20 “Non-Negotiable” Trader Joe’s Items You Must Buy, According To Shoppers

1. Soup Dumplings

Available in three flavors: chicken, pork, or vegetable, Trader Joe's soup dumplings were noted as a must-have for many shoppers.

2. Jalapeño Sauce

TJ's Jalapeño Sauce is equal parts spicy and creamy, perfect for dipping into or adding to saucy recipes.

3. Protein Bars

One shopper said they often buy protein bars at Trader Joe's because "they are so much cheaper there.”

4. Korean Beefless Bulgogi

This fan-fave frozen meal's signature mark is the soy-based protein that's so full of flavor.

5. Korean Pancakes

These "flaky, flavorful" Korean pancakes are renowned by TJ's shoppers of all backgrounds. This version is sweet and filled with cinnamon, but you can also find savory scallion pancakes in the freezer aisles.

6. Tikka Vegetables

The Indian-spiced packets like this are popular among TJ's eaters that like a quick, flavorful meal.

7. Chili Crisp

"I often end up with multiples of this in my cart,” one Redditor wrote. TJ's chili crisp oil is super versatile, especially if you're into Asian cooking.

8. Gnocchi

“Always the gnocchi," one person wrote. "Especially the Gorgonzola gnocchi.”

Trader Joe's has a fun handful of different gnocchi varieties. We particularly love the Cauliflower Gnocchi that's pictured above!

9. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies

TJ's has it down when it comes to gluten-free treats. Case in point: these chocolate chunk cookies. One Redditor noted that they usually opt for "anything gluten-free" at the store, but tend to gravitate toward these delicious bites.

10. Curry Packs

“I almost always grab some of the Indian curry packs for easy lunches, then meal prep some rice and it's super quick," one user said. Okay, we've got to try this!

11. Pasture Raised Eggs

Another person said that these pasture raised eggs are the "only thing [they] go to TJ’s for.”

12. Spinach & Kale Dip

Another avid Trader Joe's shopper said this Reduced Guilt Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip is "next level" and has a "decent nutritional value.” TJ's says it's made with low-fat Greek yogurt, which is the key to it having "75% less fat and calories than a typical spinach dip made with sour cream."

13. Frozen Mac & Cheese

"I always keep at least one in the freezer,” one Redditor raved about this frozen mac. Housed in a "ooey-gooey- and-oh-so-creamy sauce," this meal does not miss.

14. Spanish-Style Rice

This frozen rice is super quick and easy to prepare, and makes a nice side for Taco Tuesdays (per one Reddit user) – or any day of the week, really.

15. Ghost Pepper Potato Chips

“The ghost pepper chips are banging," one person commented. Okay, we're sold.

16. White Cheddar Corn Puffs

These airy puffs flavored with white cheddar cheese are downright addictive. "I eat the bag in like 2 days it’s sooooo good," one person said.

17. Sourdough Bread

“I bought sourdough from TJ and never looked back," one more user commented. "I buy 2-3 loaves at [a] time and freeze them.”

18. Non-Dairy Brown Sugar Oat Creamer

This sweet coffee creamer made from oats presents the perfect balance of brown sugar and creamy oat milk.

19. Shrimp Burgers

One enthusiastic TJ's shopper shared their thoughts on the frozen Shrimp Burgers and even offered some yummy-sounding meal options using 'em:

"Simple. Easy. They come out juicy and are well seasoned, really versatile. I chop and throw onto salads, do as Asian-style lettuce wraps, chop into wedges and dunk in cocktail sauce like shrimp cocktail."

20. Garlic Cubes

The same Redditor praised these pre-made garlic cubes you can find in the freezer section:

"For me, these were a 'best thing since sliced bread' magic moment. I didn't know how much I wanted them in my life until I had them," they said. "You just pop a cube or two of garlic straight from freezer into your pan when cooking, and, bam, easy garlic. No chopping, peeling, etc. and tastes soooo much better than the jarred stuff. Game changer, really.”