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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. As someone who used to work there, I know this better than anyone.

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, affordable meals. These are the ones that are always on my shopping list.

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, from peanut butter to vanilla, but I always look forward to the pumpkin one that's stocked in the fall.

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 in stock. I didn't understand the hype … until I tried them.

Now, I almost 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.

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 not to break easily.

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.

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 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.

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. Every time I visit my local store, I buy as many as I can.

This story was originally published on July 31, 2025, and most recently updated on January 28, 2026.

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