While it is not my go to, or most visited store in the Treasure Valley, I do love Trader Joes. Although, I must admit, I am among many who agree that the downtown Trader Joes parking lot could be better. Once I carefully maneuver into a spot if I am lucky enough then these are a few of the top items I will be grabbing along with some other personal faves. These are the top choice of Trader Joes items to buy in 2021 from crew members and shoppers.

Favorite Entrée and easy meal is the Mandarin Orange Chicken - This won by a landslide not only for favorite Entrée but is a favorite winner over all. Clearly one I need to buy a few of and have handy for easy meal nights. According to the survey, this frozen Chinese-inspired entrée received 10 times as many votes as the second highest vote-getter in this category.  It was also last year's #1 main dish pick. Runner up Entrée favorites included: Joe's Diner Mac 'n Cheese, Chicken Tikka Masala, Cauliflower Gnocchi and Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage.

Favorite Snack winner is the Salted Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets - A consistent favorite again for crew and customers. These 10-calorie bites are crunchy, salty and sweet all at once, taking care of multiple cravings in one bite. Here are the snacky seconds: Organic Corn Chip Dippers and Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers, Plantain Chips, Chili and Lime Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips and Bamba.

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Favorite Cheese - Unexpected Cheddar - Mmmmm I love me some cheese so this is one that I will be in my cart next time. This has won year after year as a crowd-pleasing Cheddar. Crew and shoppers use it for a cheese board or a quick and easy homemade mac and cheese. Best back up cheese options according to voters: English Cheddar with Caramelized Onions, Wild Blueberry and Vanilla Chèvre, Creamy Toscano Soaked in Syrah and Baked Lemon Ricotta (seasonal).

Favorite Vegan or Vegetarian Item - Soy Chorizo - I am far from vegan or vegetarian, but I must admit I have found non meat versions of things that I have liked sometimes even more than the original meat versions. This is one of those things, my vegan sister got me hooked on it for breakfast, I put mine with eggs and toast making it not vegan but whatever you do with it, its worth a try. Also great in a loaded up burrito with veggies. Other fan faves in the meatless category this year include Vegan Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto, Cauliflower Gnocchi, Vegetable Fried Rice and Vegan Banana Bread With Walnuts.

Favorite Sweet Treat - Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups - I have to admit that there are some coconut treats that are my top but I am just nuts for coconuts. I do love these yummy winning Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter cups too! They are six-ingredient flourless peanut butter cookies. The sweet tooth runner ups include: Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones, Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches, O&H Danish Kringle (seasonal) and Brookies (an irresistible brownie-cookie mashup).

Favorite Beverage - Sparkling Black Tea with Peach Juice Beverage - Wait, what? How did Wine not top the list? eh, we are going to say this is the winner for non alcoholic drinks... They do say it is great spiked with whiskey :)

 

What are you favorite Trader Joes items?

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