H1 Best Trader Joe’s Hacks According to Employees: Part 2
Trader Joe’s. The very name conjures images of unique snacks, friendly crew members in Hawaiian shirts, and a shopping experience that’s…well, an experience. But beyond the cleverly named products and the thrill of the hunt, lies a treasure trove of hacks – insider tips and tricks to elevate your Trader Joe’s game. In Part 1, we explored some of the most popular employee-endorsed strategies. Now, we’re diving deeper, uncovering even more genius ideas straight from the source. Get ready to revolutionize your Trader Joe’s shopping and cooking, one hack at a time.
**Why Trust Trader Joe’s Employees?**
The people who stock the shelves, demo the products, and ring you up are more than just employees; they’re Trader Joe’s connoisseurs. They taste everything, hear customer feedback firsthand, and often experiment with products themselves. Their knowledge is invaluable, making them the ultimate source for the best hacks.
**Disclaimer:** Product availability varies by location. Always check your local Trader Joe’s for specific items. Prices are also subject to change.
**Hack #1: The Frozen Aisle Power-Up: Gone Bananas! + Peanut Butter Cups**
* **The Hack:** Elevate the already-delicious Gone Bananas! (frozen chocolate-covered banana slices) by pairing them with Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Cups (either the dark or milk chocolate version).
* **Why it Works:** The creamy peanut butter filling of the cups perfectly complements the frozen banana and chocolate coating of the Gone Bananas!. It adds a salty-sweet dimension that takes the treat to another level.
* **Detailed Steps:**
1. **Gather Your Ingredients:** Purchase a bag of Trader Joe’s Gone Bananas! and a box of their Peanut Butter Cups.
2. **Slight Thaw (Optional):** Allow the Gone Bananas! to thaw for a few minutes. This makes them easier to handle and enhances the flavor.
3. **Slice the Peanut Butter Cups:** Cut each Peanut Butter Cup into quarters or halves, depending on your preference. This ensures even distribution of the peanut butter flavor.
4. **Assemble Your Treat:** Place a slightly thawed Gone Bananas! slice on a plate or serving dish. Top it with a few pieces of the sliced Peanut Butter Cups.
5. **The Melt Factor (Optional):** For an extra decadent experience, microwave the assembled treat for 5-10 seconds. This will slightly melt the chocolate and peanut butter, creating a gooey, irresistible bite.
6. **Enjoy Immediately:** These are best enjoyed fresh, as the Gone Bananas! will continue to thaw.
**Hack #2: The Quick Weeknight Dinner Savior: Gnocchi + Unexpected Cheddar + Everything But the Bagel Seasoning**
* **The Hack:** Transform Trader Joe’s shelf-stable or frozen gnocchi into a flavorful and satisfying meal with the help of Unexpected Cheddar cheese and Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend.
* **Why it Works:** The gnocchi provides a comforting base, the Unexpected Cheddar adds a sharp and savory flavor, and the Everything But the Bagel seasoning brings a delightful crunch and complexity.
* **Detailed Steps:**
1. **Choose Your Gnocchi:** Select your preferred Trader Joe’s gnocchi. Options include the shelf-stable cauliflower gnocchi, the traditional potato gnocchi (refrigerated or frozen), or the sweet potato gnocchi (seasonal).
2. **Cook the Gnocchi:** Follow the package instructions for cooking your chosen gnocchi. Generally, this involves boiling or pan-frying until tender.
* **Boiled Gnocchi:** Boil water in a large pot. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface. Drain well.
* **Pan-Fried Gnocchi:** Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
3. **Prepare the Cheese:** Grate or crumble the Unexpected Cheddar cheese. The amount you use will depend on your personal preference.
4. **Assemble the Dish:** In a bowl or skillet, combine the cooked gnocchi, grated or crumbled Unexpected Cheddar, and a generous sprinkle of Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend.
5. **Melt the Cheese (Optional):** For a cheesier experience, you can gently heat the mixture in a skillet over low heat until the cheese melts. Alternatively, you can broil it for a few seconds, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy this quick and easy meal on its own or as a side dish.
**Variations:**
* **Add Vegetables:** Sauté some spinach, kale, or broccoli with garlic and olive oil before adding the gnocchi and cheese.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for some heat.
* **Protein Boost:** Add cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
**Hack #3: The Ultimate Salad Upgrade: Cruciferous Crunch Collection + Green Goddess Dressing**
* **The Hack:** Transform the Trader Joe’s Cruciferous Crunch Collection (a mix of shredded kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage) into a restaurant-worthy salad by pairing it with their Green Goddess Dressing.
* **Why it Works:** The Cruciferous Crunch Collection provides a healthy and satisfying base with a variety of textures, while the Green Goddess Dressing adds a creamy, herby, and tangy flavor that complements the vegetables perfectly.
* **Detailed Steps:**
1. **Prepare the Cruciferous Crunch:** Empty the Cruciferous Crunch Collection into a large bowl.
2. **Add the Dressing:** Pour a generous amount of Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Dressing over the vegetables. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. Be careful not to overdress the salad.
3. **Massage the Greens:** This is a crucial step! Use your hands to gently massage the dressing into the kale and other vegetables. This helps to break down the tough fibers and make the salad more tender and flavorful. Massage for about 1-2 minutes.
4. **Add Toppings (Optional):** Enhance your salad with your favorite toppings. Some suggestions include:
* Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
* Cherry Tomatoes: Provide sweetness and acidity.
* Cucumbers: Add a refreshing crunch.
* Toasted Nuts or Seeds: Offer a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
* Grilled Chicken or Tofu: Add protein for a more filling meal.
* Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend: For extra flavor and texture.
5. **Toss and Serve:** Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients. Serve immediately or chill for later.
**Hack #4: The Breakfast Game Changer: Overnight Oats with Rolled Oats + Chia Seeds + Almond Milk + Unexpected Cheddar Cheese (Yes, Really!)**
* **The Hack:** Adding a small amount of Unexpected Cheddar Cheese to your overnight oats. It might sound strange, but it adds a subtle savory note that complements the sweetness and creaminess of the oats.
* **Why it Works:** The small amount of Unexpected Cheddar adds a depth of flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the oats and fruit, preventing it from becoming overly cloying. It’s a savory counterpoint that makes the breakfast surprisingly interesting and satisfying. The umami from the cheese elevates the overall taste profile.
* **Detailed Steps:**
1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a jar or container, combine ½ cup Trader Joe’s Rolled Oats, 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s Chia Seeds, and a pinch of salt.
2. **Add Liquid:** Pour 1 cup of Trader Joe’s Unsweetened Almond Milk (or any milk of your choice) over the dry ingredients. Ensure the oats are fully submerged.
3. **The Unexpected Addition:** Grate about 1-2 tablespoons of Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese into the mixture. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
4. **Sweeten (Optional):** If you prefer a sweeter breakfast, add a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or a few drops of liquid stevia.
5. **Mix Well:** Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed.
6. **Refrigerate Overnight:** Cover the jar or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the oats to soften and absorb the liquid.
7. **Add Toppings:** In the morning, top your overnight oats with your favorite toppings. Some suggestions include:
* Fresh Fruit: Berries, bananas, peaches, or apples.
* Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
* Nut Butter: Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter.
* A sprinkle of cinnamon
8. **Enjoy Cold:** Overnight oats are best enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator.
**Hack #5: The Lazy Person’s Sushi: Everything But the Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip + Rice Cracker**
* **The Hack:** Combine Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip with one of their rice crackers for a quick and delicious sushi-inspired snack.
* **Why it Works:** The creamy, smoky, and flavorful salmon dip perfectly complements the crispy and slightly salty rice cracker. The Everything But the Bagel seasoning adds a familiar and satisfying flavor profile reminiscent of sushi rice.
* **Detailed Steps:**
1. **Gather Your Ingredients:** Purchase a container of Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip and a package of your favorite Trader Joe’s rice crackers. Their Black Sesame Rice Crackers work especially well.
2. **Prepare the Rice Crackers:** Arrange the rice crackers on a plate or serving dish.
3. **Top with Salmon Dip:** Using a spoon or small knife, spread a generous amount of the Everything But the Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip onto each rice cracker.
4. **Garnish (Optional):** For an extra touch, you can garnish the crackers with:
* Chopped green onions
* A sprinkle of Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
* A drizzle of sriracha mayo (for some heat)
5. **Serve Immediately:** These are best enjoyed fresh, as the rice crackers can become soggy if left sitting for too long.
**Hack #6: Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette: Trader Joe’s Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette + Chicken Thighs**
* **The Hack:** Marinating or using Trader Joe’s Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette over Trader Joe’s Chicken Thighs.
* **Why it Works:** Trader Joe’s Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette is sweet, spicy and savory flavor works magic with rich chicken thighs. The vinegar tenderizes the chicken, allowing it to absorb the marinade’s flavor, and also creates a caramelized finish, adding visual and textural appeal. The heat of the vinaigrette and richness of the chicken are a match made in heaven.
* **Detailed Steps:**
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or a bowl. Pour Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
2. **Cook the Chicken:**
* **Grilling:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Baking:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Pan-Frying:** Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and discard the marinade. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. **Serve and Enjoy:** Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, peanuts, or sesame seeds, or sliced green onions. Serve with rice and your favorite vegetables.
**Hack #7: The Creamiest Coffee Ever: Trader Joe’s Heavy Cream + Cold Brew Concentrate**
* **The Hack:** Using Trader Joe’s Heavy Cream in your Trader Joe’s Cold Brew Concentrate.
* **Why it Works:** The high-fat content of the heavy cream creates a luxuriously smooth and velvety texture that transforms your ordinary cold brew into a coffee shop-worthy indulgence. The richness balances the acidity of the cold brew, resulting in a creamy, decadent, and surprisingly satisfying coffee experience.
* **Detailed Steps:**
1. **Prepare Cold Brew:** In a glass, add Trader Joe’s Cold Brew Concentrate, to taste, about 1/4 cup.
2. **Add Heavy Cream:** Pour heavy cream into the cold brew, approximately 1/4 cup, adjusting to your preference of creaminess.
3. **Stir Well:** Gently stir the coffee and heavy cream until they are thoroughly combined and the color turns a shade lighter.
4. **Add Ice (Optional):** If desired, add ice cubes to keep your coffee chilled and refreshing.
5. **Add Flavor (Optional):** Add a splash of flavored syrup (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut), or sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top.
6. **Sip and Enjoy:** Enjoy your freshly prepared, ultra-creamy cold brew.
**Hack #8: The Vegan Dessert Upgrade: Vegan Cookies + Soy Creamer + Chocolate Syrup**
* **The Hack:** Creating a quick and simple vegan dessert using Trader Joe’s vegan cookies with Trader Joe’s Soy Creamer and Chocolate Syrup.
* **Why it Works:** The cookies offer a base texture and sweetness, enhanced by the creamy soymilk. Drizzling with chocolate syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness, creating an irresistible dessert experience. This combination creates a simple yet indulgent dessert that tastes similar to a layered parfait or a deconstructed sundae without using any dairy products.
* **Detailed Steps:**
1. **Gather Ingredients:** Acquire Trader Joe’s vegan cookies, such as the Joe-Joe’s, and Trader Joe’s Vanilla Soy Creamer and Trader Joe’s Chocolate Syrup.
2. **Prepare the Cookies:** Crumble or break the vegan cookies into small pieces. This makes them easier to incorporate into the dessert.
3. **Layer the Dessert:** In a glass or dessert bowl, create layers by alternating crumbled cookies, soymilk, and chocolate syrup.
4. **Repeat Layers:** Continue layering until the glass or bowl is nearly full, finishing with a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top.
5. **Chill (Optional):** If desired, place the dessert in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to chill before serving.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately, as the cookies may become soggy if left in the soymilk for too long.
**Hack #9: The Perfect Guacamole Starter: Avocado’s Number Guacamole Starter + Fresh Avocados**
* **The Hack:** Using the Avocado’s Number Guacamole Starter from Trader Joe’s to prepare an easy, consistent guacamole, adding fresh Avocados.
* **Why it Works:** The Avocado’s Number Guacamole Starter comes pre-mixed with the essential spices and seasonings needed for delicious guacamole. Combining with fresh avocados delivers freshness, while the starter ensures consistent flavor, saving time and effort in measuring individual ingredients.
* **Detailed Steps:**
1. **Select Avocados:** Choose ripe avocados from Trader Joe’s, checking for slight softness when gently squeezed.
2. **Prepare Avocados:** Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.
3. **Mash Avocados:** Mash the avocados to your preferred consistency, either chunky or smooth.
4. **Add Guacamole Starter:** Pour the contents of Trader Joe’s Avocado’s Number Guacamole Starter into the bowl of mashed avocados.
5. **Mix Thoroughly:** Mix the avocados and the starter, ensuring it’s well combined and evenly distributed.
6. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the guacamole and add lime juice, salt, or chopped cilantro to adjust the flavor according to your preference.
7. **Serve Immediately:** Serve immediately with tortilla chips, vegetables, or as a topping for tacos or salads.
**Hack #10: Enhance Trader Joe’s Pizza Dough with Garlic Spread**
* **The Hack:** Using Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread on your Trader Joe’s Pizza Dough.
* **Why it Works:** The garlic spread adds an aromatic dimension to the crust, infusing the pizza with savory flavor that complements nearly any topping combination. The butter in the spread helps creates crispiness in the crust.
* **Detailed Steps:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:** Allow Trader Joe’s fresh pizza dough to reach room temperature. Lightly dust the dough with flour and stretch or roll into your preferred shape on a baking sheet.
2. **Apply Garlic Spread:** Spread Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
3. **Add Toppings:** Top with your favorite pizza ingredients, such as cheese, tomato sauce, vegetables, and meats.
4. **Bake:** Bake the pizza in a preheated oven according to the pizza dough package instructions or your recipe guidelines.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once baked, slice, serve, and enjoy the enhanced flavor of your homemade garlic-infused pizza.
**Important Considerations for All Hacks:**
* **Taste Test:** Always taste as you go! Personal preferences vary, so adjust ingredients to your liking.
* **Ingredient Substitutions:** Feel free to experiment with substitutions based on your dietary needs or what you have on hand.
* **Storage:** Store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
* **Have Fun!** The most important thing is to enjoy the process of experimenting and creating delicious new dishes.
**Conclusion:**
These are just a few of the many incredible Trader Joe’s hacks shared by employees. By tapping into their insider knowledge, you can unlock a world of culinary possibilities and elevate your Trader Joe’s experience. So, next time you’re browsing the aisles, remember these tips and don’t be afraid to experiment. You might just discover your new favorite food combination!