Trader Joe's Shopping List

A Trader Joe’s Shopping List for Everyday Recipes!

The ultimate Curry Mommy approved Trader Joe’s shopping list and guide is finally here. Simply pull this page up and make it available at your fingertips when shopping at one of my favorite grocery stores! Don’t forget to grab my everyday essentials to make Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes.

A Guide to Trader Joe’s Shopping

HAPPY SHOPPING!

This is a list of things I normally buy when shopping at Trader Joe’s, but it is not limited to just these due to convenience. Due to the pandemic, I have not updated this post much. However, my favorites still remain available. Be sure to catch up with me on Instagram in case I forget to list an item here.

My first visit to Trader Joe’s Visit

I walked out with mints! No joke. I was very intimidated the first time I walked into a Trader Joe’s. In fact, I wondered why people shopped there because they had no “real” brands. A Trader Joe’s Shopping List was something I would never need because I told myself I was never going back to that store again.

After a few conversations with friends, I felt more confident to walk back into the store and give it a chance. My gosh was I amazed. Decades later, I am an ultimate fan.

Trader Joe’s Indian Food Variety

As an Indian Food Blogger and someone with picky tastebuds, I can definitely say the variety that they have is actually great. The flavor, texture, and serving size are actually all great. Trader Joe’s Indian Food is done right! If you don’t agree, then just give some of my recipes that use their staples a try. You won’t disagree ;).

What to add to your Trader Joe’s Shopping List

I can go on and on… and on! This is my guide so I hope that it helps you be less intimidated when walking through your local location.

Produce Buying Guide

Produce can be bought anywhere. Whether you shop at a farmer’s market or your local grocery store, most of the items are the same. A few things that I grab from Trader Joe’s and make sure to add on the list include these items. Lentils are found in the produce section, so I have added them here. They work great as an addition to salads. Micro greens are perfect for morning eggs, broccoli slaw for a quick saute with turmeric and mustard seeds, and pre-cut vegetables for air fryer french fries.

• Broccoli Slaw
• Steamed Beets (beet salad recipe here)
• Pre-Cooked Lentils
• Micro Greens
• Leeks
• Rambutan (seasonal fruit)
• Sesame Crunch Chopped Salad Kit
• Vegetable and Soba Noodle Stir Fry Kit
• Pre-cut vegetables

Cheese Guide

I am not a cheese expert by any means, but I can be a taste tester all day long and tell you what is good. My all time favorite must have from Trader Joe’s is burrata. I add it to a cheeseboard often and serve it on top of salads throughout the week. It is a cheese you do not want to pass up so be sure to add it to your Trader Joe’s Shopping List.

• Aged Syrah Cheese
• Burrata
• Unexpected Cheddar (Perfect for Broccoli Pasta)
• Unexpected Cheddar-Shredded
• Rebel Pepper Cheese
• Herbed Goat Cheese
• Goat Cheese Medallions
• Truffle Brie
• Triple Cream Brie
• Pre-Sliced Mozarella
• Authentic Greek Feta in Brine
• Cheddar and Gruyere
• Port Salut
• Stilton Blue Cheese
• Organic Dutch Gouda

Refrigerated Section

My Trader Joe’s Shopping List is never complete without a huge section for the refrigerated section. I make gyros with the deli meat, hummus for grab and go lunch/snacks, and zhoug sauce for my quick and easy jeera chicken recipe (linked below). I can’t stress how easy these exclusive items make weekly meals easy and weekend meals so tasty!

• Fiesta Cashew Dip
• Green Chile Chicken Tamales
• Gyro Deli Meat
• Prociutto
• Salami
• Organic Sprouted Tofu
• Hummus
• Extra Hot Habanero Ghost Pepper Salsa
• Zhoug Sauce (Jeera Chicken Recipe)
• Almond Jalapeno Dip
• Garlic Spread
• Pizza Dough
• Marinara Sauce
• Buffalo Style Chicken Dip
• Vegan Soy Chorizo
• Curried Chicken Salad
• Tuna Salad
• Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos
• Tabouleh

Meats and Seafood

Controversial topic here! I constantly hear not to add meats to my Trader Joe’s shopping list. But have you tried their salmon or lamb chops? For the price, I feel like you get a great quality of meat. The freezer section has a great variety of seafood that I keep on hand as well. Some of it is seasonal so be sure to grab it while you can!

• Organic Chicken (all varieties)
• Lamb Chops (Ultimate TJ Lamb Chop Recipe)
• Ground Lamb
• Pork Tenderloin
• French Cut Pork Chops (Ranch Pork Chop Recipe)
• Norwegian Farmed Atlantic Salmon (BBQ Cut) Garlic Salmon Recipe
• Chicken Shawarma
• Organic Ground Beef (Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe)
• Carne Asada
• Pollo Asada
• Beef Stew Meat

Freezer Section

I can’t say enough great things about the freezer section at Trader Joe’s. Their Indian food helped me survive motherhood. When my husband would go shop I would make sure it was added to our Trader Joe’s shopping list, because I could never have enough (hello breastfeeding appetite). Try some of my other favorites like cauliflower cheese pizza :).

• Butter Chicken
• Fiery Chicken Curry
• Fish Korma
• Lamb Vindaloo
• Fettucini Alfredo
• Mushroom Ravioli with Mushroom Truffle Sauce
• Cauliflower Cheese Pizza
• BBQ Chicken Pizza
• Korean Short Ribs
• Halibut Fish Nuggets (gluten free and regular)
• Wild Blueberries
• Petite Green Peas
• Spicy Thai Fried Rice
• Vegetable Panang Curry
• Acai packets
• Pistachio Gelato
• Mini Ice Cream Cones
• I Dream of Chocolate Cake
• Mini Bon Bons
• Cauliflower Gnocchi
• Chicken Gyoza Pot Stickers
• Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
• Shrimp Tempura
• Chipotle Vegetable Quesadilla
• Chicken Tikka Samosa
• Vegetable Samosa
• Spinach and Artichoke Dip
• Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese
• Kung Pao Chicken
• Orange Chicken
• Hold the Corn Appetizer
• Mini cheesecake cones
• Breaded Chicken Tenderloin Breast

Cereals and Such

One thing I don’t buy much of here, but I do love their hemp seed bars!

• Flax Seeds
• Organic Hemp Seed Bar
• Raw Shelled Hemp Seeds

Jarred Sauces, Spreads, Condiments

Buy it all! That is all I can say when it comes to this section. I’ve had a handful of things that I did not like, but mostly everything else is a must have in my kitchen. In fact, I just wish Trader Joe’s was my pantry/refrigerator. Dreams come true, right?

• Italian Bamba Hot Pepper Sauce
• Tunisian Harissa
• Habanero Hot Sauce
• Truffle Alfredo (seasonal)
• Masala Simmer Sauce
• Thai Red Curry
• Organic BBQ Sauce
• Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce
• Sunflower Butter (not the organic version)
• Cookie Butter
• Organic Creamy Peanut Butter
• Hot and Spicy Dill Pickles
• Miso Ginger Broth
• Organic Chicken or Beef Broth
• Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup
• Pepita Salsa
• Organic Toasted Sesame Dressing
• Romaine Caesar Dressing
• Organic Coconut Aminos

Dairy and Eggs

Not all Trader Joe’s locations sell pasture raised eggs. For that reason, if you are lucky enough to get them then be sure to purchase here. I love and value everything about Trader Joe’s. Hence, Why I am sharing these ideas with you here. Want to try an egg recipe? Give my Chutney Grilled Cheese a try!

• Pasture Raised Eggs
• Truffle Flavored Butter
• Peach Whole Milk Smoothie
• Vanilla Bean Yogurt
• Kerry’s Gold Butter
• TruMoo brand whole milk chocolate milk
• Coconut Whip Cream

Pasta + Dry Goods

Brown rice pasta can always be found on my Trader Joe’s list. It is just one of those things I have to have in my pantry. We don’t eat a lot of regular pasta, and brown rice pasta has been my holy grail for about 10-15 years now. The Trader Joe’s variation has never failed me with taste or texture.

• Red Lentil Spaghetti
• Brown Rice Pastas
• Organic Italian Pasta
• Organic Jasmine Rice
• Cheese Tortellini

Seasonings

I can not live without 21 seasoning salute. I use it on everything, whether it is heavily used or sparingly. It really enhances the flavor of foods. Be sure to add it to your shopping list!

• 21 Seasoning Salute
• Chile Lime Seasoning
• Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
• Umami Mushroom Seasoning
• Spanish Saffron
• Taco Seasoning
• Ghost Pepper Flakes (seasonal)
• Truffle Seasoning (seasonal)

Breads, Crackers, non-freezer Sweets

Here’s the deal… Trader Joe’s bread does not last long. Buy it and use it up quick. In my experience, it tends to mold easily. For that reason, refrigerate or use it up ASAP :).

• Gluten Free Crisp Bread (Crackers)
• Round Pita Crackers
• Brown Rice Tortillas (if clean-eating)
• Naan
• Organic French Baguette (fully enclosed package)
• Focaccia Bread
• Almond Danish
• Kringle (flavors are seasonal)
• Handmade Flour Tortillas (goes great with Butter Chicken)
• Organic Olive Oil Flour Tortillas
• Mediterranean Pita Bread
• Dark Chocolate Covered Honey Grahams
• Glazed Chocolate and Sour Cream Donuts
• Rustic Spice Cake
• Blueberry Muffins
• Raspberry Short Bread Heart Cookies (seasonal)

Snacks

Cheeseboards are more tasty with candied pecans and spicy cashews. Trust me, you want to add those two to every cheeseboard you ever make. If you live for spice, then ghost pepper chips will also hit the spot!

• Raw Pumpkin Seeds
• Candied Pecans
• Pine Nuts
• Coconut Cashews
• Sesame Stick Snack
• Roasted Broccoli
• Roasted Plantain Chips
• Seaweed
• Chomps Brand Jerky Sticks
• Pita Crackers
• Chocolate and Coconut Covered Almonds
• Ghost Pepper Chips
• Organic Tortilla Chips
• Organic Corn Dippers
• Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
• Organic Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
• Chocolate Covered Mini Pretzels
• Bamba Peanut Snack

Wines, Drinks, and Things

Although, I am not much of a drinker I can say that Trader Joe’s wines are tolerable. Two buck chuck, also known as Charles Shaw, is available regularly (given that your store sells alcohol).

• Butter Chardonnay
• Charles Shaw Cabernet, Merlot, and Red Blend (I dont like the white wines but they are good for cooking)
• Simpler Wines (cans)
• Trader Joe’s Brand Ginger Beer
• Suja Brand Celery Juice
• Trader Joe’s Brand Coconut Water (check refrigerated section with juices)
• Trader Joes Brand Spiced Chai
• GT’s Organic Gingerade Flavored Kombucha

Beauty and Homegoods

Microdermabrasion is possible in my world because of my holy grail exfoliant! I buy it buy the bulk and after one use I assure you will to. Give it and these others a try!

• Trader Joes Nourish All in one Facial Cleanser
• Witch Hazel
• Organic Argan Oil
• Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum
• Antioxidant Facial Serum and Moisturizer
• SPF 15 moisturizer
• Candles (seasonal)
• Dryer Balls (use with essential oils)
• Dr. Bonners Castile Soap Bar
• Lavender Salt Scrub
• Microdermabrasion exfoliant
• Moisturizing Eye serum

Everything else to add to your Trader Joe’s Shopping List

• Flowers

A creamy mushroom pasta sauce that is super simple and quick to make.

This easy mushroom pasta sauce tastes great with angel hair pasta or fettucini. It pairs well with tender grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or steak and comes together in a matter of minutes.

Craving Italian Restaurant Pasta? Then you must try this recipe!

If there is one recipe of mine you make, be sure it’s this! Okay okay and a few others, but I must say this is a favorite.

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Pair it with…
• Substitutions
• How to make vegan mushroom pasta
• Variations
• Top Tips
• FAQ
• 📖 Recipe
• How this Creamy Mushroom Pasta recipe came about
• 💬 Community

Ingredients

• pasta - try angel hair or fettucini
• heavy whipping cream - substitute with milk or a vegan cream instead
• bouillon powder or cubes - this ingredient is preferred over broth/stock
• garlic
• fresh mushrooms - give cremini, bella, or white button mushrooms a try
• parmesan cheese - for a topping and to add in the sauce for extra flavor
• butter
• salt - quantity depends on the type of bouillon cubes used
• cooking oil - optional
• extra virgin olive oil - as a topping

Instructions

Start by cooking the pasta per packaged directions or to your texture liking.

While the pasta cooks, in a small saucepan heat some butter and cook the mushrooms and garlic until translucent. Add a dash of water if needed.

Add the bouillon to the pan and mix it well. If using bouillon, you can break it up before adding or smash it after adding cream.

Gently pour in the cream and simmer until it reaches a boil. Turn off the heat and add black pepper and shredded parmesan cheese.

Mix the sauce until creamy and thick. Then, combine the pasta with the creamy mushroom sauce.

Add extra parmesan cheese on top as well as red chili flakes and serve.

Pair it with…

1. A glass of full-bodied red wine such as zinfandel, cabernet, or merlot.
2. Seared steak or chicken
3. Brussels Sprouts
4. Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Substitutions

Cream- Can substitute with milk or vegan cream, but try to let the sauce thicken for creamy pasta.

Pasta - Try this recipe with al-dente zucchini or yellow squash noodles.

Mushrooms - Substitute with your favorite vegetable or protein.

Bouillon - Use a vegetable stock paste (better than bouillon), or use vegetable stock for a less potent taste.

How to make vegan mushroom pasta

Using the same mushroom pastarecipe, replace the cream with vegan cream of choice. Be sure to use ingredients that match your dietary restrictions.

Variations

Vegan - use a vegan cream of choice instead of cream or milk.

Gluten-Free - mushroom pasta can be made gluten-free with zucchini noodles or squash noodles. My favorite substitute includes brown rice fettucini.

this dish was made with red lentil pasta

Top Tips

• Make extra mushroom sauce! It’s perfect for dipping bread or just to have in the pasta
• Slice the mushrooms very thin.
• Add a pinch of thyme during the cooking process.
• Mix in chopped spinach for extra vegetables
• Bouillon cubes will give you a thicker sauce with condensed flavors versus broth.
• Pair this recipe with ribeye steak. It’s my family’s favorite combo!

Love Easy Pasta Recipes? Be sure to check out my simple macaroni and cheese recipe here.

A concentrated flavor that includes dried vegetables, spices, herbs, and/or meat.

If you can not find Bouillon cubes, you can also use bouillon powder/seasoning or Better Than Bouillon which is a concentrated flavor in a liquid paste.

You sure can! Use a vegetarian version of bouillon and substitute cream/milk for vegan milk. It will taste great either way!

I highly recommend angel hair pasta for this creamy mushroom pasta recipe or fettucini to mimic fettucini mushroom alfredo. The thin pasta goes well with this sauce.

More fan favorite pasta recipes…

• Creamy Tahini Pasta
• Easy Pasta Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli
• Pasta with Broccoli and Garlic Parmesan Sauce
• The Best Spaghetti and Meatball Marinara Recipe

📖 Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Ingredients1x2x3x

• ▢ 16 oz package of pasta (angel hair preferred or fettucini)
• ▢ 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or milk)
• ▢ 2 bouillon cubes (add extra for more flavor)
• ▢ 6-8 cloves minced, garlic
• ▢ 8 count thinly sliced, fresh mushrooms (cremini, bella, or white button)
• ▢ ½ cup grated, parmesan cheese (+ more as a topping)
• ▢ 4 tablespoon butter
• ▢ salt (quantity depends on the type of bouillon cubes used)
• ▢ cooking oil (optional)
• ▢ extra virgin olive oil (as a topping)

Instructions

• Cook the pasta and reserve about 8 oz of the pasta water and set it aside. The water can be used later, just incase you want a thinner pasta sauce.
• In a large skillet heat the butter and some cooking oil (optional) and cook the mushrooms until soft.
• Move the mushrooms over to one side of the pan and now cook the garlic on the other side of the pan. Feel free to add some oil to the garlic if it begins to stick to the pan.
• Once the garlic cooks out the raw flavor, then add the bouillon cubes and heavy whipping cream/milk.
• Let the mixture boil for a few minutes or until the bouillon have completely dissolved. You may need to mix and press firmly on the cube to speed up the cooking process.
• TIP: I don’t presoak the bouillon cubes before cooking. The time it takes for them to dissolve seems to be perfect timing for the heavy whipping cream to thicken as well.
• Once the cubes have dissolved and the sauce has thickened, add some fresh ground pepper and grated parmesan cheese.
• Quickly mix and add the pasta.
• Keeping the heat on medium-high, toss the pasta with the sauce really well. At this point, you can add some reserved pasta water if you would like the sauce to be thinner.
• Taste and add salt accordingly.
• Serve with an additional serving of grated parmesan cheese on top and a drizzle of your favorite extra virgin olive oil.
• ENJOY!

Video

Notes

Nutrition

How this Creamy Mushroom Pasta recipe came about

My husband loves to eat steak. I would call him a steak connoisseur if I could. I, on the other hand, can not eat much steak. For that reason, I decided to make a pasta dish that would complement steak and be eaten on its own. That is when this creamy mushroom pasta recipe was born.