This $0.99 Trader Joe’s Find Is "So Dang Good"

I have a couple of olive fiends in my family. So when I stumbled upon Trader Joe's "Just a Handful of Pitted Salted Manzanilla Olives" that sell for 99 cents, I knew we had to try them. It wasn't long before these tiny green orbs would become a family obsession.

Imported from Spain, they're more than just a garnish—they're a full-fledged snack that punches way above their weight class. Their firm, meaty, "yet tender-to-the-bite texture" is wonderful and the salty, briny flavor is so dang good! If you're already an olive fan, I can guarantee you'll love these. 

Why I Love Trader Joe's Pitted Salted Manzanilla Olives

Remember "girl dinner?" The TikTok trend everyone was buzzing about for a while? It was (still is?) a popular social movement where women showcased simple, eclectic snacks or small bites rather than traditional, structured meals.

I love the term "girl dinner," but moms (and primary caregivers) have been in on this secret for years. We just call it a "snack plate" or the "I don't feel like cooking tonight" special. It's an assortment of nibbles we throw together for our families when the thought of turning on the stove feels like climbing Everest. These improvised meal solutions aren't just a lazy girl's or mom's means of dinner escape—they're a genius solution that olives always make better.

Our snack plates often consist of cut-up vegetables, fresh seasonal fruit, a dip or two—maybe hummus and tzatziki—crackers, sliced bread, a couple of different cheeses, nuts, pickles, salami or leftover grilled meat, and, of course, a handful of TJ's Manzanilla olives. I like that the olive pouches are a one-and-done situation with no leftovers taking up space in the fridge.

It's a choose-your-own-adventure meal, and it's not just the kids who get excited when they see that board hit the table. It's a playful take on dinner that my kids (and I) love. I'm also convinced they eat more things they wouldn't otherwise eat because the presentation is fun.

The Many Ways I Use Trader Joe's Manzanilla Olives

Beyond a girl dinner or snack plate, the olives add bold flavor and a salty contrast to meals, drinks, and other snack-inspired situations. Here are some of my family's other favorite ways to enjoy them:

• The ultimate cheese plate upgrade: I love adding a handful to our bi-weekly cheese boards. The olives' brininess perfectly complements a sharp cheddar.
• A ride-or-die car snack: Snacks keep us going through long car rides with the kids. These olives are a healthy option I'm always grateful to have on hand.
• An instant tapas party: Paired with Manchego, chorizo, and a glass of crisp white wine, we’re transported to a sunny Spanish plaza, no passport required!
• A salad savior: They add a good chew and some extra zing that instantly upgrades any ordinary green salad.
• Pizza and sandwich topping extraordinaire: Chopped and sprinkled over top of whatever we're eating, these olives have a briny contrast that makes any savory, cheesy carb base better.
• An A+ cocktail garnish: Dry martinis never tasted better.

The next time you're tempted to order takeout, remember that a girl dinner might be your biggest hit of the week! At just 99 cents a pack, the TJ's Manzanilla olives take it from basic to bougie in 10 seconds flat.