Trader Joe’s Hidden Gems, According to Employees

Trader Joe’s is a must-stop shop for inexpensive eggs, high-quality frozen meals and many, many other products. They also have lots of Trader Joe’s-specific products and meals. With rotating seasonal and new products constantly populating the shelves, it can be difficult to know what you might be missing as you peruse the aisles. We asked actual employees for some hidden gems that may not have gotten the attention they deserve (yet), and they were excited to tell us all their favorites. 

While the employees had specific recommendations, Stephanie from a Portland, Oregon, Trader Joe’s had a very wise tip. She said, “If you’re ever shopping, if you’re in an aisle, everyone’s going to have a different answer and will be biased about what they like. You may get a new answer every time.” So if you’re in store getting some of the following gems and want even more ideas for what to buy, ask one of the friendly employees and they’ll be happy to tell you about the latest and greatest products.

1. Artichoke and Jalapeño Dip

Ali from the Lake Oswego, Oregon, Trader Joe’s listed the artichoke and jalapeño dip as her first gem. “Incredible. Underrated,” she said. This versatile, creamy dip is great with chopped veggies like carrots and peppers and also lends itself to pita chips or as a spread in a wrap or on a sandwich. There are a lot of dips at Trader Joe’s, so it’s nice to know which one to go for if you want a sure winner.

2. Dark Russet Potato Chips

Ali also loves the dark russet potato chips. She said they “are fabulous” but “not a lot of people will go out of their way to buy them because of so many chips we have.” There is a constant rotation of seasonal chips as well as the year-round flavors that might seem more “exciting” than a regular potato chip, but these high-quality kettle-cooked potato chips are worth picking up for your next game night or afternoon snack run. And, yes, they would pair nicely with Ali’s favorite artichoke and jalapeño Dip. 

3. Caro Sugo Tomato Basil Sauce

The Caro Sugo Tomato Basil Sauce might not stand out to you among the many, many options in the aisle, but Ali was emphatic that this is the best jarred sauce. She said she typically makes her own sauce “so for me to recommend a jarred sauce is a big deal.” According to her, it’s “absolutely to die for,” which is as strong an endorsement as you can get. Actual Italian tomatoes and fresh, simple ingredients make this tomato sauce a perfect add-on to al dente pasta or as a sauce on your next homemade pizza. 

4. Crumpets

“Our crumpets have a cult following,” Ali said. The British-style crumpets are in the bakery section and come in a tightly sealed container, which keeps them as fresh as they were the day they were baked. They have the texture and slightly salty taste of a pancake, but they’re shaped more like an English muffin. Toast them and spread your favorite butter and/or jam on top, or use them as a base for a breakfast sandwich.  

5. Trek Mix

Ali says the beauty of Trader Joe’s trek mixes, aka trail mix, has to do with the variety and the deal. “The price point for them is fantastic. Cashews, walnuts, mixed sometimes with chocolate—the price for what you’re getting is incredible. Our ready-made trail mixes are super good.” Whether you’re hitting the actual trail or just running around town, these trek mixes will help get you through, and since there are so many varieties all the time, plus seasonal ones, you’ll never get bored of a combo. 

6. Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas

Stephanie in Portland said the Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas, from the frozen food section, “are pretty slept on.” This seasonal item is great for appetizers at a party or just to jazz up a weeknight dinner, but with so many frozen foods at Trader Joe’s, it’s easy to miss this one. Based on the Indian appetizer, these mix the traditional samosa ingredients like spices and paneer cheese with the seasonal favorite pumpkin to create something similar to a curry but also completely original. 

7. Just Mango Slices

Another snack that’s great on the go is the Just Mango Slices, which Stephanie called out specifically in the dried fruit section. These naturally sweet snacks are a great pick for keeping in the car for midday munching, taking on a picnic or hike or enjoying any time of day. They also bring variety to your charcuterie board.

The Bottom Line

Trader Joe’s employees had favorites from just about every section of the store. The freezer section is a good place to find seasonal gems, and the middle aisles are a good place to stock up on snacks for day to day, lunch boxes or hikes. The bakery section and refrigerated section each have some employee favorites, and even the chip aisle has a standout. All this to say that, no matter where you go in Trader Joe’s, there are options for everyday cooking, like the tomato sauce, or seasonal specials.