The winter wind is whipping, and braving the snow every few days for expensive groceries isn't an option. Don't stress. We've got you covered with the best Trader Joe's hacks for packing your pantry without going over budget.
Instead of splurging on pricey brand-name prepared meals and refrigerated foods, save money by stocking up on shelf-stable items that will stay fresh for days, weeks, or even months. We scoured Trader Joe's aisles for the best bargains on the retailer's private-label pantry products this January.
Ready to start shopping? From a decadent truffle oil duo to peppery pasta, these are our 14 favorites.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Trader Joe's Hazelnut and Cocoa Filled Crepes
Price: $3.99
Breakfast just got better. These gourmet goodies are packed with plenty of sweet, sweet chocolatey hazelnut filling. And don't worry about cooking the crepes. This pre-packaged pantry product is stuffed, rolled, and ready to enjoy.
Trader Joe's Organic Vegetarian Chili
Price: $2.49
Whip up a warm, cozy meal in minutes. Instead of wasting the day in the kitchen, simply open this 14.67-ounce can and heat the hearty comfort food.
Textured pea protein, bell peppers, jalapeños, and a blend of seasonings (including cayenne, cumin, and chili powder) give this organic, soy-free vegetarian option a flavor you'll savor. Here's a hint: Serve the savory selection with Gluten-Free Norwegian Crispbread ($4.29) or a hollowed-out Sourdough Boule ($2.99).
Trader Joe's Truffle Oil Duo
Price: $11.99
Give your usual meals a mouthwatering makeover with this gourmet olive oil.
Nab this decadent duo ASAP. Get two of the limited-time 2.03-ounce bottles (one infused with black truffles and one with white) for $11.99. In comparison, Williams-Sonoma sells 3.38 ounces of the brand's black truffle olive oil for $24.95.
Trader Joe's A Trio of Glazes
Price: $6.99
This seasonal selection is a winter-time buy that you can only get right now. So go ahead and pack your pantry with the set of fig, orange, and pomegranate Aceto Balsamico Di Modena (from Modena, Italy) glazes.
At $6.99, the trio of 5.07-ounce bottles (15.2 ounces total) is a steal. For reference, Whole Foods Market sells 8.45 ounces of Carandini's Strawberry Balsamic Glaze for $8.49.
Trader Joe's Vermont Organic Maple Syrup
Price: $4.99
Add some oomph to your breakfast, and drizzle this Grade A dark organic maple syrup over pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Need a few more ways to use the sweet stuff? Mix it into a bowl of piping hot oatmeal, turn it into a glaze, or blend it into a fruit smoothie.
Trader Joe's Cinnamon Roll Blondie Baking Mix
Price: $3.99
Sometimes a simple cinnamon roll just won't do. So if you're searching for something different, snag a 21-ounce box of this blondie mix. And don't worry if you aren't a pro baker. You won't need to start completely from scratch or follow a complicated recipe with this blend.
Trader Joe's French Onion Popcorn
Price: $2.69
Fans of French onion soup can get the decadently delicious flavor in popcorn.
Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a blend of savory spices make this budget-friendly find a top pantry pick. Take it from Reddit user butchscandelabra, "It's so good, I'm seriously debating picking up 20 bags."
Trader Joe's Organic Black Pepper Barilotti Pasta
Price: $2.99
Stock up on this 16-ounce pack of pasta while you can. This pepper-packed pantry pick is one of Trader Joe's limited-time products.
The slightly spicy selection pairs perfectly with Caro Sugo Italian Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce ($4.99), Rosatella Pasta Sauce ($3.99), or Vegan Kale, Cashew, and Basil Pesto ($3.99).
Trader Joe's Bruschetta Topping
Price: $3.29
Make mouthwatering bruschetta in minutes with this tasty topping. Simply slice and toast a baguette (or a rustic Italian loaf) and spread the bold blend on top. It's that easy.
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 Brioche Toasts
Price: $1.99
No time to slice bread for bruschetta? No problem. Pick up these tiny toasts. You can also pair the buttery brioche crisps with your favorite sliced cheese or a sweet fruit spread.
Trader Joe's Cocoa Berry Black Tea Blend
Price: $1.99
Hot chocolate got a glow-up for the winter season. If you're looking for a more sophisticated alternative to powdered mixes, pick up a pack of this black tea blend. Cocoa bean shells, cocoa powder, and carob give this pick a subtle, sweet (and chocolatey) taste, while cranberries add a fruity flavor.
Trader Joe's Organic Italian Green Bella di Cerignola Olives
Price: $3.99
These affordable aromatic olives rival what you might find in a specialty store. What do shoppers think? Redditors praise the organic item, with one user writing, "These olives are so meaty, buttery, and have the perfect amount of salt for me…They are a great price for such a high-quality and delicious olive."
Trader Joe's Something Spritzy Sparkling Beverage
Price: $1.99
Trader Joe's has "something spritzy." The beloved beverage is back for a limited time, and shoppers can't get enough of this grapefruit, cranberry, and orange flavor. Redditor profmoxie raved, "It was delicious — especially the bitters."
Drink this non-alcoholic mix as a mocktail or add it to a wintery cocktail.
Trader Joe's Fine Grain Pink Salt
Price: $1.69
Now is the perfect time to stock up on staples. And this deal is one of the best bargains of the month. Get 17.6 ounces of the mineral-rich Himalayan pink salt for $1.69. Compare Trader Joe's low price to $9.99 for a 10-ounce container from the brand Himalania (at Whole Foods Market).
Bottom line
Trader Joe's deals on the store-brand pantry products make it easy to tackle high grocery costs. So whether you're stocking up on staples or shopping for something sweet, our favorite finds are must-have bargains that you won't want to ignore.
Are you looking for something new to try? Get ideas straight from the store's savvy shoppers. Trader Joe's announces the 17th annual Customer Choice Awards winners later this January.
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