Trader Joe’s Musts for Your College Dorm Room
For when Graham or Ernie just doesn't do it for you.
by Sydney Goldberger ★ OCTOBER 29, 2024
Design: Maisy Wood
Trader Joe’s is a staple across every college town in America. So, I'm here to provide a list of TJ’s necessities to keep stocked in your dorm room at all times. There is simply no better place to find tasty and relatively inexpensive food for when your lab runs late and the dining hall is closed–or if you just love to snack!
Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
These delicious soup dumplings come in a frozen pack of six and are the perfect savory appetizer, snack, or meal to keep in your dorm freezer. All you have to do is heat them in the microwave for three minutes, and you're done! (Stock up fast—these are popular.)
2. Organic Dried Mango
These organic dried mango packs are the perfect mix of sweet and chewy. They're a healthy on-the-go snack to take to class or the library. Don't like mangoes? That's not a problem. They sell a variety of dried fruits that are perfect for snacking on too!
3. Dark Chocolate Covered Mini Pretzels
If you have not tried these dark chocolate-covered pretzels, what are you doing? These are the perfect-sized bite for anyone who needs a sweet treat after every meal. Pro-tip: Stick them in the freezer for some extra crunch.
4. Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
These chili and lime tortilla chips are fabulous and an insanely popular item at TJ’s. A few years ago, they tried to discontinue them and the internet revolted. The loyalty us customers have to these Takis knock-offs should be convincing enough for you to try them.
5. Garlic Dip
Trader Joe’s has a dip for every mood. Each one I have come across has been life-changing, but this one is top-tier. It’s the perfect dip to keep in your refrigerator and break out when you want an afternoon snack. I always pair it with baby carrots or Trader Joe's Parmesan, Garlic, and Herb Pita Chips (another favorite snack of mine).
6. Mochi (Multiple Flavors)
These golf-ball-sized mochi ice creams come with six in a package and make for the perfect-sized freeze staple. The mochi has an incredible sticky texture and pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness inside. I’ve tried every flavor (Ube, Vanilla, Chocolate, Caramel, Chocolate PB, Strawberry, Green Tea, etc) and have never been disappointed!
7. Sour Cream & Onion Corn Puffs
If you are ever in the mood for something both salty and crunchy, these corn puffs will do more than just hit the spot. They’re light and airy, as well as pack a generous amount of cheese. Be sure to have a chip clip on standby, though, because otherwise, they go stale way too fast.
8. Overnight Oats
TJ’s overnight oats come in single-serve containers, making it super easy to stack and organize into your packed fridge. I've noticed this is a much better alternative to those instant oatmeal packages and makes for the quickest and easiest in-room breakfast (feel free to add any topping of your liking.)
9. Mac & Cheese
If you are in the market for an elevated Kraft Mac & Cheese cup, this TJ’s microwavable mac and cheese was made for you. This single-serving freezer staple is the easiest meal to just pop in the microwave and is so much creamier and thicker than your average mac & cheese cup. They also sell unique flavors like Hatch Chile, Pepperoni Pizza, etc.
10. Barbell Bars
I know this isn’t a Trader Joe's brand item, but hear me out. I've had my fair share of bad encounters with protein bars that taste and feel like chalk, but this protein bar is delicious and life-altering. They are not only a solid source of protein (which is hard to come by in college) but are extremely convenient for the hustle and bustle of a school day. They have an insane amount of flavors that taste like a candy bar (look out for my favorite; caramel cashew).
Follow this guide on how to navigate Trader Joe’s as a college student, and I promise that your dorm room snacks will reign supreme!