We all love Trader Joe’s, the quirky supermarket carrying everything from fresh produce to snacks to toilet paper at a low cost (with super friendly service). And while they carry a ton of fun ethnic foods like frozen Indian channa masala, Indonesian sambal chili spread, and Moroccan preserved lemon, they also have an ever-increasing selection of Jewish and Israeli foods. We’ve tried them all, obviously.
Bread
Challah: If you’re struggling to find a good loaf, look no further than TJ’s bread aisle. They carry full loaves of challah as well as knotted rolls. They also carry round holiday challah for Rosh Hashanah!
Bagels: They might not quite be the New York bagels we all crave, but they’ll do in a pinch and come in variety of flavors including everything, pretzel, and even seasonal favorites like pumpkin. We also appreciate the gluten-free everything bagels.
Rye Bread: When the pastrami sandwich beckons, only a loaf of rye bread will do. And thank goodness Trader Joe’s has this, too!
Baked Goods
Chocolate Brooklyn Babka: This sweet, gooey chocolate babka rivals some of the best (and far more expensive) babkas heralded throughout New York City. Bonus: It’s non-dairy!
Cinnamon Brooklyn Babka: The underrated sibling of the chocolate bab, this sticky treat is just the right amount of sweet.
Rugelach: Craving a sweet New York-style treat? Trader Joe’s carries chocolate, cinnamon-nut, and raspberry flavors. They’re all flaky and buttery, just the way you want them.
Half Moon (AKA Black and White) Cookies: Decadent chocolate frosting on one half, lemon-kissed white frosting on the other. Perfection.
Dairy
Everything but the Bagel Greek-Style Yogurt Dip: There’s nothing that can’t be improved by a dip into this tangy goodness. Found in the refrigerator section.
Cottage Cheese: Opt for the organic version if you’re seeking a thicker Israeli-style cottage cheese.
Labneh: A creamy, tangy, thick yogurt cheese dip that’s great for swooping with some pita or cut veggies.
Israeli Feta: This product has changed a few times, but you can almost always find an Israeli feta at TJ’s. And as we know, feta makes everything betta.
Cheese Blintzes: Find this brunch favorite in the frozen section!
Ashkenazi Classics
Lox: TJ’s carries several varieties of lox: smoked nova, smoked wild salmon, hot–smoked wild salmon. But best of all is the pastrami-style lox, closely followed by the everything but the bagel smoked salmon.
Smoked Rainbow Trout: An excellent addition to any smoked fish board, bagel, or potato salad. Slightly salty, but nothing a squeeze of lemon can’t cure.
Horseradish: TJ’s has your gefilte fish covered with this staple, found in the refrigerator section.
Dill Pickles: They carry everything from cornichon to bread and butter pickles, but you know it’s the kosher-style dill pickles you really want.
Popcorn in a Pickle: Dill pickle flavored popcorn. For true pickle lovers. A seasonal item, so be sure to stock up when you spot it.
Smoked Salmon Caper Dip: All the flavors you want with your bagel, in the form of a dip. Find this is in the refrigerated section near the hummus and tahini.
Everything but the Bagel Seasoning: A cult classic. This blend of seeds and seasoning is not just for bagels — seriously, we sprinkle it on everything.
Everything but the Bagel Nut Duo: Almonds and cashews get the EBTB treatment. Great with a G&T.
Israeli and Middle Eastern Goodies
Hummus: Trader Joe’s carries many flavors of hummus: Garlic! Roasted red pepper! Edamame! Spicy avocado! The list goes on. Our favorites are the horseradish hummus and the dill pickle hummus.
Chocolate Hummus: Deserving of it’s own entry, it’s best to think of this “dessert hummus” as a healthier, thick chocolate spread as opposed to a sweet version of our favorite dip.
Tahini: For all your falafel or baking needs, you can find tahini in the refrigerated section. We love both the regular and herbed variety, which adds an extra fresh note.
Amba: Once you’ve tasted this fermented mango condiment, you’ll never go back. Necessary on falafel, excellent with roasted root vegetables.
Zhoug: There’s nothing this Yemenite hot sauce won’t improve. Bright with cilantro, with heady cardamom undertones. Be warned: It’s spicy!
Falafel: You can find falafel frozen, in the pre-made lunch section, or as a dry mix (it makes a great schnitzel coating) for when that craving hits.
Shakshuka Starter: The perfect quick breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this comes together in around five minutes — all you need to is do add the eggs. Find it in the frozen section.
Bamba: These melt-away peanut puffs are Israel’s best-selling snack for a reason. Kids love them.
Marbled Halva: Cocoa and vanilla flavored deliciousness. Just because it’s individually packaged does not mean that you can’t eat the entire bag in one sitting.
Kunefe (AKA Knafe): Shredded phyllo dough filled with gooey cheese and topped with pistachios, this frozen delight is almost as good as any knafe you’ll find in Israel.
Israeli Couscous: This large-grained couscous is a pantry staple, we use it in side dishes and salads.
Za’atar Seasoning Blend: Containing thyme, toasted sesame seeds, and a lemony kick, a sprinkle of za’atar elevates everything from pita chips to hummus to pizza.
Kibbeh: These meat-stuffed bulgur wheat shells will never be as good as your grandmother’s, but they’ll do in a pinch. Find them in the frozen section.
Festive Foods
Latkes: One of TJ’s frozen seasonal items. Look out for this around Hanukkah for last minute latkes, no frying necessary.
Cauliflower Pancakes: Basically cauliflower latkes, these are a fun spin on the Hanukkah classic. Find them in the frozen section.
Matzah: You won’t find matzah year-round, but keep an eye out as Passover nears.
Chocolate Coconut Macaroons: Covered in a generous chocolate coating, these kosher for Passover treats are as good as your grandmother’s. Note: The plain coconut macaroons are not kosher for Passover (and also not as good).
challah
Pronounced: KHAH-luh, Origin: Hebrew, ceremonial bread eaten on Shabbat and Jewish holidays.
kosher
Pronounced: KOH-sher, Origin: Hebrew, adhering to kashrut, the traditional Jewish dietary laws.
