Ten Things to Try at Trader Joe's

If you haven't gotten on the Trader Joe's bandwagon yet, I hope to convince you. I genuinely look forward to my weekly Trader Joe's run these days, and I wanted to share my top 10 favorite products from this month. These are things I use weekly - if not daily!

1. Everything But the Bagel Seasoning

I put this seasoning on just about everything. I add it to my eggs as they are cooking in the skillet. I love to throw it on avocado toast and even salmon! It is a great addition to sweet potatoes, too.

2. Zucchini Spirals

We used these frozen Zucchini Spirals this week to make spaghetti. We threw the frozen "zoodles" into the skillet, and they were ready in under 10 minutes. Then, we just had to cook the turkey meat, combine it with the zoodles, then throw in the tomato sauce. It was a quick and easy dinner when you are in a time crunch!

3. Just Mango Slices

I got onto these unsweetened mango slices when I found them as an option to curb my sweet tooth during Whole30. They turned out to be so yummy and effective at giving me something sweet to have after dinner that I kept buying them week after week. While there is also a sweetened mango slice option at Trader Joe's, be careful and be sure to purchase the unsweetened and unsulfured mango slices for a no sugar added treat!

4. Olive and Herb Mixed Nuts

NOW, these have to be my top summer find from Trader Joe's. These nuts are unreal. They taste like you are having your favorite french bread + olive oil and balsamic combo. I have these just about everyday as an afternoon snack with an apple or some salami. The real kalamata olives in there are a TREAT!

5. Cauliflower Thins

These will be your best friend when the lettuce wraps just aren't cuttin' it! They are made from cauliflower and Parmesan cheese and just 100 calories for TWO. I use them for tacos, fajitas, sandwiches, avocado "toast," and so much more. They are delicious to toast, warm in a skillet, or throw in the oven - anything you would do to a regular tortilla.

6. Jicama Wraps

Along the same idea as the cauliflower thins are the Jicama wraps. I alternate between the two, but I tend to use the Jicama wraps more for tacos and fajitas just because I usually have higher calorie toppings with those.... for the sake of honesty here, I tend to have more than a serving of guac, chips, and salsa. These wraps are only 15 calories for two wraps. I tend to eat these cold instead of warm like the cauliflower thins. They are great for a little extra crunch to mimic a real crunchy tortilla - for a fraction of the calories!

7. Cauliflower Gnocchi

I know I keep saying this, but these are TRULY the best thing from Trader Joe's for an easy dinner. The instructions say to boil these "noodles," but I love to bake them on a pan sheet with the rest of my dinner. What I mean by that is I will throw chicken thighs, chopped vegetables, and cauliflower gnocchi on one giant pan with the same seasoning blend (will post on this later) and bake it at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. These are a little crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Boiling them makes them more like pasta, while baking or air-frying makes them more like a tater tot. Again, a great lower calorie option!

8. Vegan Pesto

I think I could just about eat the entire jar of this with a spoon. SO. GOOD. I love to put this on top of my baked salmon as well as on our homemade sweet potato pizza (post to come). I have even been known to put this on top of chicken and cooked gnocchi. It is so versatile and adds flavor to just about anything without all the calories of a dressing. That is to say adherence to the serving size with self-control is important with this one, but it is only 180 calories for 1/4 of a cup.

9. Broccoli and Kale Slaw Salad Kit

This next item is great for a lunch or dinner on the go! I like to have a few of these on hand to mix with some shredded chicken, turkey deli meat, a boca burger, or a can of tuna. I usually pre-mix the salad in a huge tuberware using just half the dressing from the kit. I find that the whole packet of dressing is a little too much! I typically just add the protein on top and enjoy. This mixture has nuts and dried cranberries inside, and it makes for a delicious, filling lunch!

10. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Anyone who loves Trader Joe's has probably tried to sell you on these PB cups. I am going to join that list. THESE ARE UNREAL. While they are still peanut butter cups (sugar included), these are a lighter option to curb the sweet tooth. They are mini in size and only ~67 calories per cup, so they are great to have around when the chocolate craving hits strong. I do have to be careful to take the one cup and walk away as these are addicting. But, I find if I have one and then walk away, the craving is gone without any major damage!

Try these 10 items next time you visit Trader Joe's, and let us know what you think!