I worked at Trader Joe's for 3 years. I still come back all the time for these 10 underrated items.
I drink coffee year-round, but in the summer months, cold brew is essential.
Trader Joe's usually only sells these bags during the summer, so I buy them whenever they're available. They come in packs of four. I just steep two bags in about 7 cups of water overnight in the fridge, and I'm set for days.
Over the summer, I almost always keep a pitcher of cold brew in my fridge — and I find this is much more cost-effective than buying a bottle or jug.
Trader Joe's overnight oats are my go-to for a quick breakfast.
I've tried overnight oats from several brands and found many to be either too mushy or too sweet. These, however, are perfect.
Whenever I go on a Trader Joe's trip, I'll grab a few to keep in my fridge for early mornings. There are several flavors I love, but I always look forward to the pumpkin one that's stocked in the fall.
I always buy this horchata-inspired ice cream, which nails the flavor of the classic Mexican drink.
Trader Joe's horchata-inspired ice cream is creamy, cinnamon-y, and has just the right amount of cookie pieces (my weakness).
This is another product that's only around in the summer months, so whenever I see it in the freezer case, I don't hesitate to add it to my cart.
Trader Joe's dolmas are one of my favorite pantry staples.
A customer once convinced me to try Trader Joe's dolmas, and I've been hooked ever since. You can eat these little grape leaf-wrapped rice rolls right out of the can!
They're packed in soybean oil and make a great snack or side dish with hummus or tzatziki.
I always buy Norwegian sourdough rye chips to pair with tuna salad.
I first tried this combo after a customer recommended it.
The rye chips add the perfect crunch and saltiness to any creamy tuna salad, and they're thick enough that they don't break easily.
Trader Joe's refrigerated chicken nuggets are the ultimate work-from-home lunch hack.
These chicken nuggets crisp up quickly in the air fryer and are easy to eat as a quick meal or snack.
Sometimes, I toss them on a salad for extra protein. They have saved me from ordering takeout more times than I can count — and the spicy ones are great, too.
The frozen hashbrowns are a cult favorite, and I've come to understand why.
When I worked at Trader Joe's, customers would constantly ask if these were back in stock. I didn't understand the hype … until I tried them.
Now, I always keep a box in my freezer. They crisp up perfectly in the air fryer and make a great base for avocado "toast" with a fried egg.
The squiggly knife-cut-style noodles are a delicious alternative to instant ramen.
Compared to other instant noodles I've tried, these have a chewy, bouncy texture that I love. Also, don't get me started on the sauce — it's spicy, garlicky, and nutty in the best way.
I always keep a few packs on hand for lazy lunches or late-night snacks.
Matua sauvignon blanc is my favorite chilled wine from Trader Joe's.
A coworker introduced me to this crisp, not-too-sweet white wine from New Zealand, and it's been a staple ever since. I highly recommend chilling it in the fridge.
Also, a pro tip: Look for the snowflake on the label, which turns blue when perfectly chilled.
I'm terrible at staying hydrated, but these coconut waters help.
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Business Insider
08-08-2025
- Business Insider
I worked at Trader Joe's for 3 years. I still come back all the time for these 10 underrated items.
I always stock up on cold brew coffee bags. I drink coffee year-round, but in the summer months, cold brew is essential. Trader Joe's usually only sells these bags during the summer, so I buy them whenever they're available. They come in packs of four. I just steep two bags in about 7 cups of water overnight in the fridge, and I'm set for days. Over the summer, I almost always keep a pitcher of cold brew in my fridge — and I find this is much more cost-effective than buying a bottle or jug. Trader Joe's overnight oats are my go-to for a quick breakfast. I've tried overnight oats from several brands and found many to be either too mushy or too sweet. These, however, are perfect. Whenever I go on a Trader Joe's trip, I'll grab a few to keep in my fridge for early mornings. There are several flavors I love, but I always look forward to the pumpkin one that's stocked in the fall. I always buy this horchata-inspired ice cream, which nails the flavor of the classic Mexican drink. Trader Joe's horchata-inspired ice cream is creamy, cinnamon-y, and has just the right amount of cookie pieces (my weakness). This is another product that's only around in the summer months, so whenever I see it in the freezer case, I don't hesitate to add it to my cart. Trader Joe's dolmas are one of my favorite pantry staples. A customer once convinced me to try Trader Joe's dolmas, and I've been hooked ever since. You can eat these little grape leaf-wrapped rice rolls right out of the can! They're packed in soybean oil and make a great snack or side dish with hummus or tzatziki. I always buy Norwegian sourdough rye chips to pair with tuna salad. I first tried this combo after a customer recommended it. The rye chips add the perfect crunch and saltiness to any creamy tuna salad, and they're thick enough that they don't break easily. Trader Joe's refrigerated chicken nuggets are the ultimate work-from-home lunch hack. These chicken nuggets crisp up quickly in the air fryer and are easy to eat as a quick meal or snack. Sometimes, I toss them on a salad for extra protein. They have saved me from ordering takeout more times than I can count — and the spicy ones are great, too. The frozen hashbrowns are a cult favorite, and I've come to understand why. When I worked at Trader Joe's, customers would constantly ask if these were back in stock. I didn't understand the hype … until I tried them. Now, I always keep a box in my freezer. They crisp up perfectly in the air fryer and make a great base for avocado "toast" with a fried egg. The squiggly knife-cut-style noodles are a delicious alternative to instant ramen. Compared to other instant noodles I've tried, these have a chewy, bouncy texture that I love. Also, don't get me started on the sauce — it's spicy, garlicky, and nutty in the best way. I always keep a few packs on hand for lazy lunches or late-night snacks. Matua sauvignon blanc is my favorite chilled wine from Trader Joe's. A coworker introduced me to this crisp, not-too-sweet white wine from New Zealand, and it's been a staple ever since. I highly recommend chilling it in the fridge. Also, a pro tip: Look for the snowflake on the label, which turns blue when perfectly chilled. I'm terrible at staying hydrated, but these coconut waters help.
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Yahoo
This Crunchy, Tangy and Spicy $5 Trader Joe's Find is My New Lunchtime Obsession
This Crunchy, Tangy and Spicy $5 Trader Joe's Find is My New Lunchtime Obsession originally appeared on Parade. As someone who works from home and tries his best not to eat out too often, living in New York City doesn't exactly help. With worldly cuisine on every corner and the familiar comforts of franchised chains always within reach, it's hard to settle for your modest grocery haul back home. That said, Trader Joe's always manages to come up with a few intriguing ready-made options that tend to end up in my cart. Because as much as I love cooking from scratch at home, the reality is that some workdays only allow time for something quick and week, after being won over by its growing popularity online, I made it a point to get my hands on Trader Joe's Korean Style Bibim-Guksu. It's a light and refreshing cold noodle salad inspired by the treasured staple of Korean cuisine. It's sold in a decently sized 9.81-ounce clear container and is packed with fresh ingredients for a cool $4.99. As a newcomer to this Trader Joe's find, I was instantly impressed by how well it held up in the fridge days after purchase. I didn't get around to opening the container until the day of the suggested 'Use By' date, and I was shocked by how fresh, green and inviting everything still looked inside. Like much of Asian cuisine, the packaging is impressively efficient—no space wasted, with every inch of the compact container put to good use. Inside, a variety of textures and bold flavors await, including a hearty mix of spicy somen noodles, napa cabbage, carrots, cucumber, scallions, kimchi and two (yes, two!) packets of gochujang dressing. After emptying one gochujang dressing packet and giving the vegetable and noodle medley a good mix, I quickly realized I had a new lunch option to add to my rotation. Even four days after purchase, each bite was still fresh, crispy and crunchy. The noodles were soft and plentiful, while the sauce itself was tangy and delicious, with a gentle heat that lingered as a background kick rather than hitting you head a review shared online by @traderjoeslist, one fan suggested adding TJ's pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs as the protein, saying, 'It's sooo bomb together.' Another chimed in with a tip to add sesame oil and sesame seeds, claiming, 'It will brighten the flavor,' while a third recommended the classic addition of a boiled egg for protein. Whichever approach you take, you'll be impressed by the excellent mix of healthy ingredients, firm and juicy cucumber chunks, plenty of tangy gochujang dressing and the fact that you only spent $5 on lunch. Stock your fridge for a few days and enjoy a fresh alternative to the all-too usual delivery app Crunchy, Tangy and Spicy $5 Trader Joe's Find is My New Lunchtime Obsession first appeared on Parade on Jul 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Buzz Feed
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12 Pairs Of Comfortable Shoes That Won't Throw Off Your Cute Summer ‘Fits
A pair of boho-chic wedges with pearls draped across the top because your charm starts at your head but goes down to the literal tips of your toes. A pair of fun jelly fisherman sandals that are low-key giving early 2000s pop princess on vacation. Because your loneliness ain't killing you no more, ya know? A pair of slip-on memory foam sandals with a cork footbed — these orthopedic shoes were made for being on your feet all summer long. No need to fear your extensive list of farmers markets; you'll get to traverse them all! Simple and chic huarache sandals because they are as breathable as they are versatile. Made of water-resistant leather, these sandals will quickly become your favorite summer flats. Oh, and they're sustainably made! And colorful huarache platforms — treat yourself to these hippie-inspired rainbow sandals! Handmade by Mexican artisans, these leather statement shoes will mold to your feet. A pair of chunky platform sneakers you'll wanna add to your music festival wardrobe immediately. And when you're not rocking out in the front row of a Chappell Roan set, you can still pair these with sundresses and shorts throughout the summer! A pair of cute memory foam sandals so your feet don't overheat while you take to the streets (and the beach) this summer. These durable sandals offer stability to help potentially prevent and relieve foot pain. Glittery Betsey Johnson sneakers that'll make passersby stop and stare. With a 1-inch platform, these sneakers are ready to take you a little closer to the sky! A pair of quick-drying Teva sandals perfect for excursions to the beach! Their adjustable hook-and-loop closure makes it so you can get the perfect fit for you. A pair of square-toe heels with braided straps sure to help you ~weave~ together the perfect summer ensemble! Faux leather strappy sandals because they'll feel like they've been molded specifically to your feet. These would look great with literally anything. Dresses and jeans and skirts — oh my! Skechers rhinestone slingbacks for comfort that glitters! These sandals are made with a yoga foam cushioned footbed, so you'll feel like you're gliding on air.
