by Brielle Diskin
You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who wouldn’t agree that Trader Joe’s is more than grocery shopping: it’s a full sensory experience.
It’s an safari simulation where the produce is fresh, essentially everything is affordable, and they’re original products (partifular frozen foods) are legendary.
There’s a general consensus amongst the Rutgers Review staff when it comes to spreading the TJ love. So we’ve compiled a list of essential products you may have been asleep on. Below are some products that are widely popular and favored by the majority of customers.
Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
According to TIME Magazine this is the most popular Trader Joe’s item in New Jersey. We do love our everything bagels up here in the North East.
Cauliflower Gnocchi (frozen)
My life changed a little when I discovered this gem, not going to lie. You could get about two dinners for yourself out of one package. BUT make sure you don’t follow the cooking instructions on the bag which tell you to steam them. The best way to make the gnocchi is by sauteeing it with the oil of your choice in a pan.
I like to add some tomato sauce, spinach and parmesan in there. You can make well balanced, gluten free meal within 15 minutes. I’ve also heard of people making a cacio e pepe or a garlic and mushrooms concoction. To each their own! (I’ve also heard some great talk about this product’s shelf neighbor, sweet potato gnocchi).
Mandarin Orange Chicken
Tried this one out the past week and it was probably the highlight of my week. Best had with stir fry and rice.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Who doesn’t love a good microwavable meal, especially when you’re in a rush.
Chocolate Covered Banana Slices
Kinda speaks for itself there.
Milk Chocolate and Honey Toffee Pecans
My massively sweet-toothed roommate is obsessed with these.
Buffalo Style Hummus
Really fun dip to have with friends over their Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips.
Baked Cheese Crunchies
Now this is coming from a girl who loves the authentic chemical-filled Cheetos so much she dressed up as one for Halloween and I give these wannabe Cheetos my stamp of approval.
Pop Tarts and Fruit Leathers
These date far back in my childhood memories but they make great snacks and the pop tarts are perfect for a rush out the door breakfast kind of a hangover cure too—for real).
Aside from these adventurous signature products some honorable mentions include, frozen pizzas (except the arugula one), packaged beets, zucchini noodles, black bean burgers, marinated olives, and almond milk based shredded mozzarella cheese. Below are some of The Rutgers Review Staff (and contributing writers) picks, check it out.
Staff Picks:
“Thai sweet chilli veggie burgers,” Faith Franzonia (Potpourri Editor and Design Director).
“The vegan chorizo, pink lemonade, and sriracha sauce are fire,” Esra Abdulrahman (Music Editor and Treasurer).
“The sparkling lemonade, harissa salsa, coconut milk mochi!!!” Zachary Kauz (Contributing Writer)
“Those cranberry orange scones,” Izilda Jorge (Arts and Entertainment Editor).
“Green tea mints,” Dan Caldwell (associate of the magazine)
“Chicken fried rice, vegan cream cheese, mixed mushroom and spinach quiche, and cowboy caviar dip,” Ava Rooney (Marketing Editor)