As a Los Angeles native, I grew up with Trader Joe’s. Their products played a big role in my childhood. I distinctly remember going grocery shopping there with my parents growing up. We used to always pick up Hansen’s sodas (they used to sell all of the different flavors), snack bars, and vegetarian tortilla soup (PLEASE BRING THIS BACK, TRADER JOE’S!).
When I came to New Jersey for college (RU RAH RAH), Trader Joe’s was just opening up here. I remember driving ALL THE WAY from New Brunswick to Westfield with my roommate to pick up a few of my favorites. Thankfully, Trader Joe’s now has a rather large presence on the East Coast. There are actually two locations that are equidistant from my house! E and I visit Trader Joe’s AT LEAST twice a month, if not more. I can’t ever leave the store without spending at least $100. They have everything, from every day necessities, to quick lunch and dinner options. Their freezer section is my FAVORITE! At least once a month we do a big freezer stock up. Their frozen meals are always good in a pinch!
I am always looking to try new products at Trader Joe’s (after all, if you try something new and don’t like it, Trader Joe’s will give you a refund), so I thought it would be fun to share what some of our favorites are.
Please share your Trader Joe’s favorites in the comments!
Flowers
$3.99 Bunch (EVERY.SINGLE.TRIP.)
Peonies (when they have them)
Dairy and Cheese
Strawberries and Cream Yogurt
Cherry Yogurt Squishers
Creamy Toscano Cheese Soaked in Syrah
Asiago Cheese with Rosemary and Olive Oil
Tillamook Cheddar
Ciliegine Fresh Mozzarella Balls
Grains, Cereal, and Bread
Organic Sprouted Tricolored Quinoa
Reduced Carb Whole Wheat Flour Tortillas
Peanut Butter Panda Puffs
Joe’s O’s
Shredded Spoonfuls
Rolled Oats
Fresh Pizza Dough
Vegetables and Salad
Spinach
Southwestern Chopped Salad
Vegetable and Soba Noodle Stir Fry Kit
Broccoli and Cauliflower Mixed Bag
Brussels Sprouts
Les Petites Carrots
Sweet Potatoes
Zucchini
Bell Peppers
Mini Heirloom Tomatoes
Shallots
Fruit
ALL OF THE BERRIES (because Nathan is OBSESSED)
Bananas (at least 5 each visit)
Lemon
Lime
Pre Sliced Mango
Frozen
Vegetable Fried Rice (buy two at a time)
Cauliflower Gnocchi (buy two at a time)
Paneer Tikka Masala
Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry
Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Organic Riced Cauliflower
Chocolate Croissants
French Onion Soup (vegetarian)
Spanakopita
Camembert Cheese and Cranberry Sauce Fillo Bites (only available during the holiday season)
Mini Vegetable Samosas
Gone Berry Crazy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Slices (holy cow these are addictive – can eat a whole box in one sitting)
Potato Pancakes (perfect for Chanukah and all year round)
Snacks
Trader Joe’s Cereal Bars (Blueberry, Strawberry, and Apple)
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (the perfect indulgence)
Organic Fruit Wraps (all flavors)
Freeze Dried Strawberries
Animal Crackers
Organic Flavored Fruit Snacks (NEW)
Cornichons
Honey Wheat Pretzel Sticks
Dips, Spreads, and Sauces
Garlic Hummus
Kalamata Olive Hummus
Vegan Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto
Salsa Autentica
Kansas City BBQ Sauce
Soyaki Sauce
Sunbutter
Tuscano Marinara Sauce
Olive Tapenade
Meat and Fish
Frozen Salmon
Frozen Mahi Mahi
Frozen Cod
Kosher Ground Beef
Kosher Ground Turkey
Kosher Chicken Legs
Seasoning
Everything But The Bagel
Chili Lime
BBQ Rub and Seasoning (only available during the summer)
Drinks
Flavored Seltzer
Organic Lemonade
Apple Juice
Omg so funny, I fell in love with Trader Joes when I, too, went to Rutgers! It was only about 10 minutes away when I attended. Now I live about 30-45 minutes from one, but I still make the trek about once or twice a month to do some bulk shopping. I’m going this weekend to pick up some of their fall themed goodies 🙂
http://expeditiontoeuphoria.com
I’m heading to Trader Joe’s this weekend to pick up pumpkins and gourds to decorate my front porch. They have all sorts of sizes and colors to choose from.