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?