I live halfway around the world from Trader Joe's and only visit twice a year. Here's what I fill my suitcase with.

I find Trader Joe's slightly peppery, delicately flavored oil consistent from bottle to bottle and well-priced.

I use it at home to sauté veggies, dress salads, flavor soups and dips, and drizzle on bread.

I've found it hard to find good-quality olive oil in Indonesia, so I always bring back a few bottles.

Balsamic vinegar is another pantry staple I use in salads, cooking, and dips.

It's even great drizzled over fresh fruit, ice cream, or pie.

My daughter loves Trader Joe's spicy, salty chips made with potatoes and fiery ghost peppers — even if they arrive home slightly crushed in my luggage.

I add a handful to her school lunches while they last.

Trader Joe's nutritional yeast is versatile, inexpensive, and high in B vitamins. It adds a nice, cheesy flavor to popcorn, soups, and salads.

It's hard to find and expensive in Indonesia, so I make sure to bring extra bags as gifts.

I picked up Trader Joe's sunscreen for my daughter a few years ago, and it's now her favorite skin-care product.

The oil-free sunscreen contains SPF 40, and it's light, nongreasy, and well-priced.

Every Trader Joe's store has artists on staff, and the colorful, fun signage, store murals, and shopping bags are created in-house.

On each trip, I look forward to seeing the new designs.

I usually buy a whole stack of bags since they're inexpensive, and I'll wrap Christmas and birthday presents in them as an extra gift.

Trader Joe's cold-pressed juice shots in the refrigerated section give me a good vitamin boost after a long, dehydrating plane ride.

The refreshing coconut water and lemon juice balance out the flavors of the spicy black pepper and turmeric.

The small jar of seasoning is bursting with umami flavor that's perfect for any savory dish.

I always bring back multiple jars for friends and family.

My daughter loves Trader Joe's tea-flavored mints. They have a lightly spicy chai flavor and leave her breath minty fresh.

She keeps a tin in her school bag to use after lunch.

I always make space in my luggage for the creamy, peanut-butter cups coated in dark chocolate. Everyone in my family loves them.

Sadly they don't last long when I get back home.

Trader Joe's peanut-butter-filled pretzel nuggets are a high-protein after-school snack (a serving has 5 grams).

My daughter and her friends love the interesting combination of salty, crunchy pretzels with smooth, creamy peanut butter. They're also a great party nibble for adults — if the kids haven't devoured them all.

Trader Joe's beloved Unexpected Cheddar is creamy with a hint of a sharp bite. It really is an unexpected flavor combination, and it's so good.

Cheese is usually expensive in Indonesia, so I like to bring back a few blocks as gifts.

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