11 Most Affordable Labor Day Party Foods at Trader Joe’s

There’s no better excuse to gather friends and neighbors than Labor Day — the last hurrah of summertime. No need to stress over complicated menus or preparations or overspend your budget. The goal here is to relax and enjoy the long weekend.

Trader Joe’s has a great mixture of party staples like chips, salsas and dips, as well as seasonal favorites — it’s almost pumpkin time! — to make your party a low-budget breeze while keeping things festive.

• Price: $1.99

One of the best buys at Trader Joe’s is a package of basic flour tortillas. At most grocery chains, bags of 8 or 10 small tortillas cost $4 and up, but these beauties are big enough for burritos and come in packages of 12 for only $1.99. You can’t go wrong with cheesy quesadillas for your Labor Day fiesta.

• Price: $3.79

With most of their great tasting dips under $5, Trader Joe’s has many options for budget entertaining.

Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert for MySavings.com, said she picks up one of her favorites, Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip, in bulk when she finds it in the freezer section. “Your guests will think you ordered this dip from a restaurant, it’s that good! This dip has become very popular, so I always grab a few.”

• Price: $3.99

Cid also said that her guests have raved about the variety of hummus dips in the refrigerated section at Trader Joe’s. “The Mediterranean Style Hummus is only $3.99 for a 16-ounce container and is topped with crunchy pine nuts, fresh parsley, bell pepper and olive oil, making it look like it came right out of a chef’s kitchen.”

Don’t forget to grab a bag of Trader Joe’s pita chips or frozen Tandoori naan to pair with your hummus!

• Price: $3.49

You can’t go wrong with heaping piles of chips and deep bowls of salsa for a party. Since Labor Day is the gateway to autumn, why not include this Fall Harvest Salsa, which mixes fire-roasted tomatillos with honey roasted pumpkin and squash? Grab a few bags of chips, and you’re all set.

• Price: $3.49 per pound

If you’re ready to fire up the grill, Trader Joe’s has you covered with their Organic Chicken Grill Pack for only $3.49 a pound — a true steal with meat prices so high. Make a marinade with olive oil and Cuban Style Citrusy Garlic Seasoning Blend to soak up the summery flavors.

• Price: $5.99

If you want to skip the grill this year, you could grab a few packages of Trader Joe’s BBQ Pulled Chicken. At only $5.99 for 16 ounces, this no-fuss prepared chicken is great for a quick and juicy sandwich or as a topper for nachos or salads.

• Price: $3.99

Another way to feed a crowd — and be accommodating to guests with food sensitivities — is by picking up this gluten free pizza dough.

Former Trader Joe’s employee and lifestyle blogger Grace Moser of Chasing Foxes likes the garlic and herb pizza dough, too, and said that pairing fresh pizza dough with other Trader Joe’s staples, like fresh mozzarella, basil and vodka sauce, will “make your guests feel like you’re a cooking expert without spending too much money.”

• Price: $3.29

Squeeze the last out of summer with this delicious lemonade. Perfect when mixed with Trader Joe’s sparkling water — just $0.99 per liter bottle — or splashed into your favorite cocktail.

• Price: $3.99

Trader Joe’s makes healthy entertaining easy with their endless variations on salad kits. With just the right balance of crunchy veggies, tangy dressings and tasty toppings, you can’t go wrong for a party.

Most bagged salads are $3.99, with favorites including the Organic Mediterranean Style Salad Kit, the Peanut and Crispy Noodle Salad Kit and the Avocado Ranch Salad Kit.

• Price: $1.99 and up

With a variety of unexpected gourmet flavors, Trader Joe’s sodas bring a touch of class to your Labor Day ice chest. The original Something Spritzy and Something Spritzy Pineapple and Orange make fantastic mixed drinks, while healthy Probiotic Sparkling Beverages come in refreshing Ginger Lemon and Tangerine flavors.

• Price: varies

Lastly, Trader Joe’s always offers great deals on seasonal produce. Serve up your favorite late summer goodies, from sweet corn to Asian pears, peaches and apricots, and soak up the last of summer!