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The writer's Trader Joe's cart, including chicken nuggets and overnight oats.
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Jasmine Ascencio

  • I worked at Trader Joe's for three years and tried many products from premade meals to quick snacks.
  • Now, I still return to buy my favorite easy weeknight dinners and pantry staples.
  • I always stock up on overnight oats, chicken nuggets, dolmas, and coconut water.

Some Trader Joe's items are impossible to resist. Trust me, I used to work there.

Even after three years acquainting myself with products behind the scenes (and meeting my significant other in the process!), I still keep coming back for some of my favorite groceries, from customer favorites to hidden gems.

As someone who is neurodivergent, I tend to look for quick, frozen staples and easy-to-make meals. I don't often cook fancy dishes unless I'm feeling particularly inspired — for instance, if I just found an enticing recipe on TikTok.

Luckily for me, Trader Joe's has a wealth of products that make for simple (and affordable!) meals. These are the 10 that I can't live without.

I always stock up on cold brew coffee bags.
Cold brew coffee bags from Trader Joe's.
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Jasmine Ascencio

I drink coffee year-round, but in the summer months, cold brew is essential.

Trader Joe's usually only sells these bags during the summer, so I buy them whenever they're available. They come in packs of four. I just steep two bags in about 7 cups of water overnight in the fridge, and I'm set for days.

Over the summer, I almost always keep a pitcher of cold brew in my fridge — and I find this is much more cost-effective than buying a bottle or jug.

Trader Joe's overnight oats are my go-to for a quick breakfast.
Trader Joe's Overnight Oats in multiple flavors.
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Jasmine Ascencio

I've tried overnight oats from several brands and found many to be either too mushy or too sweet. These, however, are perfect.

Whenever I go on a Trader Joe's trip, I'll grab a few to keep in my fridge for early mornings. There are several flavors I love, but I always look forward to the pumpkin one that's stocked in the fall.

I always buy this horchata-inspired ice cream, which nails the flavor of the classic Mexican drink.
Horchata ice cream from Trader Joe's.
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Jasmine Ascencio

Trader Joe's horchata-inspired ice cream is creamy, cinnamon-y, and has just the right amount of cookie pieces (my weakness).

This is another product that's only around in the summer months, so whenever I see it in the freezer case, I don't hesitate to add it to my cart.

Trader Joe's dolmas are one of my favorite pantry staples.
Dolmas vine leaves stuffed with rice from Trader Joe's.
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Jasmine Ascencio

A customer once convinced me to try Trader Joe's dolmas, and I've been hooked ever since. You can eat these little grape leaf-wrapped rice rolls right out of the can!

They're packed in soybean oil and make a great snack or side dish with hummus or tzatziki.

I always buy Norwegian sourdough rye chips to pair with tuna salad.
Trader Joe's Norwegian Sourdough Rye Chips.
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Jasmine Ascencio

I first tried this combo after a customer recommended it.

The rye chips add the perfect crunch and saltiness to any creamy tuna salad, and they're thick enough that they don't break easily.

Trader Joe's refrigerated chicken nuggets are the ultimate work-from-home lunch hack.
Organic chicken nuggets from Trader Joe's.
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Jasmine Ascencio

These chicken nuggets crisp up quickly in the air fryer and are easy to eat as a quick meal or snack.

Sometimes, I toss them on a salad for extra protein. They have saved me from ordering takeout more times than I can count — and the spicy ones are great, too.

The frozen hashbrowns are a cult favorite, and I've come to understand why.
Trader Joe's hash browns.
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Jasmine Ascencio

When I worked at Trader Joe's, customers would constantly ask if these were back in stock. I didn't understand the hype … until I tried them.

Now, I always keep a box in my freezer. They crisp up perfectly in the air fryer and make a great base for avocado "toast" with a fried egg.

The squiggly knife-cut-style noodles are a delicious alternative to instant ramen.
Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles from Trader Joe's.
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Jasmine Ascencio

Compared to other instant noodles I've tried, these have a chewy, bouncy texture that I love. Also, don't get me started on the sauce — it's spicy, garlicky, and nutty in the best way.

I always keep a few packs on hand for lazy lunches or late-night snacks.

Matua sauvignon blanc is my favorite chilled wine from Trader Joe's.
Matua Sauvignon Blanc from Trader Joe's
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Jasmine Ascencio

A coworker introduced me to this crisp, not-too-sweet white wine from New Zealand, and it's been a staple ever since. I highly recommend chilling it in the fridge.

Also, a pro tip: Look for the snowflake on the label, which turns blue when perfectly chilled.

I'm terrible at staying hydrated, but these coconut waters help.
Trader Joe's organic coconut water.
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Jasmine Ascencio

As someone who lives off coffee, I'm always looking for ways to stay hydrated.

Trader Joe's organic coconut water is refreshing, not too sweet, and not too pricey. I always make sure my fridge is well-stocked.

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I worked at Trader Joe's for 3 years. I still come back all the time for these …