As I have aged throughout high school, my love for Trader Joe’s has increased. Its small store filled with stocked shelves provides comfort for those who enter, unless you are there on Sunday (NEVER do that). From my many times prancing up and down the isles of my local TJ’s on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard in Mt. Pleasant, I have found the essential items you need in your life. Note: these are in no particular order. 

ABC Bars

Introduced to me last year by fellow Talon writer Katherine Ray, Trader Joe’s ABC Bars are too good to put into words. Packed with almond butter and cocoa (hence ABC), they are delicious to eat. Don’t worry, they are gluten free AND vegan! While they only come in a pack of 6 (for only $2.99!!!), you will need to stock up because they are that good.

Roasted Plantain Chips

These plantain chips are my #3 favorite TJ’s food. The flavor, the texture, everything. Each bag is $1.69 and can last quite a bit. If you have never tried plantain chips, drop everything and go buy a bag of these. That is all.

Ancient Grains and Nuts Granola

Where do I begin with this granola. It is the best granola ever. No doubt about it. It consists of “whole rolled oats with ancient grains, nuts, seeds, & coconut oil.”  This $3.49 bag has 5 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and only 8 grams of sugar all per serving. If there is 1 thing you get from this list, it has to be this granola. It will not let you down.

Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning

One of Trader Joe’s most popular products, this seasoning is perfect for anything. My personal favorite use is toast with avocado and a fried egg topped with it. The name is quite fitting: everything on an everything bagel, minus the bagel. Please go buy this because you will not be disappointed.

Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix

A fall favorite. While it is a seasonal item, it is by far the best one AND best pumpkin bread money can buy. Personally, I like it in muffin form right when they come out of the oven. If you’re trying to impress someone by your culinary skills, whip up this bread and they will definitely be in awe.

Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

I don’t even think I have to convince you to get it. Do you like cookies? Do you like chocolate chips? Do you like ice cream? It’s even better than Ben and Jerry’s (sorry Mason).

Teeny Tiny Avocados

If you’re like me, then you like avocados, but not too much. The size of these avos are the perfect size so that you aren’t wasting it. Paired with bread, a fried egg and the Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning, it is the perfect combination.

Cold Brew Coffee

A much cheaper option than a daily Starbucks run, this cold brew coffee is perfect for a busy morning. While it only lasts a couple a cups, the price is unbeatable. One container is $4.99 in comparison to the average Starbucks drink at $5.00. This cold brew is definitely for the coffee lover as it is very strong.

Cauliflower Gnocchi 

Quite popular, this meal is very easy to make. Sauté it for a bit, add some marinara sauce, top it with arugula, and voilà, bon appétit. You wouldn’t even know it’s made of cauliflower. I’d give it a 9/10, so definitely try it.

Sweet Potato Frites

Great for dinner, the sweet potato fries are easy to make as well. Pop them in the oven and you’re done. I highly recommend if you haven’t tried them.

Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds

So. Freaking. Good. Please try them if you haven’t. A great snack and can satisfy your sweet tooth.

Although the items at TJ’s are above average, the environment also needs to be highlighted. The store itself is quite small, but optimizes the shelving space to effectively store its products. The workers are very nice and have great customer service, getting you in and out in a timely manner (unless, again, you go during the rush of Mt. Pleasant moms).

Hopefully this article has inspired you to go visit Trader Joe’s in the near future. While you might have to plan accordingly to beat the rush (early mornings or late nights are best), it is more than worth your while. Please note that this is only a short list of the best items at Trader Joe’s and to inform me if you have any dire need to share with The Talon.