With a dad in the juice business I grew up visiting grocery stores on every family trip that we would take. My father could spend hours roaming the aisles looking for the latest and greatest food items to hit the shelves. So I can’t deny the love of food that’s part of my DNA and childhood memories. I follow in my dad’s footsteps, always seeking out the local grocery or health food store when I’m travelling. And Trader Joe’s favorites are usually at the top of my shopping list (along with items from Whole Foods and Target).

Call me a grocery geek, but I’ll often times prep for a Trader Joe’s trip by stalking the Instagram account @traderjoeslist and searching the hashtag #traderjoeshaul to see what has recently been added to the shelves.

After a trip to Vermont last week, and a sprint down the aisles of the grocery store (reality of a mom of three), I thought I’d share my top 10 Trader Joe’s favorites with you. Those aisles can often times be overwhelming and it’s hard to know where to look first!

1. Just Mango Slices

The first time I bit into one of these dried mango slices I immediately flipped the package to see how much added sugar they contained. To my surprise, the only ingredient was mangos. These will satisfy any sweet craving, without the guilt.

2. Eggplant Garlic Spread with Sweet Red Peppers

This Hungarian-inspired sauce recipe is my recent condiment of choice. I’ll spread it on bread or crackers and even dip cut veggies in it. All around delicious with just the right combination of sweet and savoury.

3. Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend

This has become one of the top Trader Joe’s favorites that some Montreal food stores have been importing it and selling it for $5 more than it retails for in the States. And for good reason, it’s the perfect topping for any kind of toast from avocado to cream cheese, not to mention an excellent egg topper.

4. Peanut Butter Chewy Coated & Drizzled Granola Bars

These granola bars are certainly not school-safe as they contain loads of peanut butter but they are a snack time hit in my house. Again, a combo of sweet and savoury, and easy on-the-go.

5. Broccoli & Kale Pizza Crust

A few years ago, Trader Joe’s launched their cauliflower pizza crust and they soon couldn’t keep these gluten-free alternatives in the freezer case. Now they’ve taken two more delicious (and nutritious) ingredients to provide pizza lovers with an additional guilt-free crust option.

6. Coconut Body Butter

Most people know Trader Joe’s for their food items but they actually have a great skincare line as well. This body butter is thick and creamy and perfect for dry spots like elbows and feet. They change scents occasionally and the vanilla flavour was a definite favorite on my night stand.

7. Organic Produce

No fancy packaging or unique flavour combinations here. Trader Joe’s just has an amazing produce department with so many organic fruits and veggies available. And the best part is, they are incredibly affordable, ie. a double pint of organic strawberries for $6 USD.

8. Cauliflower Gnocchi

Another great gluten-free option for Italian food lovers. There is no shortage of articles online about how you should skip the cooking instructions on the package and prepare these little morsels in different ways. However you serve them, they’ll likely be delicious. The sweet potato, butter and sage gnocchi are a bit more indulgent, but still gluten-free.

9. Pineapple Salsa

Salsa is America’s favorite condiment so Trader Joe’s obviously had to mix it up by adding a sweet note with their pineapple version. Delicious with a Mexican fiesta, served on fish or scooped up on a chip, this is a definite stock-up worthy item.

10. 3 Seed Beet Crackers

If I’m being completely honest, these crackers taste like tortilla chips, ie. they are delicious. Beet powder is the third ingredient which means there likely isn’t a whole lot of this superfood inside. But, these Trader Joe’s favorites certainly serve up a less-guilty alternative, with a beet-iful colour to boast.

The closest Trader Joe’s to Montreal is located in Burlington, Vermont across from the University Mall.