14 Best Trader Joe’s Products for Students

I am a huge fan of Trader Joe’s. The widely recognized grocery chain has gained immense popularity among students. The store is renowned for its diverse range of products, which are both budget-friendly and high quality. These unique items are reasonably priced, making them perfect for students on a tight budget. 

As a student, I’ve discovered some of the best Trader Joe’s products for students that have been a lifesaver for me. I’m excited to share these products with you, which include both food items and household necessities. These products have helped me throughout my college journey, and I’m confident they’ll be helpful for you too.

If you’re a grocery shopping student looking to shop at Trader Joe’s, there are a few tips that can help you make the most of your budget and explore the store’s diverse product selection. Trader Joe’s offers a variety of affordable options, from fresh produce to unique snacks and beverages. Be open to trying new things and experimenting with different flavors and cuisines. Especially since many of the items are modified versions of classic meals, it is essential to keep an open mind!

READ MORE: Easy Summer Bruschetta with Seasonal Vegetables

Finally, it is important to emphasize the value of frozen and shelf-stable items at Trader Joe’s. In my opinion, many of these items are my favorite Trader Joe’s products since they are easy to prepare in a pinch or for lunch between classes!  In this article, I discuss my favorite Trader Joe’s products for college students that can be great for meal prep or stocking up your pantry, and they often come at a lower cost than their fresh counterparts. Don’t be afraid to stock up on your favorite frozen meals or canned goods to have on hand for busy days or when you’re short on time.

Best Trader Joe’s Products #14: Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo

I really enjoy using this shampoo. The tea tree oil in it gives a refreshing and clean feeling to the scalp every time I use it. I make sure to buy it every time I visit Trader Joe’s. For only $3.99, this is a great deal in comparison to competing high-end tea tree shampoos.

Best Trader Joe’s Products #13: San Francisco Style Sourdough Bread

One of my go-to items at Trader Joe’s is the San Francisco Style Sourdough Bread. It serves as a versatile option for my breakfast toast, sandwich bread, and dipping in various dips and spreads from the store. This bread is a personal favorite due to its crispy texture and plentiful slices in the loaf, both large and thin.

Best Trader Joe’s Products #12: Atlantic Salmon Filets

I am a big fan of the affordable and fresh salmon option from Trader Joe’s. It’s one of my favorite deals at only $9.99 per pound. This is a great option for students who want to eat healthy. Salmon is packed with nutrients and healthy fats, making it a delicious and nutritious meal. Personally, I like to use salmon for meal prep and make sushi bowls for lunches. I also frequently prepare salmon for dinner.

Best Trader Joe’s Products #11: Unexpected Cheddar Spread

Although I was deciding between two products to place here (this or the Toscano cheese spread), I chose the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread as my location only had one option available. If you haven’t tried Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar, you’re definitely missing out. It has a sharp and delicious taste that is perfect when transformed into a spread. You can enjoy it on a grilled cheese sandwich or with some crackers for a tasty afternoon snack!

Best Trader Joe’s Products #10: Sea Salt Brownie Bites

If you have a love for chocolate, then you should definitely try these Sea Salt Brownie Bites. They’re incredibly soft with a rich chocolate flavor that will leave your taste buds satisfied. The addition of sea salt perfectly complements the brownies and adds a nice touch to the overall taste. I remember the first time I tried them, I couldn’t resist and ended up eating the whole container in one sitting. Even now, every time I visit Trader Joe’s, I make sure to grab a container because they’re simply that delicious.

Best Trader Joe’s Products #9: Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese Bowl

During my last semester of work, I often turned to Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese Bowls for a tasty and comforting meal. These bowls perfectly blend two of my childhood favorites: mac and cheese and classic pepperoni pizza. Thanks to their convenience, I was able to quickly heat them up in the microwave while at work, which helped me stay motivated throughout the day. Now, I always keep a stock of these bowls in my freezer for when I need a quick and delicious meal.

Best Trader Joe’s Products #8: Mandarin Orange Chicken

This delicious Mandarin Orange Chicken is a hit with everyone. My college roommates and I adore this chicken dish because it’s effortless to prepare straight from the freezer, especially when you’re short on time. It’s an ideal choice when you’re in the mood for Chinese takeout but can’t afford it. Simply fry it up in some oil and serve it with rice – it’s as easy as that!

Best Trader Joe’s Products #7: Steamed Pork and Ginger Soup Dumplings

I really enjoy the Steamed Pork and Ginger Soup Dumplings, which are similar to the popular Chicken Soup Dumplings found at Trader Joe’s. They are incredibly simple to prepare in the microwave and make for a comforting and satisfying snack. My girlfriend and I are big fans of soup dumplings, and we often prepare these at school. Be sure to have some dumpling sauce on hand and don’t forget to grab a napkin as they can be a bit messy to eat!

Best Trader Joe’s Products #6: Japchae

I was searching for different lunch options to add variety to my weekly meals and stumbled upon this dish. Being a fan of Korean cuisine, I couldn’t resist trying it out. The meal consists of sweet potato glass noodles mixed with vegetables and sauce. It’s incredibly convenient as it only takes a few minutes in the microwave and is low in calories. It’s the perfect option for a quick and healthy on-the-go lunch.

Best Trader Joe’s Products #5: Spicy Korean Rice Cakes

I love Korean rice cakes. I used to make them from scratch, but it was challenging to find the necessary ingredients in my suburban Connecticut area, especially during the summer season. Thankfully, Trader Joe’s introduced a product that made me ecstatic. It’s effortless to prepare and tastes quite similar to the ones you can get at restaurants or make at home. I strongly suggest this product if you don’t have access to Asian markets or are seeking a spicy Korean dish to add to your dinner rotation..

Best Trader Joe’s Products #4: Green Onion Pancakes

One of the things I always keep in my apartment during the school year is these Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes. My roommates and I love to have them as snacks or even meals since they are tasty, satisfying, and quick to make. Sometimes I like to add some Korean beef bulgogi or enoki mushrooms to them. They are easy to prepare and really delicious.

Best Trader Joe’s Products #3: Vanilla Meringues

If you’re like me and have an insatiable fascination with the delectable texture of freeze-dried goodies, then Trader Joe’s Vanilla Meringues are an absolute must-try! First and foremost, the texture of these vanilla meringues is what sets them apart from ordinary sweets. Each of the delicate meringues is an airy, crisp confection that practically melts in your mouth. With each delightful bite, you’ll experience a lightness that’s hard to find in other treats, making them a truly exceptional indulgence for texture enthusiasts.

Best Trader Joe’s Products #2: Brazil Nut Body Butter

I’ve noticed that the Brazil Nut Body Butter at Trader Joe’s is a highly sought-after item. As someone who has searched through multiple store locations for a restock, I can attest to the hype being real. This product is a great alternative to the popular and pricey Brazilian Bum Bum Cream by Sol de Janeiro. It has a sweet scent that is hard to resist and is designed to tighten and smooth your skin. Personally, I’ve opted for this product over the high-end stuff because I love it so much!

Best Trader Joe’s Products #1: Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

One of my top picks is the Fresh Squeezed Lemonade. It’s perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer day or when you’re craving something sweet. The lemonade has a tangy taste that’s not too sugary or sour, making it a great balance of flavors. You can also try the sparkling version if you prefer. Either way, it’s a delicious choice!

Whether it’s the delightful and easy-to-prepare meals, the wide variety of snacks that keep my study sessions fueled, or the cost-effective household essentials that help me maintain a comfortable living space, Trader Joe’s has become a great asset during my college journey.

I am excited to share these fantastic finds with you all today in the hope that they will bring as much value and convenience to your student life as they have to mine. From one student to another, I encourage you to explore the wonders of Trader Joe’s and discover the gems that will make your college days more enjoyable and worry-free. Happy shopping and may these products be as transformative for you as they have been for me!