Everyone has an opinion on the best Trader Joe’s products and I always enjoy reading about what others recommend. While there are dozens and dozens of delicious Trader Joe’s items that I love and buy repeatedly (in addition to their many seasonal treats) the following are staples I seldom leave the store without. They may not be the most glamorous items Trader Joe's stocks, but they are nonetheless fantastic and in their own simple way, provide a touch of magic to my day.

1. Steamed Lentils

I love these little guys. While lentils are not really difficult or time-consuming to cook, I seem to have been born with some lentil cooking deficiency. They always come out too hard or as complete mush. I put these perfectly pre-cooked legumes in pasta sauces, soups and tacos for easy vegan/vegetarian protein. Oh so simple. Find them in the refrigerated section of the produce department.

2. Organic Tahini

This is the absolute best tahini. I have struggled with other brands for years--the oil on top just never seems to want to combine with the rock-hard sesame seed paste at the bottom. Trader Joes is silky smooth and easy to stir. A joy to use.

3. Trader Jose’s Salted Tortilla chips

I really like these cheap $2.00-ish ones that come in the yellow bag. Sometimes they are hard to find these days with all the new variations on the shelves. But these are the originals. Really thick, hearty, corn-y and cheap.

4. Wheat (or Plain) Pizza Dough

The ultimate easy meal. This makes really great pizza. Just set out on the counter for 20 minutes before rolling, topping and baking. Try topping with Trader Joes pesto, feta cheese (vegan or otherwise), black olives and red onion (and maybe some fresh pineapple if you’re in the mood). Yummers.

5. Vegan Cream Cheese

Tastes good and is cheap.

6. Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos (note--NOT VEGAN, contains cheese)

Although I try to eat vegan as often as I can, cheese is still the animal product I cling to. I try to have keep these on hand in the freezer most of the time. Best when baked in the oven (rather than nuked). Dip in salsa and guacamole for a great snack or meal.

7. Thai Vegetable Gyoz

Really tasty and addictive. My son and I can’t stop eating these pot stickers. Dip in soy sauce after you steam them.

8. Tart Cherry Juice

Affordable and delish. I read that tart cherry juice can help relieve headaches as well as ibuprofen does. It seems to work pretty well for me and I'm much happier to drink a delicious juice than take pills. Also Trader Joe’s price is way less likely to give you a headache then other brands you find at other stores.

9. Organic Whole Wheat Fusilli Pasta

There is a lot of variation in the taste and texture of whole wheat pastas. Most of them I really don’t like, to be honest. Trader Joes got it right with this one. Delicious, light and healthy.

10. Organic Vegetarian Chili

I always try to have a can or two on hand. Great as just a bowl of chili with crackers, cheese, avocado, sour cream or whatever floats your boat. But also wonderful served on top of tater tots, French fries, and baked potatoes (also topped with any or all of the above). One of my go-to, very cheap meals.

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My Favorite Vegan Products from Trader Joe's