TikTok has a new pantry playbook, and it doubles as a foolproof menu for your next movie marathon. In a viral video, creator Blair Cooley spotlights 10 Trader Joe’s staples that make quick, flavorful, and better-for-you bites without much prep. From dips and dressings to crowd-pleasing dough and low-cal sips, the list is built for weeknight dinners and couchbound double features alike.
Cooley’s picks skew practical and versatile, with a few smart swaps that bring big taste for fewer calories. Even better, the creator’s tips show how to stretch each product across sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and snack boards—ideal for hosting a streaming night without breaking a sweat.
Viral TikTok Spotlights Trader Joe’s Essentials
Leading the list is Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale Cashew Pesto, which Cooley calls “elite” for its versatility. The creamy, dairy-free spread doubles as a dip with crackers, a punchy sandwich layer, a pizza base, or a pasta sauce. Cooley even uses it as a quick marinade for meat, making this jar an all-purpose flavor shortcut worth keeping in the fridge.
Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils deliver a protein boost with minimal effort—Cooley notes the ready-to-heat staple brings 10 grams of protein per half cup. Toss them over salads, stir into soups, fold into stir-fries, or season and enjoy warm on their own. For nights when credits roll before dinner is done, they’re a reliable base that’s fast and filling.
For a low-calorie topper that tastes restaurant-fresh, Cooley points to the Green Goddess Dressing. Made with Hass avocados, basil, chives, green onion, garlic, and apple cider vinegar, it’s bright, herbaceous, and only 20 calories per serving. It shines on salads, but it also wakes up grain bowls and roasted vegetables between episodes.
Garlic lovers get a direct shout-out with Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread Dip. Rich and creamy with a bold, garlicky punch, Cooley recommends it for sandwiches, roasted veggies, or as a dip for crackers and pita. It’s the kind of spread that makes a snack plate feel like a plan—especially when you need something quick before the opening credits.
A simple upgrade with big payoff: Trader Joe’s Rainbow Peppercorns. Freshly cracked, the blend adds a bold, slightly fruity heat to meats, roasted vegetables, soups, and even scrambled eggs. Cooley suggests keeping it on hand to instantly elevate everyday meals, which is handy when you want something special without a long ingredient list.
For a lighter, fizzy swap with a functional twist, Cooley highlights the Sparkling Apple Cider Vinegar Beverage. “If you love Poppi, you have to try these,” the creator says, calling out Elderberry + Pomegranate and Strawberry Lemon as standouts. They’re crisp and lightly tangy at just 35 calories per serving, offering a refreshing sip that won’t overpower salty snacks.
Trader Joe’s Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip earns extra credit for versatility. “Obviously, you can use this as a dip as is, but one of my favorite ways to enjoy it is as a mayo substitute in egg salad,” Cooley shares. Made with Greek yogurt, it’s lower in fat but stays tangy and satisfying—an easy swap for sandwiches or snacking.
When the night calls for DIY pizza, Cooley recommends the Garlic & Herb Fresh Pizza Dough. The budget-friendly staple—often under $2—turns weeknight cooking into a fun, shareable activity. It freezes well, too, so you can keep a backup for impromptu dinner-and-a-movie plans or a last-minute watch party.
Spice fans get their fix with Trader Joe’s Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce. Cooley warns it’s for those who truly like heat, but that intensity makes it a standout as a pizza base or stirred into soups. The creator even uses it in an Italian penicillin-style soup, proving it can bring warmth and depth far beyond a simple condiment.
Finally, Hot & Sweet Jalapeños are a dietitian-favorite add-on that delivers flavor with a little heat. They’re perfect for topping tacos, mixing into salads, layering onto sandwiches, or enjoying straight from the jar. For a quick hack, scatter them over that garlic-and-herb pizza dough with pesto and mozzarella for a snackable, sweet-heat slice.
The 10 Picks And How To Use Them
What makes Cooley’s list pop is how each item stacks together for fast, flexible menus. The pesto and pizza dough are a natural pairing; the Bomba sauce adds heat on top or gets stirred into tomato sauce for a fiery pie. Rainbow Peppercorns finish everything with a fresh grind, while the Green Goddess Dressing refreshes a side salad with bright acidity.
For protein-forward bowls, mix Steamed Lentils with chopped veggies, drizzle with Green Goddess, and finish with Hot & Sweet Jalapeños. On the snack side, set out Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip and Garlic Spread with crackers, pita, and crudités. The Sparkling ACV beverages round things out with a crisp, low-cal sip that pairs well with savory bites.
Easy Upgrades For Movie Night And Beyond
Cooley’s TikTok is less about chasing trends and more about repeatable staples that work whenever time is tight. Each product pulls double or triple duty, helping viewers build a rotation of reliable meals and snacks that still feel fresh—crucial for long streaming sessions or casual get-togethers.
Whether you’re assembling a quick snack board before a premiere or stretching pantry items into dinner during a midseason binge, these Trader Joe’s picks cover the bases. With a few smart upgrades and a dash of heat, Cooley’s list proves you don’t need a lengthy prep scene to deliver a great finale at the table.
