The 8 Best Trader Joe’s Finds of 2024 (They’re All Under $5)

Coming up with a list of favorites from Trader Joe’s is a bit like choosing a favorite child; how can you go wrong in a store full of such wonder and delight? That said, our team of food editors has high standards and knows how to put a grocery item to the test. Anything making our 2024 list of Best Trader Joe’s Finds is definitely worth the (very affordable!) price. 

This list is composed of the top eight items that found their way into our carts (and hearts!) over the past 12 months. It includes everything from snacks to side dishes to breakfast items and everything in between. Everything on the list is still currently available in stores and, as an added bonus, each item on the list comes in at under five bucks.

1. Spinach & Ricotta Raviolini ($3.49)

Why is it that mini food just tastes better? These adorable mini ravioli hit the TJ shelves in July and have quickly become a weekly staple for many of our team members. 

Patty Lee, lifestyle writer and food editor extraordinaire, loves them for her son’s lunch boxes, saying, “There’s something about tiny foods that kids his age love, and he devoured a big bowl of the raviolini when I made it for dinner.”

Senior editor and TJE (Trader Joe’s Enthusiast) Laurel Randolph agrees these adorable little stuffed pasta shapes are nearly impossible to stop eating, stating, “They take literally a minute to cook, and they’re beyond fun to eat—you can pop them right into your mouth whole!”

2. Caesar Broccoli Bake Kit ($4.99)

An easy weeknight side covered in Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese with no chopping required? Say less! This clever little kit will have even your pickiest eaters asking for more broccoli. 

This stellar side debuted in September, just in time to help with the back-to-school dinner-making chaos. While the price is a bit high for TJ’s, Laurel thinks the kit is well worth it. She says, “The instructions have you toss the raw broccoli with most of the dressing before roasting. This is something I’ve never thought to do and is a great idea. The oil in the dressing helps the broccoli brown, and the dressing infuses it with flavor. Add the toppings, bake for a few minutes more, and serve.”

3. Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese ($0.99)

Is there anything groundbreaking about this box of mac and cheese? Not exactly. But the price had us happily filling our carts. Yes, even food editors use the boxed stuff! This is a perfect blank canvas to jazz up for a quick midweek lunch or a back-pocket dinner that is ready in less than 15 minutes.

4. Italian Whole Peeled Tomatoes with Basil Leaf ($2.99)

While we love TJ’s for its unique and funky food items, there is something about a solid pantry staple that will forever have our hearts. Case in point, these gorgeous Italian-grown and packed Whole Peeled Tomatoes with Basil. The price is impossible to beat, and the flavor of these tomatoes has our soups, stews, and pasta dishes singing.

5. Peanut Butter Protein Granola ($3.99)

While just about everyone’s New Year's Resolution for 2024 was to eat more protein, I don’t think anyone knew it could be as delicious as this protein-packed granola studded with peanut butter and crunchy oat clusters.

Laurel grabs a bag every time she’s in the store, saying, “It’s my breakfast secret weapon, one I rely upon to keep me sane on busy weekday mornings.” Who doesn’t need a little help (and 11 grams of protein) on busy weekdays?

6. Green Olive Flats Italian Lingue Crackers ($2.99)

If you’re not stocking up on cheese board essentials at TJ’s, what are you even doing? These crackers will instantly upgrade your entertaining arsenal or even weekday snacking. These crisp crackers are made in Italy using an authentic recipe and are dotted with tiny green olive bits, which add a salty and fruity flavor to every bite.

7. Milk Chocolate Covered Honeycomb Candy ($3.99)

Some sort of sorcery happens when sugar, honey, and baking soda combine forces. Add creamy milk chocolate and this uniquely textured treat is taken to the next level. Can you make this at home? Sure, but that involves a lot of patience, molten hot sugar, and a candy thermometer. Why bother when you can pick up a bag for less than the ingredients would cost you. 

Add it to a cheeseboard for a pop of something sweet, use it to adorn a cake, or simply try to resist eating the whole bag as an after-dinner treat! 

8. Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bars ($4.99)

If you are a fan of the classic Rainbow’s End Trail mix, you need to give this granola bar a try! Nathan Hutsenpiller, an NYC-based writer and photographer, says, “There’s nothing better than having a reliable, quick snack that isn’t going to disrupt your current eating habits, let alone break the bank. This simple offering checks both boxes and just might sell out quickly.”