I work at Trader Joe's. I swear by these 12 purchases every time.

As a Trader Joe's employee, I am familiar with a lot of the chain's products. However, only a few are staples in my cart each week.

Heather Leith

If you come through my line at Trader Joe's, you'll hear me cheerfully recommending many items — the seasonal popcorns, the newest dip, the most expensive-tasting wines under $6. However, only a few items are always in my basket during my post-shift shopping sesh.My partner and I make most meals from scratch using Trader Joe's ingredients, but I am no stranger to a microwave meal or a salad kit. For lunches and breakfasts especially, I typically mix and match items to put together a meal that requires just enough effort to make me feel like I did something.When I'm not answering questions about when the mini tote bags will be back in stock, I'm talking passionately about these — the 12 purchases I swear by.

I have bought hundreds of Joe's Diner mac 'n cheese meals over the years.

Joe's Diner mac 'n cheese is so easy to prepare.