35 Trader Joe’s Picks

Visiting New York this week, and naturally… I made a Trader Joe’s run. Here’s everything I miss—and yes, I’m packing some of it in my suitcase back to Madrid.

Flowers

When I lived in the U.S., Trader Joe’s was my go-to for flowers. Their bouquets are super affordable, and while not always the fanciest, they last. I usually chose alstroemerias—they can stay fresh for over two weeks with proper care. The tulips also look amazing this time of year.

Dairy & Frozen

Whole Milk Greek Yogurt – Great for parfaits and baking. Very Fage-like in texture.

Kerrygold Butter – Not cheap these days, but still fairly priced here.

Boursin Cheese – An oldie but a goodie. Total crowd-pleaser.

Unexpected Cheddar – Award-winning, with subtle Parmigiano vibes.

Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream – Bold coffee flavor. Major high school nostalgia.

Mango Cream Bars – Light, refreshing popsicles.

La Colombe Vanilla Latte – Takes me back to my brand ambassador days in college.

Frozen Hashbrowns – Pop them in the air fryer or toaster—breakfast made easy.

Alsace Flatbread – With caramelized onions and ham. My favorite post-school snack.

Pantry Staples

Avocado Oil – A solid, high-heat oil for everything.

Ranch Seasoning Blend – I grabbed two jars to bring back to Spain.

Soyaki Marinade – Ideal for chicken or salmon. My grandpa made it every Friday night.

Italian Bomba Sauce – Fermented Calabrian chili paste that levels up dressings and sauces.

Cowboy Caviar – I like it on nachos. Don’t judge.

Snacks

Valencia Peanut Butter (Crunchy) – I have to leave Spain to get this. Ironic.

Savory Thins – Gluten-free crackers that don’t taste like it.

Sweet & Spicy Pecans – Perfect salad topper.

Ginger Chews – A lifesaver if you get motion sickness while traveling.

Soft Licorice Twists – I go for strawberry, but they have black too.

Fig & Olive Crisps – A cheeseboard essential.

Movie Theater Popcorn – Buttery, nostalgic perfection.

EVOO Popcorn – A lighter snack that still feels indulgent.

Crispy Crunchy Mochi Rice Nuggets – Dangerously addictive.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups – I like to keep them in the fridge.

Misc.

Mango Nectar – My brothers and I fight over this. No shame.

Carrot Sheet Cake – Haven’t tried it yet, but if it’s anything like their vanilla one, I’m in.