:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-535059621-7ed24b87efb94a71b3923d463174ccb2.jpg)
Getty/ Geri Lavrov
Trader Joe’s is notorious for bringing us downright delicious and unique products every single year. 2021 was no different. As the creator of Black Girls In Trader Joe’s on Instagram, my job is to make sure I keep up with the very best that Trader Joe’s has to offer. Picking only 10 favorite products for the year was almost impossible—but I somehow managed. Out of everything that came out this year (and there was a lot), here are my favorite finds of 2021.
-
Brazil Nut Body Butter
Mercedes "Dee" Davis
If you were able to get your hands on the coveted $6 dupe for Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream ($45), you’re lucky. The unique scent and skin firming ingredients made this one of the best, if not the best product of the year.
-
Maple Flavored Poffertjes
Mercedes "Dee" Davis
As an avid breakfast lover and pancake enthusiast, these little puffed pancake spheres are definitely one of my favorite new things from 2021. They're great when cooked in the air fryer, then dipped, smeared, and drizzled with the Trader Joe’s Maple Butter.
-
Green Goddess Gouda
Mercedes "Dee" Davis
The Green Goddess dip is a staple for a lot of TJ’s shoppers, so when this version of Triple G hit shelves, there was a frenzy—and rightfully so. The combination of bright herbaceous flavors and creamy Gouda is top notch for 2021. My favorite way to use it is in macaroni and cheese.
-
Garlic Bread Cheese
Mercedes "Dee" Davis
Imagine if garlic bread and cheese curds had a baby. Cut the cheese into cubes, pan sear them, and then dip the cheese in your favorite tomato-based sauce. Chefs kiss.
Continue to 5 of 10 below. -
Vegan Meatless Meat Eater’s Pizza
Mercedes "Dee" Davis
Admittedly, I’ve never been a fan of meat replacements, but this pizza blew my mind with the flavor and texture. As someone who isn’t vegan, enjoying this pizza came as a surprise, but I’m happy that my #MeatlessMonday meal has something new in the rotation.
-
Spicy Mango Lemonade
Mercedes "Dee" Davis
Summer was hot and spicy with help from this seasonal favorite. It’s everything you want when you’re ready for a patio drink for happy hour. It tastes like tart lemonade, sweet mango, and it has a spicy jalapeño kick.
-
Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes
Mercedes "Dee" Davis
Having a versatile item like this in your freezer is a must. These Taiwanese Green can be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as a tortilla replacement for some of your favorite recipes.
-
Almond Butter Almonds
Mercedes "Dee" Davis
This sweet treat is a great alternative to almonds covered in creamy almond butter. Pro tip: they’re even better in ice cream
Continue to 9 of 10 below. -
Dark Chocolate Drizzled Plantain Chips
Mercedes "Dee" Davis
Can you ever go wrong with a sweet and salty combination? The crunchy plantain chips with the dark chocolate and hints of sea salt are a snack I’m always happy to have in my pantry.
-
Breaded Fried Ravioli
Mercedes "Dee" Davis
When Trader Joe’s launched these frozen and fried treats St. Louis natives were like “Duh! Where have you been?”. Who doesn’t love deep fried gooey cheese inside pasta, that’s breaded and deep fried, right?