Think you know all the best tips for shopping at Trader Joe’s? These 19 hacks will change the way you browse, buy, and even enjoy your favorite products—especially #7, which is an absolute game-changer!

Trader Joe’s Cheese Hacks

Air Fryer Burrata
Blackstone Griddle Hawaiian Kielbasa Kabobs. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

Melt, shred, or crumble their cheeses creatively—perfect for quesadillas, tacos, or mac & cheese.
Get the Recipe: Trader Joe’s Cheese Hacks

Freeze Everything for Longer Life

asparagus
Freeze Everything for Longer Life Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

From cheese to frozen meals, freezing extends shelf life and reduces waste.
Get the Recipe: Freeze Everything for Longer Life

Mix Two Favorites

Mix Two Favorites Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Combine two Trader Joe’s frozen items for a quick, flavor-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Mix Two Favorites

DIY Snack Packs

DIY Snack Packs. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Use their nuts, dried fruit, and cheese to create custom grab-and-go snacks.
Get the Recipe: DIY Snack Packs

Upgrade Frozen Veggies

Air Fryer Frozen Corn On Cob (6)
Blackstone Crab Cakes on the Griddle. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Toss frozen veggies with Trader Joe’s sauces, spices, or oils for instant flavor.
Get the Recipe: Upgrade Frozen Veggies

Double the Sauce

Double the Sauce Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

What’s better?
Get the Recipe: Double the Sauce

Repurpose Everything

Baked Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Repurpose Everything Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

That cauliflower gnocchi can become a stir-fry, soup ingredient, or pizza topping.
Get the Recipe: Repurpose Everything

Use Everything in the Salad Section

Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad
Blackstone Griddle Sausage & Mushroom Flatbread Pizza. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Pre-washed greens? Mix with grains, beans, or roasted veggies for quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Use Everything in the Salad Section

Hidden Frozen Gems

Hidden Frozen Gems Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Some frozen meals are secret gold: Thai fried rice, gnocchi, or vegetable medleys.
Get the Recipe: Hidden Frozen Gems

DIY Dessert Bars

DIY Dessert Bars Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Combine cookie butter, chocolate chips, and nuts to make no-bake treats.
Get the Recipe: DIY Dessert Bars

Stock Up During Sales

Stock Up During Sales Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Frozen or pantry items go fast, so grab multiples of your favorites when on sale.
Get the Recipe: Stock Up During Sales

Make Smoothie Packs

Ninja-Creami-Berry-Smoothie
Make Smoothie Packs Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Bag frozen fruits, greens, and protein powder for instant smoothies.
Get the Recipe: Make Smoothie Packs

Instant Appetizers

Air Fryer Cheese Straws
Instant Appetizers Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Use puff pastry, cheese, and a little seasoning to make quick hors d’oeuvres.
Get the Recipe: Instant Appetizers

Toast the Nuts

Toast the Nuts. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Trader Joe’s raw or roasted nuts taste next-level with a quick oven toast.
Get the Recipe: Toast the Nuts

Spice Up the Basics

Air Fryer Branzino Fillets
Spice Up the Basics Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Mix their spices with olive oil to elevate simple pasta, chicken, or veggie dishes
Get the Recipe: Spice Up the Basics

Secret Breakfast Hacks

A plate of golden-brown air fryer chocolate chip pancake bites, drizzled with syrup and topped with chocolate chips, ready to be enjoyed as a delicious breakfast treat.
Secret Breakfast Hacks Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Use their frozen waffles, pancake mix, or oatmeal in fun, upgraded ways.
Get the Recipe: Secret Breakfast Hacks

Use Store Labels for Deals

Use Store Labels for Deals. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Look for markdowns or “new item” stickers to discover hidden gems.
Get the Recipe: Use Store Labels for Deals

Mix & Match Snacks

Mix & Match Snacks Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Combine chips, dips, and salsas for creative snack boards.
Get the Recipe: Mix & Match Snacks

Frozen Pizza Upgrade

Frozen Pizza Upgrade Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Add extra toppings, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil to elevate any frozen pizza.

Recipe: Frozen Pizza Upgrade