Last Sunday, I drove over to Trader Joe’s to pick up a few things for the week. I love Trader Joe’s because they have hundreds of store brand products that are absolutely amazing. The closest store to my house is 10-15 minutes away, so I try to go at least once or twice a month and stock up on my favorites.
Today I’m sharing with you 5 products always in my cart at Trader Joe’s.
1. Broccoli Florets, $2.99
You’re probably asking yourself, what’s so special about Trader Joe’s broccoli? Well my friends, I am lazy and hate chopping heads of broccoli. In my experience, broccoli florets in bags can be moldy and gross. I’ve never had this problem with bags from Trader Joe’s. It’s always super fresh! I love adding them to salads or roasting them in the oven.
2. Cod Fillets, priced per pound
When I want to get a small portion of frozen fish, I go to Trader Joe’s. As you see in the above photo, two pieces of cod only cost me $3.91! I made it for dinner last night, topped with thyme, black pepper and roasted tomatoes. Absolutely delicious and simple to make.
3. Frozen Mango Chunks, $2.50
I love frozen mango chunks, and I’ve tried so many different brands. By far, Trader Joe’s has the best. They don’t taste fake or waterlogged, and they don’t have a strange aftertaste (some brands do!). There was a shortage of mango crops last year and Trader Joe’s didn’t have any in stock for at least a few months. Since then, I’ve learned my lesson – stock up! I love eating them plain or with yogurt and seeds on top.
4. Butternut Squash Triangoli, $2.99
I was introduced to Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Triangoli a few years ago. A woman I used to work with would eat them cold for lunch. First, I thought she was downright crazy. However, once I tried them, I understood the obsession. They are so delicious! I’ve boiled them in water and had them hot, but they are so much better cold.
5. Punjab Choley, $1.99
Mmm, Punjab Choley. Bryan makes fun of me when I make this for dinner, because I have a whole song and dance dedicated to Punjab Choley. This stuff is the bomb. It’s a blend of tomatoes, chickpeas, onions and ginger, in a spicy sauce. I love eating it on top of pasta or rice. Indian food has my heart.
Talk to Me
- What are your favorite Trader Joe’s products?
- Do you enjoy Indian food? If so, what’s your favorite dish?
- How often do you go grocery shopping?
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Love their assortment of fresh flowers. They cost so much less than other places
Corn Relish – mix it with cream cheese for a dip and watch it disappear
Chicken Cilantro Wontons-wonderful appetizer as well as wonderful in soups
Their frozen Argentine shrimp – taste like lobster
Speculoos – so good and crunchy
Almond Kringle – they only get in a few times a year. I buy several and freeze
Smoked salmon dip – taste just like homemade
Sourdough Batatd Bread – wonderful texture
Love their Ginger Almond Cashew Granola
I could go on but talking about all this food is making me hungry.
Enjoy
I have not been to a Trader Joe’s yet but after reading your posts I’m going sooner than later!
What do you do with pumpkin butter?
Thanks!
So many things…where do I start…
– Mediterranean hummus
– individually packaged salads
– tamales
– all of their nuts and cheese
– tea tree oil facial wash
– prepared chicken strips of chicken breast
– frozen Mandadin chicken (taste amazing to be frozen)
Frozen roaSted potatoes. Peppers and onions
-butter nut squash frozen MAc
– all of their seasoning
– pumpkin waffle mix
– chocolate covered almonds
– triple ginger snaps
– pumpkin Madeline cookies
Vanilla wafer cookies
– cookie butter ice cream
-coffee beans (you can taste the flavor of the week) and teas
– fresh cod fish
– ghost pepper chips
– SOYAKI!!!!!!
– frozen wontons
To be fair, there are a few things I Don’t prefer
– holy guacamole
– frozen falafels
– ready to eat chicken enchiladas
Those who don’t have peanut allergies must try the pb&j chocolate bar. It’s truly amazing.
Red pepper hummus, very smooth
Savory thin crackers (gluten free)
Sun-dried tomatoes in envelope (mixed with cream and spinach) serve over chicken
Turkish apricots
Chicken Tiki Masala
Fresh green chili chicken enchiladas
Almond cookies
What about the everything but the bagel seasoning and the chilli lime seasoning
I LOVE all these suggestions! Can’t wait to try some. The one thing I have to get when at TJ’s is their canned corn! Bright yellow label and you’d swear it came fresh of the ear of corn! A must have!
YAY! Let me know what you buy next!
Bagged spinach, Lobster ravioli topped with their lobster bisque soup as the sauce is to die for, cranberry orange scones OMG! Individual lemon yogurts, Feta Cheese and caramelized onion bites from the freezer section are to die for and make a great appetizer. Their Belgian waffles in the freezer section as well as their almond croissants in the freezer section are both so delicious for breakfast. I also love their vanilla ice cream and their macaroons. Roasted red pepper and tomato soup. And their wide variety of chicken sausages in the meat section (the ones with apple in them are my favorite). And their version of Nutella is so yummy. It’s made with almonds instead of hazelnuts. And they have 2 beverages I love – the strawberry lemonade and the sparkling berry lemonade. Those are just the things off the top of my head. I love Trader Joe’s!
Those sound like great recommendations, Sarah! I LOVE cranberry orange scones!
Dark chocolate covered roasted almonds with sea salt! Enough said…
uhm, i need those in my life right about now !
This post makes my mouth water! We’re too far away from the nearest Trader Joe’s but when I visit my family back east, a stop there is always on my list. Unfortunately, since I’m flying, I am limited on what I can take home….but I always get a few of my faves. The Kona coffee truffles are divine! Dried coconut strips, the tea tree and mint shampoo, cookie butter, the tri-colored veggie flax tortilla chips, the giant chocolate bars, and more! I’m jealous of you who have one near you! On one visit they were sampling the tomato roasted red pepper soup mixed with their frozen spinach cheese risotto and wow was that good! Couldn’t pa k that though – bummer! Oh, and I finally had their peppermint “Oreos” at a party last Christmas – so good!
Thanks for reading, Ruth. I’m sad you’re too far from a Trader Joes. It’s the BEST. Do you have something similar?
Unexpected Cheddar
Tomato Bruschetta in the Refrigerated section
Horseradish Hummus
French Onion Soup Freezer Section (baking it is better than microwaving)
Fresh thinly sliced steak for the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak
Mirepoix (chopped carrot celery and onion for a fast soup)
Lentils (ready to use)
Garlic Olive Oil
Their spiral sliced ham at the holidays
Lobster tails at certain times like Valentine’s day
Fresh flower bouquets for 2.99
Key Lime Pie amazing available in summer
Pita Bite Crackers
Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps
Garlic olive oil?! Adding that to my shopping list.
Ooh — I forgot to mention the fresh mozzarella & the fresh basil (cap rede!) & the Gorgonzola roasted crackers…
Everything you just mentioned sounds amazing.
I love the Irish breakfast tea (Decaf), the
Asiago cheese with rosemary & olive oil, TJ Greek yogurt with honey, the whole wheat penne pasta, TJ kalamata olives, TJ dark chocolate covered poweberries, TJ Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper soup, the coffee, Italian wines, & TJ Oyster crackers
Great recommendations, Sandy!!
I live there! I should have a bed..lol! My top five are always the their red spinach..so delicious and different from regular green, has a nutty flavor, in season I like to get the Pumpkin butter as I read above, it IS great in everything!, makes chicken great, good on waffles, great as a sauce( add mild salsa with it) with eggs, I always get their triple romaine lettuce pack, Feta cheese, They have the best prices on Kosher meats in our area, and I love their Bruchetta. Delicious in and on so many things. There are about 15 other things I could mention but we are only allowed five so I’ll stop.. 🙂
Hah isn’t trader joe’s the best??! thanks for reading and commenting, bonnie!
We load up on snacks! My husband’s favorite snack in the whole wide world is their Chicago mix popcorn. We also love the peanutbutter filled pretzels and the chocolate covered PB filled pretzels. I always buy cookie butter, creamy or crunchy. We love the cheese with truffles in it. We had it last year, not sure if they still carry it. We also live out of the country, so T J’s is a very special treat for us.
i had no idea that they had chicago mix popcorn. i usually get it from Home Goods or Marshalls when I see it!
I love TJ’s cod…I actually wrap mine in a foil packet and season with salt and pepper, adds a few pads of butter and about 1/4 cup of white wine. Seal the foil to create a packet, so it can steam the fish while in the overnight. Bake on 350-400 until cooked through. Squeeze fresh lemon on top before serving!
Is it almost cinnamon broom time? Those are the best!
I love the lavender lotion, and the coconut body butter.
The steamed peeled beets are super convenient.
Great suggestions, Andrea. Thanks for commenting 🙂
I’ll have to try #5 if it’s vegan. It sounds like it is. T.J.s will print out a list (several pages long) of all vegetarian & vegan options they carry, if you request it. I always grab a bag of their organic Arugula. I love their Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar & always have a bottle on hand. They have a nice selection of vinegars. I also like their raw nuts & keep several bags in my freezer. Also love their Spiced Chia Tea. Most of their beauty/cleaning products are cruelty free. I use their Coconut Body Butter daily & my husband loves their Tea Tree Soap. During the holidays they carry a Pumpkin Body Butter, a Pomegranate Body Butter and their amazing Tofurkey not to mention a Ton of “pumpkin” & “ginger” treats, snacks & beverages!!! My husbands all time favorite cookie is their Triple Ginger Cookies. If you want to stay up on the sales & the seasonal and new products they carry, subscribe to their monthly “Fearless Flyer” which is always fun to read!
oo. I’m a huge sweets person, so i’m def going to try the ginger cookies! thanks for reading, Susan!
So many good recommendations! How do you cook the cod? Also, has anyone cooked their frozen tuna steaks? I’ve tried the tuna steaks, & although I like tuna, I did not care for these. Wondering if anyone else has had success.
I’m making a list now to stock up on some of the favorites listed.
I love TJ’s cod…I actually wrap mine in a foil packet and season with salt and pepper, adds a few pads of butter and about 1/4 cup of white wine. Seal the foil to create a packet, so it can steam the fish while in the overnight. Bake on 350-400 until cooked through. Squeeze fresh lemon on top before serving!
I just put the cod in the oven on a piece of non-stick foil. super quick and simple!
TJ Mediterranean Hummus
Tofu veggie rolls with peanut sauce 🙂
Gluten free blueberry muffins
bag of arugula salad
veggie chips
organic frozen brown rice
gluten free white bread
spaghetti tomato vodka sauce
bag gluten free granola
frozen sweet potato fries
Blue Fin Moscato 🙂 Just to name of few of my many favs!
And the dark chocolate peanut butter cups at the checkout for 99 cents!
I love the spaghetti vodka sauce so delicious
Wow! Thank you for the wonderful recommendations!!
TJ’s must haves: bagels, in SoCal they are made with sprouted grains and are so much more hearty. I discovered on vacation this summer that no all TJ’s products are made the same. I decided to wait until we were in WI to buy bagels for our week at the lake, they were not the same and I was very disappointed.
I cannot have cow’s milk (whey allergy), TJ’s has a large number of goat’s milk products including plain yogurt. The yogurt sweetened with vanilla and almond extracts added is a staple for breakfast. Add fresh or frozen fruit and Kashi Go Lean or Uncle Sam’s Flax Seed Flakes and it will hold you well into lunch!
Thanks for commenting, Joanne!
Tried the taco seasoning per Miranda’s post, and she was right! It’s amazing, and I usually hate the packaged stuff due to the salt content. I used half a packet to season pork burritos and it was fabulous. Tried the fig butter based on others’ comments, and that too, is amazing.
So glad!! I haven’t been over to Trader Joe’s yet, but it’s in the near future!
edamame. Their edamame in the bag with the BLUE writing is, without doubt, the best priced and best tasting. Frozen peas for making a quick pasta and peas dish when dinner is too overwhelming. And this last time we picked up the seasonal items we but every year: pumpkin things! Pumpkin butter will change your entire outlook on life!
And then there’s the wine section 😜🍷
Love their Pumpkin butter too!!!!!!!
I wish my store had wine. Stupid Pennsylvania!
Hard to narrow it down, but always buy their brown rice medley, roasted red pepper tomato soup, enchilada sauce, EVOO, herbed pizza dough, green chile tamales, penne pepperonata, melange a trois peppers, roasted corn…. And more, haha!
Great recommendations, Tammie! Thanks for commenting.
Oh and my daughter loves the mango salsa!
That sounds absolutely amazing. LOVE mango salsa!
Just got a trader Joe’s have to go shopping.
Yes you do! Let me know what you get!
TJ’s frozen Brussel Sprouts $1.39!, fig butter, Brie with truffle, anything (anything) Indian and the Anjou pears. Might want to pare the brie with the small olive bread….derlerrrrsh….so good it messes with your speech.
Brie with truffle?! Sounds amazeeeeeeee!!!
Wow, so many great comments have me wanting to go visit soon. There is one that is not that close to me but when I get there I must get the eggs. Recently egg prices have skyrocketed in the south – they are triple what they usually are at the regular grocery store. At TJs, not only are they hormone and antibiotic free, but they were not even double the usual price. I always get the bacon bits and pieces which is delicious and always $3. You can get some see through bacon at the regular grocery store for that price if it’s on sale. I also love the smoked salmon which is usually reasonable around $5. Cream cheese is also reasonable. Almond meal is about $4 a pound. And they have some tasty low carb bread.
Thanks for commenting, Frodo.
I love this post!
Okay.
Frozen cubed garlic.
Mahi burgers
Salted peanut butter
Kona cookies
Green Chili Tamales
Runner ups:
Chocolate covered espresso beans
Raw Packs of almonds
French laundry soap
Inner Peas
Thanks jill! I’ve never had the mahi burgers. They sound amazing.
I LOVE Trader Joes OJ. It tastes like an orange, which is how orange juice should taste. It has pulp in it but it is the best OJ i’ve ever had.
Sounds delish!!
the black bean and corn enchiladas from the freezer section are to die for! They are vegan, and I am definitely not, but they are sooooo good! Also, the chocolate chip banana protein power muffins are my kids fav for breakfast!
The muffins sound amazing! I could go for one right about now 🙂
The Almond Kringle around Christmas is beyond delish. Peanut butter granola bars, mini brie bites, fresh mango salsa ( a family fav is fish tacos made with all TJs products…their homeade tortillas, baked fish stix or nuggets, cheddar cheese, brocolli slaw, avacado slices and the fresh mango salsa…yummy). Chicken -less nuggets in a sweet orangy type sauce has even my meat loving husband eating vegetarian and my 7 year old really likes TJs strawberry Os cereal. Oh and the Cowboy Bark is dangerous! TJs is my main store. I shop there every week …there are so many wonderful and healthy items at great prices.
So many great recommendations! Thanks Sandy!
We love the Masala simmer sauce. Brown a pound of chicken and pour the sauce over to simmer for a bit. We serve it with rice and broccoli. If you like Indian food, you’ll love this. It’s what’s always in my bag there!
Wish I had a TJ’s in my area. The closest one is about 30 minutes away, & not on a regular route for me. I’m going to have to make a special trip to get a lot of these items. Can’t wait to get the Punjab Choley. My husband will think I’m OFF MY ROCKER even more than usual when he sees me dancing around the kitchen. Thanks for sharing & thanks to all for there comments.
Love TJ’s! The Triple Ginger Cookies are a must for us and the Plantain Chips. They have bags of shelled sunflower seeds that are good. The popcorn is yummy, too- I can’t remember the name, but it comes in a big red bag, over by the chips. My dad loves their coffee; it comes whole bean and he likes to grind it right before he brews it. I love their pre-prepped veggies, especially the butternut squash.
You’re like the 2023984th person to tell me about the plantain chips. I’m going to have to get to Trader Joe’s ASAP and pick them up! Thanks, Suzanne 🙂
I love their graham crackers! They are in a clam shell instead of a box, but so flavorful, and so crisp and crunchy!
oo! sounds delish!
Aloe vera drinks ($1.99) and Kona Coffee Dark Chocolate Truffles ($3.99). They’re both amazing!!!!!
Love aloe vera drinks!! I didn’t know Trader Joe’s had their own version
i love,love, love me some Trader Joes. Closest is 1 1/2 hour away so I take a cooler. My favourites are the chocolate covered sunflower seeds, winter blend coffee(I stock up for the year cause it’s seasonal) and Carmelites onion mushroom pizza from the frozen section.
My primary grocery store. I always get a couple bags each of the chicken fried rice and orange chicken for lazy nights. I also always get the Black bean quinoa chips, lavender dryer sachets and the 70% dark chocolate bars. I also get almost all my organic fruits and veggies there.
You’re lucky that you can make Trader Joes your primary store! I wish my store was a bit closer!
Pumpkin butter!
I love pumpkin butter!!
um hellooo? Frozen mashed potatoes, orchids and jalapeño /cilantro hummus
Frozen mashed potatoes? Never had those, but they sound super convenient!
loving all the ideas!
Our favorites are:
1. Pumpkin muffin mix, I buy enough so we have it all year…a staple for my kids
2. Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (think like Pilsbury that you bake and frost). 5 come in a package and I had to stop buying them bc I could eat them ALL all by myself😬
3. Cookie butter cream cheese
4. Super thin, coconut flavored cracker/cookie thins
5. Organic milk
6. Grass fed Kerry Gold butter
Honey whole wheat pretzel sticks
8. My kids also love the tub of letter cookies
9. Ditto the mango, frozen fried rice and frozen brown rice
great recommendations, Hazel!! Thanks for visiting.
Love TJ’s! Especially…….
Broccoli Slaw (just add your favorite TJ’s dressing)
Bag of Broccoli
TJ’s peanut butter
Frozen mac and cheese
Frozen Orange chicken and frozen fried rice
frozen waffles
frozen vegetable melange (delicious mix of peas, carrots, and cauliflower)
frozen breaded chicken
frozen pizza veggie burgers
romaine
oo broccoli slaw! love that.
The Speculoos Cookie Butter is TDF!! All flavors❤️❤️❤️❤️
my husband works in Seattle and I live on Long Island… We both shop at TJ’S and it makes me feel better to know my husband is eating microwaveable food from TJ… He loves the chicken tiki masala, all the seafood and pasta dinners as well. My daughter used to work at Lush, high end beauty supplies and used the products until trying TJ shampoo and conditioner. The lotions are great as well as the tea tree facial pads… Just awesome!!!
Our TJ staples are — coconut oil, olive oil, the frozen mushroom medley… (great to have on hand and you don’t have to worry about mushrooms going bad) Raw almonds that we mix with their chocolate chips for a snack. And of course, if we are having a party, their cheese and appetizer prices can’t be beat by any of our local stores. We also love their Ode to the Classic Potato Chip… much less garbage than other brands and they use better oil. We also buy a variety of canned items from TJ because the cans are BPA free. We use their dish soap and have used the tea tree tingle products.. great substitute for expensive Aveda shampoo.
coconut oil is definitely a staple!
I love that I can come out of Trader Joes with at least three “packed” paper bags full of my many favorites and ONLY wrote a check for about $65.00. The same amount at a chain market would have gotten me one loosly packed plastic bag!!
Among my favorites, peanut butter granola bars, gurerye and ham frozen cracker bread and especially easy for parties or last minute company…their roasted corn salsa. I take a package of cream cheese and pour the roasted corn salsa over it and eat with either tortilla chips or crackers. Yummy!!!
You’re so right! I can get so much at Trader Joe’s for just a fraction of what I get at my local grocery store chain!
Wine. They have a good variety and very reasonably priced wines.
Ah I wish we had wine at our Trader Joe’s!
We love trader Joes have begged them to come to eastern Long Island as it takes1 1/2 – 2 hrs to get to the closest store we even signed a petition but to no avail still we hope…..
Aw, that’s terrible! Hopefully they build one near you soon!
We love love love TJs! And I love reading what people like to buy there- great post!! For us, we have kids(4&1 yo) so we buy them the cheddar rockets(like goldfish crackers, but better), olive oil popcorn, organic vanilla and Vanana (vanilla and banana) yogurt, those mini chocolate bars, macaroni and cheese boxed, apple sauce pouches, bananas, and the cheese crunchies( like Cheetos, but better). For the hubby and I we love their wine, pretzel rolls (we use this for honey mustard chicken sandwiches), pita chips, hummus, ginger chews, pumpkin cereal bars, fried rice, orange chicken, tamales, pizzas, eggplant melange, tortellini, pancetta, vanilla rice milk, pollo asado, their nut mixes, flowers(they make great gifts for people), their candies, Apple juice, and stuff to make tacos. Seriously we love TJs and try to go once a week. We are lucky:) I can’t wait for our next visit. I will have to refer to this post to get some new ideas! Thanks for sharing!!
Milk (better $ than the supermarket and fewer additives), cheeses great selection and prices feta, machego, brie, and our latest fav” mini basque), pizza dough, everything crackers, berries, bakery bread, coffees, Prepared products Thai dumplings, Orange Ginger chicken and the instant Indian like the one mentioned above – pick up the frozen Naan if you are having Indian one night. With the seafood I’ve been disappointed that TJ’s is becoming less selective of their sourcing these days a lot of their seafood is coming from south Asia – check the labeling and voice your concern to them.
My husband and I love the cheese selection at Trader Joe’s. I love that they have samples pretty frequently also!
My top 3:
1. Their taco seasoning is the bomb!! I can’t use the whole package w my hubby cuz it has more of a kick them any other. I stock up on it cuz they run out of it, A LOT.
2. Their organic, free trade coffee is fabulous!
3. They have AMAZING apple woof smoked bacon that is nitrate/nitrite free. The flavor is off the hook and the it’s the perfect thickness. It’s our FAVE!!
AND they tend to have a good deal on Kerrygold butter when I can’t make it to Costco.
LOVE their coffee!
Ummm…apple wood, not woof. I swear I don’t think it’s made from doggies.
🙂
Ditto on the orange chicken! And the Kung pao chicken very good also over steamed jasmine rice. And the mushroom risotto… If you grill up and ad chicken breast…delicioso! Always in the cart… TJ’s coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, butter (it’s better and cheaper than grocery store butter!) spicy hummus, tJ’s marinated mushrooms… And the lemon tarte! And I know you guys all know this already… But among other things..the vinegar is my facial toner…. Coconut oil is moisturizer. If you have not tried this, no matter your skin type give it a shot. I promise within a week of vinegar use you skin will look ahmazzzing!
So many great recommendations!!
Lemon curd is addicting. I ate it by the spoonful. And roasted red pepper tomato soup….
lemon curd.. interesting! I haven’t had that yet!
This is so good to makes smores instead of chocolate. Tastes like lemon merange(sp) pie.
🙂 Thanks !!
Things I have been getting at TJ’s for years and why:
1. Tater tots – crunchiest and most flavorful!
2. Creamy salted peanut butter – creamiest natural peanut better!
3. Light kettle corn snack bags – just the right combo of salty and sweet with low fat and low sugar!
4. Banana nut clusters cereal- my husband won’t eat any other kind!
5. Madras lentils – delicious Indian meal if served over rice!
6. Peppermint Joe Joes – best holiday cookie!
LOVE the madras lentils. SO yummy! All of their Indian food is top notch.
I have not been to TJ. They opened one about an hour from me. Sounds like I need to save some money and go with a cooler 🙂
YOU NEED TO GO ASAP!
TJ’s Spinach & artichoke dip along with their Multi grain Pita bite crackers!!
I wouldn’t if I were you lol they are addictive…..so beware!
My all time two favorites at Dallas TJ’s is the milk chocolate Lacey cookies and the yellow fin canned tuna.
You had me at milk chocolate cookies. Going to have to check them out !!
The Orange Chicken in a bag (found in the freezer section) is great! After baking the chicken, I toss it with steamed snow peas (or broccoli) and/or sautéed peppers along with the sauce it comes with. Serve it over Jasmine rice. Easy, fast and delish.
Sounds like a quick and easy dinner! Thank for sharing, Laura.
TJ’s Orange Chicken is very good and so EASY to fix. After baking, I toss it with the orange sauce it comes with along with steamed or sautéed snow peas and/or sautéed peppers (sometimes I do broccoli) and then serve it over Jasmine rice. Fast, easy and delish.
I always buy the TJ’s broccoli florets too! Their bagged spinach, salad, and baby carrots are regulars for me as well.
I like their frozen fruit as well. I love their cheese selection, and prefer to pick up refrigerated basics like milk, eggs, and butter there. They also have my favorite greek yogurt. And in the frozen section, spinach artichoke dip.
Basically, I try to get as much of my grocery shopping done at TJ’s as I can!
TJs low fat cottage cheese, whipping cream, vegetarian chili, fried rice, and the Danish coffee cakes around the holidays are worth the 2 hour drive to get them. They haven’t had the vegetarian chili our last two visits, but they promise it will be back on the shelves soon. Our neighbor’s dogs have put the seal of approval on their dog biscuits, so we always make a point to pick up a box when we’re there.
Coffee cakes … way to my heart!
Them you have got to try their box coffee cake mix– it is so yummy!!!!
ooh yes! I love coffee cake! will try !
3 words….
Caramelized onion cheddar
Nom nom….
Hm.. is that a block?
Nope. I’ve been getting it for years here in Pennsylvania. It’s luscious.
Rosemary almonds are soooo good. They also have truffle almonds, and while I like some things that are truffle flavored, almonds aren’t one of them.
Their selection of Italian wines are second to none, for the price!
Is there a sparkling one that you like?
I wish we had wines at our Trader Joes in PA. Stupid laws!
Me too! Same thing in CO!
frozen grilled asparagus
Fresh blueberries
Joe joes sandwich cookies
Flour tortillas
Peanut butter pretzels
Thanks for commenting, Lisa. Sounds like great recommendations!
Their organic apple sauce is the cheapest by far and comes in a glass jar! Also their organic spaghetti sauces, frozen pineapple and mangos, frozen tamales, frozen pizzas, their wine is awesome, and already made brachetta sauce on toasted sourdough or pasts is great, ready made pesto sauce in cooler, organic vanilla yogurt, organic boxed almond milk is our go to for milk, their lavender hand lotion, I could go on and on!
I love their spaghetti sauces! I stock up on those too when I’m there.
I love their Thai Lime Cashews, oatmeal bar soap, Midsummer Night Moisturizing Cream, all of their liquid hand soaps, Contadino Pino Grigio wihie wine, Coffee a Cocoa ( ground coffee in a can), tuna steaks, Coffee Rio candy, Extra Virgin California Estate Olive Oil, frozen asparagus spears, fresh bakery pretzel rolls, fresh bakery bread, frozen Tandoori Naan bread, frozen Asian Vegetables with Beijing Style Soy Sauce, TJ’S BlackBerry jam. I love Trader Joe’s!!
Thanks, Jan! The thai lime cashews sound amazzzzzing!
My must haves are their Roasted Frozen Corn (it’s a delicious addition to soups), roasted seaweed snacks, their EVOO is the best price around, my son is a huge fan of their TJ brand pirate boots popcorn, pesto pizza dough, cibatta bread, Garlic Naan, and their chicken lime burgers to name just a few.
I love that Frozen Roasted Corn!
So good! Especially in tacos!
wow! so many great recommendations. thanks shannon!
The dark chocolate bars (3-pk. at the register), their boxed brownies (no way to make them at home this yummy), pot stickers (both types). I used to make my own pot stickers, but for this price and fabulous quality, you can’t make them fast enough.
I’ve never tried their brownies! I’m all about sweets tho!
My top 5
1.Nothing beats the coffee quintet.$8.99 for a variety pack of 20 k-cup
2. tea tree shampoo, conditioner and body wash are perfect for the morning wake up (and not too potent). Priced at $3.99/each they are reasonably priced and they have the oil too.
3. Ginger snaps (in the tub) have ginger bites and are good for heartburn.
4. Sale items – they had bananas for $.19/lb the last time I was there.
5. Italian Blood Orange Soda. This is something I treat myself to.
The blood orange soda is amazing with a little tequila! 🙂
oh! i never thought of that. AMAZING!
Thanks for stopping by, Kathy! I’ve had the blood orange soda before. So good!
english peas in produce. And low carb tortillas!
YUM!
I absolutely LOVE their tuna. The half salt is my personal fave. The coconut non dairy creamer is another new fave and their chicken pot stickers in the freezer section. I can get ridiculous in that store with all the yummies but I try hard to refrain. Lastly an item worth getting is the spinach/artichoke dip, in the freezer. It’s amazing!
Happy Shopping!!
Oh, i’ll have to pick up the chicken pot stickers for my husband.
I have way more than 5 favorite things…Organic kale, organic spinach, ground turkey, sweet Italian chicken sausage, frozen Orange chicken, tater tots, Tea Java, sparkling Pomegranate juice, Trader Joe’s Coastal Chardonay, Organic Kiwi fruit, Multi Grain Daily Bread, dark chocolate mini peanut butter cups, Salt free Organic Almond Butter…oh and their beautiful assortment of fresh flowers and artist quality greeting cards!!!
I had no idea they had greeting cards!!
THE best greeting cards for 99 cents. Unbelievable.
That sounds awesome, Adrienne. I’m going to check them out next time I’m there.
we are getting our first TJ’s in my state soon. It’s about 25 minutes from me. I am beyond excited for it!
That’s great news, Christy! I’m sure you’ll love it.
LOVE TJ’s organic Sriracha and Roasted Garlic bbq sauce. It’s to die for, and affordable. Great on ribs and chicken. And really kicks up turkey burgers.
I am addicted to the triple ginger thin crisp cookies. Equally good are the Belgian Butter Almond thins. I also like their garlic Naan.
On the east coast, the Tuscan pane bread was insane, but now that I am in New Mexico, the wrapper is the same, but the bread is horrible.
Thanks for commenting, Jan. I have so many new items to try next time I’m at Trader Joes.
My go to “formal dinner party” meal is made possible by Trader Joe’s and inspired by a dish I had at Carrabba’s years ago. Grab fig butter and port wine (the cheap stuff at TJ’s is fine). I use chicken breasts but boneless thighs would be fine too. Season with salt and pepper, sear on both sides (olive oil or an unflavored oil of your choice). Toss in some fig butter (I use about half the jar for a pound of chicken sliced thin) and then deglaze the pan with wine (as much or little as you like, more wine means less sweetness). Reduce heat and cover, turning to coat chicken with the delicious sauce that is thickening over the heat. Serve with homemade mashed potatoes and roasted or grilled asparagus. It never fails to impress and is super easy!
For an appetizer….the fig butter on baked brie is delish!
Wow, the fig butter sounds amazing!
I’ve never even seen the fig butter. Can’t wait to try this one
I use the fig butter on grilled cheese sandwiches with sharp white cheddar and thinly sliced apples. So delicious!
I love the butternut squash ravioli, but now can’t wait to try it cold! Thankfully I can choose from 4 TJS within 10 miles of my house 🙂 so I go at least a couple times a week.
My favs: Chicken Picatta-wonderful!!, their frozen mac & cheese is the best, frozen vegetable fried rice is super easy and yummy, spray coconut oil, 21 Seasoning Salute and all their seasoning grinders, shaved parmesan cheese blend, the sharp chedder cheese squares are great with a bag of sliced apples, cracked wheat sourdough, Don’t Cry pre-diced onions, lime popsicles, pumpkin everything and last but not least, in early summer….Peonies!!!
I miss: Marsala Sauce, frozen blueberry uncooked scones
Plain Greek yogurt, frozen chili lime chicken burger patties, Persian cucumbers, fresh figs when they are in season, died pineapple, tri tip (this is one of the few places in Minnesota that I can find it), jalapeno stuffed olives, fig butter (oh yum!) and my favorite lambrusco.
OMG. Jalapeno stuffed olives is right up my alley. Thanks for sharing, Tami!
Love Trader Joe’s. So many favorites. I agree about the Mango. I buy it every trip. I also always buy the squash risotto and mushroom risotto. The frozen Kung Pao Chicken is great for a quick dinner over TJ’s microwave brown rice.
The ginger chews!!!!!!! Oh my favorite! Their fish is the best priced by far! I also get my marscapone cheese there $2.79 for 8 oz.
oo never had the ginger chews!! going to pick them up next trip!
OMG, I totally sing about punjab choley too! I thought I was the only weird one. It’s just SO fun to say! My girls think I’m crazy. I’ve had a few different versions, but the TJ’s one is my favorite because it’s got a lot of kick.
OMG that’s so crazy!! PUNJAB CHOLEY IS THE BEST. & so cheap too!
Is it in the freezer section? I couldn’t find it.
So many great choices at trader joe’s — my family loves the frozen fettuccine Alfredo in a bag. We throw in some chicken or seafood and some steamed broccoli and there’s dinner for 5 in 30 min or less. Other favorites–frozen dumplings, frozen palak paneer, quinoa, brown basmati rice, canola spray, cinnamon crumpets, and many flavored of cheese glorious cheese!!! And if you haven’t picked up a speculous bar at check out you are seriously missing out!! (Those I have sneak home in my purse to keep them from being immediately devoured by hungry teenagers. They aren’t worthy yet 😉 )
The cheese is hands down the first thing I go for at TJs. They have this cherve with honey that tastes like a dream! I too go for their broccoli and kale, I find it to be fresh and delicious. And if you haven’t tried their spinach and kale dip you’re missing out! It’s made with Greek yogurt and is a lo-cal version of spinach artichoke dip. It’s fantastic and guilt free!
That dip is great! I use it instead of mayo on my turkey sandwich. Add a little mustard or jalapenos jelly and it’s the best!
I don’t think I’ve had a speculous bar. now i’m intrigued….
Whenever I visit the usa, I try to go to a trader joe’s for the speculoos and the speculoo cookie spread!
Where are you from?
Brasil! =)
Oh nice! Always wanted to go there 🙂
I love Trader Joe’s! I was so excited when we got one in our area about a year ago. I will have to try their mango… I’m always adding it into my green smoothies! I also love their butternut squash ravioli but eating it cold? That’s new to me! I’ll have to try it out 🙂
Yes, you must try them cold. It will change your life.
I love those! Do you cook them and then chill them? Or just eat them straight out of the pkg?
Hi Daisy! I eat them right from the package! 🙂
SPINACH is always what I buy from TJ’s! Sometimes I just buy that and leave 😉 They used to have my favorite fish – sablefish and arctic char. But No longer 🙁 I swear everything I love always gets discontinued.
Oh, I’ve never picked up their spinach. They have such great deals tho!
Love all of these.. except #5.. I’ve never bought that!! I Love TJ’s Plantain chips too.. and they make a killer honey mustard sauce that is super cheap.. I always use it in marinades 🙂
Ooh! I’ve never had their plantain chips. I’ll have to pick them up next time I’m there!