Trader Joe’s is the place to go for ready-to-make prepackaged dinners. But did you know there are lots of other cheap (and delicious) snacks that you should be buying at the quirky grocery store? Browse this list before your next visit to the market, and thank us as you unload the items in your kitchen later.

Nuts

Nuts at Trader Joe’s are considerably cheaper than at other markets—not to mention that the store has an abundance of nutty varieties. Check out everything from slivered almonds to whole Brazil nuts, and look for smoked, salted and even sweet chili.

Once you’ve picked up a bag, eat ’em raw or use them up in our nuttiest recipes.

Precut Produce

Weeknights can be extremely busy, and when you’re in a pinch in the kitchen, it helps to save time by buying precut produce. Trader Joe’s has classic items like crinkle cut carrot strips and broccoli florets, and less-traditional veggies like cauliflower rice and prepared kale salad mixes, for effortless side dishes.

Here’s how to make cauliflower rice taste AMAZING.

Alcohol

T-Joe’s has long been celebrated for inexpensive wines of all varieties. However, the grocery store has affordable, and high-quality, offerings in beer and liquor selection, too. Check out the Trader Joe’s Kentucky Bourbon Straight Whiskey or the reasonably priced local craft beers—the shelves are always stocked with your favorite IPAs.

Psst! Did you know this alcohol from Aldi was just named one of the best in the world.

Cheese

Having a cheese party? Trick your friends into thinking you went to an artisanal cheese shop by stocking up on the dairy-laden goods at Trader Joe’s. From savory smoked goudas to sweet blueberry chevre spreads, the cheese aisle is the place to pick up goodies to make an amazing cheese board, like this one.

Frozen Meals

Everyone should know how to prepare a few good meals at home, but sometimes you want the convenience of having a frozen meal at the ready. Trader Joe’s has a variety of tasty frozen dishes, including garlicky palak paneer and TJ’s cult favorite—the Reduced Guilt Mac & Cheese. No shame there!

Want dinner quick? Try one of our 100+ make-ahead freezer meal recipes.

Seasonal Treats

You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted a Peppermint Joe Joe or snacked on a slice of Butternut Squash Parmigiana. The chain uses seasonal ingredients that wow in its offerings, and we won’t blame you if you feel the need to try them all. We did.

Orchids

Trader Joe’s has bouquets of fresh flowers daily, including arrangements—some including orchids!—ranging from $4 to $10. Small potted orchid plants are available beginning at $8. These beautiful, exotic plants make for welcome hostess gifts or will simply look beautiful around your own home. Try these easy-care houseplants, too, if you want to keep your air purified.

Frozen Desserts

Running late to a party? Forgot to stop at the local bakery? Pop into Trader Joe’s and pick up a sumptuous frozen dessert. From the decadent chocolate ganache torte to the tasty Speculoos cookie butter cheesecake bites, there’s an item for you that will be delicious, affordable and easy to serve.

Wraps

When you’re hungry and looking for something healthy to snack on, seek out a premade lunch from Trader Joe’s. You’ll find a variety of wraps and sandwiches, usually in or near the produce section, that are filling and healthy. Check out the Cubano Seasoned Wrap or a turkey salad sandwich for a meal that won’t disappoint.

The post 9 Cheap Things You Should Only Buy at Trader Joe’s appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Hamburger Mac and Cheese

Cajun Mac and Cheese

15 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time35 min

Servings4 servings

Go to Recipe

From the Recipe Creator:When I follow my favorite meat loaf recipe, I end up with an extra half-pound of ground beef. So I came up with this easy Cajun mac and cheese dish to use it up.—June Ellis, Erie, Illinois

Nutrition Facts:1 cup: 353 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.

Pizza Macaroni & Cheese

17 Reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time55 min

Servings12 servings

Go to Recipe

From the Recipe Creator:My grandma made this for us once when she came to visit and I never forgot just how good it was. Since my kids love anything with pepperoni and cheese, I thought they'd enjoy it just as much as I did. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia

Nutrition Facts:1 cup: 340 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 927mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.

Mac and Cheese Bites

21 Reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time45 min

Servings3 dozen

Go to Recipe

From the Recipe Creator:Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York

Nutrition Facts:1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.

Mini Mac & Cheese Dogs

2 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time40 min

Servings2 dozen

Go to Recipe

From the Recipe Creator:We wanted to get creative with hot dogs, so we made a mac-and-cheesy one. Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Nutrition Facts:1 appetizer: 198 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.

Mexi-Mac Casserole

10 Reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time55 min

Servings8 servings

Go to Recipe

From the Recipe Creator:I typically have most of the ingredients for this dish in my pantry. Green chiles give it a little bite, but it’s easy to swap in a can of spicier tomatoes to turn up the heat. —Jan Conklin, Stevensville, Montana

Nutrition Facts:1-1/2 cups: 555 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1330mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 33g protein.

Mexican Mac and Cheese

19 Reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time50 min

Servings8 servings

Go to Recipe

From the Recipe Creator:This Mexican/southwestern casserole of comfort food is high on taste and low on the scale of difficulty—a delicious combination. —Mary Aguilar, Shelby, Ohio

Nutrition Facts:1-1/2 cups: 631 calories, 35g fat (17g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1286mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein.

Hearty Mac & Cheese

18 Reviews

Total Time40 min

Servings6 servings

Go to Recipe

From the Recipe Creator:“Whether a cold winter night or rainy summer day, this is quick-and-easy comfort food at its very best!” And a great way to jazz up boxed macaroni mix. —Carol Wohlgemuth, Riding Mountain, Manitoba

Nutrition Facts:1 cup: 480 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 1253mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.

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