Trader Joe’s, oh how I love thee.
It’s been my primary grocery since my freshman year of college. I typically take a visit to the store once per week. 52 weeks times (plus or minus) six years… you can do the math. That’s a lot of time in TJ’s! My grocery list has changed over the years – as have some of the store’s products – but it remains a top supplier of much of my kitchen staples.
Why do I like TJ’s as much as I do? 1) It’s inexpensive; 2) It has a fairly large selection of organic products; 3) The staff is friendly and helpful; 4) Short ingredient lists aren’t impossible to find. On the flip side, I’m not a fan of the unnecessary produce packaging.
Below are some of my favorite Trader Joe’s products that are often found in my kitchen. Please note: this is not a sponsored post, just want to share.
Chocolate.
I love love love TJ’s dark chocolate selection. The following are just a few of my favorites. I can also do damage on a tub of their dark chocolate covered almonds.
Beverages.
A tad expensive at $7.99, but this concentrate is an iced coffee addict’s ideal convience “food.” It makes a strong cup of joe!
A seasonal item — this is a holiday staple in my kitchen. It is perfect to sip on a chilly winter night as it’s decaffeinated and won’t keep you wide-eyed.
Coconut.
Organic coconut oil. I bake with it, I sauté with it, and I even use it as eye make-up remover and, occasionally, as a moisturizing hair mask.
Affordable and luxurious.
Nuts.
I’ll admit, I feel a bit guilty not buying their organic varieties, but it’s hard to pass up PB at less than $3 per jar… especially at the rate I go through it. I am also a fan of the creamy variety; I can swing both ways!
Just like Miss Tina (Carrots ‘N’ Cake), I give TJ’s two high fives for their cheap almond meal. Again, I wish it was organic, but then it would be three times the price. I whip up gluten-free cookies and muffins with it all.the.time.
Misc.
Vegetable Root Chips — da bomb and entirely addicting. The other day, as I was munching through a bag and skimming the ingredient list again, I noticed that the “beets” are, in fact, sweet taters dyed with beet juice. They totally fooled me!
Miscellaneous indeed, but these guys are great to have on hand for pasta (i.e. Light Lemony Zucchini Pasta) and pizza. They add so much flavor to any dish.
Hope you’ve had a great weekend! I’m headed for the Ben & Jerry’s in my freezer and then to my clean sheets!
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What are your Trader Joe’s favorites?
Do you ever wonder what brands are disguised by the TJ’s label?
Saturday, so far.
What I’m Loving Lately {Summer Edition}
roasted root vegetable wheatberry salad.
almond butter & dark chocolate crispy rice treats.
pb {& banana} snack muffins.
Ooh, I have been meaning to try that iced coffee, and I think I need to pick up a tub of that body butter, too. Looks awesome. My fave TJ’s products: the red curry sauce, multi-grain pita crackers, vegetarian chili, cookie butter {which I rarely allow myself! ha}, chocolate European-style yogurt… I could keep going on and on :)
I love all of these and have tried all but the nutty bits. I had the bag in my hand and put it back. I got my first bottle of the cold brew concentrate today though!
Ah yes, there is so much about TJ’s to love. I’m also a fan of the coconut body butter. It smells like heaven! And you can never wrong in the chocolate department.
I’m also a fan of their wine. They make a really good pinot noir that’s affordable and they also have a sauvignon blanc for around $5 that’s made with organic grapes. Like I said, love.
My son goes nuts for TJ’s organic silver dollar pancakes. I buy at least 6 boxes every time we go. My favs are the wine (yay!) and fancy cheeses (yay!).
The only thing I really buy at TJ’s is wine and maple syrup… haha. I really want to love Trader Joe’s, but every time I go in there I find myself leaving empty handed. I have no idea why this is…
I love TJ’s sunflower seed butter, crunchy unsalted PB, and sweet potato chips :) We don’t go to Trader Joe’s quite as often as other grocery stores, but when we do, I love it!
I adore that peanut butter!
I love Trader Joe’s, but unfortunately there are no TJs in Canada. My favorite items are their trail mixes… Tempting Trail Mix is so good!
I am extremely jealous that you had a TJ’s by you in college. I know it would do so well by my school, but it is just not a big enough city here. There are 2 stores that I think should be in every college town: TJ’s and Forever 21. They would make a killing.
I love when people do their TJ’s posts! Love seeing stuff that I haven’t tried. :)
Do I recall correctly that you did a TJ’s post, too? :)
I LOVE the sea salt turbinado sugar dark chocolate almonds, sunflower butter, wasabi roasted seaweed snack, salmon jerky, bagged arugula…the list goes on and on! The only real bummer at TJ’s: the produce. Apart from the bananas, it goes bad so quickly!
I’m in love with their dark chocolate as well. The darker the better! Especially dipped in a jar of their pb ;)
All of these items look AMAZING! I love the TJ’s cheeses, almond meal, and nuts/trail mixes…and practically everything else in the store :)
I miss living near a TJ’s! The dark chocolate lover’s bar is my absolute favorite. I also love the coconut milk & salted almond butter they sell.
TJ’s is the man! Love everything on this list!!
Organic dark chocolate for $1.99 – love it.
Hi, Hillary! I just found your blog via Iowa Girl Eats, and I’m so glad I did! I’m also a HUGE Trader Joe’s fan, and my blogging partner even eclipses me in her own love for that store! It’s always so cool to hear what gems other people have found there – seems like everyone has their faves. Love your suggestions!! :D One of my big faves is their edamame hummus! YUM!
Welcome! :)