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Trader Joe's

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Trader Joe's

Perfect Pairings

It’s heartbreaking to imagine that before the peanut butter and jelly sandwich's invention in the early 20th century, the two spreads were enjoyed separately. A piece of toast smothered in peanut butter is just too dry, forming a wholly unpleasant, impossible-to-chew ball of salty bread in your mouth. On the other hand, a PB&J is a perfectly balanced sandwich, equal parts sweet and salty, crunchy and gooey — a match made in heaven. Since cooking is all about such delightful combinations, we thought we’d share the best product pairings at Trader Joe’s, enlisting the help of superfans on Reddit to push the culinary envelope.


Related: Best Store-Bought Desserts from Trader Joe's

Cheapism

World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs and Pinot Grigio

World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs:$2.49

Organic Charles Shaw Pinot Grigio:$3.99


Throw the world’s most laid-back wine and cheese social with a bottle of cheap Pinot Grigio and a bag of Trader Joe’s famous white cheddar corn puffs. And no shame if you enjoy this combo alone … on a weeknight … while watching “Love Island.” We’ve been there.


Related: I Tried 9 Types of Trader Joe's Hummus — Here's How They Ranked

Cheapism

Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread and Pretzel Slims

Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread:$4.99

Pretzel Slims:$2.29


We’re not sure what’s unexpected about Trader Joe’s fan-favorite cheddar cheese spread, but Redditors say it pairs deliciously with the retailer’s chip-like pretzel slims. Pro-tip: Toss the spread into the microwave and it becomes a dipping sauce.


Related: Things No One Should Buy at Trader Joe's

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Trader Joe's

Miso Ginger Broth, Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons, and Crunchy Chili Onion

Miso Ginger Broth:$1.99

Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons: $3.49

Crunchy Chili Onion: $4.29


One Redditor describes this TikTok-inspired mashup as a “match made in heaven," and given the press the recipe has received, we're inclined to believe them. And don't worry if you cringed at the word "recipe." All you have to do for this one-pot meal is throw some zucchini, green onions, and wontons in a pot, add miso broth, cook, and garnish with the spicy onions.


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Cheapism

Chicken Gyoza and Gyoza Sauce

Chicken Gyoza:$3.99

Gyoza Sauce:$2.49


This one is pretty obvious, but not everyone knows that Trader Joe’s carries all the ingredients for a top-tier gyoza feast. For the best results, cook the gyoza in a hot pan until brown and crisp.

Cheapism

Beefless Bulgogi and Japchae

Beefless Bulgogi:$4.49

Japchae:$2.99


Korean food is having a moment at Trader Joe’s, and fans are here for it. Even if you aren’t a vegetarian or vegan, you should try this combo, as the beefless bulgogi receives high marks among carnivores.

Cheapism

Ube Mochi Pancakes and Pineapple Fruit Spread

Ube Mochi Pancakes:$3.99

Pineapple Fruit Spread:$3.49


If you have a sweet tooth and are up for something wild, consider this mashup: a chewy, purple mochi pancake coated in pineapple preserves. To us, it sounds a bit like a sugar overload, but we know there are some folks out there who can’t get enough of it. If that’s you, be sure to hop on this combo fast, as both items are limited at TJ’s.

Cheapism

Blondie Bar and Ube Ice Cream

Blondie Bar Baking Mix:$2.99

Ube Ice Cream:$2.99


Another sugary combo inspired by the ube craze is this dessert, a marriage of purple yam ice cream and Trader Joe’s chocolate chip blondie bars. Note that unless you’re ready for some real experimentation, you’ll have to bake the blondies ahead of time.