Finding authentic Italian food at the grocery store in the United States isn’t as easy as you’d hope.
Often an item labeled as “Italian” is pretty different from what you’d actually eat in Italy. Plus, when you can find authentic imported foods, they’re usually expensive!
Since my husband (who is from Rome, Italy) and I haven’t been back to Italy in a long time, we really miss all the amazing food! We find ourselves hunting down the best Italian products we can get in America, and luckily we can find a few great options at our Neighborhood Trader Joe’s store.
Here is a roundup of the best authentic Italian products you can find at Trader Joe’s. Some are even labeled “Trader Giotto’s” as their nod to the Italian style! Many of these are products of Italy, and say so on the label. Others are just VERY similar to what you’d find in the “Bel Paese”.
Check out these must try authentic Italian foods from Trader Joe’s and give your taste buds a vaycay!
#1. Trader Joe’s Rosemary Sfogliette Crackers
The trader joe’s sfogliette crackers are a new product, and a major hit around my house! These crispy treats were inspired by the puffy pastry Sfogliatelle [sfow-lee-ah-TELL-ee] popular in the Southern Italian region of Campania. They’re great on their own or paired with dips, soups, and #2 below!
#2. Trader Joe’s Burrata
Burrata is a beautiful Italian cheese made from cow’s milk, and once you try it you can’t get enough! Trader Joe’s is one of the only places in America I can find it, and each container comes with two creamy filled spheres. They’re great with salads and sandwiches!
#2. Trader Joe’s Prosciutto
Most grocery stores carry some kind of Prosciutto, however Trader Joe’s has a very authentic version of this which is a thinly sliced and cured italian ham. Pro tip: If you don’t like a lot of fat, turn the container over and eyeball the package to find the perfect ratio for you!
#3. Trader Joe’s Parmesan Reggiano
Italians are serious about their parmesan, and I’ve witnessed quite a few side eyes from Italians who know when it’s not the real deal in America. Real Italian parmesan reggiano is aged at least 12 months, and this one from Trader Joe’s is perfect for pasta!
#4. Trader Joe’s Ravioli
I have to hand it to Trader Joes for their creativity because they have a super impressive selection of ravioli that was actually made in Italy! They have seasonal flavors that rotate, but make sure to look for the packages with the italian flag on the front!
#5. Trader Joe’s Orzo pasta
Orzo is a small rice shaped pasta that is not carried at a lot of grocery stores! I’m so happy to find it at Trader Joe’s, where they carry pasta that was actually made in italy! This goes great in a pasta salad with olives, feta, and tomatoes!
#6. Trader Joe’s Pesto alla Genovese
Genoise Pesto or Pesto alla genovese is creamier than traditional pesto, it’s amazing! Trader Joe’s has a great version of their in house brand – perfect on pasta, chicken, and even homemade pizzas!
#8. Sanpellegrino Blood Orange Soda
Blood orange is one of the most unique Italian flavors loved all over the world! “Aranciata Rossa” Blood Orange soda is one of my favorite treats when I’m in Italy. Trader Joe’s carries the Italian brand Sanpellegrino in many flavors, so you can have a taste of Italy anywhere.
#9. Trader Joe’s Lattemiele Cookies
Now onto the sweet stuff! Italians love their cookies, especially with an espresso at breakfast time. These Lattemiele cookies are milk and honey flavored – and one of the best tasty treats to have anytime of the day.
#10. Loacker Quadratini Dark Chocolate
These wafer cookies from Italian brand Loacker are one of the best Italian foods to snag from Trader Joe’s. They’re crispy and filled with dark chocolate, but the best part? They’re bite sized so it’s easy to avoid going overboard!
#11. Trader Joe’s Chocolate Croissants
This Italian food from Trader Joe’s also falls into a “French” category BUT it tastes like the ones from a coffee bar in Italy! You let these prove overnight, and bake them in the morning for a flakey crust! Careful, they are addictive!
I hope you enjoyed this list of Italian finds at Trader Joe’s! Looking for more ways to get the taste of Italy at home? Check out two of my favorite Italian treats you can make in your own kitchen!
Classic Italian Crostata Recipe – How To Make The Sweet & Satisfying Tart
How To Make A Classic Italian Ciambellone Ring Cake
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