27 ‘Holy Grail’ Trader Joe’s Groceries, According to Fans

A trip to Trader Joe's is like a trip to a candy store for adults, whether or not you're picking up the cult-favorite peanut butter cups that fans swear are better than Reese's.

Sadly, not everyone is blessed with a local Trader Joe's—the chain has fewer than 600 stores nationwide. For some, trips elsewhere give them a chance to experience this grocery paradise and stock up on the best products that will (hopefully) hold them over until the next time they're in Trader Joe's territory.

Which holy grail Trader Joe's products should people prioritize? A Redditor started a thread, and even TJ's regulars could learn a thing (or five) about what they should be buying at their favorite grocery store.

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"What are your holy grail items?" asked u/Yakety_Sax in the Trader Joe's subreddit. "I live in a rural area [two] hours away from the closest Trader Joe’s. I’ll be passing through on my way home from a trip. What items are some must-buys and uniquely Trader Joe’s that I should stock up on?"

The thread is one of the most popular currently active ones in the Trader Joe's subreddit (and that community is very active). Fans have responded in droves. From an expected favorite cheese to all the chocolate-covered things, these are the can't-miss Trader Joe's groceries.

Related: Trader Joe's Newest '10/10' Salad Is Making Shoppers 'Excited About Salads Again'

The 'Holy Grail' Trader Joe's Groecries

1. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese

Cheese was a popular theme in the thread, but one Trader Joe's cheese was mentioned so many times that it deserved its own place at the top of this list. Not to be cheesy, but it's a pretty expected pick: It's the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese. The cheese that starts out tasting like cheddar before the tangy-crumbly Parmesan notes kick in is so good one Redditor declared, "Unexpected Cheddar Cheese changed my life."

2. Other Trader Joe's Cheeses

Unexpected Cheddar is legendary, but it wasn't the only cheese that made the list.

"White Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onion — I could slice up and eat a whole block just by itself," shared one.

"The cheddar with caramelized onions is divine," another agreed.

"They have a Blueberry Vanilla Goat Cheese, and it’s AMAZE," said another.

"My grandfather loves the Fontina Cheese," another Redditor said. "It’s always his first request when I’m making my way to TJ."

3. Mac & Cheese

We're not quite ready to move on from cheese at Trader Joe's—and for good reason. The mac and cheese offerings are delicious and oh so easy. Not surprisingly, the fall staple Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese that fans shamelessly admit to stockpiling came up often.

"This time of year, you’ve got to get the Frozen Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese— please," wrote an altruistic shopper.

Year-round favorites mentioned included the Reduced Guilt Mac & Cheese and the smoky, spicy Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese.

Related: The Trader Joe’s Fall Favorite Frozen Dinner That Shoppers Admit to ‘Hoarding’ Is Finally Back

4. Pastas

You can add your own cheese (sauce, spices, etc.) to these favorite Trader Joe's pastas.

"I know it’s not exotic, but I think they have the best-tasting pasta—just the plain $1 bags of penne," wrote one fan.

Sometimes, simple is the way.

"Any and all frozen ravioli or tortellini — good quick dinners," said another.

Need a concrete example? One frozen ravioli was mentioned multiple times.

"The Frozen Mushroom Ravioli is delicious," said another.

"Frozen garlic pasta," wrote someone else, likely of the Garlicky Pasta.

5. Potatoes and rice

Trader Joe's is filled to the brim with options if cravings call for carbs other than noodles.

"Trader Joe’s has the best hashbrown patties," divulged a fan.

You can enjoy hashbrowns any time of day. But if you're looking for a more traditional lunch and dinner salty-savory carb, try the Reddit-recommended Handsome Cut Potato Fries (also in the frozen section).

Oher favorites?

"The Bulgogi Beef Fried Rice with Kimchi—get two. It’s so good," a shopper said.

"Chimichurri rice and their chicken burrito are household staples for us," wrote someone else.

6. Greek Chickpeas

Into the oft-recommended Mediterranean diet? Regardless of your answer, the Greek Chickpeas with Cumin and Parsley were a popular pick. The unfussy but flavorful garbanzo beans are flavored with lemon juice, parsley, salt, cumin, garlic powder and black pepper. Some Redditors dished their favorite recipes.

"Mash them with avocado, herbs and onion and have a sandwich," suggested one. "Add romaine lettuce and/or cucumbers for some crunch."

"I love mixing the chickpeas with a can of tuna," wrote another.

7. Cashews

Redditors are nuts about these staples when crunchy cravings strike.

"Cashews are not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love them," shared another.

"I just got some of the cashews yesterday," another said. "Pair them with dried apricots. Delicious!"

Some Redditors have particular cashew orders.

"Lime Chili Cashews," said a fan.

Another suggested the Honey Sesame Cashews.

Related: The One Snack Olivia Rodrigo Can't Live Without

8. Plantain chips

Chips are a classic party snack. When it comes to the chip options at Trader Joe's, some Redditors admit they indulge as a party of one.

"Plantain chips — the ones in the yellow bags," wrote a fan.

"The jerk ones are next level, especially with Salsa Autentica," another dished.

"A whole bag won't last half a day in my house," concurred a Redditor.

"My favorite TJ item, but I’m not allowed to get them with any regularity as I have zero self-control," added someone else.

9. Sweet treats

Sweet tooths have nothing but options at Trader Joe's.

Exhibit A: This comment: "Blueberry muffins (the fresh ones in the bakery foods), cookie butter, their candy in general (I especially love the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and Scandinavian Swimmers) [and] fresh-squeezed lemonade."

The peanut butter cups were mentioned often—they come in dark and milk chocolate, depending on which you fancy (life hack: Get both).

And then there's this:

"Frozen dark chocolate-covered bananas," a fan spilled, likely referring to the Gone Bananas! frozen slices. "I once scarfed down the whole box on my way back from the store (a 10-minute walk). Disgusting, I know, but I have no regrets."

Nor should you.