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Trader Joe’s has a cult-like following. (It’d have to be one, considering the lines that can snake throughout the store just to get to the checkout!) With its laid-back atmosphere, ultra-fresh produce and affordably priced foods, the grocery store chain is winning people over nationwide. The biggest draw, though, is the store’s line of packaged foods, which offer a selection unlike anyplace else.
We talked to a few diehard fans to find out what they can’t stop ordering — and what they say you need to try, stat:
1. Baconesque White Cheddar Popcorn
Imagine the white cheddar-dusted popcorn you know and love, only kicked up a few notches with smoky, bacon-y flavor. It’s the hit of every party, and it requires zero prep or cooking. And it’s $2 per bag. Win!
2. Dark Chocolate Speculoos Cookie Butter Cups
If you haven’t had cookie butter — think peanut butter, only made with crushed cinnamon-y cookies instead of nuts — you need to correct that, immediately. And while you’re at it, pick up this cookie-dough-like twist on the standard peanut butter cups. You will be so glad you did.
3. Soycutash
If you ever wondered what Sylvester’s favorite exclamation was all about — “Sufferin’ Succotash!” — well, you’ll have to keep waiting, because this isn’t it. Soy beans replace the lima beans typically found in succotash, creating a crisp veggie side you’ll actually crave (sorry, lima beans!).
4. Charles Shaw Wine
Where else can you buy a bottle of wine for $3?! Okay, Walmart has started selling bargain bottles too, but Trader Joe’s line has become renowned for being surprisingly good for its low, low price. For years, it was known as “Two Buck Chuck,” but after the recent $1 increase, guess it’ll have to be rebranded “Three Buck Chuck.”
5. Guacamame Dip
This healthier take on guac has 40 percent less calories and 70 percent less fat than the original, all because it’s made with a blend of edamame (aka soy beans) and tofu. It’s still mixed with traditional guac ingredients — tomatoes, jalapeños, garlic powder, etc — so it has all of the flavor you know and love. Bonus: It doesn’t oxidize like regular avocados, so the dip won’t turn brown after 30 minutes.
