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63 Comments
boudreau5
October 31, 2021
One of the many items I get is the frozen pastry dough for pies. It is a great stand- by for time. Also, my youngest son loves their organic cheese pizza. The Italian Bomba Hot pepper sauce is great with pasta. There are too many items.
My biggest beef with Trader Joes is when they shelf items that are seasonal, it does not last on the shelf for the season. One of our favorite is maple popcorn, lasted a week. If you didn't shop that week then you were out of luck. They need to get better on items that are popular.
My biggest beef with Trader Joes is when they shelf items that are seasonal, it does not last on the shelf for the season. One of our favorite is maple popcorn, lasted a week. If you didn't shop that week then you were out of luck. They need to get better on items that are popular.
Sofia
March 31, 2019
I agree with the picks of the author and I'm a huge fan of TJ's, perhaps because we dont have them in Canada. So my absolute go to are the Wine section for the organic WellRed, refried beans (all beans actually) and Jack Fruit! Yes they have it canned which make a real good meat substitute. And I can't
Live without those pop up sponges and those beewax sheets
Live without those pop up sponges and those beewax sheets
Lindsay-Jean H.
April 2, 2019
And I agree with all of your picks! The only one I haven't tried is the organic WellRed wine, which now I clearly need to pick up.
Anja
June 27, 2017
Yes, all of those delicious things!
But I agree with the previous comment about getting you hooked on something and the not carrying it anymore. They used to have ginger jo-jos, which were incredible. Now you can only get them at Christmas time in a package of several different kinds of jo-jos :(
And I fondly remember the lovely rosemary scones...
But I agree with the previous comment about getting you hooked on something and the not carrying it anymore. They used to have ginger jo-jos, which were incredible. Now you can only get them at Christmas time in a package of several different kinds of jo-jos :(
And I fondly remember the lovely rosemary scones...
LisaD
April 7, 2017
Sweet & spicy pecans. I buy 10 bags (I live far away) and keep them in the freezer for an easy nibble with a martini. In general, all of the nuts are a good bargain and usually organic, ditto the dried fruit, so I keep well stocked. Old Amsterdam cheese is a standby. I have a weakness for these green-tea flavored mints at the checkout counter.
girlwithaknife
April 1, 2017
On my grocery list:
Chai latte mix
Goat cheese ravioli
Greek yogurt
Wine
Shelf stable whipping cream
Fig bars
And ginger cookies of course
Chai latte mix
Goat cheese ravioli
Greek yogurt
Wine
Shelf stable whipping cream
Fig bars
And ginger cookies of course
Luna
March 30, 2017
Speaking of cheese, I love the Basque sheep cheese. I can't wait to try the unexpected cheddar.
Helenegordon
March 21, 2017
How about the flowers at Trader Joe's? Purchased 20 tulips for $9.99 at the Austin store last month and they lasted for almost a week! Can't wait to stock up on peonies later this spring.
AntoniaJames
March 21, 2017
The chocolate cat cookies and vanilla "schoolhouse" cookies are perfect for making rum / bourbon balls. The chocolate is something like 4+ more cost effective than the Nabisco chocolate wafers, while the schoolhouse cookies are less sweet than vanilla wafers. Both also produce a superior crumb crust - nice and firm, and a little dry. ;o)
Jaye B.
March 21, 2017
So many things to enjoy from Trader Joe's but I really love that I can buy Ghee and not have to make it myself.
Barbara R.
March 20, 2017
Trader Joe's ice cream is the best. Frozen cherries, slightly thawed are a healthy dessert-like a cherry sorbet. The dried, sweetened tangerine slices are incredible. The sliced brioche loaf is absolutely delicious and convenient for bread puddings. The (frozen) chocolate and vanilla maccarons are delicious. The $4 Cherry Blossom pinot noir is delicious, as well as the $20 Calvados-available during the holidays-buy 2. The French mustard is not quite as good as Maille, but a great substitute. Their Papparadelle and linguine are substantial. Their dried fruit is excellent-I like the dried Montmorency in oatmeal/cookies. The dried prunes don't melt away in dishes as other brands do. Their nuts are fresh and don't have preservatives added. Their ww honey and or rye pretzels are delicious. I love the olive oil potato chips-less salty as well. Dark yolk eggs, the French Cultured Butter-OMG! Their handmade tamales are super. I also buy their pine cat litter and organic cat food. What would I do without them!!!
Rosemary R.
March 19, 2017
The blue cheese crumbles are great for salad or making blue cheese dressing. Love the English truffle cheddar cheese for snacks and the whole milk mozzarella for pizza. The triple ginger snaps in the clear box and the vanilla wafers are great for snacks if you don't have time to make your own. Also use them for cheesecake crust. Smoked trout (love to make smoked trout dip) is very good. When they have apricots in season, they are fabulous. Like the pomegranate and coconut body butters, especially for hands in the winter. And flowers!
Amy
March 19, 2017
Thanks, Lindsay-Jean. I'm an Ann Arborite, and I frequent your haunts as well! TJs new product shelf is my favorite spot in the store :)
Noreen F.
March 19, 2017
I live about 70 miles from the nearest TJ's, so I don't get there as often as I like. I always check the produce section for bagged greens (love the Southern braising greens), see if they've got Delice de Bourgogne in the cheese case, and stock up on nuts, dried fruit and dark chocolate. The shelf-stable cartons of whipping cream are great and I adore the tomato-less salsa, a sweet-spicy concoction of corn kernels, onion and red pepper that really zips up a hog dog.
Noreen F.
March 21, 2017
Oh, I do! In fact there's a little cooler that lives in the back of my car.
Ellen
March 19, 2017
The salsa verde is GREAT! We always get: frozen Thai veg. dumplings, arugula, ciabatta rolls or pumpernickel, peanut butter, almond butter, bourbon vanilla, cocoa powder, nuts & seeds, Joe's Os cereal. We were in love with the rice pudding but had to quit; I can't even look at it as I pass by. My husband shops the dairy section so I'm not tempted.
beezus
March 19, 2017
Chili Pepper Sauce! Nice heat with a cumin flavor. On my last visit, picked up dark chocolate almond lace cookies. Best cookie I've ever eaten. Unfortunately, the closest TJ is an hour away, so don't get there often. :(
Janet R.
March 19, 2017
I like the frozen leeks, so much easier than trying to get all the grit out of leeks yourself, and the frozen roasted corn. The two together can make a fantastic corn chowder.
BC
March 19, 2017
Love, love, love the Unexpected Cheddar. But has no one else tried the Dill Pickle Popcorn; I don't usually like the flavored popcorn, mainly just chemical flavored but this one tastes just like pickles. Also, I have this thing where everytime I go to TJ's I have to buy my son one new food, something that I would never imagine him eating. Funny thing with the quality of TJ's product most of them have a stable; that's how I know about the dill pickle popcorn. Try this, it's a good way to find good food.
AntoniaJames
March 19, 2017
Maple syrup in 750ml bottles, excellent quality, is available at a great price. ;o)
Joy B.
March 18, 2017
YAY glad you liked the unexpected cheddar!!!! It's seriously the best. Thanks for the shoutout!! XO
scruz
March 18, 2017
fruit frenzy popsicles. the ones with lemon and raspberry...very tart . the other type is too sweet. lime popsicles are good too.
SeeSaveSavor
March 16, 2017
Bagged, regular carrots are tasty raw or cooked and only .89. I'm also into the fresh croissants, grits, bottled olives, milk chocolate peanuts, rosemary ham and Inner Peas.
Barbara R.
March 20, 2017
I miss the madeleines-still. And I buy the frozen croissants-jst in case I crave one!
Mary A.
March 16, 2017
Did anyone mention the goyza's at TJ'S. They have several chicken, pork, shrimp and vegetable. I also like the domas, a very large can for I think $3.00 and change. I don't usually buy their produce except for the packaged baby spinach which is very clean and a good buy. I also like their high fiber bread and occasionally I'll get a some baked goods. Did I mention they have great cottage cheese and their frozen string beans and peas are always in the freezer. My husband loves their nut selection. For myself, I like the cheese selection at Costco which has an incredible selection at unbelievable prices.
Happy food shopping --- the best.
Happy food shopping --- the best.
Kate R.
March 16, 2017
Any recommendations for the Yuzu Hot Sauce?? I bought it the other day (admittedly cause the bottle was adorable) and not sure how to use. Mixed it with some soy sauce for a dipping sauce for TJs cilantro chicken dumplings, very good, looking for more uses, thanks!
Lindsay-Jean H.
March 16, 2017
Basically anywhere you'd use hot sauce that you're okay with citrus (I don't mean to sound flip!), so I might not use it on a plain fried egg, but a rice bowl with veggies and a fried egg, yes. Avocado toast. In a salad dressing or aioli/mayo. In a dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls. If I wasn't a vegetarian I would use it with fish or other types of seafood.
judy
March 15, 2017
Grew up in so Cal and been a TJ shopper all my life. My Mom and Dad made it their go to place to shop for "two buck chuck"--reasonably good reasonably priced wine. That was in the 60's and 70's. I now shop TJs almost weekly. All the goodies mentioned are regularly on my list over the course of a year. One of my favorite is the Unchrystalized Ginger-dried ginger. wonderful in my home made muesli. I'll put some in my waldorf salad tonight. Fennel about the best price and best quality in town. I also bought the uncured bacon ends and pieces. I do not buy cheese here. It is very expensive. I buy my cheese at Grocery Outlet. Large variety, from all over the world and fresh. At a fraction of the price. I am currently enjoying a great cheese from Holland that is whole milk, organic, grass fed. Also lots of sheep and goats' milk cheese. So like everything else, need to shop carefully, but no doubt TJ is excellent for a lot of goodies.
OnionThief
March 15, 2017
i haven't lived near a grocery outlet in ages! they do have great cheese, and i seem to remember getting good olive oil there regularly.
barriep
March 16, 2017
Ah....Grocery Outlet! Could always find a fantastic bargain there. I never knew what I would find, but I would always find something!
OnionThief
March 15, 2017
TJ has some pretty great frozen veggie options. we keep leeks and brussels sprouts around at all times.
The asparagus and brie frozen pasta entree is an awesome emergency lunch
the best chocolate covered espresso beans i have found anywhere
chocolate babka
Espiral Vinho Verde
olives (the 4 pack)
coconut chips
St. André cheese
The asparagus and brie frozen pasta entree is an awesome emergency lunch
the best chocolate covered espresso beans i have found anywhere
chocolate babka
Espiral Vinho Verde
olives (the 4 pack)
coconut chips
St. André cheese
Windischgirl
March 15, 2017
Dried fruits, nuts, oatmeal, spices, almond flour. Organic eggs are the best price around. Chocolate, cheeses, blood oranges, bag apples. Lox bits, prosciutto, puff pastry and filo when they have it. Alas, in PA, no Two-buck Chuck...
Bevi
March 15, 2017
Chili lime cashews, unsalted roasted slivered almonds, honey roasted almonds, chia bar, roasted tomato paste in tube, spicy marinara sauce, PB&J bar, waxed Amaryllis bulb during holiday season, just to name a few!
Leah H.
March 15, 2017
I love that cheddar cheese too! Costco sells it too, it's called Coastal White Cheddar and it's comes from England. The salt crystals in it is sooo addicting! I also love their Turkish Honey, with rock rose, citrus, wildflowers, and pine. And their brown rice medley with Daikon radish seeds and black barley is my favorite!
Christine
March 15, 2017
what do you do with the coconut cream? I bought it on a whim and haven't a clue what to do with it.
HalfPint
March 15, 2017
@Christine, coconut whipped cream, http://minimalistbaker.com/how-to-make-coconut-whipped-cream/
other ideas: curries, cocktails (like pina colada), pie, laksa, soups
other ideas: curries, cocktails (like pina colada), pie, laksa, soups
boudreau5
October 31, 2021
One recipe I use it in is Whole 30 Tikka Masala made in the instant pot. I got the recipe from the food network. It is one of my requested meals from the family and friends. Tons of spices and flavors.
www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/instant-pot-whole30-chicken-tikka-masala-5451388
www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/instant-pot-whole30-chicken-tikka-masala-5451388
AntoniaJames
March 15, 2017
Often on my list:
Whole wheat lavash sheets (for making these crackers: https://food52.com/recipes/30539-dukkah-dusted-lavash-crackers )
Spanish olive oil for cooking
Sardines in olive oil, smoked herring ("kipper snacks" is what we called them growing up); anchovies
Pie spice (seasonal - I usually make my own blend, but it's nice to have this as a backup)
Canned organic pumpkin
Butternut squash
Organic limes
Cento San Marzano whole tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes for tomato curry sauce (for this, double batches, frozen in 1 and 2-cup portions): https://food52.com/recipes/35952-tomato-curry-sauce
Brown rice medley (really, you should try it!)
Feta
Butter
Parmigiano Reggiano
Sliced havarti and Swiss for Mr. T's sandwiches
Larabars and Clif Bars for hiking
Grifoni San Giovese and Chianti when I need Italian reds for braises, etc.
Rabbit Ridge Robles red when I need a Rhone-style red for cooking
Contadina (the more expensive one) when I need a dry white for cooking
Frozen spinach
Frozen mixed seafood blend
Puff pastry (seasonal -- and too short a season, if I may say so!)
Pound plus chocolate for holiday baking
Honeycrisp apples and Cara Cara oranges, each by the bag when available
Nuts and seeds (all kinds - especially toasted unsalted pecans and walnut pieces for baking)
Unsweetened coconut flakes
Frozen tuna steaks (occasionally)
Frozen artichoke hearts
Frozen cod pieces - great value, perfect for curries and laksa
Decaf Irish breakfast tea (recommend - nice, full bodied flavor)
;o)
Whole wheat lavash sheets (for making these crackers: https://food52.com/recipes/30539-dukkah-dusted-lavash-crackers )
Spanish olive oil for cooking
Sardines in olive oil, smoked herring ("kipper snacks" is what we called them growing up); anchovies
Pie spice (seasonal - I usually make my own blend, but it's nice to have this as a backup)
Canned organic pumpkin
Butternut squash
Organic limes
Cento San Marzano whole tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes for tomato curry sauce (for this, double batches, frozen in 1 and 2-cup portions): https://food52.com/recipes/35952-tomato-curry-sauce
Brown rice medley (really, you should try it!)
Feta
Butter
Parmigiano Reggiano
Sliced havarti and Swiss for Mr. T's sandwiches
Larabars and Clif Bars for hiking
Grifoni San Giovese and Chianti when I need Italian reds for braises, etc.
Rabbit Ridge Robles red when I need a Rhone-style red for cooking
Contadina (the more expensive one) when I need a dry white for cooking
Frozen spinach
Frozen mixed seafood blend
Puff pastry (seasonal -- and too short a season, if I may say so!)
Pound plus chocolate for holiday baking
Honeycrisp apples and Cara Cara oranges, each by the bag when available
Nuts and seeds (all kinds - especially toasted unsalted pecans and walnut pieces for baking)
Unsweetened coconut flakes
Frozen tuna steaks (occasionally)
Frozen artichoke hearts
Frozen cod pieces - great value, perfect for curries and laksa
Decaf Irish breakfast tea (recommend - nice, full bodied flavor)
;o)
Susanna
March 19, 2017
So their frozen fish is good? I've bee on wondering--saw swordfish steaks and Dover sole that looked tempting. Normally I buy fresh seafood the day I want to make it, but I like the idea of having some on hand in case it's a Sunday or I don't want to make the trek to the store.
Travel
March 19, 2017
I think their Dover sole is pretty good - I buy it every couple of months. Another item I buy pretty frequently now (I think it is pretty new) is the frozen crab cakes. Not the ones in the area where the frozen fish is - those have too much filler. But the ones in the blue-sided box. Very little filler and only $6.99 (Southern California) for two good-sized cakes. Just had them last night. I prepare them a little differently than indicated on the box. I like them crispy so, instead of putting them in the oven, I put them in a pan with a little butter and saute them with a cover on. So good.
Jane
March 19, 2017
Try the wild-caught Scottish frozen salmon. Excellent and comes in small cuts in case there's just 1-2 of you.
HalfPint
March 15, 2017
Trader Joe's had this parmesan from Australia that - I swear to G - tasted as good as Parm Reg. And then they stopped carrying it!!!!!! That's my main gripe with TJ's. They get you hooked on a product and then they stop carrying it. This has happened numerous times, like when they stopped carrying the tofu 'egg' salad (the one that actually looked and tasted like egg salad).
What I love and always get from TJ's:
- brussel sprouts still on the stalk
- drinking chocolate
- triple ginger cookies (if they ever stop carrying this, there will be a mutiny)
- Pound Plus dark chocolate bar
- puff pastry
- pie crust
- chocolate chip cookie dough
- honey crisp apple juice
- stone wheat crackers
What I love and always get from TJ's:
- brussel sprouts still on the stalk
- drinking chocolate
- triple ginger cookies (if they ever stop carrying this, there will be a mutiny)
- Pound Plus dark chocolate bar
- puff pastry
- pie crust
- chocolate chip cookie dough
- honey crisp apple juice
- stone wheat crackers
Smaug
March 15, 2017
I'm more inclined to stick to staples- their organic sweet corn is far the best available, and their baby peas are also great. The best place for plain old nuts of all sorts and peanuts. The Parmagiano Reggiano Stravechio is also a necessity, much better price than anywhere else- cheeses in general are good value. I seldom buy prepared foods, but I confess a weakness for Lacey's cookies, which are more confection than cookie. Produce is limited, but what they have is reasonably priced (my alternative is often Safeway) and of decent quality.
healthierkitchen
March 15, 2017
Totally agree on the sauerkraut and baby bananas! Their new mixed nut butter is a must try! For those who use them, their prices on Barbara's breakfast cereals are very good.
BerryBaby
March 15, 2017
Trader Joe's frozen food section is fabulous! French onion soup, lasagna, orange chicken, rice in bags, vegetables are amazing and frozen treats. We always have the freeze dried strawberries on hand. Love TJ's, fun store and fun people!
Mary C.
March 15, 2017
Their hot smoked salmon, green juice (sold in huge bottles) all the cheese, and OMG! The Korean green onion pancakes in the freezer section. They are on my list every week and for good reason.
Kelsey B.
March 15, 2017
No wine reccs?! That's the hardest part.
Lindsay-Jean H.
March 15, 2017
Ah, sorry Kelsey! (That's because it's stop #5 for me, the local wine store near Zingerman's!)
AntoniaJames
March 15, 2017
Kelsey, as noted in the comment I just posted: Grifoni Sangiovese and Chianti which I use for cooking. I don't drink wine, but many people I know find those two well suited for everyday, along with Rabbit Ridge Paso Robles red (which I use whenever I need a Rhone-style red, e.g., Beef Burgundy). There are some ratings online of best TJ wines, which are fairly easy to find. ;o)
LT
March 16, 2017
So many TJ wines come from wineries that are really hard on the environment and don't have great practices for their own wine making practice. It was its cheap, but wine that cheap is coming at a cost to our planet.
Barbara R.
March 20, 2017
The $4 (CA) Cherry Blossom Pinot. They had a (CA) $3 white blend but I haven't seen it lately. I don't care for the above mentioned wines. They have a new wine buyer and the wines are better.
Whats4Dinner
March 15, 2017
Lately I always pick up (all organic) persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, colored bell peppers, sugar snap peas, cauli......okay, most of the produce that's organic. Also organic eggs and fat-free milk (for kids). As mentioned I always maintain my nut stock (sounds weird, huh?), being dairy-free it's a necessity especially cashews. Now for the bad: I can't stay away from the reduced-guilt kettle chips and sometimes the sriracha waffle chips! Ooooh and the speculoos!!
creamtea
March 15, 2017
Muesli, flaked coconut, Tillamook cheddar (for mac and cheese), dried Montmorency cherries, chili-lime seasoning, any small-batch coffee beans they may have (in the ziploc bags, not the canisters), cookie-butter sandwich cookies, their hot-fudge sauce (excellent), hand-stretched tortillas, Pastrami smoked salmon, cold-smoked peppered salmon, Dutch Yellow potatoes (to steam and eat with said smoked salmon and melted butter for a quick family dinner), coconut milk and cream products, both canned and refrigerated, single-origin baking chocolate before the winter holidays (excellent and reasonably priced), dried California apricots, artisan bagels and baguettes, and when in California, the Monterey Jack with the red and back label (can't get it here in New York). Their frozen Kouigns Amann used to be so great, but New York doesn't stock them anymore : (
Annika
March 19, 2017
The Horseradish Pub Cheese is the BEST! I get a bag (or two) of the Tamari Soy Crackers to dip in it and it is snack heaven. Also the Sriracha Bacon Jerky takes me higher.
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