Holiday season is now here and no one greets it warmer than Trader Joe’s. Their shelves are a holiday wonderland with warm beverages and rich pastries. Again and again, shoppers eagerly look forward to time tested staples to return year after year, as well as newcomers that provide a touch of something special to holiday celebrations.
This year’s lineup doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re planning a party, stocking up on comforting snacks, or just treating yourself after a long day, there’s something for everyone. Sweet, savory, traditional, or whimsical Trader Joe’s has covered every holiday craving.
We’ve done the taste testing for you, exploring the seasonal offerings to highlight the must
haves worth adding to your cart. Below, you’ll find 15 standout items, each with its own story, flavor, and holiday magic.
1. Traditional Latkes Potato Pancakes
Trader Joe’s frozen latkes capture the authentic flavor of homemade latkes while offering a convenient, time-saving alternative no peeling or grating of potatoes required. They cook beautifully in either an oven or a skillet, delivering excellent results with minimal effort.
The texture of these latkes is just right: crunchy on the outside while soft and tender on the inside. Nicely seasoned, each bite is comforting, making them a welcome addition to both festive holiday tables and quick weeknight dinners alike.
Serving Suggestions
- Traditional accompaniments: applesauce or sour cream.
- Modern twists: caramelized onions or smoked salmon.
- Versatile: can be served as appetizer, side dish, or late-night snack.
2. O’Nog Non-Dairy Oat Beverage
Eggnog is divisive, but Trader Joe’s O’Nog bridges the gap with an oat substitute for the traditional. Creamy, spiced, and milk-free, it’s holiday flavor without the shame. It’s also a thoughtful substitute for dairy-intolerant guests and family who want to join in holiday imbibing.
The spicing of cinnamon and nutmeg is warm and soothing in flavor, with the oat base providing a light, smooth texture. This is balanced differently by some eggnogs that overwhelm with richness, but this is extremely well-balanced such that more than one glass can be drunk without difficulty.
Drink it cold on its own, as a coffee creamer, or with bourbon or rum and served as a party cocktail. Any way you serve it, O’Nog is a fun and hospitable holiday cocktail addition.
3. Sparkling Pomegranate Punch Drink
Trader Joe’s Sparkling Pomegranate Punch is effervescent, refreshing, and party-ready. Packaged in convenient cans, it’s easy to transport and serve, making it perfect for lively gatherings or even a quiet night in.
The punch offers a harmonious balance of tart and sweet flavors, refreshing without being overly sugary. Its natural carbonation gives it a near-cocktail feel, even without alcohol, creating a festive and celebratory mood for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
- Chill and serve in a champagne flute for elegance.
- Mix with vodka or gin for a quick seasonal cocktail.
- Versatile: can be enjoyed straight or spiked.
4. Whole Colossal Kalamata Olives
Among all the sweet treats, Trader Joe’s Whole Colossal Kalamata Olives are a sweet relief – a refreshing, salty option. Big and meaty, these Greek olives are beautifully marinated and serve to bring the sugar high to a close.
Their salty, citrusy flavor is ideal for cheese and antipasto platters or tossed into green salads. While they’re not pitted, the strong flavor is worth the slight inconvenience. They possess an adult flavor.
Keep them on hand for entertaining or just snack on them when you require something salty and filling. They provide the perfect contrast to the holiday board, not everything this time of year having to be sweet.
5. Mini Chocolate Mousse Desserts
These tiny cups of mousse are petite but pack a rich punch. Trader Joe’s Mini Chocolate Mousse Desserts capture all the indulgence of homemade mousse with none of the work. They’re so elegant, they’re perfect for parties.
They possess a light, even texture, richness just shy of luxuriously so. They’re perfectly sized, sweet finish without weight. Each bite a tiny holiday.
Serve them frozen straight from the freezer for an ice-cream consistency, or thaw them for melt-in-your-mouth creamy goodness. They effortlessly garnish dessert tables either way.
6. Apple & Pumpkin Hand Pies
Trader Joe’s Apple & Pumpkin Hand Pies feature a buttery, flaky crust and are designed for grab-and-go convenience, reimagining classic comfort food as easy, portable treats.
The filling is perfectly balanced: sweet apple provides natural sweetness, while pumpkin adds warmth and spice. Together, the flavors evoke the seasonal transition from fall to winter, offering a taste that is festive yet never overpowering.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with morning coffee.
- Perfect as an after-school snack.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Simple to share, festive, and versatile.
7. Multi-Flavor Joe-Joe’s Chocolate Enrobed Sandwich Cookies
This packet of cookies is almost a holiday staple. Trader Joe’s is filled with four varieties of Joe-Joe’s, all of them chocolate-dipped and filled with goodness. It’s a people-pleaser from beginning to end.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint gets the old-timey in us all, Vanilla Ginger adds a touch of spice, Double Chocolate satisfies the chocolate lovers, and Peanut Butter takes one back to lazy afternoons. Together, they’re a combination that’s good to mess around with.
Leave the tin out for guests, use them as a gift, or just indulge yourself. Whatever your pleasure is for indulging in them, these cookies are a holiday staple to find.
8. Candy Cane Chocolate Covered Almonds
Candy Cane Chocolate Covered Almonds offer a delightful combination of crunch, creaminess, and festive peppermint flavor, making them a standout holiday snack.
The almonds provide a satisfying crunch, the white chocolate adds a touch of sweetness, and pieces of candy cane contribute a cheerful peppermint spice. Together, they create a simple yet rich and thoroughly satisfying treat.
Serving Suggestions
Timely, convenient, and universally enjoyable.
- Serve in bowls at gatherings.
- Fill into gift bags for easy presents.
- Snack on while watching holiday movies.
9. Dark Chocolate Coated Peppermint Joe-Joe’s
Few items scream “holidays at Trader Joe’s” like these cookies. The familiar Joe-Joe’s base is already delicious, but dip it in dark chocolate and sprinkle it with peppermint, and you’ve got magic.
The combination of crisp cookie, creamy filling, and crunchy candy cane pieces creates layers of texture. It’s a bit messy to eat, but that’s part of the fun. Each bite tastes like December.
Send them to cookie parties, trade with friends, or hide a box in the closet for midnight snacking. They never fail.
10. Jingle Jangle Pretzel Twists
Jingle Jangle Pretzel Twists are a holiday cult favorite with a playful twist. Each pretzel is chocolate-coated and topped with bits of candy and cookies, representing indulgence and festive fun.
The combination of salty pretzel and sweet toppings creates an irresistible balance of flavors. Crunchy with generous toppings, these treats are designed to be a “reach-again” snack that keeps holiday spirits high.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect as a party appetizer.
- Ideal as a stocking stuffer.
- Fun and festive snack for any holiday occasion.
11. Sparkling Sugar Plum Drink
If sugar plums are only a dream, Trader Joe’s made them real with this sparkling drink. Fruity and bubbly and lightly sweet, it’s an ideal party contribution.
The white grape and plum blend is crisp but not cloying. Light enough to sip all night, but still festive.
Combine it with champagne for a dry toast, or use it to put some holiday pep in cocktails. It’s as flexible as it is cute.
12. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Trader Joe’s Peppermint Hot Chocolate is the kind of cold-weather beverage that makes winter nights better. Available in a tin, it’s at your fingertips to whip up whenever the mood strikes.
The taste pairs decadent chocolate with a cool peppermint twist. It’s soothing, relaxing, and decadent enough to feel like a treat.
Top with marshmallows, add a cinnamon stick, or include a peppermint marshmallow for added holiday spice. It’s the perfect fireside friend.
13. Winter Wake Up Tea
Despite its name, Winter Wake Up Tea is calming rather than energizing. Infused with cinnamon and warm spices, it serves as a comforting, huggable alternative to coffee.
The aroma alone fills the kitchen with a soothing, holiday-inspired fragrance, evoking the cozy feeling of snuggling into a warm blanket while enjoying a cup.
Serving Suggestions and Use
- Offers a quiet, comforting moment during the hectic holiday season.
- Perfect for de-stressing after dinner.
- Can be enjoyed as a lunchtime pick-me-up on busy days.
14. Dark Chocolate Covered Minty Mallows
Trader Joe’s Minty Mallows are simple to use but no less versatile. Puffy marshmallows covered with dark chocolate are holiday-themed all on their own, but also make an appearance as a topping for other sweets.
The mint, chocolate, and soft marshmallow combination is retro and satisfying. It’s the kind of bite-sized indulgence that can be used anywhere.
Top hot chocolate with them, place them between s’mores, or serve them on a holiday dessert platter. They’re small squares of holiday bliss.
15. Maybe The World’s Largest Fusilli
This gargantuan corkscrew pasta is both fun and practical, adding a playful twist to ordinary mealtime. Its oversized shape makes pasta dinner feel interactive and entertaining.
The sturdy texture holds up well to sauces, allowing pesto, marinara, or cream sauce to cling to every crevice. This enhances the flavor experience in each bite, making mealtime both delicious and whimsical.
Serving Suggestions
- Adds personality and fun to meals or gift-giving.
- Works as a party centerpiece dish.
- Can be dressed up for family dinners.
Wrapping Up the Feast
From crunchy latkes to party cocktails and peppermint-filled treats, Trader Joe’s holiday selection features something to meet every appetite. Some are familiar because they never go out of style, and some are lovely because they’re new. Together, they offer a celebratory mix that embodies the spirit of the season.
Shelf browsing is more like unearthing treasure than Christmas grocery shopping. Every item has its own holiday story, adding a touch of wonder to the mix.
So pick up your reusable bags, queue up your holiday tunes, and get wrapped in the wonder. Your taste buds and your soul will be grateful.
