In my high school economics class, we learned how to budget for grocery shopping. Among the bombardment of bland, head-scratching concepts like ‘Gross Domestic Product,’ ‘scarcity,’ and ‘capital,’ I finally felt like I was handed a topic that I was passionate about-- food. If there’s one thing I remember from that class, besides the painstakingly awkward humor of our teacher, it’s this: while grocery shopping, you are trading time for money. In other words, the longer you spend meticulously weighing the costs of products and choosing wisely, the less money you will spend. This knowledge led me to a series of stressful grocery shopping trips, in which my college roomates finished in half the time I did because I’d stand in the bread aisle trying to do the mental math on cost vs. quality vs. ounces of food.

Despite my persistence to achieve the (what seemed like) impossible feat of a short, cheap, and relatively healthy grocery shopping trip, my frustration miraculously ended with a beacon of light-- the red neon signs that read: ‘Trader Joe’s.’

Since my epiphany that Trader Joe’s is cheaper, healthier, and more convenient than other grocery stores, our relationship has been hot and cold. Part of me was satisfied with the plethora of frozen food, fresh produce, and inexpensive alcohol options, but the other part of me craved the too-many-options abyss of Meijer, which always had my go-to family-sized box of Cheez-its.

Now that I’ve moved to New York City, where even breathing is expensive, our relationship is back on the upswing. I’ve discovered the beauty of a fridge full of food that doesn’t break the bank, a last-minute one-paper-bag trip to replenish the necessities, dairy-free options, and snack foods that almost compare to Cheez-it heaven.

Although I highly recommend perusing all the options at Trader Joe’s for yourself, I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 favorite products (most under $4 and all under $10). Here’s what I came up with:

** Note: prices are based on my own receipts, research, and experiences in New York and Michigan stores; prices may vary depending on region.

Channa Masala - $2.29

This frozen chickpea-based turmeric dish is to die for. It takes a mere four minutes to heat up in the microwave, but tastes like it took you hours! Pour it over rice, sauté up some chicken and veggies, or enjoy it by itself. While I’m at it, Trader Joe’s frozen Indian food in general is pretty awesome; I would also recommend their Tikka Chicken Masala and Garlic Naan.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce - $2.99

If you’re looking to amp up your normal pasta recipe, try this canned pasta sauce, rich with parmesan cheese and a touch of cream. I usually pair mine with TJ’s whole-wheat rotini pasta, ground turkey, and a bit of sautéed onion. Would recommend.

Veggie Sticks - $1.99

Veggie sticks may or may not be for children, but these crunchy potato-chip alternatives are the perfect buttery, salty snacking goodness. If you eat these like I do, the 6 oz. bag can easily be finished in a sitting or two. They aren’t super filling on their own, so I would recommend pairing them with a handful of lightly salted almonds or another form of protein.

Mediterranean Hummus - $3.99

If you’re a hummus fanatic like me, you’ll know that it’s hard to find a big tub of hummus for under $5. Not only is this hummus a whole dollar less than similar-sized containers at other grocery stores, but it tastes more authentic than, say, Sabra; this hummus is complete with garlic and tangy flavors, perfect for snacking with pretzels, pita chips, or veggies.

KBC IPA - $6.99/ 6-pack

Beer lovers! This one’s for you. This India Pale Ale has an abv (alcohol by volume) of 6.1%, but is relatively mild on the bitterness-scale and absolutely easy to drink. Bonus: each beer is only about $1.16 per bottle, so it really is more bang for your buck. If you don’t want to commit to a whole six-pack of KBC, you can mix and match single beers of any kind in a nifty six-pack sleeve.

Lactose Free Vanilla Coffee Creamer - $3.29

My taste buds LOVE dairy coffee creamers, but my tummy doesn’t agree. I used to think I could only get a tasty and creamy flavored coffee creamer if it contained dairy, but this non-dairy creamer proved me wrong. It comes in a whole quart bottle, so if you similarly enjoy having a sweet and yummy cup of coffee every morning, this creamer is the way to go. Barista fun fact: soy and almond milks and creamers may curdle in hot coffee-- this one stays smooth so you can sip away.

Triple Cream Brie - price depends on size

Hey there, fancy lady! Now you can have ‘snacking cheeses’ (the best kind, let’s be real) for a reasonable price!-- most wedges are around $5, but you can get a smaller slice for less. As the name implies, this cheese is as creamy and spreadable as ever. If you get tired of cheese and crackers, throw some of this in an egg and tomato scramble or a grilled cheese and let it melt in your mouth. Your taste buds will thank you.

Organic Creamy Tomato Soup - $2.69

Speaking of which, this soup is the perfect pairing for a slightly more sophisticated grilled cheese and tomato soup combo. This yumminess comes in a quart-sized box that doesn’t need to be refrigerated until after using, so you can store it in your pantry for a rainy day. Shake well, pour into your fav bowl, microwave, and wah lah!-- you have yourself a warm bowl of soup.

I’ve discovered the beauty of a fridge full of food that doesn’t break the bank.

Succulents - $1.99- $5.99

Need a little window eye candy? Say hello to the cutest, most low maintenance potted plants. Most options are about the size of your palm, so you won’t be tilting over with the weight of a plant on the subway ride home. Prices vary depending on size and container (some come in ceramic or tin pots, while others are packaged in flimsy plastic pots). Might as well grab one on your trip through the check out.

Soy Chorizo - $2.29

I’m a huge meat lover, but I can honestly say that this soy alternative to chorizo sausage is delish. To vouch: I made this for my carnivorous family without telling them it wasn’t real meat, and they gobbled it up. I would recommend making tacos in corn tortillas and adding a little bit of cheese, sour cream, and/or guacamole to cut the spiciness.

These items certainly aren’t the only hidden gems available at Trader Joe’s. My cart’s usually full of goodies within twenty minutes of stepping through the sliding doors. By the end of my grocery trip, my wallet and tummy are full and happy.

Joanna Gaden is a recent college graduate from the University of Michigan who moved from her small town in the Detroit metro area to pursue big city living in Manhattan, NY. Her interests include psychology, jewelry making, cats, barista-ing, and exploring the world one bite at a time.