20 Of The Very Best Trader Joe's Holiday Items That Are On Shelves Right Now
If you, like me, are eager to get into the holiday spirit, it’s as easy as going to your local Trader Joe’s. In addition to being front and center on all of the displays, their holiday items are scattered everywhere throughout the store right now, from the freezer cases to the bakery section.
As I wandered through every aisle, I discovered a (new-to-me) hack: the product signs for the holiday items are labeled “seasonal limited holiday.” (This seems obvious as I write it, but I swear I've never noticed it before on previous holiday trips.) If you see that on the label, you’ll want to grab these products ASAP, since they're here for a short amount of time.
To help you decide which ones to snag, I filled my cart and tried as many products as would fit. As a recipe tester for several baking cookbooks (and an avid holiday baker myself), I like to think I know my way around seasonal treats. These were my clear winners:
1. Gluten Free Triple Ginger Muffins
These soft, moist muffins are packed with spicy ginger flavor, thanks to ginger purée, candied ginger, and crystallized ginger, too. They definitely taste best fresh (as most gluten-free treats do), but warming them up and spreading them with butter is an easy way to revive them.
2. Belgian Cookie Trio
All three of these crisp, all-butter cookies are equally tasty, so don’t stop at just one. Since they’re not too rich on their own, they’re perfect for setting out as part of a larger dessert spread.
3. Ridge Cut Potato Chips Seasoned with Horseradish & Chives
Similar to the ginger muffins, these pack a spicy punch. But if you like horseradish as much as I do (as evidenced by the empty bag of chips), they’ll quickly become a favorite. Serve them with dip for an effortless, crowd-pleasing snack.
4. Advent Calendar for Dogs
Bodie approves. Plus, what’s more fun than letting your dog in on the holiday cheer? (Cat owners, don’t stress: There’s a calendar for cats, too).
5. Butter Toffee Pretzels
My aunt makes the most incredible homemade toffee every year, and these candied pretzels taste shockingly similar — with a bonus salty component. Set out small bowls for guests, and they’ll be gone in a matter of minutes. Or, use them to make chocolate bark.
6. Creamy Toscano Cheese Soaked in Chardonnay Wine
As someone who does not like the taste of chardonnay, I was pleasantly surprised by the mild flavor of this cheese. It doesn’t taste oaky at all; rather, it’s nutty and slightly sweet. Plus, it’s got this great creamy-yet-sliceable texture.
7. Eggplant Parmigiana Sfogliatelle
This was one of my favorite finds from my holiday haul. The dough cooks up flaky and crispy, and the inside is filled with melty cheese. Plus, they turned out well in both my oven and my air fryer.
8. Sweet & Salty Snack Mix
My before-bed treat is usually a mix of sweet and salty snacks, so this all-in-one bag is right up my alley. But honestly, I was sold the second I saw there were mini peanut butter pretzels involved.
9. Cookie Mug Hangers
I'll never turn down a spiced cookie with my tea, and these little guys hang right on the mug, ready to be dunked and devoured. Cute and tasty!
10. Brussels Sprouts Stalks
Did you know you can roast Brussels sprouts directly on their stalk? Ignore the instructions on the tag, which will tell you to do the impossible and microwave the giant stalk. Instead, brush the sprouts with olive oil, season as you please, then roast at 425°F until they're crispy and tender. Serve on a platter, and let everyone slice off their own!
11. Stepping It Up Spicy Snack Bar Mix
This mix is spicy but not too hot, so you can go back for multiple handfuls. But for those that don’t want any heat at all, Trader Joes sells a non-spicy version, too.
12. This Classic Ivory Pillar Candle
I’m not gonna lie: I didn’t realize this candle was unscented when I added it to my cart. But I’ve actually really enjoyed it! It's a nice change of pace from the super-sweet holiday scents, and it doesn't hurt that it's dripless.
13. Pão de Água Portuguese Rolls
These small and chewy rolls, made for Trader Joe’s by a Portuguese baker, are an easy addition to any holiday feast. Their small size won’t leave you overly stuffed, either.
14. Baton Lover’s Quartet
As a longtime fan of Pepperidge Farm Pirouettes, I couldn’t wait to try this version from Trader Joe’s. There’s something for everyone in the festive canister: Cookies & Cream, Chocolatey Orange, Hazelnut (my favorite), and Cocoa.
15. Trader Joe’s Puff Pastry
Once you bake with all-butter puff pastry, you’ll never go back to any other kind. Use it for appetizers and desserts alike.
16. Crispy Vegetable Pouches
These pouches are smaller than they look — and even tastier than they sound. Their little built-in "handle" makes them great for passed hors d'oeuvres.
17. Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Stirring Spoon
Not only is stirring this spoon into steaming milk fun, but it makes for a perfectly balanced cup of hot cocoa. If you're craving more marshmallows, top with TJ's seasonal Peppermint Mini Marshmallows.
18. Trader Joe's Caramel Sea Salt Chips
Another gem from the baking aisle, these chips instantly make any baked good sound fancier. Brown butter blondies with caramel sea salt chips, anyone?
19. Herbs de Provence Potato Wedges
These are officially my new favorite air fryer side. In less than 15 minutes, they emerged crispy, piping-hot, and full of herby flavor.
20. Coins of the World
These coins-shaped chocolate candies, designed to replicate Euros, Francs, Pounds, and US coins, are a winning addition to any chocolate-lover's stocking. They also make great Hanukkah gelt.
