5 Amazing Trader Joe's Products You Have to Try in December 2023

The closest Trader Joe's to where I live is about 30 minutes away. As such, I can't rely on it as my go-to grocery store. Rather, I do my best to get down there when I can, which is usually once a month at most.

But there are certain times during the year when I absolutely make a point to stop at Trader Joe's. One is the September-October time frame, because that's when the Trader Joe's pumpkin explosion tends to happen. The other must-visit time frame in my book is late November-early December, because that's when the shelves of Trader Joe's tend to be stocked with a host of holiday goodies.

I recently paid a visit to Trader Joe's and brought home these awesome items. You may want to check them out while they're still available.

1. Aged Sheep's Milk Cheese Marinated in EVOO

I happen to love me some cheese, so whenever I visit Trader Joe's, I like to ask if there's anything new in that area worth sampling. The helpful store employee I spoke to the other day told me I just had to try this new Aged Sheep’s Milk Cheese, and I'm so glad she did.

This cheese is honestly one of the most unique dairy products I've sampled. The olive oil lends an interesting touch to a flavor that's nutty without being overpowering. You can snag a six-ounce block for $5.99, but you may want to pick up a second one, too. I was told this item is only going to be around for a short while.

2. Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Cremes

During the month of December, the majority of the snack food I consume is of the peppermint variety. I routinely pick up a giant batch of peppermint bark at Costco. And this is the second year in a row that I've snagged these peppermint cremes from Trader Joe's.

What makes them so tasty is that they have a creamy middle that's sort of truffle-like. Imagine a York Peppermint Patty, but softer. And I love the texture of the peppermint bits on the outside. You can snag a seven-ounce box of these beauties for $3.99. I'm proud of myself for only having bought one box, not two.

3. Astounding Multi-flavor Mini Pretzels

If you're a fan of the salty and sweet combo, then this box of pretzels is calling your name. It features four varieties with toppings that include rainbow nonpareils and mini M&Ms (well, they're the Trader Joe's version, so we'll have to technically call them chocolate gems instead). I haven't busted into my box yet because I'm trying to exercise self-control and save it for a gathering. Otherwise, I fear I might eat the whole thing myself. You can grab a 16-ounce box for $7.99.

4. Mini Gingerbread People

These gingerbread cookies are probably one of my favorite things to buy at Trader Joe's. They're just a really tasty bite -- one that has a nice little kick but isn't too sharp. And while I don't always like icing, the icing on these cookies is subtle and unobtrusive. Because my kids enjoy these cookies like I do, I usually pick up two boxes to last a couple of months. At $4.49 per 16-ounce box, that's by no means an unreasonable credit card tab.

5. Pretzel Bread Pudding

I won't even pretend to be on anything close to a health kick this month. So when I saw Pretzel Bread Pudding in the freezer section of Trader Joe's, I knew I had to bring it home. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm imagining another sweet and salty concoction that I can warm up and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for absolute perfection. I paid $4.49 for a 7.6-ounce box, and I have a feeling this is going to taste better than any dessert I might otherwise pay double for at a restaurant.

I'm so excited to fully dive into my recent Trader Joe's stash. If these products sound yummy to you, don't wait. They have the potential to sell out, and they're likely to be rotated out of the lineup by the end of the year. So if you think any of these items will make a great addition to your Christmas dinner or New Year's bash, pick them up while you can.