These delicious finds are great for hosting or gifting.
There is no lack of new products at Trader Joe’s as we approach the holidays. Truly, it’s the time of year when I have to do a final sweep through the store, putting back a few things that I don’t need but I couldn’t help snagging. Cranberry granola? Get in my cart. Tons of new chocolate treats? Gimme.
It’s hard to narrow down my favorites when there is a dizzying number of options, but I did my best. My three picks below are ideal for stocking up on for the holidays, whether they’re a handy snack/appetizer for feeding random guests or adding to a party platter, or a sweet treat ideal for stuffing into stockings.
Before we get to those, here are a few runners-up that I also recommend picking up:
- Stand-Up Collapsable Grocery Tote ($3.99): A collapsable grocery bag is a game-changer, so it’s awesome that TJ’s is carrying them now. The wide sides are rigid and the bottom has a panel that folds down to make it stand up and open, ideal for loading with groceries. When you’re done, fold up the bottom panel and the whole bag lays completely flat.
- Dark Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Marshmallows ($3.49): Need I say more? If you like marshmallow, dark chocolate, and candy cane, then you should probably snag a box.
- English Toffee Ice Cream ($3.79): This super creamy ice cream is loaded with English toffee flavor—super caramelly with little bits of crunchy toffee. It's great on its own or melting on top of sticky toffee pudding.
1. Trader Joe’s Vegetable Root Chips ($2.99)
I have very fond memories of going to the little tea shop near my home. I’d go on the weekend for lunch and get tea sandwiches served with a side of Terra Chips. My love for Terra Chips has remained, but I don’t always want to pay five or more dollars for a bag.
Luckily, Trader Joe’s has a new dupe that I like just as much as the original. They’re deliciously crunchy and salty and perfect for setting out at a casual holiday gathering. Plus, they’re a pretty mix of colors, so they stand out in a bowl.
2. Trader Joe’s Crunchy Italian Amaretti Cookies ($2.99)
One of my favorite treats to grab during the holiday season is crisp amaretti cookies. I love the strong almond flavor, light texture, and the pretty individual wrappers.
Authentic Italian cookies can cost a pretty penny, but these TJ’s treats are just $3 and look and taste exactly the same, right down to the ingredient list: just apricot kernels, sugar, and egg whites. I’ll be dropping these into stockings!
3. Trader Joe’s Lemon Stuffed Olives ($2.99)
I’m not much of an olive person (nobody’s perfect), but I like having them around for guests. They’re a nice snack before dinner or as part of a cheese board spread. I took these new lemon-stuffed olives over to my friends’ house and they loved them. They enjoyed snacking on them and were quick to point out that the olives would be delicious in salads as well as ice-cold martinis. Now I’m keeping them stocked at home.
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