Why It Pays To Pick Up Fancy Crackers At Trader Joe's

Sometimes, snacking is a purely utilitarian solo venture that staves off the "hangries" between clocking out and arriving home for dinner. Other times, snacking is a shared event, as delicious and meaningful as sharing a meal together. These times, when snacking meets entertaining, there's probably a good chance that you're whipping out the cheese and crackers. We see you building the ultimate charcuterie board when girls-night-in rolls around. Need something to munch on during movie night? Fuhgeddaboutit.

That's why, today, we're talking about one of the surest places to secure some affordable snacks (that don't taste like a budget-friendly option). Enter, Trader Joe's — specifically, the cracker aisle. TJ's offers a wide variety of crackers at an inexpensive price, so picking up fancy crackers here won't just save your last-minute dinner party, it'll also save your wallet. Whether you're enjoying 'em by yourself or feeding a crowd, we've rounded up some ideas to help you level up your snacking game on a dime.

Not only are the fancy crackers at Trader Joe's creative and original, they're also consistently priced at least a full dollar cheaper than competitors. The chain's Gluten-Free Norwegian Crispbread crackers, for instance, are loaded with oat flakes, rice bran, and sesame seeds, and they run for just $4.29 a box. The comparable Z "Everything" Crackers from a Whole Foods in Brooklyn, NY cost $6.99 for the same size container. Or, consider TJ's savory-sweet Fig & Olives Crisps, filled with finely diced Kalamata olives and Mission figs. They'd be delicious spread with salted nut butter or even a creamy chicken liver pâté, and they run for $3.99 per 5.3-ounce box. At a Target in Brooklyn, NY, the same size box of similar fig crackers will set you back $5.29. 

While you're at TJ's, there are several other fancy crackers worth putting on your radar. The Organic Garlic Naan Crackers ($3.79) make a killer vehicle for hummus or saag paneer. These thin, crunchy, hexagonal Rosemary Sogliette Crackers ($1.69 per bag) would be great in a bowl of tomato soup or spread with goat cheese. For instant Sunday football hors d'oeuvres, these Cauliflower Crisps ($2.99) can scoop up spinach and artichoke dip, a bubbling dish of homemade buffalo chicken dip, or even TJ's Pimento Cheese Dip ($3.99). To complete the meal in one grocery stop, pair your crackers 'n spread with a bottle of Trader Joe's wine (many of which are less than $10).

(All figures are based on prices from a Trader Joe's in Brooklyn, New York.)