12 Pantry Essentials Always Worth Buying at Trader Joe’s

It’s no secret that Trader Joe’s has some really great shopping hacks for snack options and seasonal offerings that blow other storefronts out of the water. 

The retailer’s commitment to sustainability and health-conscious foods at affordable prices has made it a great spot for affordable frozen foods and pantry staples.

We’ve compiled 12 pantry essentials you should pick up on your next trip to Trader Joe’s.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $2.99

If you are a fan of classic, crunchy cereal — and enjoy a good breakfast bar on the go that actually helps you feel full — the Joe’s Os Cereal Bars are a great pantry item to keep in stock.

The sweet and savory balance of lightly salted peanut butter, roasted peanuts, and deliciously light and crispy Joe’s Os make for a particularly flavorful and addictive snack. These bars pack less sugar than competitors and boast a lower everyday price of $2.99.

Price: $3.99

Speculoos Cookie Butter is a spectacular topping for breads, breakfast platters, crackers, and desserts. You can substitute it for peanut butter in most sandwiches and recipes, and many people add it to their dairy for a kick to their morning coffee.

There aren’t many cookie butter competitors on the market. Plus, inflation has barely touched it, as it launched in 2011 for $3.69.

Price: $1.99

Pickled peppers contain probiotics and other nutrients that could deliver pretty great health benefits. Trader Joe’s Organic Diced & Fire Roasted Tomatoes with Green Chiles have a smokiness that will work well with a bevy of sweet and savory options. 

They're a perfect addition to meals, sauces, soups, and spreads. With guaranteed organic ingredients and standout flavor, this is a great go-to.

Price: $6.99

With some of the best pricing on the market, at just under $7, Trader Joe’s Avocado Oil elevates your everyday food experience. Not only is it made from healthy fats, but it can help to add a bit of flavor or whimsical texture to your dish. 

It's a healthier substitute for canola, vegetable, pine oils, and other alternatives and can be used in baking, skincare, dressings, and sauces.

Price: $3.99

Packaged in a gluten and nut-free facility, these fiber-packed ancient grains are an incredible option for breakfast and baked goods. The rolled oats come in a resealable bag for convenience.

Overnight or stove-cooked oats can be made with a variety of milks and toppings for a boost of nutrition. Fans of the Trader Joe’s brand say they have a great flavor and texture, and people like to make granola bars, cookies, and protein bites with them.

Price: $1.99

Trader Joe’s carries a super affordable 8.8-ounce farro option for $1.99, and it’s ready in just ten minutes. Historically, farro has a cooking time of about 30-45 minutes. 

But Trader Joe’s has a partial pre-cook process, making this product prime for quick and convenient meals. Make a farro salad for lunch, or use these grains in a dinner casserole or protein skillet.

Price: $2.99

If you like going out for tapas — but don’t like the tapas price tag — then Trader Joe’s Spanish Manzanilla Olives are something you should be keeping in your pantry. With pimento inside, people like to enjoy these olives in dips, charcuterie, tapas, and cocktails. The $2.99 price on a full jar makes these snacking olives an incredible deal.

Price: $1.79

Couscous is a beautifully textured ancient grain that can take on a variety of flavors. For just $1.79 — $1.50 less than the next most affordable organic option — you can stock up on eight servings of this mild, fluffy, buttery dish. 

Add it to roasted veggies in the oven, mix it into a soup for extra carbohydrates, or enjoy it as simply as with garlic, parmesan, and garnish.

Price: $3.49

Not only is Trader Joe’s nutritional yeast kosher, but it also has three grams of protein per serving and is fortified with B12. This yeast also has bigger flakes than other brands and comes in a resealable package. 

The pricing is inexpensive when compared to competitors and their often smaller packaging.

Price: $3.49

You cannot find an organic, kosher tomato and roasted red pepper soup on the market at this size (32 ounces) for a price this good. 

It comes in a box for easy recycling and can be stored in your pantry for months and maintain its homemade, wholesome, robust flavor the whole time. Customers enjoy it on its own as soup, as a curry, chili, and dolled-up soup base as well.

Price: $1.69

Trader Joe’s waited to get this formulation right because they wanted to ensure that their coconut milk could be fully organic. Sri Lankan King Coconut is at the base of their creamy, flavorful coconut milk, which contains no fillers or gums of any kind, a rare find. 

It's great right off the shelf in soups, stews, curries, and beverages like smoothies and coffee.

Price: $0.89

While inflation is affecting prices on some of the most crucial pantry staples, canned black beans maintain their budget-friendly prices at Trader Joe’s. 

Their beans consistently come in under $1. With a canned option, you can skip the exhausting process of rinsing and drying dry beans.

This option is a true basic and will take on the flavor of other ingredients. Try black beans in brownies or a sweet dip, in a taco salad, and as a base for chili or soup.

One of the best shopping hacks this time of year is spending some time in the Trader Joe’s aisles. The retail giant is constantly testing out new recipes and releasing limited runs of items that may eventually become staples in your kitchen.