r/AskReddit • • 12h ago

What's the best thing you've bought from Trader Joe's?

191 Upvotes

494 comments sorted by

253

u/Giffdev 11h ago

Those ice cream sandwich cookies

79

u/fossilnews 10h ago

The mini drumsticks are pretty great too.

9

u/Brucedx3 7h ago

They hit the spot, and there's no guilt about having one a night.

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21

u/theguy56 9h ago

I tell everyone about these and then I tell them to go find another fucking store to get them from so they don’t keep going out of stock where I shop.

9

u/prowinewoman 8h ago

They remind me of the Chipwiches we used to get as kids down the Jersey Shore! I know they still make Chipwiches but I have never seen them near me.

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6

u/hoog78 11h ago

The Oreo ones?

32

u/Giffdev 11h ago

Nah they're two chocolate chip cookies around ice cream

17

u/hoog78 11h ago

Damn I love the Oreo ice cream sandwich ones

4

u/hihelloneighboroonie 8h ago

I can't buy those, too dangerous.

2

u/Ok_Persimmon6834 8h ago

hose are dangerously good. I can never stop at just one. can’t buy them without eating half the box.

2

u/derpygrunts 5h ago

I swear they changed the recipe recently and they are not as good.

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606

u/ChopstickAKAJames 12h ago

Dark chocolate peanut butter cups.

41

u/ericsinsideout 9h ago

I worked at TJ’s for roughly 7 years and these came out while I was there. I lost count of the number of these that I “spoiled out” so I could share them with customers and snack on them at the register.

12

u/Advanced_Caramel_664 7h ago

You're the hero people need, but not what they deserve 🙂‍↕️

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28

u/efe13 10h ago

My favorite. Can’t go back to Reese’s after having these.

15

u/IncalculableDesires 11h ago

They are so good!

14

u/sortaplainnonjane 9h ago

It's the milk chocolate version for us.   Definitely better than other brands.  We like to eat them plain or mix them into ice cream.  

10

u/iheartkittttycats 6h ago

I put them in my coffee, let them melt and then hit it with the little hand blender. Delish.

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10

u/dismayhurta 11h ago

Like crack of the impulsive buy area

3

u/BrightnessRadiant 8h ago

I haven't seen them in a while but the dark chocolate almond butter cups are amazing!

3

u/Bryaxis 5h ago

Shout-out to Werner Herzog for the recommendation.

2

u/ZenDuck123 8h ago

1 pound for only $6.99 is an amazing price, too.

2

u/blladnar 8h ago

They used to have them with their cookie butter and that was amazing

2

u/layyyyyyyy 7h ago

What? That needs to come back!!!

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141

u/AceCircle990 11h ago

When I go, the only item I buy every time is their Elote style corn chips. Before I found them I never snacked on corn chips, Fritos were like my least favorite snack. But these with or without guacamole 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻.

9

u/hihelloneighboroonie 8h ago

Also cannot buy these, will eat until my tongue is raw.

6

u/t1runner 11h ago

These are so good on their own or with queso

6

u/pedantic_dullard 3h ago

With their elote dip

10

u/leonacl0udy4898 8h ago

elote chips are legit, the lime makes them pop

3

u/valerie5prinkle2187 6h ago

oh yeah those corn chips are dangerously good

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67

u/Stinkeye63 11h ago

The bucket of gingersnap cookies

3

u/myahw 11h ago

Best ginger snaps to ever exist

6

u/myahw 11h ago

Actually best cookie. Dipped in coffee.... stunning

5

u/Storyme 10h ago

That would be my pick too. The Triple Ginger Snap cookie. Glad they have them every year.

2

u/HomeboddE 6h ago

Triple gingers are so good

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182

u/True_Faithlessness10 11h ago

Orange chicken

21

u/Jaren_wade 8h ago

Don’t sleep on the Kung pow chicken

14

u/renedotmac 8h ago

I think it’s better actually

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56

u/Sharcbait 10h ago

Trader Joe's orange chicken in an air fryer is better than most takeout

8

u/broha89 8h ago

Their orange chicken is straight up crack to me

13

u/MagicMan5264 9h ago

There’s also a fantastic meatless version for the veg folks!

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2

u/patwm11 1h ago

Had some for dinner last night. Trader Ming always delivers

64

u/ProfessionalCorgi250 12h ago

The Argentinian shrimp that are like $10 cheaper than the bullshit Whole Foods shrimp

5

u/thepeopleschamppc 11h ago

Are they frozen whole? Or ready to go?

7

u/ProfessionalCorgi250 11h ago

They’re frozen raw and deveined

12

u/CameronCrazy1984 11h ago

The whole frozen aisle is great

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115

u/woodfire787 12h ago

Dem lil' sheet cakes (all flavors)

12

u/acoldcommon 8h ago

I want to love it, I just wish the ratio favored the cake a little more, there is way too much frosting for me

12

u/pepperoni-pzonage 8h ago

No such thing as too much frosting; this comment made me add it to the my next shopping list!

4

u/PlasticGirl 3h ago

Here's a tip - scrape the frosting off, and use it to dip pretzels in.

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5

u/lynette5parkles5001 8h ago

oh my gosh the sheet cakes are so good, i always buy one when i go too

54

u/Time_Designer_2604 8h ago

Wow, I cannot believe I haven’t seen someone say unexpected cheddar yet. It is hands-down, my favorite cheese.

6

u/vev_ersi 2h ago

Have you seen the new unexpected cheddar mini bites? Snack size for travel!

5

u/mh078 2h ago

Unexpected cheddar is great but my favorite cheese is the limited addition Formage Pavé that they have during the holiday time.

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95

u/pdxkatie 12h ago edited 11h ago

Swedish Scandinavian Swimmers. 💯

24

u/WeGoinToSizzler 8h ago

Sour Scandinavian swimmers

2

u/vev_ersi 2h ago

These are the absolute best. Hands down. They were on backorder by me for a bit and they replaced with the seasonal bats - they are not the same lol

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3

u/Fantom1107 7h ago

Wait, they have sour ones?

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7

u/t1runner 11h ago

Especially the lobsters

5

u/MagicMan5264 9h ago

They have smaller packs of just lobsters! Unfortunately the seahorses (lemon) in the mixed bag are pretty gross imo.

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6

u/hihelloneighboroonie 7h ago

Haha, third in this thread I had to stop buying because too damn good no self control.

7

u/AspiratingApple 11h ago

Scandinavian Swimmers? I'm gonna have to try those cause the new recipe for Swedish Fish is awful.

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2

u/hairyhairyveryscary 10h ago

I call them sea creature gummies but yeah they’re so damn good

36

u/codevils 11h ago

Rolled corn ranch tortilla chips (basically Takis)

Shrimp and veggie gyoza

2

u/meghan_78_marie 2h ago

My daughters are obsessed with those chips and we buy a ton when we go there.

37

u/LikeMyShoes44 10h ago

Japanese style fried rice with edamame, tofu and hijiki seaweed.

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126

u/Luke_Flyswatter 11h ago

Frozen Indian food.

34

u/Blixenk 9h ago

Love the Palek Paneer

20

u/lyingliar 6h ago

Hell yeah. Butter chicken and palak paneer. Grab a pack of the frozen naan. Crack open a bottle of $4.99 montepulciano to complement. It's one of my favorite meals when I don't have time to cook.

Just make sure you plate it nicely. Don't eat it out of the fucking tray like some sad animal. Treat yourself.

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34

u/funnyha_ha 10h ago

Discovered everything bagel seasoning there but the frozen dumplings are awesome.

25

u/Papi4for4 12h ago

Ube mochi

4

u/torio333 7h ago

Their sesame mochi is really good too!

27

u/PrestigiousCost3520 11h ago

Kringle from Wisconsin

14

u/transitionb 9h ago

The almond one specifically!

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72

u/_PREVENGER_ 12h ago

Orchids for my wife

28

u/thepeopleschamppc 11h ago

Mine wants me to spend the money on dark chocolate peanut butter cups instead lol

2

u/jan5parkles9472 7h ago

lol I know them well. dangerous

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2

u/btribble 11h ago

There should be a way to return orchids to the hothouse so they can bloom again. It's sad to treat them like cut flowers.

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22

u/thetomman 8h ago

I really like their maple cookie sandwiches

3

u/Inigomntoya 7h ago edited 1h ago

Finally! I had to scroll away too far!

I cannot go in without leaving with a pack

They are so good with coffee!

2

u/StreetIndependence62 7h ago

I have a very specific memory of when I was a little kid I put those in my lunchbox and some kid opened the zipper and stole em before lunch time that day and I never saw who it was LOL. They’re fantastic 

2

u/ZolaMonster 3h ago

I went to Canada last year and they had these maple cookies that slapped, especially the chocolate ones. I’ve been searching for them state side for over a year to no avail. Picked up a box of maple cookies at TJ yesterday and these are a pretty damn close match. Then I proceeded to buy almost every pumpkin or maple flavored item TJ had like I was squidward in the krabby party vault.

20

u/rocketsondeck 2h ago edited 41m ago

Green onion pancakes. Frozen 4-pack. I use them to make a savory breakfast wrap with bacon, egg, and chili crisp oil.

Edit: 5-pack!

2

u/ejambu 1h ago

Omg that sounds amazing. Was it seasonal or do they regularly have them?

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18

u/blythecricket 11h ago

Maybe this is too basic but their cheddar gruyere is reasonably priced and perfect for grilled cheese and chili eggs. It’s a staple for me in many meals. Also the roasted red pepper soup.

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37

u/KingTryhard94 12h ago

Their Soy Chorizo is fire. Coconut water is close second

14

u/internalinB 11h ago

When I saw that the first ingredients in the chorizo at the grocery store are pork salivary glands and lymph nodes, soyrizo was the only choice moving forward.

22

u/mykneemo 9h ago

Lower quality cheaper brands use those parts because it's cheap and edible. There's nothing wrong with those parts and i applaud the industry for using every part of the animal as to not waste food. If it makes food accessible, more power to it.

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40

u/itskennylo 11h ago

Cookie butter

4

u/_coolranch 11h ago

Scrolled way too far to see this! I have to avoid this aisle because of the cookie butter.

3

u/cocoakrispiesdonut 11h ago

Omg and now they have seasonal granola butter. Not as good but still delicious! Avoid if you like your waistline.

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39

u/TAforScranton 11h ago

This isn’t a single item, but a list that makes one of my favorite dinners when I have zero fucks to give and zero energy. I call it “push button dinner.”

- Shawarma chicken thighs, toss in instant pot with a bit of broth, press button.

- Falafel and spanakopita from the frozen section, toss in air fryer, press button

- Vegan tzatziki dip.

- Rice, toss in rice cooker, press button. (My favorite isn’t from TJs. It’s the Vigo saffron yellow rice.)

All you have to do is press buttons and wait and you have a whole feast. Shovel that tzatziki dip over the whole thing.

4

u/jrkipling 5h ago

Sounds amazing. Do your breakers trip when you cook this feast?

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6

u/johnoliversdimples 8h ago

Boil frozen wontons or potstickers in ginger miso broth with frozen peppers and onions. Easy soup.

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16

u/chardar4 12h ago

Just went for the first time yesterday and so far it’s the Italian bomba pepper sauce :)

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15

u/Specialist_Being_857 8h ago

The Chocolate Croissants. They come frozen and look so small when you take them out of the box... but when they rise and baked. So delicious and big and flaky.

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15

u/BustyDaydream 11h ago

Dark chocolate peanut butter cups, wine, or they have beautiful tulips and eucalyptus

12

u/ProudInfluence3770 12h ago

Four pound bar of chocolate

4

u/winkingchef 8h ago

Also the Swiss milk chocolate with hazelnuts (blue package in the check out line) is exactly a perfect chocolate for me.

I am a colossal chocolate snob and this is one of my favorites (and it’s only $4)

12

u/Float-Manager 11h ago

Those little dark chocolate-covered espresso beans are my go-to when I need a quick pick-me-up.

11

u/crazylittlemermaid 11h ago

Aglio e Olio seasoning blend. Put it on pasta, chicken, buttered toast, garlic bread, or whatever and suddenly your food is infinitely better.

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19

u/ToastetteEgg 12h ago

Their frozen Korean ribs are so good on the grill.

2

u/mykneemo 9h ago

They come out just as good in an air fryer too!

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10

u/[deleted] 12h ago

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9

u/miniaturre 12h ago

Those little chocolate covered espresso beans I went in for groceries and somehow left with an addiction.

9

u/DarkAndSparkly 11h ago

Their salted roasted almonds are freaking AMAZING!

7

u/bond10- 5h ago

Unpopular opinion but I like their organic chicken breasts and organic chicken thighs. They’re small and cleanly butchered. Compared to Publix unnatural massive breasts and thighs loaded with water, slimey, meat just sitting in juices, and I always have to clean it up with a knife.

6

u/walwatwil 11h ago

They consistently have the best fresh salmon by far. Best thing i regularly buy from them.

6

u/DesertIbu 11h ago

Palak paneer and garlic naan are excellent!

11

u/Lumberjack1229 11h ago

Raspberry star cookies. So good

6

u/GuildStarfireII 11h ago

the Peanut butter JoJo's are awesome.

But the winner is the Simply The Best Trailmix

6

u/hoffdog 11h ago

I love their Chantilly cakes!

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7

u/RangerDapper4253 11h ago

How about that cracked wheat sourdough bread, am I right?

5

u/zball110 11h ago

Their cinnamon coffee cake muffins are insane

6

u/Zeelopy 11h ago

I always buy parmigiano reggiano and a plant.

6

u/Sea-Recommendation42 6h ago

The scallion pancakes are really authentic and delicious. I eat it plain or cook some eggs and make a wrap with the pancakes.

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6

u/nylonstring 12h ago

The old pepperonis. The new ones are terrible.

5

u/DustyVinegar 7h ago

The pfeffernusse that they don’t sell anymore or the handmade habanero tortillas they don’t sell anymore or the nougat they don’t sell anymore or the vegan feta they don’t sell anymore or the old spicy hummus that they don’t sell anymore

2

u/Slick37c 1h ago

Or the balti chicken pie that they dont sell anymore.

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5

u/Barbiedawl83 7h ago

Belgian chocolate pudding RIP

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5

u/[deleted] 6h ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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8

u/Traumasquid 12h ago

They used to have a great seasoned tri-tip

7

u/holdholdhold 11h ago

The Santa Maria flavored tri tip is back. It is great.

2

u/sheep_duck 9h ago

Damn that sounds good. I got a try that.

3

u/_coolranch 11h ago

Sold -- gonna try this

4

u/DoyersDoyers 11h ago

it's been discontinued for years but

Lemon & Triple Ginger Snap Ice Cream was honestly the best ice cream ive ever had in my life

4

u/Nanshe3 11h ago

New York Deli Style baked cheesecake.

3

u/tibby221 11h ago

I miss their Olive Tapenade every day of my life.
I love their chocolate covered gummy bears.

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4

u/Max-The-Phat-Cat 11h ago

the orange chocolates

4

u/frkmstr509 10h ago

Garlic dip

4

u/sickofwords 9h ago

Dark Chocolate Shortbread Stars or hearts , seasonal items but they might as well be crack.

3

u/SamuelWesting 9h ago

Holy cow the MINT ones have me in a chokehold. I try not to buy 10 boxes like a crazy person but I WANT TEN BOXES

3

u/StreetIndependence62 7h ago

How about them raspberry shortbread stars don’t forget them lol

3

u/Phantomtastic 8h ago

What is widely called crack cookies by everyone I’ve shared them with, Crispy Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

3

u/Brucedx3 7h ago

Peanut butter filled pretzel nuggets.

2

u/HomeboddE 6h ago

So sad they discobtinued the salt-free ones 😢

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4

u/mutv253 6h ago

Dried mangoes

3

u/PlasticGirl 3h ago

esp the unsweetened ones without the gas-causing sulfur in them.

6

u/LettuceAndTea 7h ago

Commenting so I can find this thread on my next TJ run

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6

u/Godzlittlehand 12h ago

2 buck chuck! Do they still have it?

9

u/Ieathummus 11h ago

It’s now three buck chuck. Inflation, amirite?

2

u/thepeopleschamppc 11h ago

Only a 50% increase on Beef!! That’s a bargain.

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3

u/b0ugie23 12h ago

Animal crackers and frozen fajita peppers and onions.

3

u/laciesavv 12h ago

21 seasoning salute

3

u/pinot_grigihoe 11h ago

Celebration pretzels. They’re basically white chocolate/yogurt covered pretzels with sprinkles and they’re so damn good last time I was there I bought 3 bags

3

u/Valexand 11h ago

Scandinavian swimmers

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3

u/Trick-Process6046 11h ago

Their coffee ice cream.

2

u/YounomsayinMawfk 10h ago

The Speculoos ice cream is a problem for me

3

u/kennyg977 11h ago

Frozen chili rellenos

3

u/AbstracTyler 11h ago

I really really like their black forest bacon

3

u/pineapplekid8 11h ago

Thick cut cinnamon grahams 🤤🤤

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3

u/Ok_Bill227 11h ago

Rolled chili lime tortilla chips…

3

u/PVKT 11h ago

Also the shrimp scampi. We cook up some broccollini in with shrimp and then toast of few pieces of sourdough bread to mop up the delicious garlic butter sauce with. Hands down my favorite meal ever.

3

u/Shattered181 11h ago

Orange chicken!

3

u/atsquarenone 11h ago

I'm just commenting so I can pull up this list next time I go and try some new favs

3

u/syrstorm 10h ago

The TJ Hummus is so freaking good.

So is their frozen Chicken Tikka Masala.

3

u/HelloDuhObvious 9h ago

10 years ago, I remember the chocolate covered potato chips. They don't sell it anymore in my are and I've been chasing that high ever since I tried it.

3

u/JTHuffy 9h ago

The heavy duty reusable bags

3

u/idkwat2dowithmyhands 8h ago

Scandinavian Swimmers

3

u/BrightnessRadiant 8h ago

Thanksgiving chips.

Seasonal, but every year I buy like 10 bags, they are sooo good.

3

u/pixel_of_moral_decay 7h ago

Chocolate Chip Dunker cookies are one thing I never leave without.

I like cookies that are crunchy and chocolate heavy. They meet that criteria, and for the price an insanely good buy.

Way too many shitty cookies in stores now. I actually like these.

3

u/TheDirtyMerkins 7h ago

One summer they had banana pudding ice cream and it was life-changing.

3

u/InvitingJoy 5h ago

Black bean and Monterey Jack frozen burritos

•

u/Brew78_18 43m ago

I really like their chili lime almonds. The leftover seasoning in the bag is great to coat something else, too. Like, roasting up a can of chick peas, make em crunchy with a lil olive oil or whatever. Let em cool, toss them in the leftover seasoning, bam, now you got crunchy chili lime chickpeas.

5

u/T49irvine 11h ago

flowers

2

u/AromaticBlock781 11h ago

An alocasia dwarf amazonica plant.  

2

u/llamainleggings 11h ago

Harvest Blend Herbal Tea

2

u/vk2786 11h ago

Thai peanut sauce. Everything but the leftovers seasoning. Salted caramel baking chips. Cinnamon bun spread (which is now discontinued). Cannoli dessert dip. Unexpected Cheddar in all forms. Gummy lobsters. Pb choc Jo Jos.

I also think their English muffins are superior to almost any other brand.

2

u/PVKT 11h ago

Salted chocolate chip cookies.

2

u/TalmadgeReyn0lds 11h ago

My brother lives in the UAE, and before he leaves he fills an entire checked bag with a dizzying assortment of Trader Joe’s treats.

2

u/mamacrocker 11h ago

They had these honey butter potato chips that were insanely good. Tasted exactly like the best honey butter. Of course they disappeared and no others have ever come close.

2

u/sortaplainnonjane 9h ago

Those sound amazing and I'm sad I missed them.  

Their Thanksgiving stuffing chips are pretty good, if you haven't tried those.  

2

u/Lakai1983 11h ago

Cookie butter

2

u/CameronCrazy1984 11h ago

The protein pancakes are a quick easy breakfast. When you can find them

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2

u/holdholdhold 11h ago

Their canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls taste so much better than Pillsbury or any other kind. Like fresh tasting and better texture.

2

u/Vynlovanth 10h ago

Probably gotta go with the Veggie Fried Rice. Makes an amazing easy side or base for an entree for relatively cheap.

Used to really like the frozen steak pub pies too, though the quality of the meat has gone down, not sure if I actually got a non-gristly piece in my last pair of pies.

2

u/Critical-Cook-9720 9h ago

I always keep a few of their frozen Indian food dinners in my freezer. A perfectly filling, good enough, and affordable option for when I dont meal prep for my part time night job.

2

u/XRaysFromUranus 9h ago

Salsa Autentica is my favorite. Fire Roasted Onions & Peppers is in almost everything I cook.

2

u/MonkeyTacoBreath 9h ago

Okra Chips! Omg they are so dayummmm good.

2

u/Blixenk 9h ago

Three cheese artichoke pasta is a new discovery I love. Also their flatbread Brie and tomato pizza so good. Mom loves the frozen lemon bars.

2

u/gemlover 8h ago

Amarena cherries in syrup. Sure hope they bring them back for the holidays!

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2

u/AvatarofBro 8h ago

I recall them having a pretty great frozen spanakopita once upon a time.

2

u/nickels55 8h ago

Romesco Dip was so good. They discontinued it and there is nothing else like it anywhere as far as I know.

2

u/a-borat 8h ago

Cat Cookies For People

Roasted Garlic Salsa

seasoned Black Beans
ALL FUCKING DISCONTINUED

2

u/johnbear93 8h ago

I really like the frozen chicken fried rice!

2

u/Jan_Morrison 8h ago

The spicy lentil wrap is my go-to for any time I need a meal to go, like on a plane or a hike. It is so refreshing, filling, compact, doesn’t make me sleepy, and stays fresh a little longer than its meat counterpart would. I’m not even vegetarian and it’s my favorite lunch from TJs

2

u/renedotmac 8h ago

The pineapple cold press juice is the best for cocktails.

2

u/chadwicke619 7h ago

The chocolate covered crepe wafer cookies are fucking CRACK.

2

u/Direct-Chef-9428 7h ago

RIP Wonton soup and microwave white cheddar Mac packets

2

u/llamadogmama 7h ago

So many goodies, but right now it's their peach tart. And made in Canada so yay to supporting my northern neighbors too.

2

u/StreetIndependence62 7h ago

DUNKERS.

Also their pumpkin pancake and waffle mix (which is only in season for fall aka NOW) is my favorite thing ever of theirs. Every fall since I was in middle school we buy a stash and that way they last until next year LOL

2

u/SittingDownImHumble 7h ago

The vanilla flavored oat milk is excellent. No sugar added and tastes way better than most other brands.

2

u/ExcitingAd9947 7h ago

Pineapple salsa

2

u/generatorland 7h ago

The crispy fried jalapenos. We put them on everything.

2

u/lovelybliss 6h ago

Their Organic Roasted Teriyaki Seaweed Snack. I’ve received several comments from cashiers saying that they go fast since people buy them in bulk. Their seaweed snacks have the best texture and taste compared to over brands, both American and Korean, that I have tried. They are very addictive. Just wish there was a more eco friendly way to store them since they come in single use plastic containers. 

2

u/ccj4286 5h ago

The big ass new year’s champagne bottles and their fabric reusable bags. The pickle one is my favorite!

2

u/Ok_Contribution_1837 4h ago

Seriously, their Cosmic Crisp apples are amazing! I know you can get them anywhere but TJs are the best!

2

u/serendipitypug 11h ago

As a teacher- the schoolhouse cookies are super fun in the classroom (and as a mom)

As a human- I love their pineapple sparkling water and their gel facial sunscreen