From creamy dips to easy frozen meals, our editors swear by these budget-friendly buys.
While some may view it as a time-consuming errand, Ilovegrocery shopping and look forward to my weekly run.
Here are our 10 must-have Trader Joe’s items under $5.
Photo: Getty Images / Johnny Louis
(Note: Prices may vary depending on location.
The below prices were determined with Trader Joe’s website and my local store in Vermont.)
Bright and colorful, it makes it hard to resist picking up some stems.
I’m a huge fan of their mini flower bouquets, which always have a range of textures.
Plus, I’ve had bouquets last for weeks, which makes spending $3.99 an even bigger steal.
Luckily, that’s where the Asparagus Risotto comes in.
You’ll still get the same creamy texture of risotto, but it comes together in minutes.
For Malcoun, this freezer-aisle find was especially handy during a kitchen renovation.
Dolmas - $2.99
Another budget-friendly, time-saving product that Malcoun relies on is the canned dolmas.
These grape leaves are stuffed with rice, onions and herbs, including dill and spearmint.
She always keeps a few in her pantry to grab in a pinch.
“Dolmas are totally my go-to emergency lunch,” says Malcoun.
“I’ve even brought them on camping trips.
We stuff them into wraps with hummus or tzatziki, or open a can for happy hour.”
Garlic Spread Dip - $2.99
Calling all garlic lovers!
Kenniff, who loves raw garlic, says, “I smear it on everything.”
While the garlic flavor is prominent, lemon helps balance the allium flavor.
The sauce gets its green hue and flavor from a combination of cilantro and jalapeno peppers.
Kenniff suggests tossing it with rice or adding it to sauces, soups or pasta salad.
I love sprinkling it on Brussels sprouts before roasting, and the flavor combo is particularly good on salmon.
Tamales - $3.99
Both Malcoun and Kenniff are fans of the frozen tamales.
“The tamales are a great price and filling.
Plus, I love that it’s basically two desserts in one.
