Instead of venturing into the cold winter weather every other day, stock your kitchen with shelf-stable buys that won't spoil right away. Don't worry about wasting cash on expensive items from specialty stores just to get the flavors you savor. Instead, pack your pantry without breaking your monthly budget.
If the rising cost of groceries has you feeling down, we've got the best Trader Joe's hacks for saving money on everything from sumptuously sweet sprinkle cookies to protein-rich chickpea pasta. Which items deserve a spot in your cart? Here are our 15 favorite February pantry picks.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Bark With Puffed Quinoa and Dried Raspberries
Price: $5.49
We give this returning pantry product 10/10 for its tart, tangy flavor and curiously crunchy texture.
Enjoy this decadent dark chocolate dessert straight from the bag (we dare you to stop at one piece) or sprinkle it over Trader Joe's French Vanilla Ice Cream ($4.99).
Trader Joe's Novello Italian Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Price: $15.99
Trader Joe's iconic extra virgin olive oil just returned to store shelves, and customers are snapping it up. The affordable Italian EVOO is smooth, refined, and according to Redditor human_eyes, "It's nice and peppery. A very good deal at this price."
Trader Joe's Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup
Price: $2.49
Stock up on this hearty organic lentil veggie soup. The cozy comfort food will keep you warm on a chilly winter day. We suggest serving the tomato broth-based blend with a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich or Trader Joe's Sliced Porridge Bread ($4.49).
Trader Joe's Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste
Price: $4.99
Vanilla extract's richer, thicker cousin is the baking basic you never knew you needed. This bourbon-infused item adds bold flavor to everything from cupcakes and cookies to cocktails, making it a popular pantry staple.
Trader Joe's PB&J Oat Bites
Price: $3.99
No time for breakfast? No problem. This new-ish pantry product is surprisingly filling. The rolled whole-grain oat mini morning meal (or afternoon snack) is packed with rich, creamy peanut butter and a sweet strawberry jelly.
If you're a fan of Bobo's Oat Bars, this dupe is an affordable alternative. Score six at Trader Joe's for $3.99. Target charges the same price for five of the name-brand bites.
Trader Joe's Chianti Red Wine Artisan Salami
Price: $5.99
Pick up this party-ready artisan item before it goes out of stock. The savory salami is a gourmet addition to your next charcuterie board.
While you're shopping, nab the retailer's Hot Honey Goat Milk Cheese ($2.99), a wedge of Manchego ($14.99 per pound), and a box of Cranberry Raisin Toasts ($4.99) to make the perfect platter.
Trader Joe's Jubilant Sprinkle Cookies
Price: $3.99
You don't need a reason to celebrate when you have these cute confetti-covered cookies in your pantry. The rainbows, balloons, presents, and ice cream cones have a buttery flavor that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
When one Redditor compared these to Annie's Birthday Cake Bunnies, user caffeineassisted added, "They also taste similar to the Goldfish vanilla cupcake flavor. I like the TJs better, though. Less powdery and tastes less artificial."
Trader Joe's French Onion Focaccia Bread
Price: $4.99
You've heard of French onion soup, but French onion focaccia? This bakery section selection features subtly sweet caramelized onions (of course) and savory cheese. Use the pull-apart loaf to make a grown-up grilled cheese sandwich or serve it with pasta and spicy tomato sauce.
Trader Joe's Instant Jeju Matcha Latte Packets
Price: $4.99
Swap basic brews for this Korean matcha latte. The sweet, smooth blend also includes skim milk powder and sugar, making this pantry product a convenient option. Simply add eight ounces of water, mix, and enjoy.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Trader Joe's Everything But the Kitchen Sink Cookie Mix
Price: $2.99
It's all in the name. Trader Joe's mouthwatering mix may not include the kitchen sink, but it does feature chocolate chunks, oats, coconut flakes, walnuts, caramel bits, and mini pretzels. Butter and eggs are the only ingredients you'll need to add.
Trader Joe's Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Price: $3.49
Stock up on staples like this unsweetened cocoa powder without paying extra for a brand-name logo. The nine-ounce container is a steal for $3.49. In comparison, you'll pay $5.29 at Target for eight ounces of Hershey's Cocoa.
Trader Joe's Green Olive Flats Italian Lingue Crackers
Price: $3.29
These crispy, crunchy crackers are light and airy, with a sophisticated, savory flavor. The "flats" add a gourmet touch to cheese plates and charcuterie platters.
Pair this pantry product with Trader Joe's Brie Cheese Flavored Spread ($3.49), Crunchy Chili Onion Hummus ($3.99), or Whipped Feta ($3.99).
Trader Joe's Chickpea Fusilli Pasta
Price: $2.99
Pass on plain pasta and snag this protein-packed pick. The corkscrew-shaped fusilli contains a whopping 11 grams of protein and six grams of fiber in each serving. As if that's not enough, the chickpea and tapioca pantry product is also gluten-free.
Trader Joe's Apples and Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal
Price: $2.99
Start your day off with a steaming bowl of this easy-to-make whole grain instant oatmeal.
Get Trader Joe's 10-count of the vitamin and mineral-rich hot cereal for $2.99. Target sells Quaker's version for the same price. And while you won't pay more for the brand-name buy, you'll only get eight packets of the apple and cinnamon blend.
Trader Joe's Soft Pretzel Stick
Price: $0.99
Skip the same plain snacks you always buy and snag this pretzel. The soft, doughy (and decidedly delicious) sticks pair perfectly with pub cheese, guac, hummus, or almost any other Trader Joe's dip.
Bottom line
Whether you crave something sweet or need everyday essentials, these Trader Joe's pantry products are affordable alternatives to brand-name buys. So go ahead and stock up on decadent dark chocolate bark, hearty veggie lentil soup, EVOO, and other flavorful finds.
Are you looking for more ways to cut costs? Stack your savings and use the best cash back credit cards to earn rewards or perks on eligible purchases this February.
Earn Easy Cash Rewards at Amazon.com
on Chase's secure website Intro Offer
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
If you're a loyal Amazon Prime member and you love getting cash back rewards on your purchases, the Prime Visa is a fantastic option. You can earn big rewards with this card, and it comes with some other valuable perks as well.
With the Prime Visa card, you get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members. Plus, cardmembers earn a whopping
unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases
.
The Prime Visa also comes with some great travel protections that you rarely see with a no-annual-fee card. It offers lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, travel accident insurance, and travel and emergency assistance.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.
Add Us On Google