12 Elevated Pantry Staples You Can Buy at Trader Joe's

Consider this your ‘pantry stock-up’ list.

While this may not come as a surprise, the key to a quick, inexpensive meal usually starts with whatever is in your pantry. We all have those weeks where you don’t have time to get to the grocery store, or perhaps you forgot to take something out of the freezer to defrost. But throwing together a few pantry items can create a nourishing, delicious meal that saves on time and money.

Trader Joe's is the place to shop for pantry staples, not only because they’re priced competitively, but because the selection is always unique. From fun-shaped pasta, to condiments with a kick, here are a dozen of the best Trader Joe's pantry items you can buy.

Related: 10 Lazy Trader Joe's Meals You Can Make in 15 Minutes or Less

Organic Coconut Milk

You never know when you’re going to need a can of coconut milk, especially if you or someone in your family is dairy-free. Since it adds the same silky texture without a distinct taste, coconut milk is the ideal cream alternative for dishes like curry, soups, and stews. You could also use it to make a homemade coffee creamer, or steam it for a cappuccino.

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is another dairy alternative that’s worth keeping in your pantry because it has an incredible umami flavor that enhances any dish. Whether you sprinkle it on popcorn for some earthy, cheesy notes, or add it to a homemade broth for some extra depth, nutritional yeast is one of those savory condiments that you’ll want to have on hand.

Sri Lankan Organic Mango Chutney

Did you know chutney originated around 500 BCE? While there are countless types of chutney, this Sri Lankan Mango variety from TJ's is absolutely mouthwatering. It’s aromatic with hints of sweetness and spiciness in every bite. Try a spoonful on white pizza, or spread a thick layer on a piece of crusty sourdough.

Lightly Smoked Sardines in Olive Oil

Tinned fish has made an impressive comeback, and sardines are certainly a big part of the hype. Sardines are great because they’re a healthy and inexpensive source of protein, and easy to prepare. We're fans of these Lightly Smoked Sardines in Olive Oil because they are less than $2 per tin. One of the best ways to enjoy sardines is to add them to a small piece of toast with butter and fresh herbs.

Organic Pasta Quintet

Having a pasta stash in the pantry is a no-brainer, but TJ's is known for its variety of unique pasta shapes, which add flare to any classic dish. We especially love a box of the Organic Pasta Quintet because it includes five types of noodles: fusilli, wheels, shells, cavatappi, and spirals.

Related: 4 Things You’ll Never See at Trader Joe’s, According to the CEO

Spicy Honey Sauce

If you haven’t tried TJ's Spicy Honey Sauce, you’re going to want to pick up a bottle or two ASAP. It may seem somewhat odd, but the combination of sweet honey with a kick of chili extract can transform even the simplest dishes. Add a liberal drizzle to pizza, garlic bread, or crispy chicken cutlets. You can also use it in a salad dressing, infuse it in butter, or add it to hearty veggies, like baked sweet potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Fire Roasted Red Peppers

Here’s your reminder to always keep a variety of canned or jarred vegetables in your pantry or freezer. For those days when you have nothing in the fridge, a jar of roasted red peppers can go a long way. You can add them to salads and pasta, or you can blend them up to make a roasted red pepper hummus or condiment spread.

Organic Breadcrumbs

How many times have you reached for a box of breadcrumbs, only to realize you have about a tablespoon left? Do yourself a favor and pick up an extra box or two of TJ's Organic Breadcrumbs during your next grocery run, so you always have some stored away. Aside from making dishes like chicken cutlets or eggplant Parmesan, toasted breadcrumbs are the ultimate garnish for almost any soup or salad.

Italian-Style Wedding Soup

There’s nothing quite as delicious and comforting as a warm bowl of soup. And TJ's Italian-Style Wedding Soup has everything you could need, from hearty beef meatballs to a medley of vegetables and tender little pearls of pasta called acini di pepe. Grab a jar to have ready for a quick, convenient meal!

Organic Garbanzo Beans

It’s always a good idea to have some beans stashed away but garbanzo beans, or “chickpeas”, are especially useful because you can prepare them in a variety of ways. Whether you roast them, blend them, or simply rinse them and enjoy them as is, chickpeas are an easy and tasty way to add protein to any meal.

Rolled Oats

Want to know the secret to a delectably chewy cookie or a deliciously filling muffin? The answer is rolled oats. Sure, you can use these to make a hearty bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh fruit for breakfast, but you can also use oats to whip up some of the best desserts. And if you’re an oat milk drinker, you can grab 'em to learn how to make your own at home, which is healthier and more cost-effective.

Spanish Manzanilla Olives

The olive selection at TJ's is quite impressive and more affordable than your local supermarket. Spanish Manzanilla olives are firm yet tender, and add the loveliest element of briny saltiness. While you can throw these little gems into countless dishes, we can’t help but eat them straight from the jar.

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