Before I ever stepped foot inside a Trader Joe’s, I was already a little obsessed. The quirky branding, the cult-favorite snacks, the endless stream of social media chatter—it all felt like a foodie treasure hunt waiting for me. Honestly, one of the things I was most excited about when I moved to California was finally having a Trader Joe’s just a quick drive away.
Since then, it’s become a weekly ritual. And because I can’t help myself, I’ve turned it into a little series on Instagram—Trader Joe’s Tuesday—where I share my favorite finds and quick recipe hacks. But I realized it might be even more helpful to put together one big, go-to list of my all-time favorites. Think of this as your cheat sheet whether you’re a first-time visitor or just looking to shake up your cart.
The Unsung Heroes: Dips, Spreads, and Condiments
Trader Joe’s is the land of snackable glory. Forget bland salsa or humdrum hummus—these are the items that will disappear faster than you expect.
🌶 Homestyle Salsa Especial (Medium)
Trader Joe’s has no shortage of salsa options, but if I could only pick one, it would be Salsa Especial in Medium. It strikes that perfect middle ground: not too chunky, not watery, with just enough heat to keep things exciting. Honestly, I’d rank it closer to “medium-hot” than true medium. Paired with the Organic Stone Ground Blue Corn Tortilla Chips, this duo is hands-down one of my most repeated purchases.
🥑 The Famous 5-Layer Dip
If self-control isn’t your strong suit, consider yourself warned. This dip layers garbanzo & black bean hummus, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and a four-cheese blend into one glorious container. Pair it with the Elote Corn Chips and you might find yourself accidentally polishing off half the container in one sitting. (Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything…)
🍯 Pepper Jelly Magic
This one doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. Trader Joe’s Pepper Jelly is sweet, spicy, and unbelievably versatile. My favorite combo: a Bite-Sized Everything Cracker topped with pepper jelly and a slice of Havarti with dill—or, if I’m feeling fancy, a wedge of Italian truffle cheese. It’s the ultimate unexpected addition to a charcuterie board, especially for people (like me) who aren’t big on fruit-and-cheese pairings.
🥒 Tzatziki Creamy Greek Cucumber Dip
I’ll admit, it feels a little redundant to dip cucumbers into cucumber dip—but it works, trust me. This tzatziki is so refreshing, with the perfect balance of tangy yogurt and crisp cucumber. I love it smeared on garlic naan, tucked into a pita with falafel, or just as a snack with Persian cucumbers.
🌶 Roasted Red Pepper Spread with Eggplant & Garlic
This spread is one of those sneaky “better-for-you” items that doesn’t taste like health food. It’s slightly sweet, deeply savory, and loaded with flavor. I use it in a few ways: spread on baguette slices, layered onto a cheese plate, or simply paired with crackers for an easy afternoon snack. Bonus: it’s got a little fiber, so it’s a more satisfying option than your average dip.
Why Trader Joe’s Feels Different
Sure, grocery stores everywhere sell salsa and hummus. But what keeps me coming back to Trader Joe’s—aside from the affordable price tags—is the playfulness of it all. They’re not afraid to experiment with flavors, and you can taste it in products like these. Pepper jelly next to everything crackers? A dip with five bold layers? A roasted red pepper spread with eggplant? It feels fun, and it inspires me to play around in the kitchen instead of making the same old snacks.
Another perk: these items are entertaining essentials. Whether you’re hosting friends, curating a charcuterie board, or just wanting something special for a solo movie night, Trader Joe’s has options that feel elevated without breaking the bank.
How to Use This List
Think of this as your starting point. If you’re new to Trader Joe’s, grab one or two of these items and experiment. Pair the salsa with your favorite chips, try tzatziki with warm naan, or build a low-effort but impressive cheese board using pepper jelly as the star.
If you’re already a Trader Joe’s regular, consider this a reminder to revisit a few classics that might have slipped off your radar. Sometimes I get distracted by the seasonal launches (hello, pumpkin everything in October) and forget about the staples that deserve permanent real estate in my cart.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s will always have new products to try (and I’ll always be excited to do the taste-testing for you). But these are the ride-or-die favorites I keep coming back to. They’re flavorful, affordable, and versatile enough to work for everything from weekday snacks to weekend entertaining.
So the next time you’re wandering the aisles, overwhelmed by the options, you can use this list as your roadmap. Start with the dips and spreads section—you’ll thank me later.
And if you’re curious about more Trader Joe’s recommendations, follow along on Instagram (@blushinginhollywood) where I share new finds every Tuesday. Because let’s be real: Trader Joe’s isn’t just a grocery store—it’s a lifestyle.
✨ Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for your support—it helps me keep sharing my Trader Joe’s favorites with you! ✨
