Top 10 Must Haves from Trader Joe’s

As a college student, Trader Joe’s is my go-to grocery store, with lots of quick and easy meal options at a super affordable price.

Most college students, myself included, are on a limited budget. Even with a meal plan, you can

only eat at the dining hall so often. Some nights I’m too busy with homework to even go to the

dining hall, which is why I love having food in my apartment. 

Trader Joe’s is my go-to grocery store because it is super affordable and has amazing quick and easy meals that are ready in under ten minutes. As a frequent shopper, I have tried lots of items, and have narrowed down my favorites.

Here are the top ten things that I cannot leave the store without.

Four Cheese Mac ‘n Cheese

Everyone loves mac and cheese, and this is one of the best I have ever tried. Super creamy, delicious, and ready in under 5 minutes!

Mandarin Orange Chicken

This is one of our family’s favorites because it’s super easy to make and will leave you feeling full. With delicious spices, this chicken is hard to say no to.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

These peanut butter cups are my guilty pleasure. I like to think of them as a slightly healthier alternative to Reece’s. Perfect to satisfy that late night sweet tooth.

Cookie Butter

This stuff is SO good! Every spoonful is like biting into a warm, buttery cookie. Eat it with a spoon, on toast or with fruit. Also perfect for that sweet tooth!

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Cauliflower Gnocchi is another one of Trader Joe’s most popular items, and for good reason. Sauté them up nice ‘n’ crispy and you have a dinner ready in under ten minutes! These make for a super versatile meal because they go with almost anything, and are a healthier alternative to pasta.

Everything but the Bagel Seasoning

Even if you have never been to Trader Joe’s I’m sure you have heard about this. This seasoning is simply delicious on literally anything. Whether it’s on avocado toast, eggs or veggies, it is a staple in your kitchen.

Chicken Fried Rice

I personally LOVE fried rice, and this is just amazing! It tastes just as good as what you get at restaurants, but it’s ready in under five minutes. They also have really good vegetable fried rice if chicken isn’t your thing.

Barbecue Popped Ridges

I just picked these up on my last trip to Trader Joe’s and I will definitely be purchasing them again. I love having snacks around and these are my new favorite. Super light and crunchy with a sweet barbecue flavor.

Chicken Pot Stickers

I have been eating these for years and will never get tired of them. They make the perfect lunch for in between classes and have protein and veggies so they are super filling.

Movie Theater Popcorn

For all the popcorn lovers out there, you need this. I love popcorn, and this tastes just like the kind you buy at the theater. This is the perfect snack, whether you are watching a movie or not!

Let us know @theedgemag what you’re buying at Trader Joe’s!