I was so happy to know that I would still be within a reasonable driving distance of a Trader Joe’s when we came out here to North Carolina. There are so many unique foods and things to try! It’s one of my favorite places to shop for fun, seasonal items- especially when I’m putting together a fun board for my family. They always have fun shaped crackers/cookies/treats, as well as festive chips and delicious dips and I could just go on and on!

It can be a little overwhelming to know what to try when you first go, so here are some of my recent favorites you can add to your shopping list!

Kringle- If you try ONE thing on this list- it needs to be this. A giant almond Danish and it’s to die for. Granted, I’m a huge fan of almond, and if you don’t like almond flavors then this will definitely not be your thing- but if you love almond flavoring like myself then this is heaven in a pastry.

I mean, look at that thick gooey filling! They also freeze well, so if you can’t get through the whole thing in one sitting, no worries!

Holiday hash I love the colors of this combination of veggies, and the flavor is just as delicious! It’s a tasty, easy way to add some extra veggies to whatever you’re cooking! Throw it in a soup, saute and add to pasta, or make your breakfast extra nutritious by adding some to your scrambled eggs! I personally like to saute the mix and then have it with toast and a couple eggs done over easy- the perfect way to start the day!

Everything seasoning Ok, so this isn’t a recent find, but it’s definitely a staple at my house! It’s such a great way to add some extra flavor to sandwiches, avocado toast, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, roasted vegetables, or pretty much anything!

Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread This stuff is a great addition to charcuterie boards! It reminds me of the spray cheese stuff- but more real and less fake, if that makes sense. It’s super good on crackers, and veggies! I bet it’s delicious on toast or in grilled cheese sandwiches as well!

Schoolhouse cookies my kids love these! They are a pretty tasty little cinnamon cookie, but even more than the taste, I love the fact that they are such a fun way to involve letters! I’ve used these on desserts and boards before to spell out things (like Boo on a Halloween charcuterie board) and you can easily incorporate it into your school day as a fun way to review words and spelling! Basically, it’s great for all the homeschooling mamas ;).

Granola There is always such a fun variety of granola at Trader Joe’s, but especially the seasonal stuff! Early fall they had a SUPERB Honeycrisp apple granola- it’s gone for the year, but be sure to get some when it’s back! Right now they have a maple pecan granola, and when you pair it with Dannon Light and Fit Toasted Marshmallow greek yogurt? SO GOOD.

What do you love from Trader Joe’s? I’m always looking to add things to my list ;). Share with us in the comments below!

    Camille Hoffmann
    Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
    Email the author! camille@dvo.com