Here’s a small haul of items that always seem to find their way into my cart.

From left to right:

Sliced Sourdough Bread ($2.99) – Maybe it’s because I spent 20 years in San Francisco, but this is my go-to bread for sandwiches and toast. Like all TJ’s bread, it doesn’t keep well, so I store it in the fridge.

Dark Russet Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips ($2.29) – These look burnt, but they’re really, really not. I don’t know how they do it, but I love the almost too-dark but really just perfect flavor of these. They’re great with the onion dip.

Unexpected Cheddar ($3.99) – I know everyone says this, but Unexpected Cheddar really is great. A cross between sharp cheddar and Parmesan with a crumbly texture, I eat it straight out of the package. It gets a bit gritty after a while, but mine never lasts that long.

Indian Style Flatbread ($2.99) – TJ’s take on naan, this comes in different flavors and is perfect for dipping in hummus. Like the sourdough, keep it refrigerated.

Smoked Chicken Tenders Dog Treats ($3.99) – According to my dog, Dot, these are the best treats in the entire world. She goes crazy when she sees the bag. Unfortunately, these are very expensive for a small bag, especially when you have a big dog. But they make her happy so they’re worth it.

Belgian Chocolate Pudding ($3.49) – Oh, Lordy. This stuff really shouldn’t come home with me every week, but I can’t help it. This is a thick, rich chocolate pudding, and not just any chocolate. DARK chocolate. It’s the perfect panacea for even the strongest chocolate craving.

Way More Chocolate Chip Cookies ($4.49) – These small, buttery cookies were pretty darn perfect already, but now they’ve added…wait for it…way more chocolate chips. They disappear by the handful, so be warned.

Cacio e Pepe ($3.99) – This is new to this list (and new to Trader Joe’s) but I suspect I’ll stop putting it in my cart when they pry it from my cold dead fingers. It’s creamy, cheesy, peppery and takes less than 10 minutes to cook on the stovetop. What’s not to love?

Plantain Crisps ($2.49) – I usually prefer salty over sweet, and I reach for these salty snacks every time.

Carmelized Onion Dip ($2.99) – This is not your garden-variety onion dip. The carmelized onions lend a nice sweetness to this tangy dip.

Mandarin Orange Chicken ($4.99) – You know it, you love it. My freezer is never without at least one bag.

Hummus Dip ($3.49) – Trader Joe’s has great hummus, and this plain one is no exception.

Fresh Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs ($2.69) – I always keep a bag of these cage-free, hard-boiled eggs on hand for quick and healthy breakfasts. I love them with Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning.

Parmesan, Romano & Asiago Cheese ($2.99) – I love this shaved cheese for finishing off pasta dishes. I always keep a tub on hand.

Chicken Breasts ($7.99) – These fully-cooked, lightly seasoned, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are super handy. They are individually vacuum-sealed in a bit of jus so they stay nice and moist. They’re great for salads, sandwiches, or to nestle in a TJ’s simmer sauce for dinner.