Guys. Might I be the last blogger on earth to write about my love for Trader Joe’s? Perhaps. But still! Let’s dig into this.

Given our family’s penchant for tearing through dozens of pieces of fresh fruit in hours (hours! Once my three kids ate eight–EIGHT–nectarines in four hours.), I always like to plan a weekly trip to Trader Joe’s to restock on the basics. Their prices are great, but what’s even better are their branded products–things specific to their stores. And when it comes to Trader Joe’s, there is so much that’s not basic about their basics–I mean that in the best way possible–that I had to share my list!Here’s what I always buy when I do my weekly Trader Joe’s run…

Food Items

• Cultured Salted Butter: It’s cultured. It’s salted. And Bon Appetit says it’s just as good as the real French stuff. Do we need any more reasons? I buy at least four at a time and freeze what I’m not immediately using.
• Cauliflower Gnocchi: These are so good, and the texture so similar to the traditional potato gnocchi, I haven’t bought the real thing in months. For the simplest, but delicious, meal, I throw on some Rao’s Marinara and fresh-grated cheese on top.
• Organic Oat Bread: The only bread that my son doesn’t make me cut the crust off of. I think that’s all we need to know about that.
• Bambino Frozen Pizzas: In my continued attempt to bastardize true Italian cuisine (sorry Nana!), I started buying these for those nights when the kids have activities and its too late to start cooking dinner. They’re surprisingly good. You know, for being fake Italian.
• Ghee: Think of this as butter you don’t have to refrigerate. Sounds gross, is actual genius. Also has a higher burn temperature than butter, so it’s easier to book with. I have replaced almost everything I used to fry in real butter with this, including my morning over-medium egg.
• Everything But the Bagel Seasoning: I shake this on a piece of the toasted, buttered oat bread (above), then top with aforementioned over-medium egg. My two-year-old even likes it. Love, loves it. Check out this post for over 100 ways to use this much-loved seasoning.
• Creamy Almond Butter: Standard-issue almond butter, but creamier than supermarket brands. I also use this in my favorite-ever fruit dip, and it’s delicious.
• Kettle corn: These individual bags are perfect to pack in lunches!
• Whole Grain Crispbread: Made from sunflower, flax, sesame seeds and other grains, this crispy, thick cracker really does fill you up. Throw on some avocado to replace your morning toast!
• Organic Lollipops: I’m not kidding when I say I keep an entire box of these in my van at all times to bribe my children to do various things. I don’t even feel bad, because THEY’RE ORGANIC, people.

Household Items

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• Liquid Laundry detergent: I prefer detergents with no artificial fragrances, and this one is scented with lavender oil. It works just as well as traditional detergents on our (often-stained) clothes, and the smell is nice and subtle to boot.
• Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer: This basic, but soothing, moisturizer has aloe and green tea extract, and soaks in nicely. I wouldn’t say it’s the most hydrating moisturizer on my vanity, but it’s something I reach for when I want a light veil of moisture and nothing irritating.