As a freelance recipe developer and food writer of over 15 years, I love browsing the aisles of Trader Joe’s for new items I can add to my weekly rotation.
I’m always on the lookout for ingredients that can add a last-minute punch of flavor to any dish — or be used for a proper “girl dinner,” since sometimes, after a long day of recipe development, the last thing I want to do is cook an elaborate meal.
Here are a few items that always make their way into my cart.
Trader Joe’s super-firm tofu is one of my favorite ways to add protein to a meal.
As a vegetarian, I’m always looking for a good source of protein. Trader Joe’s super-firm tofu is packed with flavor and makes for the perfect base for a quick stir-fry or air-fried meal.
To get it extra-crispy, I chop up the tofu, toss it with salt, pepper, rice flour, and cornstarch, and air-fry it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
Then, I toss it with a simple sauce for an easy protein-packed meal.
I love Trader Joe’s Zhoug sauce.
Zhoug sauce is a Yemeni condiment that packs a little heat and a ton of flavor. I find it similar to a chimichurri or a green chutney in flavor.
It’s fresh, bright, and herbaceous, making it great for a sandwich spread, a marinade, or for tossing with veggies.
When I’m making dessert, I reach for Trader Joe’s Belgian butter waffle cookies.
I love a flexible ingredient, and Trader Joe’s buttery waffle cookies come in clutch when putting together a quick dessert.
I like to serve it with ice cream, on a dessert board with chocolate fudge and fresh fruit, as a side for a latte or coffee, or make mini ice-cream sandwiches with it.
They’re super versatile — and equally delicious on their own.
Trader Joe’s vegetable masala burgers are surprisingly versatile.
Trader Joe’s vegetable masala burgers are a staple in my house.
The burgers are mildly spiced, made with real veggies, and work great chopped up in a morning omelet, quick veggie burger, or wrap.
They’re also a great finger food for toddlers when cut up and paired with ketchup.
When I don’t feel like cooking, I reach for Trader Joe’s roti with Thai red curry.
Trader Joe’s roti with Thai red curry is my go-to meal when I’m exhausted or don’t have time to make a big meal.
The curry sauce is spicy and rich, and the roti is crispy and flaky. It’s been a part of my “girl dinner” on many occasions.
I use freeze-dried fruit to add color to desserts and beverages.
I like to add color and flavor to homemade desserts using freeze-dried fruit. For example, to make pink powdered sugar, I blend Trader Joe’s freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries with standard powdered sugar.
Sometimes, I also toss a handful into my lemonade, tea, or sparkling water for a quick infusion.
Trader Joe’s semi-sweet chocolate chunks are great in cookies and brownies.
Whenever I want to make cookies with pools of chocolatey goodness, I reach for Trader Joe’s semi-sweet chocolate chunks.
They’re great for mixing into chocolate-chip cookie dough and brownies. I love that they’re not too sweet and create a very well-balanced dessert.
I like to use Trader Joe’s white queso dip to make nachos.
Trader Joe’s white queso dip is mildly spicy and has that ooey-gooey texture that I love on nachos.
I just layer tortilla chips, beans, queso, and cheese on a foil-lined sheet pan, then pop it in the oven until it’s melty, before adding my choice of toppings.
I always keep a container of Trader Joe’s giant baked beans on hand.
Beans have really been having a renaissance lately, and I’m loving it.
I always grab a container of Trader Joe’s giant baked beans in tomato sauce. The cannellini beans are creamy and rich, and make the perfect base for toast.
I heat up some crusty sourdough with olive oil, top it with the beans and a sprinkle of cheese, then pop it back in the toaster. Once warm, I like to top it with lemony arugula and enjoy.
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