Trader Joe's snack paradise

Trader Joe's overflows with tempting snacks in every aisle, from Ghost Pepper Potato Chips to two-bite cookies. But not all are created equal, the best ones have proven staying power and scratch every sweet and salty itch.

Spicy Mango Habanero Guacamole

This dip has tiny fruit bits, a nice heat kick, and avocado chunks that taste almost homemade. Finish it the day you open it to avoid browning, and pair with white corn tortilla chips and margarita mix.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This controversial dip is best eaten cold straight from the fridge, though the package recommends microwaving. The chicken melts into creamy sauce for a satisfying, indulgent snack.

Roasted Garlic Hummus

Creamy and consistent with deep roasted garlic flavor, this hummus costs only two dollars and fifty cents. It's better than the Mediterranean-style version and pairs well with pita crackers.

Spicy Queso

While nothing beats authentic queso in Houston, this microwaveable orange cheese sauce stands in nicely for memories of sizzling fajitas. Pair with elote corn dippers for the full experience.

Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack

Sheets of nori coated in tempura batter and togarashi spice are so greasy and crunchy they taste freshly fried. Warning: your fingers will be slick, so avoid eating these near your laptop.

Organic Elote Corn Dippers

These legendary chips are like Cool Ranch Dorito seasoning sprinkled on giant Fritos. Large, scooped, and fragrant with corn, they're perfect for dipping into spicy queso.

Peanut Butter-Filled Pretzels

The most mentioned snack in a survey of Trader Joe's fans, these bite-size pretzels offer perfect textural contrast between salty crunch and sweet, pasty peanut butter filling.

“the peanut-butter-filled pretzels were the most mentioned, by far”

Antipasto Stick Prosciutto-Wrapped Mozzarella

This grown-up string cheese is draped in prosciutto and sold individually, perfect for a commute home. It offers quality fat and protein to sustain you through the afternoon.

Ridge Cut Potato Chips with Sea Salt

These sturdy kettle-cooked chips have an unhinged amount of salt and toasty flavor from being fried to the browning point. They're fantastic dippers and picnic essentials.

PB&J Snack Duo

Sugary wafer straws filled with peanut butter come with a little tub of jelly for dipping. It's a snack and an activity that fills you with childlike bliss.

“When else do you get a snack and an activity?”

Dried Soft & Juicy Mango

These plump, happy dried mangoes are perfect before a run for an energy jolt or chopped into overnight oats. Skip the shriveled, unsweetened version.

Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups

These Reese's-adjacent cups have more cacao bitterness and nutty graininess that makes them entirely their own. The golden wrapper brings Willy Wonka magic to your snack.