Trader Joe’s Favorites: 6 Products This Korean Mom Actually Buys Again and Again (Honest Review)
As a Korean mom living in the U.S., Trader Joe’s has become one of my favorite places to shop for our family.
I love Korean food, but raising a toddler means I’m always looking for products that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Over the years, I’ve tried many items from Trader Joe’s, and some products were just “okay”… while others became items I buy again and again.
Today, I’m sharing my honest review of Trader Joe’s products that this Korean mom actually buys and enjoys.
These are not just trendy items I saw online — these are products my family has tried at home.
1. Trader Joe’s Seafood Boil ($9.99)
⭐ Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Personal preference)
I love Louisiana Cajun-style seafood boils, so when I heard Trader Joe’s brought back their Seafood Boil, I grabbed it right away!
My husband isn’t a big fan of seafood boils, but he kindly prepared it for us. The package says to heat it in a water bath, but we decided to transfer everything into a pot and heat it instead.
Unfortunately, the flavor was milder than I expected, and the shrimp texture was a little tougher than I prefer. The corn was actually my favorite part — it was sweet and delicious! 🌽
I know many people love this product, so it might just come down to personal taste. For me, because of my concerns about heating food in plastic packaging and the overall taste, I probably won’t repurchase it.
Would I buy it again? ❌ No
2. Trader Joe’s Korean Style Beef Short Ribs ($14.99)
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆
This is one of the items I almost always pick up when I visit Trader Joe’s.
The marinade is delicious — sweet, savory, and very similar to the Korean-style flavors our family loves. It’s perfect for those busy days when my husband doesn’t feel like cooking dinner (yes, those “I don’t want to make dinner today” days 😂).
However, it can be a little hit or miss. Some packages have so much fat that after trimming it off, there isn’t much meat left.
But overall, my 3-year-old son absolutely loves these ribs! The sweet flavor makes them a toddler favorite in our house.
Would I buy it again? ✅ Yes
Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancakes (Pa Jeon) ($4.49)
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
The best value Korean food item at Trader Joe’s!
Four Korean-style scallion pancakes for only $4.49?! Each pancake is about 17 cm (6.7 inches), making it such a great deal.
They are slightly thicker than traditional Korean pa jeon, but the flavor is delicious. The seasoning is perfect, so you can enjoy them even without soy sauce and my 3-year-old son loves them too!
Packed with vegetables, affordable, and easy to prepare — this is definitely one of our family favorites.
Would I buy it again? ✅ Absolutely!
I’d love to compare this with the scallion pancakes from H Mart in a future post and share which one is my favorite!
4. Trader Joe’s Branzino Fillets ($9.99)
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆
I know many moms have amazing recipes for branzino, but honestly… I usually just pan-fry it with a little seasoning. 😂
With a toddler at home, I don’t always have time to look up new recipes and prepare complicated meals.
I try to serve fish at least once a week, and Trader Joe’s Branzino Fillets make it easy to add a healthy seafood option to our family meals.
Simple, quick, and toddler-friendly — that’s exactly what I need on busy days.
Would I buy it again? ✅ Yes!
5. Trader Joe’s Black Sesame Mochi ($4.99)
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
This is a dangerous dessert… 😂
The kind of treat that can magically stop a crying toddler!
My son used to cry every time he got a haircut. One day, I promised him two mochi pieces if he could get his haircut without crying — and it worked! It was his first tear-free haircut ever. 🎉
This used to be hard to find at Trader Joe’s, and while it seems a little easier to get now, Black Sesame Mochi is still usually the first flavor to disappear.
Sweet, chewy, and toddler-approved!
Would I buy it again? ✅ Absolutely!
6. Trader Joe’s Guava Fruit Spread ($3.49)
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
I bought this because it was a seasonal item, and OMG… it was so refreshing and delicious!
I paired it with Trader Joe’s Black Truffle Monterey Jack Cheese in a sandwich, and the sweet & salty combination was amazing. 🤤
Even my 3-year-old son finished his sandwich in no time! It’s perfect for a weekend breakfast or a simple brunch at home.
My husband’s only comment was, “Don’t put too much on!” 😂
Would I buy it again? ✅ Absolutely!
7. Trader Joe’s Canvas Bag ($4.99)
I heard the pastel Trader Joe’s bags were a huge hit recently… 😂
When I stopped by Trader Joe’s, I found this slightly larger canvas bag and grabbed one right away.
I actually bought it as a little gift for my mom in Korea when I visit her in a few months.
It’s simple, practical, and has that “only in the U.S.” Trader Joe’s charm that makes it a fun little souvenir.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s is one of my favorite places to shop as a busy mom.
Not every product becomes a favorite, but I love finding items that make everyday meals easier — especially products my whole family can enjoy.
From quick dinners to toddler-approved snacks, these are the Trader Joe’s items I actually buy and bring home again and again.
I’ll keep sharing more Trader Joe’s finds, including products I love, products I would skip, and comparisons with Korean grocery stores like H Mart.
What are your Trader Joe’s favorites? I’d love to hear your recommendations!