I'm a trained pastry chef who shops at Trader Joe's once a month. Here are 12 things I love buying there.

Jacqueline DoleSep 12, 2023, 03:53 IST

The butter chicken and Greek nonfat yogurt are two of my favorite meals for a busy workday.Jacqueline Dole

As a business owner and trained pastry chef, I want to eat well but am often short on time.
We only have one Trader Joe's in my entire state, so I stock up when I make my monthly trip there.

As a trained pastry chef who founded an ice cream company eight years ago, I work long days and unpredictable hours.

Picking up snacks, pantry staples, and salad kits from Trader Joe's helps me save money on takeout and ensure I always have something easy to cook when I get home. Plus, we only have one Trader Joe's in my entire state of Maine, so I try to stock up on my favorites when I make my monthly trip to the chain.

Here are some of the items I look for when I head to Trader Joe's:

Salad kits are perfect for a quick meal.

Salad kits are a great way to add more fresh veggies to your diet.Jacqueline Dole

The store has a great selection of wine and beer.

For only $10, La Burgondie's Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Reserve is a great buy.Jacqueline Dole

The frozen butter chicken with basmati rice is delicious (and great if you're on a budget).

When work gets busy, Trader Joe's frozen meals come in handy.Jacqueline Dole

The French macarons rival any found in a bakery.

I love the chocolate and vanilla French macarons.Jacqueline Dole

Trader Joe's has a myriad of unique condiments, including yuzu hot sauce.

Trader Joe's yuzu hot sauce is great on chicken.Jacqueline Dole

Even basics like yogurt somehow taste better from Trader Joe's.

Greek yogurt is a versatile, on-the-go treat.Jacqueline Dole

The chain's black garlic is perfect on just about anything.

I love pairing black garlic with cottage cheese.Jacqueline Dole

Trader Joe's satisfies my newfound love for canned fish.

Trader Joe's carries my favorite brand of anchovies.Jacqueline Dole

I like Trader Joe's canned salmon, which I don't think is very common in grocery stores.

Trader Joe's lightly-smoked salmon is one of my favorite new finds.Jacqueline Dole

I also snag hard-to-find pasta shapes at Trader Joe's.

Cascatelli is the perfect shape for soaking up sauce.Jacqueline Dole

Trader Joe's has a great selection of flowers.

I made my own wedding centerpieces using flowers from Trader Joe's.Jacqueline Dole

I pick up probiotics at Trader Joe's, too.

I swear by a daily probiotic.Jacqueline Dole

I tried 9 brands of lime carbonated water from the store and ranked them from worst to best

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