Go beyond chips and dip and try these top Trader Joe’s snacks at your next party
Whether you need new options for kid lunches or you want something fun to offer at your next moms’ night soirée, Trader Joe’s has loads of fun snackable options that go way beyond chips and guac. The cult-status market has stocked its shelves with several new snack options in the past month, and we rounded out our picks with a few tried-and-true classics.
ABC Bars
These almond butter cocoa bars have just the right amount of sweetness to go along with the 4g of protein that you'll find in each bar.
Soft & Juicy Mandarins
Keep a bag or two of these little sweeties in your minivan for when you need a sweet treat but want to avoid the candy.
Cheddar Cheese Rockets
We will literally fight anyone who doesn't think these cheese crackers are far superior to Goldfish. They just are.
Just a Handful of Pitted Salted Manzanilla Olives
Love olives but don't want to commit to a whole jar? These beauties come in a pocket-sized pack and we love to bring them on picnics when you need to satisfy those salt cravings.
Organic Mini Cheese Sandwich Crackers
You may claim that these are for the kids, but we know that parents hide them behind the Raisin Bran to keep them for themselves. Who can blame them? These crackers are tiny, salty, and full of simple ingredients.
Almond Butter Pretzels
You may have tried the peanut butter varieties of this salty snack, but we're here to say that the almond butter version is far superior.
Trader Joe's Contemplates Inner Peas
Not only is this product a clever pun but it is a pretty tasty snack. Known in the toddler circle as "crunchy peas," these are fun for dipping in a personal-sized hummus.
PB&J Bars
Bring these along for a mid-hike pick me up or keep them on hand as a sandwich alternative when you are really desperate at the end of the week.
Organic Carrots of Many Colors
White, purple, yellow & orange carrots are cut, peeled, and dehydrated to bring us this crisp snack that's topped with sea salt. The gluten-free, two ingredients snack is packed with fiber and protein and tastes great with TJ's Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip.
Crunchy Nutty Rice Bites
Kosher and gluten-free, these Crunchy Nutty Rice Bites are a tasty snack that's easy on the waistline. Crisped brown and white rice are mixed with quinoa, dried cranberries, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and cashews that are flavored with cane sugar and sea salt and enjoyed by the handful.
Chile Spiced Dried Mango
Snack on something sweet and spicy with Trader Joe's Child Spiced Dried Mango. The tropic fruit is carefully dried so that they don’t lose too much moisture and then seasoned with a blend of paprika, cayenne, sugar, and salt.
Fruit Sauce Crushers
Coming in five different flavors, Trader Joe's Fruit Sauce Crushers are great for little snackers. Each one is made with real fruit and vegetable purees, that are void of synthetically derived colors, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Perfect for lunches and on the go!
Just a Handful Omega Trek Mix
The Just a Handful Omega Trek Mix is the perfect grab-and-go snack. Each bag comes with 10 individual-size servings that include almonds, walnuts, pepitas, pecans, pistachios, and dried cranberries, which are Omega-fortified with oil extracted from their own seeds.
Organic Fruit & Seed Granola
For this granola option, Trader Joe’s decided to think outside the cereal box. Instead of relying on oats, which are a granola staple, this version is heavy on sunflower, sesame, flax, chia, and hemp seeds as well as coconut, dried cranberries, and raisins. In addition to being organic, it’s also grain and gluten-free, and vegan. Grab these clusters by the handful, or top yogurt or oatmeal for energy that will get you to lunch. TJ’s also recommends it in trail mix or even on a salad!
Citrus Melody Greek Whole Milk Yogurt
Speaking of yogurt, this Greek yogurt flavor is sure to satisfy and refresh our palettes heading into summer. If you’re a fan of lemon and lime, grapefruit, and blood orange, this is the protein-packed yogurt for you.
Creamy Tomato Soup Seasoned Crackers
Anyone who fondly remembers Trader Joe’s adventurous Pumpkin Soup Crackers will be pleased to know they’re at it again with these gluten-free soup crackers, made of brown rice, rolled oats, and seasoned like your favorite tomato soup. And just as a bowl of creamy tomato soup goes perfectly with grilled cheese, these crackers and sliced cheddar may well have been made for each other.
Coconut Sesame Seed Clusters
When hunger strikes between meals, we usually crave something sweet and easy—which doesn’t always lead to the healthiest choices (a whole bag of chocolate bark, anyone?). Trader Joe’s new Coconut Sesame Seed Clusters deliver sweetness and lasting energy in a convenient snack bag you can throw in your bag or keep in the car—and this yummy concoction won’t melt as the days warm up!
Spud Crunchies
If the kids (or you) can’t get enough French fries, try out this simple snack version. Comprised only of U.S. Russet potatoes, canola oil, and salt, you know what you’re getting (rather than the additives often on regular fries these days, including gluten.). The package alone is too adorable not to try.
Crispy Crunchy Okra
Many parents may already know that Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Broccoli Florets are an awesome way to get greens into the kids, but the store is now serving up an okra version. Eat them plain or substitute them for crackers with your favorite dip.
Organic Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bars
Sometimes, everyone just needs some chocolate. Getting it with only eight grams of sugar is a good deal, one for which you can thank these organic and kid-approved granola bars.
Organic Fruit Wraps
If you’ve been known to grab one of the kid’s fruit leathers stashed in your bag, these are truly 100% fruit, making them healthy and delicious for all. Flavor options include fruit juices or purees from apples, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and wild berries. And as popular as they’ve become over the last decade they’ve been making them, Trader Joe’s hasn’t raised their price once.
Freeze-dried Fruit
If you have a kid who prefers fruit crunchy, you likely already know that Trader Joe’s offers an amazing assortment of freeze-dried options—strawberries, blueberries, bananas, Fuji apples, and raspberries are usually in stock. While the water may be gone, all that fruity nutrition remains. And they’re always in season!
Additional reporting by Jennifer Massoni Pardini
