I've been a restaurant critic for 15 years. Here are 12 things I love to buy at Trader Joe's.

Alice LevittJan 16, 2024, 00:08 IST

Trader Joe's is a great spot for fun produce and convenience items. Alice Levitt

I've been a restaurant critic for 15 years and there are some things I often buy at Trader Joe's.
Trader Joe's is my go-to for convenience foods like packaged noodles and frozen soup dumplings.

I've worked as a food writer, editor, and critic since 2008.

Though most of my meals are at restaurants, when I eat at home, I love the ease of preparing foods purchased at Trader Joe's.

Prices and availability may vary by location — I'm based in Northern Virginia.

I always stop by the cheese aisle for special slices.

I like Trader Joe's Dutch sliced goat's milk cheese. Alice Levitt

Trader Joe's has Dijon for a decent price. Alice Levitt

Trader Joe's squiggly knife-cut-style noodles are easy to prepare. Alice Levitt

Trader Joe's organic rainbow cauliflower is great in a pinch. Alice Levitt

This lean meal from Trader Joe's has me bowled over.Alice Levitt

Trader Joe's Brazilian-style cheese bread is made with tapioca flour. Alice Levitt

Trader Joe's steamed pork-and-ginger soup dumplings are good when I don't want to drive for real dim sum. Alice Levitt

Trader Joe's sliced Korean rice cakes are great with lean meat and veggies. Alice Levitt

I often grab fun peaches at Trader Joe's. Alice Levitt

A few gooseberries can punch up a salad. Alice Levitt

Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi comes frozen. Alice Levitt

We add fresh basil to our pizzas.Alice Levitt