There’s something about the air when you first walk into Trader Joe’s. Maybe it’s the delusion from parking — because the corporate parking lot layout was obviously designed by Satan themself — or perhaps it’s the fresh buckets of flowers that line the wall, or knowing that I’m about to buy a sweet treat. There’s just something about the air.
Trader Joe’s pleases my soul — besides the parking lot — and once a month, I find myself driving 35 minutes to frolic through the aisles, spending all my money, and eating all of my delicious snacks on my drive back to campus. As an experienced Trader Joe’s shopper, I would like to give you my top five snack recommendations from my recent haul in a hopeful attempt to convince you to join me on my next sweet treat trip. Maybe you could even drive?
In no particular order:
Trader Joe’s Enchanted Jangle Mix is a trail mix of pretzels, chocolate, animal crackers, and marshmallows all with an enchanted twist! I am such a trail mix girlie, so it’s no surprise that I love this. The bag I purchased was in fact 85% grid pretzel, but I’ll still be going back for more. I think this mix would be really good mixed into some popcorn because it is heavily on the sweet side.
Trader Joe’s Soft and Juicy Mango. What more do I have to say to convince you that dry, soft, juicy, lightly sugar-coated mango jerky is something you need in your life? I love these so much and they are incomparable to other brands due to the softness of the mangoes.
Trader Joe’s Crispy Butter Filled Milk Chocolate Peanuts. I saw them, I bought them, I ate them before I got home. These were so good, and they only cost $2.99.
Trader Joe’s Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers. This is a hot take, but the Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers are better than the originals. These are a Trader Joe’s staple, and simply the best gummy candies I’ve ever had.
Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. Everyone knows them and everyone loves them — they’re another Trader Joe’s staple. I always pick up a container of these any time I’m at Trader Joe’s. My favorite way to eat them is to stick them in the freezer.
In my opinion, Trader Joe’s is one of the best places to shop. It’s cheap, quality, mindful food. There are so many delicious items for those of my readers who may have dietary restrictions. Trader Joe’s has always seemed to have embodied the feeling of waking up early on a Sunday morning to go to your local market. The staff is super friendly, the signs are all hand-drawn, and I always get a phunny food sticker at checkout — did you see what I did there?
If you decide to make a trip to Trader Joe’s or any other store, I highly recommend you purchase a reusable bag or bring a reusable bag with you. I always keep a couple of various sized tote bags in my car for convenience. The reusable bags at Trader Joe’s are one of my favorite non-food items, and they are such a great way to be environmentally friendly. Do something drastic, cut the plastic!
