Category Archives: Trader Joe’s

An Ode to my boyfriend, Joe.

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Trader Joe’s. A magical place, to say the least.

There are so many things to like about TJ’s. For the majority of their items (not fresh produce), they are budget-friendly. I have a hard time spending more than $20 every shopping trip and that usually includes some wine and maybe some meat. Their employees are THE FRIENDLIEST (I say this as an extreme introvert), most helpful, and usually silly people. Also, food/juice/coffee samples, need I say more?

Growing up in West Michigan, Trader Joe’s was but a dream to me. The closest one was 2ish hours away in a part of the state I never frequented. It wasn’t until I started visiting St. Louis during our dating years that I ever got to venture inside one. I was overwhelmed and underprepared for what TJ’s had in store for me and my future as a grocery shopper.

Since securing my first full-time job and moving to the Lou, I’ve been lucky enough to have a Trader Joe’s right on my way home. At this point, I stop in two or three times a week and do the bulk of my grocery shopping there. We’ve tried tons of their TJ brand goodies and have our favorites that are staples in our house.

  1. Hummus ($2)

Their hummus is hard to beat. The price and flavor options are incredible. My favorite is the roasted garlic, but also like the red pepper.

  1. Pita Chips ($2)

Little known fact about some of TJ’s goodies: many of their own label foods are actually name-brand but repackaged. The chips are one of those products. These are Stacy’s Pita Chips sold for half the price and the same quality and flavor options.

  1. Salsa Autentica ($2, are you sensing a trend??)

You know the salsa you get served on the table at a real Mexican restaurant? This comes pretty damn close to that. This classic salsa tastes fresh (surprising for a jar) and has a good amount of heat.

  1. Coconut Milk (99c)

In 2014, I’ve really gotten into making my own curry. This main ingredient costs twice as much at the regular grocery store and tastes just as good.

  1. Various oils ($4-$6ish)

TJ’s olive and coconut oils are fantastic. I’m not an oil snob, so it’s not hard to impress me, but I have read many fantastic things about how TJ’s organic coconut oil is cheaper than most and same quality.

  1. Tea ($2)

My absolute favorite tea, Candy Candy Green Tea (basically delicious minty-vanilla-holiday happiness), comes from here. They also offer many herb and black varieties. Everything I’ve tried is good. Full disclosure: I am not a tea snob that knows much about teas.

  1. Gluten-free offerings ($2+)

While I personally am not gluten-free, I have two loved ones who are. I sympathize with them when they grocery shop and have to pay double the price for most pastas/bread/whatever. TJ’s is great for GF shoppers. They carry flour, pancake mix, brownie mix, pastas, bread, crackers, what-have-you, all at affordable prices. They’re all decent quality (there are some high-quality GF products out there that blow these out of the water, but cost 3x the price), and definitely worth a try if you or someone you care about is GF. A lot of their GF products are also dairy- and soy-free, which is super great, because a lot of times those food allergies go hand-in-hand.

  1. Spices ($2)

Again, I’m not picky or a world-renowned chef, but their bottled spices are hard to beat. The same quality and less expensive than their name-brand counterparts.

  1. Pizza Dough ($1.19)

Jon and I have been into making cast iron skillet pizzas lately. With one dough ball from TJ’s, we can make two personal pizzas. Easy, cheap, and better for you than take-out! They have garlic herb, white, and whole wheat varieties.

 

There you have it. My favorite Trader Joe’s offerings. I would, however, be remiss if I didn’t also mention the items that we just don’t care for. The list is short.

  1. We have tried their various tortilla styles a few different types and just don’t care for it. Also, these are more expensive than the main grocery store.
  2. Ground beef. We’ve tried it several times in tacos and stuffed peppers and something is just off.
  3. Fresh Produce. While it’ll do if you’re there and don’t want to make another stop (guilty!), the prices aren’t great and they aren’t the freshest. Stick with their frozen or bagged veggies (their organic spinach is only $2!).

Honorable Mentions:

Cookie Butter
Dog Treats (no artificial fillers!)
2-buck chuck (the cab sauv isn’t half bad for the price)
TJ’s brand beer
Various crackers
Tortilla chips
Chocolate bars
Peppermint Joe-Joes