Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi is an innovative and gluten-free take on the traditional gnocchi dish. These light and pillowy gnocchi are made from 75% cauliflower, potato starch, extra virgin olive oil, cassava flour, and sea salt — no wheat, dairy, sugar, or eggs included. Sauté and crisp them up in a stovetop pan, toss them in butter and sage, and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan and steamed broccoli for a balanced meal, or pair them with marinara and fresh basil for a classic Italian dinner.
6. Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones
The first Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones were introduced in 2011 and became an instant hit with Trader Joe’s customers. These delicious miniature cones are filled with vanilla, chocolate, or seasonal ice cream, with a surprise chocolate coating on the inside.
They make a perfect, single-serving portion treat to present at parties, enjoy as a midday snack, or store in the freezer for an easy, no-mess dessert. Better yet, crush the cones and sprinkle them over a bowl of ice cream or yogurt for an instant crunchy topping.
7. Vanilla Overnight Oats
Trader Joe’s Vanilla Overnight Oats are a tasty and quick solution for busy mornings. No pots or pans, heat, or microwave are needed to prepare these oats. Just store the single-serving packages in the fridge, add your favorite fruits in the morning, and you’ve got a delicious breakfast in seconds. These rolled oats are baked in an almond beverage until they reach a rich, pudding-like texture. Sea salt, dates, and vanilla straight from vanilla beans are then added, creating a tasty fiber-rich treat you can enjoy on the go.
8. Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers
The elote corn chips are among the top Trader Joe’s snacks of all time, and it’s no wonder. With their swoon-worthy combination of grilled corn, savory cheese, and spicy chili powder, they pack a flavorful punch in every chip. Enjoy them as a portable snack on their own, dip them in guacamole or salsa, or add them to chili for an irresistible topping.
9. Sesame Crusted Hardwood Smoked Ahi Tuna
The Sesame Crusted Hardwood Smoked Ahi Tuna is made with sustainably sourced ahi caught wild in the Pacific Ocean and off the coasts of Micronesia. Slowly smoked over hardwood and encrusted with black and white sesame seeds, this tasty meal offers crunch and a touch of mild smokiness. It’s perfect for bagels, eggs, and poke bowls, but you can also add it to pizza and salads, or serve it as an easy appetizer with soy sauce for dipping.
10. Seasonal and Rotating Favorites
Each new season brings rotating favorites to Trader Joe’s. More specifically, fans get excited for seasonal releases like:
- Pumpkin Bread Mix
- Ube Ice Cream
- Peppermint Hold the Cone! Ice Cream
You can enjoy these fan favorites on their own or add them to other desserts for holiday parties or after-dinner treats.
Tips for Shopping at Trader Joe’s
Whether you’re a first-time shopper or need help finding trending or seasonal Trader Joe’s items, here are some tips to guide your shopping experience:
Grab a Fearless Flyer
Grab a Fearless Flyer at the store or subscribe via email to keep up with Trader Joe’s new and trending items. The small catalog is released throughout the calendar year and includes all you need to know about upcoming products before they hit the shelves, including fun and easy recipe ideas.
Consider the Best Time to Shop for New Releases
When shopping at Trader Joe’s, arrive early on weekdays to avoid the crowds and find new releases more easily. You can also ask an employee about their delivery days and when seasonal drops typically hit your store. Shop during the first week of a launch, since only a limited number of seasonal items are made.
Know How to Spot a Trending Item
You can often find trending items at Trader Joe’s by scanning endcaps and searching social media for items generating buzz. Look for “New!” or limited-time tags on freezer doors or at the ends of aisles. Also, keep an eye on the Trader Joe’s “Customer Choice Awards” at the store and on their website, which feature winners from their annual awards and highlight the most-loved products.
Join Online Fan Communities
Join online fan communities like Reddit and other forums to connect with fans and stay ahead of seasonal items and new releases. These communities are also great places to discover meal ideas and easy recipes.
Look for Foods That Meet Your Dietary Needs
Trader Joe’s offers a wide selection of products to match different dietary needs and preferences, from gluten-free snacks and vegan entrees to dairy-free yogurts. If you need help finding an item or want to try a sample, reach out to an employee on your next trip. Better yet, turn to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for help building a shopping list and turning your Trader Joe’s finds into easy meal plans that meet your dietary needs.
Turn Trader Joe’s Finds Into Balanced Meals
Trader Joe’s finds make eating fun, and they’re easy to turn into balanced meals. From Everything But The Bagel Seasoning to Cauliflower Gnocchi and seasonal drops, Doherty Nutrition can help you build quick combos that fit your tastes and budget. Our Registered Dietitians can assist you with meal plans and recipe ideas, batch-cook guides, and kid-approved lunches using your cart favorites.
You can meet with our team through telehealth or in person and leave with a simple plan for the week. To get started, book a consultation with us today.
