Trader Joe's

The Absolute Best Snacks at Trader Joe’s, According to Our Editors

written by JESSICA FRIEDHOFF
trader joe's snacks collage"
trader joe's snacks collage
Graphics by: Aryana Johnson
Graphics by: Aryana Johnson

Trader Joe’s snack selection is truly unmatched. In nearly every aisle you turn down, there are rows and rows of snacks waiting to be discovered and munched on. No matter your snacking style, TJ’s has got you covered. Craving something creamy to dip your chips in? Want a healthy option for guilt-free snacking? Or perhaps you need a lil treat to get you through the afternoon? They’ve got it all and more. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you need some inspiration for what to grab on your next TJ’s run, let us be your snacking guides. Below, our editors share the Trader Joe’s snacks they always have stocked for when that between-meal hunger hits. Happy snacking!

1. Chili & Lime Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

trader joe's snacks rolled corn tortilla chips

As a gluten-free girly, I’m always on the hunt for a good GF snack, and I’m always trying new products. That said, these rolled corn tortilla chips have been a staple in my snack cabinet for a while now. The level of spice and crunch is so satisfying and perfect for a little (or big) midday or late-night snack. – Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant

2. Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels

trader joe's snacks dark chocolate covered pretzels

I am a Trader Joe’s girly through and through, and the one thing I pick up on every single trip is a bag of these dark chocolate-covered pretzels. They’re my favorite treat to keep in the cupboard for when my afternoon chocolate craving kicks in… which is a daily occurrence. – Garri Chaverst, Senior Managing Editor

3. Sour Cream & Onion Corn Puffs

trader joe's snacks sour cream onion corn puffs

I don’t know how to express my obsession with these sour cream and onion puffs. You simply need to try them to understand. The light and airy texture is so satisfying, and the seasoning is to die for. I try not to buy them every time I go to Trader Joe’s because, more often than not, I demolish half the giant bag in one sitting, but I usually give in to temptation. – Lauren Blue, Editorial Intern

4. Chocolatey Coated Peanut Butter Crispy Rice Bites

trader joe's snacks peanut butter crispy rice bites

I am a chocolate and peanut butter sweet treat gal through and through, but I can’t always get the dark chocolate peanut butter cups from Trader Joe’s. Sometimes, I have to switch it up, which is how I stumbled on these incredible chocolatey-coated peanut butter crispy rice bites. These are everything I could ever want in a little single-serving dessert. They have the substance and crunch of a rice crispy treat but the flavor of a peanut butter cup. – Emma Ginsberg, Associate Editor & Podcast Assistant

5. Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers

trader joe's snacks super sour scandinavian swimmers

These are definitely more of a candy than a snack, but they are delicious nonetheless. Someone always brings these when my friends and I get together for a movie night or pool day because they are a group favorite, and we have to stop ourselves from finishing the bag. If you’re a sour candy lover or a fan of the original Scandinavian Swimmers, give these a try next! – Keely Geist, Senior Social Media Manager

6. The Original Honey Roasted Peanuts

trader joe's snacks honey roasted peanuts

OK, these might seem like kind of a boring snack, but hear me out. Trader Joe’s seriously has the best honey-roasted peanuts out there. I’ve tried lots, and no one else can compare (sorry!). They’re the perfect blend of sweet and salty, and when I’m in a snacking mood, they deliver every time. I like throwing them in a jar with dried cranberries and chocolate chips for a homemade trail mix moment. – Bella Gil, Associate Commerce Editor

7. Breaded Cheddar Cheese Curds

trader joe's snacks breaded cheddar cheese curds

As a true midwestern girly, I live by anything fried with cheese. When I need a cheese fix, I will always reach for these frozen cheddar snacks. I simply pop them into the air fryer or oven, making them super easy and quick to consume. If you need a good appetizer for your next dinner, make sure to reach for these. – Aryana Johnson, Graphic Designer

8. Peanut Butter Pillows

trader joe's snacks peanut butter pillows

Full disclosure: These will NOT be for everyone. But if you (like me) are one of those people whose go-to candy bar is a Butterfinger, this one is for you. Relatively new to the TJ’s lineup, these little pillows of joy taste exactly like the peanut buttery goodness in a Butterfinger. Yes, they will get stuck in your teeth, but isn’t that part of the fun? I’m obsessed. – Abi Moseman, Assistant Social Media Editor

9. Cauliflower Crisps

trader joe's snacks cauliflower crisps

I’m a big believer that there are so many delicious products that sneak in nutrient-dense foods like fruit and veggies, why not choose a plant-based option? The cauliflower crisps are my go-to cracker of choice first and foremost because they are delicious (I like to eat them with hummus or cheese, but they’re also flavorful enough to eat solo). It also tastes more “homemade” to me, and I like them so much better than a typical cracker. – Josie Santi, Podcast Host & Senior Wellness Editor

10. Bamba with Hazelnut Creme Filling

trader joe's bamba snacks

I’m not kidding when I say I have recommended these to every single person I know. They came out a while ago now, but I truly think they’re one of the best new releases to come to TJ’s in quite a while. I’m a need-something-sweet-after-every-meal type of gal, so these are the perfect way to satisfy that craving in a way that’s still pretty light. You’ve been warned, though: Once you start eating these, you might not be able to stop. – Jessica Welsh, Commerce Editor for The Everymom

11. Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip

trader joe's spinach and kale dip

I am a snacker, through and through. Often for lunch, rather than actually cook a meal, I’ll just make myself a little snack plate with different healthy foods to munch on at my desk. I am absolutely obsessed with artichoke dip, and this is a much healthier option that I buy every time I go to TJ’s. It’s great both with crackers and veggies, and I always have it in my fridge. – Madeline Galassi, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor

12. Dark Chocolate Drizzled Plantain Chips

trader joe's dark chocolate plantain chips

There’s nothing I love more than a classic salty-sweet combo, and the dark chocolate plantain chips are just that. I like to grab a handful when I need an afternoon pick-me-up or am craving something sweet on an occasional night (OK, most nights). Though they’re not the most healthy option, they’re also far from the worst. Made out of just plantains, dark chocolate, and sea salt, they’re the perfect sweet addition to a balanced diet. – Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor for The Everymom

13. Norwegian Crispbread

trader joe's norwegian crispbread

I’m well aware that this quite possibly looks and sounds like the most boring snack of all time. But believe me when I say that they’re perfect for when you start to get hungry and need a little something. These crunchy crackers are made with sunflower, sesame, and flax seeds—all of which provide healthy fats, fiber, and a little bit of protein—so they satisfy my hunger and power me through until my next meal. I love to have one of these between lunch and dinner with a little bit of hummus and some veggies. It’s not a groundbreaking snack idea, but it’s a trusty one that I come back to constantly. – Hailey Bouche, Associate Editor

14. Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar Dark Chocolate Almonds

These dark chocolate almonds are a salty-sweet lover’s dream. I always pick up a container on any TJ’s run (no matter how many I’m already hoarding at home) because I have an irrational fear that one day they’ll get discontinued, which would be an absolute nightmare. I always pop a few of these after dinner for a savory-meets-sweet dessert, and they’ve become a holy grail staple in my household. – Ashley Selleke, Branded Content Managing Editor

15. Organic Popcorn with Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Before you come at me for being basic, let me tell you this is one of those tried-and-true Trader Joe’s snacks that never disappoint. Fluffy and crunchy at the same time, a handful goes a long way, whether to satisfy a salty craving, complement your lunch sandwich, or tide you over until dinnertime. With only organic popcorn, organic extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt as the ingredients, I’d call it a healthy-ish nosh that doesn’t skimp on flavor (or fiber). – Katherine Chang, Wellness Staff Writer

16. Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries

trader joe's dark chocolate covered cherries

I have a bad dark chocolate addiction, and instead of trying to fight it, I have decided to treat myself a little every day. These Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries are my current go-to and definitely hit the spot. My friend introduced me to them recently, and now they’re always in my cart. I usually have a few for a mid-day or after-lunch treat, and it really satisfies my chocolate craving. – Keely Geist, Senior Social Media Editor