The Best Trader Joe's Snacks For Any Craving

Salty: Mini (Almost) Everything Bagel Sandwich Crackers

We adore a snack that's simple to enjoy, and the Trader Joe's Mini (Almost) Everything Bagel Sandwich Crackers are just perfect. It's tricky to identify the exact flavor of these little sandwich crackers since they offer a delightful mix of everything, just as the name implies. They definitely hit the spot for salty cravings without loading on the sodium (only 220 milligrams per serving), which is why they’re our go-to choice for a savory snack. Each cracker is filled with poppy seeds, dried garlic, and onion, along with a generous sprinkle of salt. The only typical ingredient missing from an everything bagel is sesame seeds, which was a deliberate choice to make this snack more allergy-friendly.

These crackers resemble an everything bagel, complete with a cream cheese filling. However, unlike a bagel's soft interior, these crackers are crunchy throughout. This texture is perfect when you're in the mood for a crispy, salty treat. Trader Joe's offers a fantastic range of products featuring everything bagel seasoning, from smoked salmon to cheddar cheese, but the crackers remain our top pick for enjoying this delicious seasoning blend. For a charcuterie board, we prefer the full-size crackers, but for snacking, the mini sandwich version is unbeatable. While you can create your own everything but the bagel seasoning at home, nothing quite matches the convenience of these snacks.

Sweet: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are an essential purchase at the store, whether you're on the hunt for sweet treats or simply want to sample some of the store's cult favorites. These peanut butter cups are nearly irresistible, thanks to the premium ingredients that create one of the most beloved flavor combinations ever. While the milk chocolate version is delightful, the blend of dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter is truly exceptional. Their bite-sized form makes them an ideal snack. The dark chocolate is incredibly smooth and not at all bitter, complementing the creamy peanut butter perfectly. Each cup is individually wrapped in a paper liner to prevent them from sticking together in the box.

These treats are free from artificial ingredients and colorings, featuring only velvety peanut butter and rich dark chocolate. Although they are still a sweet indulgence, you can feel a bit better about enjoying these candies compared to other brands, thanks to their high-quality components. This certainly enhances their smooth flavor. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is so beloved that Trader Joe's incorporates it into a variety of products, from granola to Joe-Joe's sandwich cookies.

Crunchy: PB&J Snack Duo

For a satisfying crunch that’s also ideal for lunchboxes, the Trader Joe's PB&J Snack Duo is an excellent choice. Each pack contains crispy wafers filled with peanut butter and accompanied by sweet jelly for dipping. While peanut butter and jelly are a classic pairing on their own, the addition of a crunchy element elevates this simple snack to a whole new level. You could enhance a traditional sandwich with extras like chips or bacon, but these convenient snacks offer everything you need in one ready-to-eat package.

The raspberry fruit spread in this snack pack perfectly complements the crunchy peanut butter stick. The wafers are delightfully crispy and light, pairing wonderfully with the creamy peanut butter inside. This snack combines all the textures we love, balancing the salty richness of peanut butter with the sweetness of jelly.

While this is a fantastic portable snack, it may not be suitable for kids' lunches in nut-free schools due to the peanut butter content. We often grab this snack for road trips or before evening activities. It provides enough sustenance to give them a quick energy boost before practice, and it requires no preparation—just grab a few individually wrapped packs from the box and you’re ready to go.

Fruity: Soft & Juicy Mango

If dried fruit doesn't excite you, you must give Trader Joe's Soft & Juicy Mango a try. This snack maintains a bit of its juiciness, offering a fruity bite that's both easy to enjoy and delightfully soft and sweet. While we love fresh mango, it can be inconvenient to prepare since cutting it requires some skill. Additionally, fresh mango can be messy and isn't the easiest option to munch on while running errands. That's where the soft and juicy version shines—it delivers the same delicious flavor without the sticky cleanup.

You really can't go wrong with any of Trader Joe's dried mango options, and we've stocked up on all varieties based on our cravings. The unsweetened version is a bit chewier, making it a great addition to trail mix for a fruity kick. The sweetened green mango is cut into smaller pieces and offers a tart flavor that’s nicely balanced with added sugar, making it a perfect alternative to sour candies. The chili-seasoned dried mango adds a touch of heat and is a favorite among our spice-loving son. However, when it comes to fruit snacks, the Soft & Juicy Mango is the one we keep reaching for time and again.

Sour: Sour Jelly Beans

We confess that we have a soft spot for classic candy, and Trader Joe's Sour Jelly Beans deliver a delightful mix of sweetness and tangy flavor. The brand labels them as "mouth-puckering," and judging by our reactions after each bite, we wholeheartedly agree. These jelly beans are incredibly chewy, and the flavor lingers throughout each mouthful—something we can't say for all jelly bean brands we've sampled. Despite the plethora of sour candy options available in stores today, these remain a favorite due to their unique texture and intense sour taste.

Each bag features five delicious flavors: green apple, blue raspberry, lemon, tangerine, and cranberry. They are crafted without artificial colors, resulting in slightly more muted shades compared to some other brands, yet they still boast enough vibrancy for candy decorations. Bite-sized and ideal for pairing with salty snacks like popcorn or chips, each bag contains just 4 ounces. Our only wish is that the bag could be resealed. If you're only in the mood for a few jelly beans as a quick treat, be sure to have a way to secure any leftovers. However, given how delicious they are, you might find there aren't any left, especially when that craving for something sweet and sour strikes!

Creamy: Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip

When we're in the mood for a rich and creamy treat, we reach for Trader Joe's Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip. As the name implies, kale and spinach take center stage, but this dip also features chunks of carrots and red peppers. Both kale and spinach are packed with vitamins, so you can indulge in this delicious and nutritious snack without guilt. The dip boasts a robust garlic flavor, complemented by green onion for added savoriness. With a generous amount of vegetables, this dip has a chunkier texture compared to many other varieties. You might want to give it a stir when you first open it to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Thanks to its Greek yogurt base, this dip is rich in protein. In comparison to dips made with sour cream, this option is significantly lower in fat and calories. We love pairing it with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and carrots for a creamy snack that keeps us satisfied. For a delightful addition to a charcuterie board, serve a small bowl of it alongside fresh veggies and crackers. It also makes a great substitute for mayo on sandwiches, providing a creamy and flavorful condiment.

Savory: Sour Cream & Onion Flavored Rings

When we're in the mood for a tasty snack, we often reach for chips or crackers, particularly those with bold flavors and seasonings. A classic sour cream and onion mix is a favorite choice, offering a delightful zest along with a savory kick. Trader Joe's Sour Cream & Onion Flavored Rings deliver a similar satisfying crunch with a rich umami flavor. These mini snacks are ideal for munching on or adding to your lunch. Unlike conventional chips, they are crafted from red lentils and rice flour, making them a great option for those following a gluten-free diet. The unique ingredients provide an extra crispy texture and give them a bit more substance than light, airy chips. If you're longing for onion rings, these are an excellent substitute, boasting a comparable shape and taste.

We enjoy these as a snack for the car due to their savory flavor and the fact that they leave no mess, which is often a problem with other sour cream and onion chips or onion rings. Since they are baked rather than fried, the residue on your fingers is minimal compared to greasy chips. The seasoning, which imparts the savory onion flavor, is infused into the rings and generously sprinkled on the outside. These snacks keep us satisfied while staying true to the sour cream and onion taste we love.

Spicy: Chili & Lime Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

For those who enjoy the heat of Takis, Trader Joe's Chili & Lime Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips offer a tasty alternative with a more refined flavor profile and healthier ingredients. In a comparison between generic brands and name-brand products, Trader Joe's chips emerged as the favorite. They pack a punch, but the zesty lime and crunchy texture perfectly complement the generous sprinkle of chili powder. The chips are spicy enough to be exciting without causing discomfort. The addition of lime adds a refreshing brightness, which is why we prefer these over other chili-flavored snacks. Trader Joe's achieves their vibrant red color using paprika, turmeric, and vegetable juice instead of artificial dyes.

The rolled corn chip shape provides an extra crunch and substantial feel, making them ideal for satisfying those crunchy snack cravings. Pair them with a creamy dip like guacamole or hummus to balance the texture and heat. Rest assured, this snack won’t set off any alarms, as it strikes the perfect balance of spice, even when enjoyed on its own.

Sharp: Sharp Cheddar Cheese Snack Pack

You can always count on having snack cheese in our fridge, and the Trader Joe's Sharp Cheddar Cheese Snack Pack is both convenient and tasty. It features sharp white cheddar, which offers a delightful bite and a creamy texture, all neatly packaged for portability. The cheese is firm and resists getting squished or crumbled, even when packed alongside other snacks in your bag. Each piece can be enjoyed in just a few bites and requires no preparation—simply unwrap and savor!

Each pack contains 10 individually wrapped cheese pieces. You can take the whole bag or just grab a piece or two for lunch or a quick snack. This is our go-to option when we anticipate a snack craving later in the day, especially when we want to steer clear of overly sweet treats. When paired with nuts, fruit, and a hard-boiled egg, the sharp white cheddar can even serve as a light meal on the go. It’s also a fantastic addition to lunchboxes, providing an energy boost before our kids' sports practices. Each piece contains 5 grams of protein, keeping us satisfied despite its small size. While they may not be ideal for serving with crackers or stacking, they are perfect for a quick bite of sharp cheddar.

Briny: Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack

Experience the savory, umami-packed taste of seaweed wrapped in a crispy tempura coating with Trader Joe's Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack. The nori used in these bite-sized treats is sourced from Korea and coated in a light tempura batter. Unlike heavier fried coatings, tempura is crafted with cold water and flour, resulting in a delightfully airy texture. The subtle crunch of the tempura enhances the standard nori sheets, elevating them into a more satisfying and intriguing snack. The briny essence of the seaweed remains the standout flavor, which is why our nori-loving family can't get enough of these treats.

While you can find seaweed snacks at other retailers, what distinguishes this one is its flavorful coating. Alongside the delicate tempura, these snacks are seasoned with a hint of spice, adding an extra layer of excitement. The seasoning blend is reminiscent of Japanese togarashi, which combines dried peppers, sesame seeds, ginger, and other spices to infuse heat and complexity into dishes. The result is a harmonious balance of savory and spicy notes, but it’s the oceanic flavor of the sea that keeps us reaching for more of this delicious snack.

Chewy: Chewy Chocolate & Peanut Butter Protein Bars

We enjoy the peanut butter protein granola from Trader Joe's for breakfast, but it can be a bit tricky to take on the go. Luckily, there's a similar chewy and tasty option available in bar form. When we're in the mood for a chewy snack, the Trader Joe's Chewy Chocolate & Peanut Butter Protein Bars are an obvious choice. These bars are ideal for granola bar enthusiasts and offer an added protein boost to keep you satisfied. Each bar contains 10 grams of protein sourced from peanuts, soy protein, and brown rice protein, all complemented by a delightful chocolate base and a generous drizzle on top.

With their chewy texture and perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter flavors, these bars are much easier to enjoy than some crunchy granola alternatives, and they don’t create a mess. We’ve started reaching for them as a mid-morning snack because they fulfill our craving for something chewy while incorporating two of our favorite ingredients: peanut butter and chocolate. However, since they contain peanuts, you might want to consider other options if you're sending them to a nut-free school setting.