10 Best Trader Joe’s Sauces on the Shelves

May 10, 2024

Courtesy of Trader Joe's

Sauces are one of the easiest ways to enhance meals. Whether you use one as a dip for fresh veggies, to marinate chicken, or to spoon over grilled fish, some sauces bring the heat, while others add creaminess or a touch of acidity. Known for its on-trend snacks and frozen meals, Trader Joe’s also sells several popular sauces that can upgrade your meals in a flash.

They offer a wide variety of sauces, from creamy, aromatic garlic aioli to sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle. You can easily dress up any meal, saving you time during the week — and don’t worry, these products are healthy and delicious. If you need inspiration for your next dinner, pick up some of the best Trader Joe’s sauces on store shelves right now.

1. Enchilada Sauce

With cayenne pepper to bring the heat, Trader Joe’s Enchilada Sauce ranks as medium-hot on the heat scale — so only reach for this one if you’re into spicy food. Also made with chili powder, cumin, and garlic, the sauce has a deep flavor works no matter what filling you choose for your enchiladas. You can branch out and get creative, too, adding a spoonful to lend smoky flavor to soups or using it as a marinade.

2. Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce

Trader Joe’s Garlic Mustard Sauce adds a sharp and creamy flavor to any dish — spread it on top of a burger or mix with a little olive oil to turn it into a salad dressing. The egg yolk and oil combo mellows the zesty bite from the garlic and mustard. It’s versatile yet unique and one of the best Trader Joe’s sauces you can find.

3. Harissa

Harissa is a traditional condiment from North Africa. It’s made from grilled red chili peppers blended with spices like garlic, cumin, and caraway. Harissa is one of the Trader Joe’s sauces that will appeal to people who enjoy big flavor and spice. Its bold, smoky flavor pairs well with chicken, fish, lamb, or vegetarian dishes like hummus or shakshuka.

4. Italian Bomba

Here’s another hot sauce — but this time, the kick comes from Italian Calabrian chili peppers. This sauce has some fruity notes that balance the spice. Italian Bomba may start out mild, but it gets more intense as you eat. It’s the perfect peppery addition to pasta or pizza.

5. Chimichurri Sauce

A classic to spoon over steak, Chimichurri is a bright, herby, aromatic sauce that’s a cousin to pesto. The mix of chopped parsley, cilantro, and garlic adds a refreshing bite and balances well with rich proteins. This chimichurri sauce also works well with grilled shrimp or roasted sweet potatoes. Or, mix it with Greek yogurt and use it as a dip.

6. Chunky Garlic & Jalapeno Hot Sauce

Garlic and Jalapeno, Courtesy of Trader Joes

Need a new hot sauce that works with any meal? Trader Joe’s Chunky Garlic and Jalapeno is savory, tart, and spicy. Puréed jalapenos give it a kick and a thick consistency. Sprinkle it on nachos, tacos, huevos rancheros — or even just regular scrambled eggs.

7. Green Goddess Salad Dressing

Is it a dressing or a sauce? Despite its name, Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Salad Dressing can be both. Packed with herbs like basil, chives, and parsley, plus plenty of garlic, and avocado for creaminess, this dressing is bright and fresh tasting — plus, its simple ingredients mean it’s Whole30 friendly.

8. Spicy Honey Sauce

If you love hot honey, you’re in for a treat: Trader Joe’s Spicy Honey Sauce is a simple combination of honey, vinegar, and chili that you can drizzle on pizza or use as a glaze for chicken or shrimp. It also goes beautifully on a cheese plate.

9. Organic Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce

Kansas City is renowned for its barbecue, and now you can have it wherever you are thanks to Trader Joe’s version, taste-tested by a judging panel. The base is tomato purée with brown sugar and molasses, with onion, garlic, and paprika added. With its tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors, this is one of the best Trader Joe’s sauces to enhance grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork.

10. Peri-Peri Sauce

Once you try Peri Peri Sauce, you won’t want to be without it. It hits all the notes: It’s spicy, bright and acidic, slightly sweet — and it’s irresistibly smooth and creamy. Drizzle it on roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or shrimp, or even tacos.