• Home
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

Nutrition Nut on the Run

  • Recipes
  • Workouts
  • Running
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Beauty
  • Shop My Favorites
    • Shop Beautycounter
    • 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

Trader Joe’s Favorites

September 8, 2013 by Hillary 18 Comments

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.

chocolate

nuttybites

belgian

Beverages.

coldbrew

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!

candycane

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.

oil

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.

bodybutter

Affordable and luxurious.

Nuts.

pb

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!

almondmeal

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.

chips

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!

sundried

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!

* * *

What are your Trader Joe’s favorites? 

Do you ever wonder what brands are disguised by the TJ’s label?

Related Posts

  • 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.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Candy Cane Green Tea, Coconut Body Butter, Dark Chocolate Nutty Bites, Just Almond Meal, The Dark Chocolate Lover's Chocolate Bar, Trader Joe's, Trader Joe's Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

« Slurp Up September
September Sizzler Pyramid Workout »

SUBSCRIBE

Get the Nutrition Nut Newsletter delivered to your email inbox.

Comments

  1. C. says

    September 8, 2013 at 7:50 pm

    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 :)

    Reply
  2. Lauren says

    September 8, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    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!

    Reply
  3. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    September 8, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    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.

    Reply
  4. emily says

    September 9, 2013 at 4:03 am

    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!).

    Reply
  5. Caroline says

    September 9, 2013 at 4:07 am

    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…

    Reply
  6. Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says

    September 9, 2013 at 4:23 am

    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!

    Reply
  7. Jess @ JessieBearWhatWillYouWear says

    September 9, 2013 at 7:13 am

    I adore that peanut butter!

    Reply
  8. Amy @ The Little Honey Bee says

    September 9, 2013 at 8:22 am

    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!

    Reply
  9. Ang @ Nutty for Life says

    September 9, 2013 at 8:45 am

    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.

    Reply
  10. christina says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:32 am

    I love when people do their TJ’s posts! Love seeing stuff that I haven’t tried. :)

    Reply
    • Hillary says

      September 9, 2013 at 9:52 am

      Do I recall correctly that you did a TJ’s post, too? :)

      Reply
  11. Taylor @ Single-tracked Mind says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:36 am

    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!

    Reply
  12. Emily @SinfulNutrition says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    I’m in love with their dark chocolate as well. The darker the better! Especially dipped in a jar of their pb ;)

    Reply
  13. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says

    September 9, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    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 :)

    Reply
  14. Lauren says

    September 9, 2013 at 6:54 pm

    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.

    Reply
  15. Robyn @thereallife_RD says

    September 10, 2013 at 6:31 am

    TJ’s is the man! Love everything on this list!!
    Organic dark chocolate for $1.99 – love it.

    Reply
  16. Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says

    September 13, 2013 at 9:30 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Hillary says

      September 13, 2013 at 10:35 am

      Welcome! :)

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Search by Topic

Instagram

“Anxiety is a symptom, not a diagnosis.” - Dr. “Anxiety is a symptom, not a diagnosis.” - Dr. George Papanicolaou

It’s no secret that I suffer from chronic anxiety and panic attacks. Or at least I don’t intend it to be. Because while there can be a lot of shame and embarrassment around both of these, I know I’m not alone in my experiences. While I’ve leaned toward the more anxious side most of life, my bothersome anxiety has steadily increased since my mid-twenties - some periods being worse than others. 

It’s not a complete surprise that my mental health has taken a dip during my first full gloomy Seattle winter — in the height of a pandemic. 

Here are some ways I have been nurturing my body & mind as I work with a team of practitioners to work on understanding the **root causes** of my panic, and to live with more ease. 

» no coffee (not even decaf)

» meditating regularly - I’m using @insighttimer 

» gentle movement

» weekly therapy sessions

» attempting cold showers (this is hard for me!): if you’re interested, you can research how this impacts the nervous system

» working with a naturopathic doctor to focus on gut + hormone health

» trying a new Rx - a decision that took years of consideration

» lastly, opening myself up to vulnerable conversations/sharing my story and my experiences in efforts to reduce any shame and connect with others 

I am not my anxiety. 

[image: a photo I snapped to send to my mom of my naturally red palm holding my Rx on the first day I took it]
This rare blue sky day in February is having me da This rare blue sky day in February is having me day dreaming about long, light-filled summer days... they’ll be here soon. 

#pikeplacemarket #seattlewashington
Leavenworth, WA • Where To Eat🍴 I was expect Leavenworth, WA • Where To Eat🍴

I was expecting all things beer, brats and pretzels in Leavenworth (not really my jam) 🍺🥨🧀, and while there’s plenty of it, I was delighted to find plenty of delicious eats for my “foodie” taste. 

We went to all of these 3 places more than once during our quick stay - highly recommend! 

☕️ @argonautespressobar: Located at one end of Front Street, this adorable coffee bar has delicious espresso drinks, breakfast items, and the best view! 

🥐 @tumwaterbakery: Incredible pastries, avocado toast on artisanal bread that’s a feast for your eyes... and I’m eager to go back and try their wood-fired pizza! 

🍜 @yodelinbroth: Literally some of the best food I’ve had (ever!), and that’s saying a lot. I had the Yodelin soup with housemade wild PNW halibut bone coconut curry broth, udon noodles, heaps of veggies and wild salmon - it was nourishing to my core as we ate it outside in 30 degree weather. I even bought some of the broth to recreate this meal at home, yum! 

#nutritionnuteats #leavenworthwa
winter wonderland getaway ✔️ We had snow much winter wonderland getaway ✔️

We had snow much fun exploring the picturesque Bavarian town of Leavenworth, WA for a much-needed mid-week getaway to the mountains. 🏔

We stayed in a cozy little cabin @logecamps right on the Wenatchee River (one day I’ll be back to stay at the stunning @phleavenworth), played in Enchantment Park, took a drive to Lake Wenatchee, and discovered some of the best food downtown (I’m saving my food recs for another post).

Nestled between the snow-capped Cascade Mountains with the river running through town, it’s quite magical in the middle of winter. ❄️ I’m already dreaming of heading back for some summer adventures!
I’m sure Koba is wondering why we ever lived in I’m sure Koba is wondering why we ever lived in Florida for two years.

#takemetothemountains #snowday
dog [noun] companion, loyal comforter, playmate, f dog [noun] companion, loyal comforter, playmate, forgiving, loving, energetic, protective, best friend.
Follow on Instagram

My Favorite Matcha

My Favorite Collagen Peptides

10% off Primally Pure

Recent Posts

  • The Skincare Duo That Changed My Skin
  • A Few of My Favorite Things: 2020 Holiday Gift Guide
  • Six Months in Seattle
  • My Amazon Favorites
  • Farewell Florida
  • 10 Years + A Life Update!

Connect with Me

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Keep in Touch

Get the Nutrition Nut Newsletter delivered to your email inbox.

Follow
Privacy Policy & Disclaimers

Copyright © 2021 Design by Deluxe Designs