Introduction
The holidays are upon us, a time of joy, togetherness, and… a little bit of stress. From planning festive gatherings to finding the perfect gifts, the holiday season can quickly turn into a whirlwind of activity. But fear not, because Trader Joe’s is here to help! This beloved grocery store is a treasure trove of unique and affordable holiday delights, guaranteed to elevate your celebrations and simplify your shopping. This year, skip the overwhelming aisles of big box stores and head straight to TJ’s for some seriously good holiday cheer.
We’ve curated a list of the top ten Trader Joe’s holiday picks that will make your season merry and bright. Our selection is based on a combination of exceptional taste, incredible value, unique product offerings, and the pure holiday spirit they embody. Get ready to discover some hidden gems that will impress your guests, delight your loved ones, and make your own holiday season a whole lot easier – and tastier!
First Pick: Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Cookies
No holiday season is complete without a touch of peppermint, and Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Cookies are the perfect way to satisfy that craving. These aren’t your average sandwich cookies. Imagine two crisp, chocolate cookies encasing a creamy, peppermint-flavored filling, all sprinkled with crushed candy canes. The combination of chocolate, peppermint, and crunch is simply divine.
These cookies are a top pick because they perfectly capture the essence of the holidays in every bite. They are incredibly festive, undeniably delicious, and a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Plus, they are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them straight from the box with a glass of milk or hot cocoa, crush them and sprinkle them on top of ice cream, or use them to create a festive cookie crust for a pie. They are also a great addition to any holiday dessert platter, adding a pop of color and a burst of peppermint flavor. The price is amazing too, so you can buy several boxes!
Second Pick: Jingle Jangle
Get ready for a flavor explosion! Trader Joe’s Jingle Jangle is a festive mix of sweet and salty treats that is utterly addictive. Inside the colorful tin, you’ll find a delightful assortment of mini pretzels covered in dark chocolate, Joe-Joe’s cookies enrobed in white chocolate, chocolate-covered popcorn, and peanut butter filled pretzels covered in milk chocolate. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
Jingle Jangle earns its spot on our list because it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of sweet, salty, crunchy, or creamy, you’ll find something to love in this mix. It’s the perfect snack to set out at holiday gatherings, and the festive tin makes it a great gift for friends, family, or coworkers. I love keeping a tin (or two) on hand for movie nights and impromptu holiday parties.
Third Pick: Panettone
Transport yourself to Italy with Trader Joe’s Panettone. This sweet, dome-shaped bread is a classic Italian holiday treat, and Trader Joe’s version is both authentic and delicious. Made with enriched dough, candied citrus, and raisins, the Panettone is light, airy, and incredibly flavorful. The subtle sweetness and the fragrant citrus make it a perfect complement to a cup of coffee or tea.
This bread is a holiday staple because it’s deeply rooted in Christmas traditions and offers a delightful alternative to traditional holiday desserts. It is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat after dinner. To elevate the experience, try toasting a slice and serving it with mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of honey. Or, use it to make a decadent bread pudding that will impress your guests.
Fourth Pick: Holiday Vegetable Hash
Looking for a simple way to add color and flavor to your holiday table? Trader Joe’s Holiday Vegetable Hash is the answer. This convenient mix of colorful vegetables, including butternut squash, sweet potatoes, red onions, and cranberries, is pre-chopped and ready to cook. Simply sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil and your favorite seasonings for a quick and easy side dish.
This is a real pick because it takes the work out of preparing a healthy and delicious side dish during the busy holiday season. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is incredibly appealing, and the vibrant colors add a festive touch to any meal. Serve it alongside roasted turkey or ham, or use it as a filling for vegetarian tacos.
Fifth Pick: Sparkling Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Elevate your holiday beverages with Trader Joe’s Sparkling Cranberry Juice Cocktail. This festive drink is made with real cranberry juice and sparkling water, creating a refreshing and bubbly beverage that is perfect for any occasion. The tart cranberry flavor is balanced by a touch of sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser for both adults and children.
This sparkling drink stands out because it’s a versatile addition to any holiday gathering. Serve it straight from the bottle as a non-alcoholic option, or use it as a mixer to create festive cocktails. Add a splash of vodka or gin for a cranberry-infused cocktail, or mix it with prosecco for a sparkling holiday spritzer. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
Sixth Pick: Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe-Joe’s
Taking the original Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s to another level, Trader Joe’s also offers them covered in Dark Chocolate. These chocolate-covered delights are the perfect treat for those who enjoy a richer, more intense flavor profile. The dark chocolate provides a bittersweet counterpoint to the creamy peppermint filling, creating a truly decadent experience.
Dark chocolate Joe-Joe’s are essential because they are the epitome of holiday indulgence. The combination of dark chocolate, peppermint, and crunch is simply irresistible. They are perfect for enjoying on their own as a special treat or for gifting to the chocolate lovers in your life. Add them to a festive dessert board or enjoy with a warm cup of coffee.
Seventh Pick: Winter Wassail Punch
Warm up from the inside out with Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail Punch. This spiced apple cider is a blend of apple juice, spices, and citrus flavors, creating a comforting and aromatic beverage that is perfect for chilly winter evenings. The fragrant spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, fill your home with a warm and inviting aroma.
This beverage is a holiday winner because it’s easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful. Simply heat it on the stove or in a slow cooker and serve warm. Add a splash of rum or brandy for an adult version, or garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks for a festive touch. It’s perfect served at a holiday party.
Eighth Pick: Egg Nog
No list of holiday treats would be complete without egg nog. Trader Joe’s offers both traditional and non-dairy versions of this classic holiday beverage, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this festive treat. Whether you prefer the rich and creamy flavor of traditional egg nog or the lighter, plant-based version, Trader Joe’s has you covered.
Egg Nog is a holiday treasure for its traditional and nostalgic flavor. It is delicious served chilled or warmed, and it can be used as a base for festive cocktails. Add a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy for an adult version, or use it to make a decadent French toast.
Ninth Pick: Mini Gingerbread Men
These adorable Mini Gingerbread Men are a must-have for any holiday celebration. These bite-sized gingerbread cookies are perfectly spiced and delightfully crunchy. They are perfect for decorating, snacking, or adding to a festive dessert display.
These little cookies are a holiday essential because they are fun, festive, and undeniably delicious. Decorate them with icing and sprinkles for a fun activity with the kids, or use them to top a gingerbread latte.
Tenth Pick: Brie en Croute
Trader Joe’s Brie en Croute is a holiday showstopper. This baked brie appetizer is wrapped in a flaky puff pastry crust and filled with cranberry sauce and pecans. Simply bake it in the oven until the pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and gooey.
This baked brie is a great and easy pick because it is an impressive and delicious appetizer that requires minimal effort. The combination of creamy brie, sweet cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans is simply divine. Serve it with crackers, baguette slices, or apple wedges for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will impress your guests.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Our top ten Trader Joe’s holiday picks that will make your season merry and bright. From sweet treats to savory snacks to festive beverages, Trader Joe’s has everything you need to create memorable holiday experiences. This year, skip the stress and head to Trader Joe’s for some holiday cheer.
Visit your local Trader Joe’s and discover these must-have items for yourself! Keep in mind that holiday items are often seasonal and sell out quickly, so don’t delay! We hope you enjoy these festive selections.
What are your favorite Trader Joe’s holiday finds? Share them in the comments below! Happy Holidays!
