If you do not live near a Trader Joe’s – well, let’s all bow our heads for a moment of silence.  You see, TJ’s is the most amazing grocery store ever.  Ever.  While it doesn’t have an insanely wide selection, TJ’s is my favorite place to shop because 1) the prices are very competitive; 2) there are many organic, gluten-free, and vegan options; and 3) their packaged products are super tasty. (Side note:  I realize there’s some controversy over TJ’s product sourcing – specifically tomatoes – but there’s lots of other things that the company does well.)

 

Anyway – here are my favorite products from Trader Joe’s.  Most of our cart is filled with fresh produce, but it’s hard to say no to all of the goodies from TJ’s!

 

Hummus – TJ’s has so many great flavors of hummus, but my favorites are the plain organic, white bean with basil, and horseradish.

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Nuts – I love the roasted and lightly salted pumpkin seeds, but my absolute favorite is the Sesame Honey Cashews (there’s also Sesame Honey Almonds).

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Greek Yogurt – The vanilla flavor is my favorite!

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Rolled Oats – I use this type of rolled oats (which are gluten-free) to make oatmeal.  This oatmeal is also the type that I eat raw with yogurt.

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Lemon Pepper – A new find!  This pepper has a built-in grinder and is so flavorful, especially on stir-fries.

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Sour Cream and Onion Corn Puffs – Another new find.  This stuff is like eating air.  Delicious air.

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Sauces and Dips – I love the Curry Simmer Sauce.  This sauce is vegan, lightly flavored, and tastes wonderful on potatoes.  I also like the Black Bean Dip.  Other favorites:  Salsa Verde and Corn Salsa.

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Nut Butters – TJ’s has a whole rack of nut butters, but my favorite one is sunflower seed butter.

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Sweet Treats – Here’s a mind-blowing combination:  salted caramel sauce with mint chocolate chip ice cream.

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Tasty Frozen Items – Of course, TJ’s is famous for their frozen foods and meals.  My personal favorites are the potato fries, black bean enchiladas, organic brown rice (a lifesaver for busy work weeks), and Chana Masala.

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Personal Products – TJ’s shampoo and conditioner work well, but my favorite items are both of their face washes (especially the tea tree oil one) and the body wash.

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Smoothie Fixins – I always pick up several bags of organic frozen raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. 

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Doggie Treats – Maggie and James go CRAZYBALLS over these Chicken and Brown Rice sticks.

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See? There’s something for everyone at Trader Joe’s!

 

So – now it’s your turn.  What’s your favorite item from TJ’s?

{ 167 comments }

 

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape February 12, 2012, 8:21 pm

    I love their pumpkin butter. It is crazy delicious! Also, their frozen fruit bars are pretty fantastic.

    • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed February 12, 2012, 9:31 pm

      Yes I’m in love with the pumpkin butter too! And you can never go wrong with some TJ hummus. Love me some TJs!!!

  • Keri February 12, 2012, 8:22 pm

    I love the pink salt grinder! Their organic oj concentrate is an amazing deal too!

    • Keri February 12, 2012, 8:29 pm

      I don’t know how I forgot to add my most favorite item! The rosemary pecans and cranberries are amazing!!! Best salad topping ever!

  • Hillary February 12, 2012, 8:25 pm

    I am a total Trader Joe’s ho. Big time. I love the green curry simmer sauce, the sweet potato chips, the eggplant garlic spread, and the horseradish hummus. Oy. I could live there.

  • Cynthia February 12, 2012, 8:26 pm

    Trader Joe’s has some spicy almonds that I LOVE. They are spiced with tobasco sauce and are so tasty. I also like the spicy hummus from Trader Joe’s. Yes, I love spicy foods.

  • Lisa (Lisa's World of Books) February 12, 2012, 8:26 pm

    I love their Harvest Grain mix

  • Linz @ Itz Linz February 12, 2012, 8:27 pm

    I looooove Trader Joe’s!!!! I love their vanilla almond milk!

  • Stephanie @ Legally Blinde February 12, 2012, 8:27 pm

    I also really like their Sunflower Seed Butter – so yummy. One of my current favorites is their Super Spinach Salad, it has such a good combination of textures and flavors!

  • Dobbs February 12, 2012, 8:29 pm

    This was so helpful Caitlin!
    My favorite product is their Powerberries–I rarely get them, but MAN, they are yummy.

  • Chelsea February 12, 2012, 8:33 pm

    I think I just love how their prices are labeled lol!

  • JenRD February 12, 2012, 8:35 pm

    My faves are the dark chocolate covered almonds, the almonds with cocoa, turbinado sugar and sea salt (which are now forbidden b/c I can eat the whole container), the frozen biryani, kefir drinks, split pea soup, whole grain berry muffins, and multi grain croissants. I have yet to find those sesame cashews! I wonder if they are regional, or just always out of stock when I last went!
    My last TJ’s run ended in disaster–I got a few of my fave items, then we lost power the next day, and I had to throw most of it out! Must go back soon!

    • JenRD February 12, 2012, 8:39 pm

      Oh, and my favorite convenience food they sell is the miropoix (diced carrots, celery, and onions). Thrown onto some warm olive oil in a skillet, the perfect starter for cassoles, soups, stir fries, etc.

  • Lee February 12, 2012, 8:36 pm

    Balela (some sort of chickpea salad in the refrigerated section), marinara sauce, salsa, salsa flavored tortilla chips, baked jalapeno cheese things (like cheetos), goddess dressing, vegetarian pizza….i could go on and on.

  • Callie February 12, 2012, 8:41 pm

    Those cashews look so good! I can’t go there without buying the dark chocolate peanut butter cups. And I eat their barbeque sauce straight out of the bottle,it’s amazing.

  • Tanya February 12, 2012, 8:42 pm

    The roasted seaweed snacks are amazing.
    And their soy cherry chocolate chip ice cream is the best nondairy ice cream ever.
    They also have tofu cheaper than anywhere else I have found (which is a godsend as my teenage son will eat a whole package if I let him).

  • Kimberly February 12, 2012, 8:42 pm

    Doesn’t Trader Joe’s have a no photos in the store policy? Or is that just mine?

    • Caitlin February 12, 2012, 8:45 pm

      I dunno if it’s a corporate policy but I definitely snapped like five of those pics while standing next to someone. So maybe my store just doesn’t care?

    • Lacey @ Lake Life February 12, 2012, 8:51 pm

      I got called outat Wegmans for that a few months ago as well.

    • laura February 12, 2012, 9:04 pm

      i heard they had a no photo policy too! you must have lucked out! there’s even a youtube video about it:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdB7GDZY3Pk

      • Caitlin February 12, 2012, 9:09 pm

        So strange! Now I know 🙂

  • Lindsay @ Salt, Sun & Sanity February 12, 2012, 8:44 pm

    Oh man, I love everything at TJ’s- it’s hard to pick! My faves are their non-fat greek yogurt, cinnamon-sugar almonds, honey almond flax cereal, whole wheat mediteranean flat bread, tomato basil hummus, and of course, Charles Shaw wine 😉

    I need to try those sour cream & onion puffs and lemon pepper!

  • Crystal V February 12, 2012, 8:45 pm

    Frozen paneer tikka masala, frozen naan, sunflower seed butter, cocoa almond spread, hummus, ham gruyere & onion tart d’alsace (like a super thin crust pizza, sooooo good), frozen mac n cheese, i could also go on and on =)

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey February 12, 2012, 8:45 pm

    Loooooove Trader Joe’s! I seriously feel bad for anyone who doesn’t have one! They have the best nut butters, and their canned tomatoes are awesome – not to mention just about everything else. I have been buying their organic eggs with omega 3’s lately – they’re so well priced.

  • caronae February 12, 2012, 8:47 pm

    Just chiming in on the hummus front – their cilantro jalapeno hummus is the best! One of my two favorite types of hummus (the other being Sabra garlic).

    I love their dark chocolate peanut butter cups, dried mango, frozen thai shrimp gyoza (I am eating some right now!), frozen pizzas, and frozen berries, which are always a good deal. I also like TJs peanut butter pretzels, when I am in the right mood.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life February 12, 2012, 8:47 pm

    That must be because you don’t have a Wegmans -Wegmans beat TJ’s for title of “SUPER market” at the Food Network awards!

  • Rebecca February 12, 2012, 8:51 pm

    I LOVE Trader Joes! My favorite things from there would have to be the potstickers and all the yummy desserts!

  • Ashley February 12, 2012, 8:53 pm

    My new favorite – Cookie Butter! Yum!

    • Stephanie C February 12, 2012, 9:27 pm

      Yes! Did it come back? I was told it was coming back at the end of January, but my store doesn’t have any. All I’ve found are the chocolate bars filled with Speculoos… but it doesn’t taste anything like what’s in the jars!

  • Lindsey February 12, 2012, 8:54 pm

    We don’t have a TJs here but it is always a stop when I am south. My favorite item to date there was their salted dark chocolate nut clusters. Soo good!

  • Luv What You Do February 12, 2012, 8:55 pm

    There is a lavendar body scrub that is fantastic!!!

    My TJ’s wine list alone could be a post. I think I need to do a TJ’s post too. Great idea!

    My other favorites…
    snap peas
    mango black tea
    frozen fish
    spinach artichoke dip
    corn salsa
    the list goes on and on

  • MaryBeth February 12, 2012, 8:55 pm

    So excited to see this list! I live in Rochester and we are getting a Trader Joes soon. (Even though we are already spoiled with Wegmans…)

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats February 12, 2012, 8:56 pm

    I love getting a tub of their plain Greek yogurt! It’s perfect for mixing anything in! And I always buy my produce there, it’s so much cheaper! A couple other favorites are the seaweed snacks and the freeze dried bananas. Delicious!

  • Laura February 12, 2012, 8:57 pm

    When I was pregnant, I went through two bags of those corn puffs every week!

  • Jolene (Homespun Heritage) February 12, 2012, 8:57 pm

    Waaah! We don’t have one around here in Michigan! *sigh* I love living here, though, even if we’re the last to get everything!

  • Kyla February 12, 2012, 8:58 pm

    There are sooooo many. 2 buck chuck, cilantro and jalapeno hummus, whole wheat pizza dough, pepperjack cheese, the list goes on!

  • Julia Steele February 12, 2012, 9:01 pm

    I’m new to TJ’s (I know, I’m weird) but I’m enamored the face wash as well. We also had the Japanese fried rice with edamame, seaweed, and tofu last night. It was so, so good. Highly recommend.

  • Heather February 12, 2012, 9:02 pm

    I would have to say that the spicy peanut salad dressing is a must in our house. My husband who doesn’t like salad will eat it. I also love pretty much all their nuts and their lemon triple ginger ice cream is amazing. I love trader joes and it is bad that it is about 5 min from the house.

  • Amanda (modernation) February 12, 2012, 9:05 pm

    Agree on frozen brown rice. Also love the Thai Red Curry Sauce. A new find – Tamales. Organic popcorn with olive oil and sea salt. Arancini bites in the frozen section, their fresh pizza dough. Cranberry Apple Butter.

  • Kris February 12, 2012, 9:06 pm

    I’m beyond excited that Trader Joe’s just opened Friday in Naples, so it’s only a 90 min. drive for me. Rumor has it Sarasota is next on the list, then Tampa. My last big stock up was when we drove to my MIL’s in Davidson and we stocked up in Charlotte. I have too many favorites to list.

  • thatShortChick February 12, 2012, 9:06 pm

    I love Trader Joe’s!!! my favorite TJ items are: unsweetened vanilla almond milk
    original tandori naan
    multi-grain puffins (I like them so much better than the original)
    either chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches
    white cheddar popcorn (caution: a whole bag of this solely left under my supervision may disappear in a half hour)
    unsweetened dried mango slices
    lemon-flavored or lime-flavored sparkling water
    veggie fried rice
    almond or sunflower butter
    plain or vanilla fat free greek yogurt

  • laura February 12, 2012, 9:07 pm

    i always buy coconut oil, some form of nut butter (love the roasted almond butter with flax seeds), dark chocolate, popcorn kernels, nuts (raw mixed nuts), and dried fruit (prunes, flattened bananas, mangos, etc.). I love making little banana & nut butter roll-ups…just use a flattened banana, spread nut butter on it, and roll it up! yummy

  • Alyssa February 12, 2012, 9:09 pm

    I LOVE TJ’s! My husband & I buy a lot of their frozen meals for week nights, their fries, frozen veggies, nuts, chocolate.. everything is really amazingly good!!

  • Kate February 12, 2012, 9:10 pm

    I loooove TJs! I am one of the poor souls who doesn’t live near one…but at least I have Wegman’s. 🙂 Every time I go somewhere that has a TJs, I pick up a box of their cranberry green tea. It is awesome!

  • Rachel February 12, 2012, 9:10 pm

    When I lived near a TJs (sniff!) I developed a long list of items that were ‘off-limits’: JoeJoe’s ice cream (the BEST cookies and cream ice cream!), cinnamon graham crackers, and peanut butter cups.

    Besides those, what I miss most about TJs is their truffle cheese. YUM.

  • Elizabeth February 12, 2012, 9:10 pm

    As I was eating this I was snacking on some animal crackers from TJs!! I bow in the silence for people who don’t live near one! So AMAZING

  • Lori Lynn February 12, 2012, 9:10 pm

    I LOVE Trader Joe’s! My fav’s are their Quinoa w/veggies, vegetable fried rice, Puff Pastry Margarita pizza, Tofu Edamame, and macaroni and cheese! They also have some good Lentil soup and canned Alaskan salmon. 🙂

  • Greta @ Staying Lost February 12, 2012, 9:11 pm

    I love the mirepoix (more expensive than cutting the vegetables yourself, but so convenient!), cilantro jalapeno hummus, refrigerated pizza dough, and the social crackers. I can’t go there every week or I spend too much money!

  • Christina February 12, 2012, 9:12 pm

    I don’t live near a TJ’s but I love stocking up when I’m near one. Their Sunflower Seed Butter is the bomb dot com… one of their sales associates may or may not have cut open a box to get me some when I was in NYC last summer. What can i say, the store was closing, the shelf was empty and I was flying out the next day (and she was awesome)!

  • Michelle M February 12, 2012, 9:13 pm

    I love their peanut butter, frozen cheese and green chile tamales, dark chocolate covered almonds, honey sesame sticks, and trail mix! Best store ever.

  • Brie @ Brie Fit February 12, 2012, 9:18 pm

    I love their peanut butter cream cheese. Heavenly.

    Also, their cashew/almond/dried cranberry trail mix, raw almond butter, and roasted garlic hummus.

  • Christie February 12, 2012, 9:20 pm

    We don’t have TJs in New Zealand – but i so wish we did!!! I actually left a comment on your post with that TJs tahini sauce saying the same thing! Its not fair because everything from there always looks so good! Maybe one day it will make it over this side of the world…. 🙂

  • emily February 12, 2012, 9:23 pm

    This post is just mean! 🙂

  • Kristen@Change of Pace February 12, 2012, 9:26 pm

    I don’t live near a Trader Joe’s but my sister does and she always asks what I want from there. Since I’ve never been I can only see products bloggers buy. Thanks for all the yummy new ideas 🙂

  • Jen @ Jen is Green February 12, 2012, 9:33 pm

    This post makes me even more excited that my city is FINALLY getting a trader joe’s! EEE! The sunflower seed butter is my absolute favorite. I can’t wait to regularly shop there and try all the new goodies.

  • Stephanie C February 12, 2012, 9:33 pm

    I can’t stand their produce, but almost everything else is great. Love the packaged kale (I hate cutting greens!), love that my store just got organic broccoli, peanut butter pretzel bites, multigrain and regular pita chips with hummus (I’ve got to try the cilantro jalapeno one everyone seems to be talking about), cookie spread, great priced eggs, pizza dough, smoked salt, butternut squash ravioli, the white cheddar puffs (omg.. so bad in our house!).. and my dog loves those mint bones. My TJs used to have an amazing coconut milk chocolate ice “cream” but for some reason it’s either seasonable or discontinued.

    • Stephanie C February 12, 2012, 9:35 pm

      Oh! Forgot.. my fave when I feel like eating something totally not good for me are the Dark Chocolate Caramels and the Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches.

  • Andrea February 12, 2012, 9:35 pm

    I AM SO JEALOUS OF EVERYONE RIGHT NOW!!!

    I’m a Canadian over here…and we don’t have trader joes in Canada! But I had my first trader joes experience in NYC in December, and honestly it was my favourite part of the entire trip…such an amazing store! I brought back 1/2 my suitcase filled with trader joes’s products, haha. I brought back sunflower seed butter, kettle corn, peanut butter pretzels, dried mango slices, dried orange cranberries, ak mak crackers…it was heavenly! Now sadly all that food is gone 🙁

    Trader Joes…please come to Canada ASAP!!!

  • Krystin S February 12, 2012, 9:36 pm

    ginger cats! i heard about them via your blog and i am HOOKED. 🙂

  • Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats February 12, 2012, 9:42 pm

    I am getting ready to move to my first city with Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. I am beyond excited about it! 🙂 One of my favorite TJ’s finds is their dark chocolate, caramel, and sea salt bar. I also love their crunchy almond butter with flaxseeds.

  • Julia February 12, 2012, 9:46 pm

    The soy chorizo is a staple in our house!

  • Brynne February 12, 2012, 9:48 pm

    My mom just put TJ’s wasabi seaweed snacks and heart shaped “for the love” cookies in my Valentine’s package!

  • Wendy February 12, 2012, 9:54 pm

    Well, you observed that moment of silence for me! I live an hour+ away from the nearest Trader Joe’s, and have never stepped foot in one. Which stinks since I just had to start a gluten free diet. 🙁

  • Judi Bost February 12, 2012, 9:56 pm

    I am addicted to their small 6-pack containers of yogurt – either the vanilla and blueberry combination or the banana/strawberry combination. Yum!

  • Bonnie February 12, 2012, 9:58 pm

    Great post! I SO wish Canada had TJ’s…coming from California I miss it so much – the quality, options and the prices! I love the Almond Flaxseed Butter that’s peeking out behind your favorite sunflower seed butter (love that one too!)…plus their $2 Buck Chuck – definitely NOTHING like that price-wise in Canada!

  • Avery February 12, 2012, 9:59 pm

    Ahhh, wish I had this post before yesterday when I made the 45 minute trip to our Traders!! I’ll have to keep in mind for next time! I’ve never even noticed some of these before! 🙂

  • Angie February 12, 2012, 9:59 pm

    I love their hummus so much! The nuts are reasonably priced too. I like their organic marinara sauce, vegetarian options, and Greek yogurt!

  • Cate February 12, 2012, 10:13 pm

    I was seriously just thinking the other day about how I have lived so long without TJ. I just moved to Chicago, where there are TJ’s, from FL, where there are none. I absolutely LOVE this store!

    Some of my favorites are the hummus, yogurt, pita chips, cinn almonds, mini ice cream cones, dark choc pb cubs, and granola. Pretty much everything I have ever tried is good. I need to try that black bean dip though!

  • Karlee February 12, 2012, 10:13 pm

    frozen eggplant and zucchini melange, frozen corn, frozen artichokes, spinach dip, wine, roasted salsa, all the cheese…just about everything

  • Heather February 12, 2012, 10:16 pm

    I’m lucky to live near 2 Trader Joes…I truly, truly love that store. Let’s see…I love Cookie Butter, their buffalo jerky is insane, feta in olive oil with mediterannean spices and eggnog almonds during xmas. And their holiday teas…I forgot to stock up last season- candy cane decaf green tea…soooo goood!!!!

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen February 12, 2012, 10:37 pm

    I could never pick just one but recently we’ve been OBSESSED with their sweet potato tortilla chips!

  • Kim February 12, 2012, 10:38 pm

    My husband and I started talking about dog food today vs. a human vegetarian diet. We also are vegetarian because of animal ethics but we feed our dogs food with chicken ,pork, beef etc. I think this would be a great debate/ research question. Does Pedigree, and other large dog food producers handle the chicken, other meats in a ethically way, or are we just feeding our dogs food that we wouldn’t eat?, or is it ok because it is ” the food chain”? I’m really interested in this topic once I started thinking about it.

    • CaitlinHTP February 13, 2012, 8:43 am

      Very interesting debate! Dogs can be vegetarian but cats physically can’t. The only reason that I haven’t switched our dogs to a veggie diet is that I’ve never found a vet who can help me figure out how to do it safely with supplements. We do only buy them organic dog food in the hopes that it means the meat is more humanely sourced and better for the environment.

      • Sam February 13, 2012, 9:58 am

        I think dog food is one of the worst offenders in this arena. Personally we avoid anything with “byproduct” as the first ingredient, as it’s basically like feeding your dog nasty McNuggs. Marion Nestle, the best nutritionist and food safety advocate ever, actually wrote a book on this topic: Feed Your Pet Right: The Authoritative Guide to Feeding Your Dog and Cat (Free Press, 2010).

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife February 12, 2012, 10:38 pm

    HALF of that stuff I buy too and LOVE!!! YUMM.

    LOVE the dark choc caramel salted bar. SO good. And the jalapeno hummus. HOLY heavenly!

    I want to go to TJ’s right now!! hah 😉

  • Jennifer February 12, 2012, 10:39 pm

    Such a hard question! I love the Pizza Olympiad, the handsome cut potato fries, the triple layer hummus, pumpernickle pretzels, bake at home ciabittini rolls, pizza dough, goat cheese medallions, veg fried rice….just to name a few. I’ll have to check out the ones you mentioned that I haven’t tried.

  • Jaime February 12, 2012, 10:39 pm

    Oh, I love TJ’s but sadly I am about 5 hours from one. 🙁

    The last time I was there, I bought the Guacamole Hummus and was BLOWN.AWAY. So good. I think about it every day and hope I can buy more soon!

  • Caitlin February 12, 2012, 11:14 pm

    I love their trail mix aisle! Freeze dried bananas are the weirdest thing ever but so addicting! I also love all of their prepared veggies. So convenient!

  • Leila @ Spinach and Skittles February 12, 2012, 11:14 pm

    We got our first Trader Joe’s in October, and it was the best thing to ever happen in my city, haha. My favorite product, cashew butter, is no longer produced by TJ’s 🙁 And they used to have Elephant garlic, which was crazy awesome, but they don’t carry that anymore either!
    You named a ton of my favorites, especially the horseradish hummus and the sesame honey cashews. I also really enjoy the chocolate covered peanut butter filled pretzles, the tart nonfat frozen yogurt (which is ALWAYS out, boo!), cookie butter, vanilla almond milk, sourdough baguette and the dark chocolate and turbiano sugar covered almonds. Mmmm, I love Trader Joe’s.

  • erica February 12, 2012, 11:32 pm

    there is no trader joes where i live, but i try to stock up on goodies whenever i travel to somewhere where there is a trader joes. and my friend always sends me goodies in care packages too! (i luckily scored a cookie butter during christmas!)

    and btw,

    my dog LOVES those treats too!

  • Leslie February 12, 2012, 11:44 pm

    Trader Joes is coming to Fort Worth Tx in the spring. I will save this post with all comments so I’ll know what to pick up. Great Post, I can’t wait to shop.

  • Dana February 12, 2012, 11:51 pm

    Herbed goat cheese, frozen chocolate covered banana slices, and cookie butter!

  • jennyV February 12, 2012, 11:51 pm

    Sunflower butter – I had never tried it before getting it at TJ’s and now it’s a staple at my house. It almost tastes caramely to me if that’s possible.

    I agree with their hummus being a top product. I have loved all the flavors I’ve tried.

  • Stephanie February 12, 2012, 11:54 pm

    I love this post almost as much as I love Trader Joe’s. That’s why I work there, and have worked there for nearly 7 years. I would starve if not for TJs. My heart goes out to those who do not live near a TJs. You failed to mention that TJs brand products do not contain any artificial colors, dyes, or preservatives, do not contain MSG, are non-GMO, and do not contain any trans-fats or HFCS. This is one company you know you can trust! TJs truly does care about the health of its consumers. Because we who work at TJs also eat the food. I could not work at this place if I did not stand behind every single product on the shelves. It’s no wonder that it ranks as one of the best markets year after year and also ranks high on great places to work.

    • CaitlinHTP February 13, 2012, 9:06 am

      Yay. Love this comment!

  • Hilary February 12, 2012, 11:58 pm

    Their quatro formaggio is a-mazing. It makes the very best pizzas.

  • Khushboo February 13, 2012, 12:29 am

    Oh man I need a Trader Joes in my life…the cashews especially look delicious!

  • Becca @ Blueberry Smiles February 13, 2012, 12:55 am

    I’m a huge fan if their frozen brown rice. Makes dinner sooo much easier on a work night. Their almond milk is also a great price – $1.99 vs at least $2.89 at the regular stores.

  • Katie February 13, 2012, 12:57 am

    Trader Joes is my absolute favorite! I swear I don’t know how anyone can live their lives WITHOUT shopping there. I MUST ALWAYS live by a TJs. 🙂

  • Ann @ Day by Day February 13, 2012, 1:10 am

    Great post! I live in Memphis so we don’t have a TJ’s, but I drive up to Nashville a lot and stock up. Unfortunately that means I can’t really buy anything frozen cause it’d be annoying to transport.

    Favorites – Sunflower Seed Butter. I always buy 2 jars! Also the dog treats seem to be a big hit for my dog.

  • Kelsey February 13, 2012, 1:31 am

    Haven’t even read the post yet but after the first sentence I just have to counter you with the fact that Wegmans is the best grocery store ever! Agree to disagree 🙂

  • Jeanelle @ Glocal Girl February 13, 2012, 2:42 am

    WOW… This made me miss TJ’s so much. I used to live 7 minutes away from one… but now have moved to the Netherlands where there is NOTHING like Trader Joes.

    All of the organic or health stores abroad sell TJ-like products but 3-4x the price of normal markets. Also, I completely agree… nothing compares to their frozen meals! A lifesaver!

  • KaraHadley February 13, 2012, 3:04 am

    TJ’s animal crackers are ah-maze-ing! Seriously, I inhale them. And their sauces are pretty dang tasty, and super convenient.
    Side note — Did you take all those pictures yourself in store? Because EVER time I’ve taken pictures in a TJ’s I’m gotten yelled at by a manager even after I told them that I was a blogger and using the pictures for a post. One even tried to take my camera to delete the pictures. So you were lucky if you were able to stealth ninja all of these.

  • Carlee February 13, 2012, 6:25 am

    This year, I changed my commute from an hour to 5 minutes. The only downside, I used to work near a TJs. I miss many of the staples I use to get there. I love 7 grain blend, almond butter, power berries (oh wow do those sound good right now), sliced up fruit, mmmmm

  • Sara February 13, 2012, 7:03 am

    I LOVE their Dark Chocolate Covered Blueberries. I’m lucky if they last two days. Ohmygoodness are they good!

  • Joss February 13, 2012, 7:17 am

    I’m sooo jealous. No TJ’s here 🙁

  • Shannon February 13, 2012, 7:21 am

    Forget all that—I want to know where you get the dark chocolate peanut butter cups!!! (I hope it’s not at Trader Joe’s, since we don’t have one where we live.)

  • Samantha Cernock February 13, 2012, 7:35 am

    TJ’s has these little edamame crackers that are the best! I love their black scottie dogs and choco covered cheeries. That white bean and basil hummus is yummy too! And I just discovered a love for their Vegetable Marsala Burgers. Really, I could go on and on, I just love TJ’s!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin February 13, 2012, 7:41 am

    I wish we had TJ’s here in Canada! But me and a few other Canadian bloggers are planning on making a trip over the border next month for the sole purpose of going to TJ’s and WF haha. I can’t wait!

    • Laura February 13, 2012, 11:26 am

      Another Canadian here wishing we had TJs and WF. Chelsea – I hope you’ll do a post about what’s on your shopping list and a recap on the trip!

      • Ali February 13, 2012, 11:51 am

        Make sure to check out the Canadian border regs about what you can bring back – the last time I did this I was pleasantly surprised at how much I could legitimately bring back across the border. Yum yum!

  • mi-an d. February 13, 2012, 7:54 am

    ohhh i love tj’s!!!!!! creamy almond butter w/ seasalt, seaweed snacks, spicy hummus, plain greek yogurt, almond milk, gf oats….and also love their selection of produce!

  • Verna February 13, 2012, 7:57 am

    I don’t live near a TJ’s, sadly but my in laws do. I’m allergic to peanut butter (SNIFF!) so they get me TJ’s sun butter and keep me stocked! It’s the best!

  • Anna February 13, 2012, 8:14 am

    I love their canned salmon/tuna, spicy black bean dip, fire roasted frozen peppers, hummus, slivered dry roasted almonds, and vegetable sushi! I don’t have a TJ’s where I live – don’t worry I’ll be moving soon 🙂 – but I always stock up when I visit friends!

  • Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count February 13, 2012, 8:26 am

    Sadly, I am one of the unfortunates who do not live close to a TJ’s. 🙁 The closest one is about a 30 minute ride through an area of terrible traffic and perpetual construction. I do need to go there because I finished my sunflower butter and the only one I can find around where I live is at Target and costs over $7!! Very sad. Guess I need to make a pilgrimage…

  • Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots February 13, 2012, 8:32 am

    I love traders! My newest obsession from there is their chocolate almond milk, omg I could drink the whole carton myself!

  • Marie February 13, 2012, 8:41 am

    I’m Canadian so I don’t live anywhere even remotely close to a TJ’s (although based on this post, I wish I did!) but in looking at the prices, I am shocked at the Canadian/US difference. Based on these prices, I pay an average of $3 or $4 more for everything… particularly organic face/body wash, which is usually at least $7 or $8 in Canadian grocery stores. NUTS!

    • Dana @ the Big Fat Skinny February 13, 2012, 1:49 pm

      I commented on this too — though, I’m not in Canada, but in NY. Everything in this post was significantly cheaper than I pay for ANYthing by me! I’m gonna go to my local TJs and compare prices there.

  • jackie February 13, 2012, 9:05 am

    my top products are:

    roasted seaweed snacks (only 99 cents)
    sunflower butter
    salsa verde
    pistachio and dark chocolate covered toffee
    the huge cases of fresh figs- when they’re in season
    pre-chopped kale (also the southern greens blend)
    and most recently : Beet and Purple Carrot Juice. it’s awesome and so good for you.

  • Alaina February 13, 2012, 9:11 am

    There are only two products that I swear by and can’t buy anywhere else but TJ’s: Mandarin orange chicken and peanut butter filled pretzels. I end up doing an entire shopping trip there, but those two are my absolute favorites.

  • Emily February 13, 2012, 9:16 am

    I buy so many of those things too. I think that they have the BEST hummus. I also buy their greek yogurt (the giant tub of plain), the sprouted grain bread (like ezekial, but cheaper!) and am a HUGE fan of their soy and flaxseed tortilla chips. Even my hubby loves those!

  • Kath February 13, 2012, 9:22 am

    I miss TJ’s 🙁 We are getting one though!!

    And man the sunflower butter has gone up in price!

  • Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous February 13, 2012, 9:33 am

    We have a lot of the same favorites! I also love the roasted red pepper dip and the chocolate almond spread!

  • Jodi @ Jodi, Fat or Not February 13, 2012, 9:41 am

    I love all of those things! You have to try the black bean dip on a grilled cheese sandwich. Trust me, it changed my life! So good.

  • Lindsay February 13, 2012, 9:54 am

    PEANUT BUTTER FILLED PRETZELS. They also once sold a PB&J flavored trail mix, but I haven’t seen it in a long time.

  • Carolina John February 13, 2012, 10:01 am

    I like TJ’s a lot too. There is one right next to my new gym. It’s kind of exciting.

  • Ashley @ Cooking for John February 13, 2012, 10:07 am

    Loooove Trader Joe’s! Our nearest store is an hour away, but it’s close to our families, so we always stop in when we’re in town.

    Some of my favorite items:

    -Organic hummus
    -Black bean enchiladas
    -Vanilla almondmilk- it is so good!
    -All of their coffees are delicious. Love that their fair trade and organic blends are affordable!
    -Seaweed snacks
    -Recycled toliet paper and paper towels
    -We also buy those treats for my pup too!

  • Taylor February 13, 2012, 10:23 am

    LOVE Trader Joe’s!

    My obsessions:
    Horseradish & white bean hummus
    Their new little mushroom filled pockets in the frozen section
    Lentil chips
    Seaweed snacks
    Almond butter w/flax
    Their packaged Indian meals, esp. palak paneer!
    & my dog LOVES their dog treats too! I recently tried their dog breath bones..she really likes them but warning if anyone tries them…they made her you know what turn green! LOL!

  • Paj February 13, 2012, 10:39 am

    I love their dark chocolate covered powerberries and the frozen sweet potato gnocchi.

  • Aubrey February 13, 2012, 10:53 am

    I LOVE Trader Joes. A few months ago I got a fabulous dip recipe from a friend that has only 3 ingredients (all found at TJs). 1 package of lentils (found in refrigerated section – already cooked and ready to eat), 1 container reduced fat feta, 1 container of trader joes bruschetta sauce. That’s it. Combine everything and serve with veggies, tortilla chips or whatever. I guarantee that you will have NO leftovers. People love this and always ask me for the recipe. When they find out how easy and simple it is, they are pleasantly shocked.

    • CaitlinHTP February 13, 2012, 11:01 am

      OH THIS SOUNDS MOST EXCELLENT!! Gonna have to try this after next week’s shopping haul.

  • Jess February 13, 2012, 11:13 am

    Mm, Trader Joe’s! I think my favorite thing at TJ’s is the Greek yogurt. It’s affordable and delicious, and the flavors (like vanilla) are never cloying like some of the other Greek yogurt brands.

  • Tracy February 13, 2012, 11:14 am

    I found a new product when I was there last week that is going to be trouble for my boyfriend and I. It’s a cold spinach dip (like the traditional kind made with sour cream/mayo), but it is made with spinach, kale, and Greek yogurt (OK, it has some mayo too). IT IS INCREDIBLE!!!

  • Sara February 13, 2012, 11:32 am

    They have the “Charley Bear” dog treats cheaper than anywhere else. I love their shampoos and face washes also. I love TJs and my husband said the other day it’s kind of funny that Trader Joe’s is a chain and people can’t wait for its arrival, however, if a new Walmart is coming in town, people complain (well most people.) Kind of interesting. But not really the same at all!

  • Courtney February 13, 2012, 12:20 pm

    The TJ’s Vegan Meatballs. My husband and I literally crave them and my two kids (3 and 5) DEVOUR them!!

  • Mai February 13, 2012, 12:35 pm

    so excited that a trader joe’s is finally opening near my house!

  • Linda @ Lemons February 13, 2012, 1:06 pm

    They have the most amazing almonds covered in dark chocolate and sea salt. Yum.

  • Amber K February 13, 2012, 1:22 pm

    I have been to TJ’s twice now and both times I left empty handed. I just could never find anything gluten-free that wasn’t cheaper elsewhere. Although, someone did give me a bag of quinoa from TJ’s the other day. They saw that it said gluten-free on the package and thought of me. Although I’m sure I could get it cheaper in bulk, there’s no cheaper price than free! 🙂

    • Jennifer February 13, 2012, 1:38 pm

      I just saw in their flier that they have the chickenless mandarin orange morsels. I used to eat the crispy mandarin orange chicken they had before I went vegetarian, so I’m excited to try this version. I wrote down lots of ideas from this post!!

  • Sarah February 13, 2012, 1:34 pm

    So many favorites:

    That White Bean and Basil hummus..is. awesome. I like to make a tuna salad with it and just a little spicy mustard. So good.

    Unsweetened Vanilla Almond milk, frozen veggies, Everything Pretzel Slims. It’s also the only place I can find the 75% reduced fat Cabot cheddar.

  • dee February 13, 2012, 1:39 pm

    Ahh, I still remember trying the White Bean & Basil Hummus at your recommendation via a blog post. I loved it then (& now) and have been meaning to say thank you for finding that yummy treat! 😉

  • Dana @ the Big Fat Skinny February 13, 2012, 1:44 pm

    I have to admit that I rarely use Trader Joes although there are several near me. I typically go for Whole Foods because they have a greater selection,and I find it easier to go somewhere I can one-stop-shop. If I don’t go to Whole Foods I go to my Stop and Shop which has a pretty large organic section and I can usually get everything I need there. HOWEVER, seeing those prices practically blew my mind. I dont know if it’s because I’m in NY or because TJs is that much better, but I rarely purchase ANY item that is below 3.99. If my TJs has the same prices as your TJs, it might be well worth it to make it a stop on my shopping excursions!!

    • Danielle February 14, 2012, 6:13 am

      I live in NYC and shop at trader joes. It easily cuts my grocery bill by a third!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat February 13, 2012, 2:36 pm

    We finally got a TJ’s late last year and it was a dream come true! So far, my favorite products are the meat replacements (tofu, tempeh, “soyrizo”) and a lot of the frozen foods that are vegan. The soy yogurt (while only in two flavors) is really good too and the guacamole-hummus. I love how inexpensive everything is compared to Whole Foods or our other supermarkets. I save a lot of money when I go there!

  • Sonia the Mexigarian February 13, 2012, 2:37 pm

    We’re moving across town to a place where the closest TJ’s is 15-30 minutes away, depending on traffic. Since I live 5 minutes from one right now, I am somehwta sad about the move. lol. I love TJ. Been going there since I was a kid. I am on the hunt for the Cookie Butter. It has yet to reappear at my local store. Anyone in the Bay Area, CA seen it recently???

  • jen February 13, 2012, 2:42 pm

    1- raw unsalted almond butter
    2- vanilla unsweetened almond milk
    3- the plain seaweed snack is my perfect drug
    4- and my newest addition, the dark chocolate bar with caramel and black sea salt… insane

    i had no idea they had the salted caramel sauce, ive been looking for it! hope they have it at mine!

  • Sharon February 13, 2012, 3:07 pm

    We don’t have a Trader Joe’s in Columbia either so my husband and I make almost monthly road trips up to Charlotte to shop there and IKEA. Love the Sunflower Seed Butter (a jar for at work and a jar for at home), Ginger Cats (you got me hooked, Catlin)and I really like those lemon tea cookies in the yellow bag.

  • car February 13, 2012, 3:31 pm

    i looove trader joes. their refrigerated unsweetened vanilla almond milk is the best and i recently discovered a new product- greek yogurt kale and spinach dip…it’s delicious!

  • Laura @ LauraLivesLife February 13, 2012, 3:35 pm

    I was already jealous of places that have Trader Joe’s – but now it’s even worse! =) My favorite product is the Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip cookies. I think they are basically the most wonderful things in the whole world!

  • Julie February 13, 2012, 4:19 pm

    Great tips! I have a question about the face wash you recommend. Is it really good for acne? I have oily/acne skin and have been looking for a good, natural face wash. I am scared of what’s in Proactiv!

    • CaitlinHTP February 13, 2012, 4:27 pm

      I have pimples occasionally and the tea tree seems to be the best.

    • Donna May 23, 2012, 12:08 am

      Try reading up on Dr. Brunner’s peppermint castile soap. TJ’s sales it for a good price and i read that people use it for acne. It is all natural and can be used for many things.

  • Brigid February 13, 2012, 4:20 pm

    My fave is their Garlic Chipotle salsa with the blue corn chips!

  • Kathryn February 13, 2012, 5:00 pm

    You CAN NOT forget the Brown Rice Tortillas!!

  • Morgan Levy February 13, 2012, 7:02 pm

    I love the Chicken Eggrolls, 100 Calorie mini oatmeal choco chip cookies, kettle corn bags, and chocolate covered blueberries!

  • BroccoliHut February 13, 2012, 8:22 pm

    I will definitely be looking out for that lemon pepper grinder–so many lemon pepper seasonings out there have added salt. Looks like that one is just lemon and pepper–love it!
    My favorite TJ’s items include the Honey Sesame Cashews you mentioned, their whole wheat cinnamon raisin English muffins, harvest grain mix, baked blue corn tortilla chips, and PB dog biscuits.

  • Anna Crouch February 13, 2012, 9:59 pm

    Yeeesssssss!!! I just got the honey sesame cashews the other day and I’m OBSESSED!!!!!!!! So dang good!!!! I’m also partial to their dairy free pizza. And when they used to have the cranberry salsa during the holidays…that was pretty bomb.

  • MB February 13, 2012, 10:09 pm

    Edamame. Their quick-cooking steel cut oats. Sweet potato tortilla chips. Edamame hummus. Brownie bites. Valencia PB. (I could go on.)

  • Lexi @ Cura Personalis Foodie February 14, 2012, 12:38 am

    I am absolutely hooked on their Zen Bakery Vegan Muffins!

  • miss pip kelly February 14, 2012, 8:00 am

    Making me so jealous – I LOVE Trader Joes but they don’t have any stores in England.

  • Cortney February 14, 2012, 11:08 am

    We are FINALLY getting a Trader Joe’s in my area and I literally do a jig every time someone mentions it. I CAN’T WAIT!!!!

  • Hillary B February 14, 2012, 11:53 am

    Okay, I’m a little late to the game here, but had to chime in! TJ’s has the best prices on CHEESE (among other things)!! One time I bought a log of goat cheese at Harris Teeter for around $12. I saw the exact same size of goat cheese log for $6.99 at TJ’s!!! Same goes for other cheeses that are sold by weight – usually they are about half the price compared to other chain grocery stores!

    Other favorite products include the probiotic drinkable yogurt, sea salt brownie bites, frozen vegetable nests, edamame hummus and the frozen steel-cut oatmeal.

  • Abbey @ The Trash Salad February 14, 2012, 1:43 pm

    I have also thought a lot about this, and have my own personal top 10: http://www.thetrashsalad.com/2011/02/trader-joes-top-10.html

    TJ’s is the best store! So much so that my lack of self control and wallet constraints only allow me to go once every two months.

  • Rachel February 14, 2012, 2:14 pm

    CRAZYBALLS. Hilar!

  • Ari @ Ari's Menu February 15, 2012, 1:09 pm

    You hit pretty much all of my favs–have you ever tried the vanilla bean Greek yogurt there? It has actual specs of vanilla bean in it and I love it so much more than the regular vanilla! I also really love their pizzas–not the frozen ones, but specifically the one with goat cheese near the hummus you just stick in the oven and bake. Also, I always thought I was really weird for liking caramel sauce on mint chocolate chip ice cream–glad I’m not the only one! Oh and lastly,I bought those black bean enchiladas after reading about them on here, and they are soooo yummy!

  • Mikella February 15, 2012, 1:35 pm

    If you haven’t already, check out their Polenta Provencale. Perfect, east, fast dinner and SO delicious.

  • Tricia March 17, 2012, 9:58 pm

    Thank you so much for this post. Finally went to Trader Joes tonight and bought 90% of your recommendations! Can’t wait to try everything.

  • Tricia @ Take 10 April 11, 2012, 4:32 pm

    Thanks again for this list. Trader Joe’s owes you. Even though the Eggplant wasn’t on your list in this post…I still bought most of what you listed! http://www.take10withtricia.com/2012/04/trader-joes-eggplant-cutlets-solves.html

  • Julie May 18, 2012, 2:49 pm

    I LOVE Trader Joe’s! So happy I have two in my town.

    My favorites: unsweetened almond milk, chocolate covered PB pretzels (addicting!), everything bite sized crackers, raisin rosemary crackers, goat cheese medallions, brie bites, italian truffle cheese, field chopped salad, mini blueberry muffins, frozen cooked shrimp, mushroom risotto, spinach fontina chicken apple sausage, mushroom truffle pizza….oh man the list goes on!

  • AmandaonMaui May 18, 2012, 3:17 pm

    *Sigh* Hawaii will never have TJ’s. I’d have chosen them over Whole Foods. Unfortunately Hawaii just doesn’t fit in with their business model. The way TJ’s works is by having central shipping distribution centers in different parts of the country. Then, they just ship out to the stores from that hub. That’s part of why it’s so cost effective. Well, that just won’t work for shipping to Hawaii. It’s really too bad. I liked the store when I was in Redmond, WA, and I’d shop there if it was an option.

  • cheryl September 21, 2012, 11:25 am

    I finally got to go to the new store in Sarasota….it was not packed with people when I got there, but the store is so small it made browsing very hard. I had a list of items to try and some so far are great, some not so much. A staff member was so kind and helped me find things on my list. And, yes I took lots of pictures?? THe Falafale chips are soooo good with got the jalepeno and cilantro and seriously could have eaten the entire container. The frozen jasmine rice is amazing, three miutes and perfect fluffly rice. I did not like the chickless mandarin – I didn’t use the sauce but the soy chicken did not sit well with me. Instant spicy chai – way to sweet. Peanut butter cups, my brother made me try these and they are excellent. Cat ginger cookies – eh, not enough ginger for me. The masala burger is my lunch today, I baked this AM and it smelled so good. Flaxseed peanut butter is not so good, wish I got the sunflower that everyone is recommending here. So many things to try yet in my fridge! I haved to say I was not impressed with the produce, it was inexpensive but what I bought was not sweet and juicy, and while there bananas are only $.19/lb they were over ripe. I will be doing my monthly shopping here without a doubt as it is right on my way home from work.

  • tara August 26, 2013, 2:45 pm

    The trader joes chocolate chips… they are vegan too!

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