with chicken, fries and other things!

Elote seasoning - This is the seasoning they use on Mexican street corn if you've ever had it! My favorite way to use this seasoning is mixing it into ground beef and corn. Then I add a wedge or two of the laughing cow cheese, a dollop or sour cream and add the elite seasoning to taste. You've now got yourself amazing chip dip, taco meat or add rice and vegetables for a flavorful rice bowl.

Peanut Butter - Chia, flax and peanut butter spread. I love all peanut butters. This is a natural peanut butter and has chunks of peanuts in it. My favorite thing to eat for breakfast is toast with peanut butter and sliced bananas on top.

Creamy almond butter - I've never been a huge fan of almond butter, but Trader Joe's creamy almond butter is a game changer! I love drizzling it over cereal or putting it on rice cakes for a quick snack.

Umami Seasoning - This seasoning works well on vegetables and meat, but I like to sprinkle it on pan-seared salmon and tofu. Add some coconut aminos (next) or soy sauce, and you've got a perfect flavor combo!

Cacao powder - I add this to smoothies or blended bananas to make a healthier chocolate shake.

Drinks

Coconut cold brew - This is a great grab-and-go coffee option that isn't too sweet, and doesn't contain any dairy since it is made with coconut cream. Amazing poured over ice!

Snacks

Dried Mango - Make sure to get the dried mango without sugar added. A great snack to bring with to school or work!

Sweet potato seed crackers - Amazing, so much flavor. I eat these crackers with salsa, cheese or with chilli.

Dark chocolate peanut butter cups - Anything with peanut butter is always a go for me and dark chocolate is another favorite of mine, so this combo is heavenly.

Elote Corn Chip Dippers - I can eat these plain, but they are also good with salsa and sour cream.

Muesli - Quick and easy over night oats. These pre-muesli has nuts, seeds and dried fruits. I scoop a serving and add milk the night before and let sit in the fridge. In the morning, the oats have soaked up all the milk and become softer. I like to add blueberries and bananas. Enjoy!

Perfect Bars - Sadie's favorite is the coconut peanut butter bars, she says that "the coconut gives it a nice crisp crunch that compliments the creamy peanut butter perfect bar", I can't tell if she is kidding, but try it for yourself and see! My favorite is the cookie dough bar since I'd basically consider cookie dough its own food group. It is one of my favorite things!

These are just a few favorites but Trader Joe's has so many yummy foods to try. Let us know what your favorite things are, we love to be inspired by your recipes and favorite foods too.

xoxo -

Sades and Liv