Trader Joe’s enthusiasts might tell you that it’s not just a store, but rather a whole experience.
Yes, you can get your grocery staples at Trader Joe’s. But you can also treat it like a treasure hunt. You’ll find fun twists on classic comfort foods, discover a hard-to-find ingredient you were convinced you could only get at the Japanese market, and find unexpected flavor combinations that (after the initial surprise wears off) sound downright delicious.
In short: Grocery shopping can feel like a chore, but Trader Joe’s fascinating products make it way more fun. In fact, one of the only downsides to shopping there is that it never feels like there’s enough time to explore all of the store’s unorthodox goodness.
If you feel the same way, I have a Trader Joe’s “cheat sheet” you can use: a list highlighting some of the store’s most intriguing items right now.
Interesting Trader Joe’s Items
Bored of eating the same thing every day? I hope not—food should be fun!
Fortunately, if you feel like you’ve already tried just about every flavor there is to try, Trader Joe’s will quickly prove you wrong. The grocer is widely known for offering a variety of foods with outside-the-box taste profiles that are difficult to find elsewhere.
Let’s check out some of Trader Joe’s more colorful options.
1. Zhoug Sauce
Have you even been to Yemen? Me neither. But just because you haven’t visited Yemen doesn’t mean you can’t sample its cuisine.
Zhoug is a cilantro-based sauce/condiment that’s popular in the Middle East and believed to have originated in Yemen. Trader Joe’s Zhoug Sauce is made with cilantro (of course), jalapeños, chile flakes, garlic, canola oil, cardamom, sea salt, and cumin seeds.
It can be used the same as you would any other sauce, dip, or spread. Some believe this sauce is very spicy, while others find the spice level more moderate. Either way, you’ll get at least feel a little kick.
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2. Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix
Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix combines two great Asian flavors:
- Ube, a purple yam that originated in the Philippines and tastes slightly nutty with hints of vanilla
- Mochi, a Japanese rice cake that’s famously used for mochi ice cream (chewy mochi on the outside, ice cream filling on the inside)
You can use this mix just like you would most other pancake and waffle mixes. And you’ll be rewarded with a sweet, “almost coconutty” flavor that you can enhance with butter, maple syrup, or ice cream. And the inside is a light purple color, which will certainly stand out on your Instagram Stories.
Also, because the base is a sweet rice flour, it’s gluten-free.
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3. Pumpkin Spice Chardonnay
Yes, I’m one of those “basic” women who go crazy for pumpkin spice foods and drinks in the fall. I’ve eaten pumpkin spice lattes, raviolis, muffins, and more … and loved them all.
That said, I did a double-take when I first heard about Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Chardonnay. And when I dropped a link about it into a group chat of pumpkin spice enthusiasts, everyone else seemed uncharacteristically hesitant.
After it came out, a post in the r/traderjoes subreddit titled “Pumpkin spice wine might be where I draw the line” drew conflicting opinions. Most people agreed that the wine is very sweet—an attraction for some, but a disqualifying trait for others.
This is a seasonal treat that returns every fall and is expected again this year.
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4. Dill Pickle Mini Falafel
Trader Joe’s Dill Pickle Mini Falafel puts some neat twists on a classic Middle Eastern dish.
To start, these are smaller than your average falafel, with each 12-ounce bag holding 40 mini-falafel. Who doesn’t like fun-sized foods you can just pop in your mouth?
Of course, the biggest curveball is the pickle flavor. Double pickle flavor, actually: There’s pickle brine in the falafel mix, and the falafels themselves contain dill pickle.
Per the website description: “One bite, and you’ll discover a pairing so harmonious, you’d think they were always meant to be enjoyed together.”
Well, I’m no stranger to falafel, and I don’t even need one bite to be convinced. I’ve never heard of pickle falafels before Trader Joe’s, but something about the combination just feels right. It’s definitely on my to-try list, and I love that I can share it with vegan friends.
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5. Gochujang Paste
Unless you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, you probably haven’t heard of gochujang—a red chili paste made from a combination of fermented soybeans, barley, salt, rice, and spicy red peppers.
If you’ve never tried this simultaneously sweet, spicy, and savory condiment, you can get it from Trader Joe’s, which has tapped a South Korean supplier to offer up its authentic Gochujang Paste.
Curious what others have thought of this paste, I went to Reddit. People seem to agree that the Trader Joe’s version is less spicy and sweeter compared to traditional gochujang, which could be good or bad depending on your heat tolerance.
Once you buy it, you might wonder how you’re supposed to eat it. Thankfully, it’s versatile. It can be used as a condiment, dipping sauce, marinade, or even soup base. If you enjoy the flavor, be creative! One redditor excitedly shared how gochujang can be used for sticky ribs or bibimbap (mixed rice).
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6. Cowboy Caviar Salsa
Did you watch Yellowstone and decide you want to be a cowboy? I have no advice on how to herd cattle, but I can get you started in the snacking department with Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar Salsa.
Also referred to as Texas caviar, cowboy caviar doesn’t actually contain any fish eggs. In the traditional version—effectively a bean salad that acts as a dip—the caviar-shaped ingredient is actually pickled black-eyed peas.
The Trader Joe’s version uses black beans instead of black-eyed peas. The beans are mixed with corn, red bell peppers, and onions. Those ingredients are pickled in a blend of adobe sauce, lime juice, and chipotle peppers.
Whether you’re using it as a dip or taco topping, there is no need to lift your pinky fingers while eating this “caviar” salsa.
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7. Garlic Gondolas
As someone who loved her visit to Venice and vampires would despise because of her garlic consumption, it’s difficult to describe my excitement at seeing Trader Joe’s Garlic Gondolas.
Sure, garlic bread is nothing new and Panera has had bread bowls for ages. But the gondola shape feels very innovative and looks like it would be easy to eat.
Trader Joe’s has an Italian supplier who creates these boat-shaped snacks with pizza dough, fills them with a garlic butter sauce, and tops them off with grated cheese.
The filling options feel almost limitless. Per my recently mentioned Wisconsinite background, my first thought goes to a variety of cheeses. However, various sauces and veggies could also happily sail in the gondola into one’s mouth.
When it comes to garlic gondolas, I give you full permission to play with your food.
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