Trader Joe’s is the best grocery store out there for college students because it’s inexpensive and healthy. It’s also filled with amazing snacks and frozen meals, which everyone knows college kids couldn’t survive without. From cookies to chips to fruit, TJ’s has an abundance of both healthy and unhealthy snacks to satisfy all of your cravings. Next time you’re feeling snacky, make sure to try the best of TJ’s snacks, as told by Trader Joe’s employees. Trust me, you will not regret it (and if you really do, you can always return it).
Dried Mango
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It’s the perfect mix of sweet, chewy and satisfying. If you’re looking for more of a kick, swap for the Chile Spiced Mango (or just get both because they’re THAT good). Once you’re hooked on mango, try out these recipes.
Inner Beans
Photo courtesy of @traderjoesfl on Instagram
If you love snap pea crisps, definitely try Inner Beans. They are perfectly healthy, crunchy and filled with protein and fiber, making them the perfect snack to munch on — and they’re a little healthier than chips.
Coconut Cashews
Photo courtesy of @shopripeshop on Instagram
Nuts are always a great snack option, but nothing compares to these coconut cashews. Good luck stopping yourself from eating the entire bag in one sitting.
Cookie Butter
Photo by Sean Koetting
Both customers and employees will name this a cult favorite, and for good reason. Keep switching it up with new cookie butter recipes because you can never have enough.
Sriracha Bacon Jerky
Photo courtesy of traderjoes.com
It’s perfectly spicy and sweet, and lets you switch it up from your traditional beef jerky. If you’re interested in how this chewy, delicious snack came to be, read this.
Black Bean and Quinoa Tortilla Chips
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If they’re filled with black beans and quinoa, they have to be good for you, right? And we all know nothing goes better with tortilla chips than guac, so make yourself some at home.
Roasted Plantain Chips
Photo courtesy of yelp.com user Marc
Roasted plantain chips are perfectly crunchy, with half the fat of regular potato chips. These are great to eat alone or with any of your favorite dips.
#SpoonTip: Take your snacking to the next level by eating these plantain chips with TJ’s Reduced Guilt Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip.
White Cheddar Corn Puffs
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These airy, crunchy corn puffs are the perfect swap for all the cheese puff lovers out there. And they’re made with REAL white cheddar cheese, so you don’t have to worry about all that artificial flavoring.
Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
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Peanut butter filled pretzels are debatably the best salty snack in the game, and TJ’s version will exceed your expectations. If you’re as obsessed as I am, but looking for something sweet, make these at home instead.
Scandinavian Swimmers
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Gummy snacks remind us of our childhood, which makes them a universal favorite. Scandinavian Swimmers are fruity, fun and vegan-approved.
Dark Chocolate Pretzel Slims
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These dark chocolate pretzel slims have the perfect ratio of chocolate to pretzel, which makes it the perfect combo of salty and sweet. If you’re looking for more chocolate covered Trader Joe’s snacks, here’s your go-to guide.
Olive Oil Popcorn
Photo courtesy of traderjoes.com
This air-popped popcorn is seasoned with organic extra virgin olive oil and a dusting of natural sea salt, making it a healthier snack option than movie theater butter popcorn. If you’re looking to step up your popcorn game, check this out.
Kale Chips
Photo by Becky Hughes
Kale chips are the perfect healthy snack because they are crunchy and filled with the benefits of the trendiest vegetable out there. After you eat the whole bag, make more on your own at home.
Employees know best when it comes to the store’s products, but as a loyal TJ’s shopper, my personal favorite is…
Caramelized Onion Dip
Photo courtesy of traderjoes.com
Especially when paired with Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt Potato Chips and Netflix.