The holidays are here, and between some serious party prep and filling your family’s gift wish list, you don’t have the budget (or time) to waste on pricey pantry picks. Don’t stress — try these Trader Joe’s shopping hacks instead.
From decadent candy cane-flavored chocolate-dipped treats to ready-to-heat-and-eat tomato dumpling soup, we’ve rounded up December's best pantry products for shoppers on a budget.
Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Jingle Jangle
Price: $9.99
The classic Christmas snack is back — and TJ’s fans couldn’t be happier. If you’ve waited all year for this mix of pretzels, popcorn, peanut butter cups, chocolate candy, cookies, and more to return, you’re in luck. And bonus, it comes in a reusable tin.
Don’t forget about your furry friend when you snag this pantry pick. Trader Joe’s recently released a 6.8-ounce can of Jingle Jangle for Dogs ($4.49).
Chocolate Peppermint Loaf and Baking Mix
Price: $3.99
No time to bake from scratch? No problem. Save time and money with this 19-ounce box of mix. Make mouthwatering chocolate peppermint cookies, cakes, and more.
Don’t wait to stock up on this holiday staple. Redditor Pre-Barracuda9335 posted, “I grabbed a box to try my hand at making snowball cookies, and they taste amazing. I went back the next day to grab a couple more boxes, and of course, they’re sold out.”
Christmas Sprinkle
Price: $1.99
Decorate cupcakes and top cookies, or make a special holiday sundae with these Christmas-shaped sprinkles. The 3.5-ounce bag of red, green, and white candy bits is a bargain for $1.99. Target sells a 3.3-ounce box of Favorite Day’s version for $5.
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Granny Smith Apple and Calvados Spirited Fruit Spread
Price: $2.99
Snag this limited-time buy before it's gone. This isn’t your child’s jelly. Tart Granny Smith apples and a subtly sweet brandy flavor give this fruit spread a distinctly gourmet taste that adults will savor.
Use it in a holiday roast marinade, add the spread to a party platter, or pair it with your favorite crackers.
Roasted Salted Pecan Halves
Price: $4.49
Whether you’re making Christmas cookies, baking brownies, or want to add something special to salads and sides, these pecan halves are an affordable alternative to brand-name buys.
Get eight ounces of the roasted and salted nuts for under $4.50. Target sells a 16-ounce bag of Diamond of California pecan halves for $12.49. TJ’s per-ounce price is only $0.56 — compared to $0.78 for the Diamond nuts.
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Wintry Blend Coffee
Price: $8.99
Pass on pricey barista blends and keep a few bags of these ready-to-brew grounds at home. This winter-time find features 100 percent Arabica medium dark roast coffee with a touch of cinnamon, red and green peppercorns, and cloves.
Get 14 ounces of the seasonal selection for $8.99. You’ll pay $10.79 for a smaller 10-ounce bag of Peet’s Dark Roast Holiday Blend at Target.
French Onion Focaccia Bread
Price: $4.99
Why pack your pantry with plain bread when you could stock up on this flavorful focaccia? These are super versatile. Warm them up in the oven for a comfort-food feeling, make a savory sandwich, or enjoy it with some soup.
Redditor preppykimmy tried it and wished she had bought more: “I had plans to heat it in the oven but got too hungry and just ate it with some soup on the side. No regrets other than I should have bought a second one.”
Cocoa Berry Black Tea Blend
Price: $1.99
Spruce up the holidays and serve the sachets instead of plain coffee after your meal. You can score a 10-bag box of this limited-time seasonal blend for under $2 right now.
TJ’s combines Black Tea from Argentina with South African Rooibos, carob pods, cocoa powder, licorice root, cranberry seeds, and cocoa bean shells to give this tea a chocolatey, fruity flavor.
Dark Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Marshmallows
Price: $3.49
Stock your pantry with more than just staples. These chocolate and crushed candy cane-covered marshmallows are an indulgent holiday-themed alternative to your usual snacks.
Trader Joe’s shoppers praise this pick on the retailer’s subreddit. User SusanRose23 wrote, “The marshmallows are so good…Might need to buy 20 more packs,” and aswewaltz commented, “I thought they were really good too, and I usually don’t care for marshmallows.”
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English Fudge Collection
Price: $5.49
Keep a box (or a few) of this English fudge on hand over the holidays. This collection of confessions is the perfect addition to a brunch buffet or a Christmas dessert tray.
Each $5.49 box includes three 3.17-ounce bags with clotted cream, chocolate, and holiday spice flavors.
This budget-friendly buy is also an affordable gift idea for a friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor.
Panoply of Organic Italian Pasta
Price: $9.99
It’s back. The fan favorite recently returned to store shelves. But it won’t last long.
Get five different types of pasta, including Lemon Striped Farfalline, Striped Papillon, Ortolana Creste di Gallo, Black Pepper Barilotti, and Striped Garganelli. Make the assorted organic options as sides for your holiday meal, or give the two-plus-pound box as a gift.
German Iced Gingerbread Soft Spiced Cookies
Price: $3.49
Delicate designs and flavorful spiced gingerbread make these more than just Christmas cookies. TJ’s upgraded the holiday classic, giving it a new look and taste.
Redditor kidloco11 posted, “Not sure if they are new, but 10/10. Crushed one whole one without hesitation.” User Wiknetti added, “Wow. Those look pretty, like actual artisan tiles or shingles.”
Calabrian Chili Tomato Dumpling Soup
Price: $4.99
Warm up on a cold December day with this slightly spicy, savory soup.
Calabrian chili peppers add some much-needed heat, and yummy dumplings make this a hearty choice when the mercury dips. Pair a steaming bowl with rustic Italian bread or a gourmet grilled cheese.
Classic Bitters
Price: $4.99
Prep for a New Year’s Eve celebration with this popular pantry product. The cinnamon, clove, and herb-rich bottle of bitters is a must-have for any home bar.
Compare $4.49 for 3.38 ounces to $10.99 for a four-ounce size of Angostura Aromatic Bitters from Target.
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Price: $2.49
Whip up a tangy glaze for your holiday roast, a savory salad dressing, or marinade meat in this bargain balsamic. Score a 16.9-ounce bottle for less than $2.50. Whole Foods Market sells the same quantity of its 365 store brand for $6.29.
Portuguese Flor de Sal
Price: $4.99
As if these tiny ceramic crocks aren’t adorable enough on their own, the cute containers aren’t just for aesthetics. They hold and protect delicately moist salt that you can use to season everything from holiday-ready sides to sweet caramel treats.
What do shoppers think of this under-$5 buy? Redditor LindsayOlivia3 praised the pantry product, “The little ceramic container was definitely worth the $4.99! The salt has a nice texture, similar to Maldon, but the flakes are definitely much smaller.”
Bottom line
Whether your December pantry shopping list includes everyday essentials, coffee and tea, sweet treats, or party-ready pasta, we’ve scoured Trader Joe’s for December’s best deals.
With TJ’s low prices, you can afford to pack your pantry with these gourmet goodies and so much more. The savings don’t stop at the register. Even though Trader Joe’s doesn’t accept coupons, you can use the top rewards credit cards to earn cash back or other perks on eligible grocery purchases this month.
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