If there’s such thing as a Trader Joe’s expert, you’ll find them on Reddit, where more than 154,000 members discuss the ins and outs of the German-owned grocery store chain. Some of the retailer’s most devout online followers shared their “go-to” buys with a Trader Joe’s newcomer, listing the store’s best items — from frozen foods to wine. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Trader Joe’s constantly rotating stock, read on to find out what to buy on your next visit.
Related: Gross Trader Joe’s Products You Should Never Buy, According to Superfans
Orange Chicken
Trader Joe’s orange chicken has been a beloved product since its debut in 2004, earning the title of “overall favorite” product multiple years in a row. And superfans are still singing its praises, with multiple Redditors calling it a must-have product.
Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese
If you have a hankering for comfort food, consider Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese. One superfan claims it’s the best frozen mac you can find, writing that it’s a “must” buy.
Related: The 29 Best Things to Buy at Trader Joe’s
Sparkling Water
Trader Joe’s variety of sparkling waters is another fan favorite on Reddit. Available in both cans and bottles, the retailer offers a variety of sparkling spring waters, from unflavored to blueberry lemonade.
Related: Trader Joe’s Doesn’t Offer Delivery. Here’s Why
Garlic Naan
Whether you eat it by itself or alongside a delicious curry, superfans mentioned Trader Joe’s garlic naan multiple times. Pair it with one of the retailer’s frozen Indian dinners — also well-regarded — for a meal that’ll be ready in minutes.
For more shopping tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.
Trader Joe’s Supreme Hydrating Eye Cream
Dark circles under your eyes? Trader Joe’s Supreme Hydrating eye cream (also available on Amazon) could help, according to superfans. “I swear that my eye wrinkles look less pronounced when I use their eye cream regularly,” one Redditor writes.
Related: Trader Joe’s Shoppers Share Their Favorite ‘Non-Food’ Items
Trending on Cheapism
Frozen Garlic Cubes
Add frozen garlic cubes to the long list of time-saving Trader Joe’s essentials. “For me, these were a ‘best thing since sliced bread’ magic moment. I didn’t know how much I wanted them in my life until I had them,” a Redditor wrote. “You just pop a cube or two of garlic straight from freezer into your pan when cooking, and, bam, easy garlic.”
Moon X Red Wine
If you’re looking to branch out from Trader Joe’s Two Buck Chuck, multiple Redditors suggest Moon X’s red wine blend, with one superfan calling it a “crowd pleaser.”
Mushroom Umami Seasoning
You don’t need to turn to MSG to elevate a meal’s flavors. Instead, reach for a bottle of mushroom-based umami powder, which one Redditor says makes everything smell and taste “of heaven.”
Sign up for our newsletter
Croissants
Trader Joe’s frozen croissants are a hit with superfans, especially when it comes to the almond and chocolate croissants. One Redditor said that they were “as good as any bakery.” (The mini croissants also received some love!)
Hand Soap
Beyond their flaky croissants and tasty wines, Trader Joe’s also sells a smattering of household essentials. The hand soap, Redditors say, is especially praiseworthy, with the store’s grapefruit scent receiving particular attention. “That is the first soap ever that I buy specifically because of its scent,” one comment reads.
Meet the Writer
