13 Canned Trader Joe's Items You Should Pick Up On Your Next Trip

Ahh, Trader Joe's. Where the flowers are fresh, the bananas are cheap, and the cashiers are always happy. What's not to love? Trader Joe's is known for stocking its shelves with unique and high-quality items, from its bountiful fresh produce section to its frozen food aisles. Trader Joe's maintains a customer-centric approach by never adding these seven ingredients to its products while also introducing unexpected whimsy at every turn (if you've ever seen the fun seasonal items they stock on the end caps, you know what I mean). Trader Joe's commitment to high-quality foods with a smattering of fun extends to the canned goods aisle.

Devoted fans are just as excited about the canned soup options as they are about the pre-made salads and other secrets about Trader Joe's you wish you knew, including seasonal product rollouts. Here are 13 canned goods you'll want to add to your cart next time you visit your local Trader Joe's (don't forget to bring your own bags so we can keep those cashiers happy).

Yes, you can make green tea at home — but why would you when you could pick up a four-pack of Trader Joe's Sparkling Green Tea with Pineapple on your next TJ's run? This fruity, bubbly concoction is a refreshing drink on its own, or you can use it as a mixer for your next favorite cocktail recipe. With just 10 calories per can and only a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy this bubbly refreshment whenever you're craving something just a little bit sweet.

Maybe you're looking for another way to enjoy this crisp beverage. Whip up a tasty mocktail by stirring a splash of the green tea drink into your favorite juice. You can even add it to your everyday iced tea for an unexpected bubbly kick and a fun pineapple twist. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a sprig of mint if you're feeling extra fancy.

We've all been there. You're craving something wholesome and homemade but don't have the time or energy to cook. Next time you find yourself in this scenario, reach for a can of Trader Joe's Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup. Homey, hearty, and healthy, this unassuming can of soup checks all the boxes — and you can have dinner ready in minutes.

Soup is so versatile and simple to make – it can even make a delicious pasta sauce . Having a few cans on hand in your pantry can simplify busy evenings. This particular soup is organic, vegan, and loaded with veggies. Not only will you be able to pronounce every ingredient on the label, but you'll recognize them all, too. Onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes are just some of the veggies you'll find packed into this lentil-based soup. With a savory broth that carries just a little heat (cayenne pepper is one of the spices used), you can serve up a bowl of this soup and pretend you spent the day in the kitchen.

Trader Joe's recommends topping your lentil soup with grated parmesan. To round out your meal, add a side salad or a slice of buttered sourdough for an indulgent — and easy — dinner.

Sparkling water is all the rage, and you've probably spent some time in the sparkling aisle at your local grocery store searching for the 13 best cans of sparkling water or even the top 22 bottled water brands (so many choices, how does one know which to choose?). Trader Joe's isn't going to be left out of the beverage game, and it delivers with its Black Cherry Vanilla Sparkling water.

Trader Joe's has combined two popular ice cream flavors, black cherry, and vanilla, into one bubbly drink that brings a serious fizz factor to the flavor. Trader Joe's compares it to an old-fashioned cherry cream soda, but there's one major difference. While a soda will set you back some serious calories, Trader Joe's sparkling water weighs in at zero calories per can.

Drink it plain, turn it into a cocktail or mocktail, or take a recommendation from Trader Joe's and turn it into an ice cream float. If you're feeling adventurous, use a scoop of vanilla and a scoop of black cherry ice cream for an unforgettable float experience.

What happens when you combine zesty ginger and lemon into one 12-ounce can rich with probiotics and bursting with bubbles? You get Trader Joe's Ginger Lemon Probiotic Sparkling Beverage, a cheerful can of digestion-boosting goodness.

Probiotics are a buzzword in the health food industry, but there's science to back the buzz. Probiotics are healthy bacteria found in fermented foods. They have been associated with increased gut health, mental health improvements, heart health, and possibly even weight loss. Ginger has a fresh, zingy flavor and can help reduce nausea and usher extra antioxidants into your life. Pour your sparkling probiotic drink over a cup of ice for a refreshing hydration experience.

Start your day off with a can of this bubbly seltzer, crack it open at lunchtime, or save it for an evening wind-down. No matter how you drink it, this little yellow can of fizzy probiotics will bring a smile to your face and might become your new favorite Trader Joe's beverage.

Coconut milk is a rich, sweet, and dairy-free alternative to regular milk, and Trader Joe's brings us the best of the best with its canned Organic Coconut Milk. Trader Joe's coconut milk has only two ingredients — organic coconut and water (some brands include added sweeteners or preservatives in their coconut milk products, but you won't find that here).

Coconut milk comes from the meat (the white part) of the coconut, which is extracted, shredded, mixed with water, and then compressed to get the final result- coconut milk. You can make coconut milk yourself, but unless you have a coconut around the house, it might be easier to buy it ready-made. Trader Joe's prides itself on creating coconut milk with the perfect texture and flavor but without any thickeners or added sugar.

Coconut milk is a tasty option for anyone looking to avoid dairy products, and you can use it the same way you would use cow's milk or almond milk. But because of the rich, nutty flavor, you can do so much more with coconut milk. Add some to a tropical smoothie, stir a spoonful into your morning tea, or even use it to make your daily oatmeal or quinoa.

Pumpkin sales are highly seasonal, with 90% of all pumpkin products being sold during just four months of the year. But that doesn't mean you can't partake in this healthy gourd the rest of the year — Trader Joe's Organic Pumpkin knows no seasons. If you're on the "pumpkin-is-only-for-fall wagon," here are some reasons to keep it stocked in your pantry year-round.

Pumpkin is loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It is high in fiber, has been linked to heart health, and can even be good for your skin. Plus, it's good for dogs, too — canned pumpkin can help ease your canine friend's upset stomach.

Cooking with canned pumpkin is convenient, and pumpkin can be used in myriad ways, from bread to soups to sauces. Classic pumpkin bread is always a hit (add some chocolate chips if you have a sweet tooth), but if sweet's not your style, take your canned gourd in a savory direction. Whip up some pumpkin soup and garnish with grated gouda for a smoky flavor. Stir some canned pumpkin into a sauce and serve it over ravioli (pumpkin also makes a great ravioli filling). You can even pair pumpkin and peanut butter for a wholesome smoothie.

A can of Trader Joe's Organic Black Beans contains three ingredients: black beans, water, and sea salt. This product keeps it simple but doesn't skimp on quality or flavor. These lightly seasoned beans can be refried, eaten right out of the can, or turned into a filling black bean soup. Another bonus to Trader Joe's black beans is that they're affordable, costing just a little over a dollar and making it easy to grab a few cans at a time, so you'll always have some around. 

Black beans have a ton of uses. You can sprinkle them over your salad for a boost of fiber and protein (one serving has five grams of protein and three grams of fiber). Break out the black beans for Meatless Monday or Taco Tuesday (or both) and use them as a taco filling instead of meat. Mash them into a dip, use them as a nacho topping, or just heat them and serve alongside your favorite protein with a side of veggies for a full meal.

You can buy delicious pre-made hummus at Trader Joe's, but there's something special about making your own (it's surprisingly easy). Pick up a can of Organic Garbanzo Beans for your next delicious homemade hummus recipe. Hummus not your thing? Use the garbanzo beans as a topping on your next salad for added fiber and protein. Garbanzo beans are also a nice addition to soup recipes, as they are sturdy and hold up well in liquid. If you like a little crunch when you eat, toss them in the oven and roast them for a crunchy snack. With their mild taste, you can even add a few to your next smoothie for a little extra fiber.

So, what is the difference between garbanzo beans and chickpeas, anyway? Turns out the difference is only in the language. Garbanzo beans and chickpeas are one and the same. While their names originated in different regions of the world (chickpea derives from a Latin word, and garbanzo is Spanish), they both mean the same thing. You say garbanzo; I say chickpea. 

Everyone loves the dried mangoes at Trader Joe's, and now you can love the mango juice, too. Brighten your day by infusing Trader Joe's 100% Mango Juice from Carabao Mangoes into your daily hydration routine. This canned juice is made from mangoes and only mangoes. Drink it from the can, add a splash to your favorite cocktail (mango margaritas, anyone?), or even stir some into your iced tea.

Trader Joe's sources its carabou mangoes from the Philippines. This variation of mango is known for its sweetness, and with its tropical roots, it's the perfect addition to your next tropical smoothie. For the ultimate smoothie experience, add your mango juice to a blender with a little coconut milk, frozen pineapples, frozen papaya, ice, and some vanilla protein powder or collagen. Toss in some strawberries to make it zing. Top with some toasted shredded coconut for an island vibe. 

Trader Joe's doesn't specify exactly what type of corn it sells, but it does claim its canned Whole Kernel Corn is a "very unique variety of corn that stays fresh and crisp, even in the can" (per Trader Joe's ). Stock up on this affordable canned veggie to use as a salad topping or to make your next side dish of creamed corn.

The cool thing about corn is that you can get creative with it, and there's no reason not to stock up on this affordable vegetable (which is sold for around $1) when you hit the canned aisle at Trader Joe's. Break out your favorite corn recipes for your next backyard barbecue, holiday dinner, or simple meal at home.

You can make corn, the star of the show, by whipping up some Mexican street corn. Use it to make some cornbread, fry up some corn fritters, or heat it up directly from the can and serve it in a bowl with a pat of butter. Corn — it's a beautiful thing.

Step up your salsa with Trader Joe's Organic Diced & Fire Roasted Tomatoes with Green Chiles. Not only can this can of tomato-y delight take your salsa from average to something special, but you can also use it to dress your favorite fish or meat or as a topping for your next burger.

Canned tomatoes are one of those ingredients home chefs should keep stocked in their pantry due to their versatility. You can use your Trader Joe's tomatoes as one of the many substitutes for marinara sauce you should know about with a little surprise flavor (thanks, green chiles!).

Because these tomatoes are already diced, you can spoon some right out of the can and onto your sandwich (or, use it as a dipping sauce for your next BLT — you won't be disappointed). You can also turn it into a soup or stir it into your chili. You can also use it as a casserole ingredient or a taco topping.

Chicken noodle soup never gets old, and Trader Joe's delivers with its hearty and homey version of everyone's favorite comfort food. Its canned Chicken Noodle Soup recipe uses white chicken meat, big, fat egg noodles, and a hefty serving of carrots and celery. Plus, prepping for dinner is a no-brainer. Heat it on your stove in a pot, and it will be ready in no time.

Its well-rounded ingredient list (grains, protein, veggies) makes for a delicious dinner at home or an easy lunch when you're at the office (just warm it up in the microwave when you're ready to eat). With the proper sides, though, you can turn this soup into a substantial meal. If you're craving something green, toss a quick Caesar salad to serve on the side. A baked potato or a buttered roll will add to the comfort food appeal of the meal. If you're trying to keep it simple and reduce the dishes you have to wash later, heat a bag of frozen veggies to have on the side.

Do you love making homemade pasta sauce? Canned tomatoes can take out some of the work without sacrificing flavor. Don't leave Trader Joe's without grabbing a can of Italian Whole Peeled Tomatoes with Basil Leaf for your next pasta sauce. This hefty can of Roma tomatoes clocks in at 28 ounces and is imported from the Puglia region in Italy. These tomatoes will find a happy home in your soups, sauces, and stews.

The fresh basil flavor makes these tomatoes a stellar option for your next homemade pizza sauce (add mozzarella, fresh basil, and a hearty drizzle of olive oil for the perfect pizza). With just three ingredients (tomatoes, tomato juice, and basil leaf), these tomatoes are ready to go in any direction you choose (honestly, they're so tasty, you might find yourself eating them straight from the can, and nobody is going to judge you for that).

Check out Foodie's ultimate ranking of canned tomatoes to find the best product for your needs.