Kid-friendly Trader Joe’s Finds

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I’m always at Trader Joe’s. No, seriously, they know me by name. It helps that I only live 15 minutes away from two stores, one in each neighboring town, but let’s face it, I’d drive much further if I had to. With two kids under 3, I’m always on the hunt for foods they will eat (especially my increasingly picky 2.5 year old!). I also need to have a never-ending supply of snacks at the ready to keep those hangry tantrums at bay. I’m a regular at Whole Foods and Stop and Shop, too – because I can never seem to find everything I need at one store – but lately Trader Joe’s has been my go-to place for really great food finds at affordable prices. Here’s a list of what we’re currently loving. Note I’m focusing mainly on packaged “convenience” foods here, though we enjoy lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and meats/seafood from Trader Joe’s and other favorite stores as well! 

Trader Joe's

  1. Fruit Sauce Crushers – mini applesauce pouches that come in various flavors (mixed with other fruits or vegetables). These are tasty and convenient and we love that they come in a smaller size than most fruit/veggie pouches (which my toddler always loses interest in before finishing). Great for an on-the-go snack or mixed into plain Greek yogurt to add a little flavor/sweetness without added sugar. 
  2. Cheddar Rocket Crackers – Trader Joe’s version of a Goldfish cracker but with no artificial flavors or preservatives. My toddler loves to fly these little guys around his plate and they make a perfect salty, crunchy addition to a lunchbox.
  3. Assorted Vegetable Patties – these mini (frozen) veggie burgers come in two flavors (cauliflower and broccoli; carrot and pea). I’ve made these for a quick dinner on a toasted English muffin or with a side of pasta, veggies or fruit. Also great if you are looking to serve veggies in disguise. 
  4. Freeze-dried Fruit – are your kids as obsessed with freeze-dried fruit as mine are? Something about that crunch, I guess, and the sweetness can’t hurt. We load up on freeze-dried strawberries, raspberries, bananas, apples and mangos. 
  5. Make your own pizza supplies – Friday night is homemade pizza night in our house, a family activity my toddler loves. Once a week I pick up a few packages of their fresh dough, shredded mozzarella, sauce, and toppings and there you have it – a quick and easy dinner that’s a lot of fun to prepare. 
  6. Organic Lowfat Yogurt Squishers – yogurt tubes that come in strawberry and cherry flavors. Good for a portable protein fix. 
  7. Organic Silver Dollar Pancakes – keep these in your freezer for those busy mornings when you need breakfast in a hurry and want something the kids will love. My toddler likes his topped with a little Trader Joe’s blueberry preserves. 
  8. Bamba Peanut Snacks – Bamba peanut snacks are a new favorite around here. Around for many years in Israel, they are just making their way into the US via Trader Joe’s stores. Bamba peanut snacks are like a peanut flavored Cheeto – airy and addictive. 
  9. Fruit Wraps and Cereal Bars – my toddler is obsessed, and I do mean obsessed, with Trader Joe’s fruit wraps. They are small and portable and we have upwards of 20 in our pantry at all times (break glass in case of emergency!). Trader Joe’s brand Nutri- Grain bars are also delicious and come in seasonal flavors (such as pumpkin in the fall). These can make a good “second breakfast” snack on the way to school (especially if your kid equates car rides with snacks like mine does).  
  10. Gone Bananas and Gone Berry Crazy – these frozen chocolate covered fruit bites are great for a sweet treat after dinner, especially if you want something small and portion-controlled. 

And there you have it, folks! We’re always on the look out for kid-friendly products and would love for you to share your family’s favorites – from any local store! – in the comments. 

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Daria
Daria lives in Norwalk with her husband, son (2015), and daughter (2017). She grew up in Connecticut (Hartford County) but spent most of her adult life in New York City and traveling the world until moving back to Connecticut with her husband when they started their family. Daria juggles two young kids and a full-time international career. When she’s not spending time with her family or working, she’s daydreaming about where she’ll travel next. 

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