Friends, I’m really excited about today’s post because it’s all about TRADER JOE’S! This time though, I’m sharing my ultimate list for you “first timers” out there.
I know that many of you don’t live near a store, so when you do get the chance to go, it would help if you had one nice list to take along with you of things THAT ARE NOT SEASONAL. I love me some Trader Joe’s so much, but many of my favorite things are seasonal. Today’s list has things that I can always find in store.
A few things before we begin:
#1: I will try and refrain from using the phrase “this is one of my very faves” for each and every item. The truth, I had to really make myself limit this list because I wanted to name many more things…and then I truly want to declare each one “a fave”, but I know that doesn’t really help you out, so instead, please know…I love them all, but if I save Shay Fave next to one, that really and truly is an item I put in my cart every.single.time.
#2: Just a reminder, I still go to my local, neighborhood grocery store once a week for the “big items” like paper towels, TP, cleaning products, boxed cereals, etc. I now go to Trader Joe’s though almost every week too but mainly for my cheeses, breads, produce and frozen items. Basically, I love this store so much that I try to get there weekly too to supplement my “main shopping”.
#3: I’m including a Google doc at the end of this blog post with all of the items so that YOU can print it off and easily shop. I tried to think of ways to make this even more helpful for you, so hopefully, you like it!
That’s it!
Here are my top picks from Trader Joe’s and ultimate First Timer’s Guide…
SHAY FAVE: The only pepper jelly we use! Whether you enjoy it on your next meat and cheese board or use it in a recipe, we always, always have this on hand.
In the refrigerated section by the produce, you’ll find their freshly made burritos. I love these! They have so many great varieties and make excellent lunches or breakfasts! All you do is microwave them when you get home.
I love their veggie juices! Seriously, love them!!!
I’ll take anything with “truffle”, so these potato chips make me extra happy! My kids love these too!
They carry vanilla and hazelnut creamer year around, and they’re delicious!
SHAY FAVE: This is the only shrimp we use!! In fact, I’m using it tonight in a recipe!! They’re the perfect size and ready to be enjoyed.
Sometimes the scents change, but their hand soap and body butter are really amazing and super affordable. They’re great for quick and cute little gifts too.
SHAY FAVE: All of their soups are delicious (truly!), and they change them out seasonally, but this clam chowder is always available and tastes like homemade.
For our charcuterie boards, we almost exclusively use cheeses and meats from Trader Joe’s. They have a huge selection and wide assortment!
SHAY FAVE: This could be my ultimate fave 🙂 . These are PERFECT for breakfast!!!! I am literally obsessed with them and buy about 8 boxes a week. We cannot eat these fast enough!
Their raviolis do change out seasonally, but whatever season it is, get them. Just get them. They’re amazing and make the simplest suppers!
That dang sea salt gets me every time. These are so good with a cup of coffee in the afternoon.
SHAY FAVE: I don’t like canned corn. I probably hadn’t bought a can of corn in years (I prefer frozen), but one day, Sheaffer insisted I buy this can of corn, and my mind was blown. This stuff tastes like it just came off the cobb! You will love it!
Whether you eat your sweet potato as gnocchi or a free, buy both of these! They are in the freezer section and make the EASIES sides!!!
Trader Joe’s has a huge assortment of dried fruit and nuts (HUGE!), and these cashews here are my very favorite!!!
My little girls’ favorite after school snack!
SHAY FAVE: Speaking of huge assortment, they also have a huge assortment of dips and hummus, but this one here is my absolute favorite! I love it so much that I hide it. How insane is that?! I am like selfish with dip! Hahaha!
A little bit of this with a cracker in afternoon, and I’m a happy girl!
I was buying this g-free pasta way before we were a g-free house. It’s fresh, so it only takes a minute to cook up, and it’s delicious!
Trader Joe’s has so many great frozen items to heat up for individual lunches and dinners (and we buy many of them!), but this Pad Thai here is my favorite (it’s Smith’s favorite too!).
So good. Such a fresh, light, easy to make breakfast!!
I buy at least one box of these crackers each week! They’re crunchy, they’re bite-sized (so perfect for a little cheese and salami) and so delish!
SHAY FAVE: Even if you don’t have to eat gluten-free, you should buy these cupcakes!!! They are DELICIOUS!!! They come in large and then also in…
…mini!! This gluten-free mama doesn’t know what she would do without them!!
Oh my word, this is the ONLY mac & cheese we eat at my house.
Buy both and then put them on the stove top TOGETHER. Trust me. You will never do it any other way after that.
Trader Joe’s has a HUGE assortment of breads, but their gluten-free section is unbelievably large! I buy three loafs of their whole grain bread each week for sandwiches and toast!
SHAY FAVE: Oh my word, we cannot stop with these bites! They come in cheddar cheese too (which are delish), but the black summer truffle ones are AMAZING!!!!! We eat them as snacks and on our charcuterie boards too.
Trader Joe’s has what? Like a billion different amazing items dipped in chocolate? These two are some of our very favorite!!
SHAY FAVE: Okay, if I were assigning numbers to each item, these chips right here would take either first or second place. They’re a little spicy and a whole lot of delicious! I eat them with my lunch every day.
You would be surprised how much mustard we go through over here! Ha!
They have a million pre-packaged salads, but this Cobb one here is my fave! Add a little Buffalo sauce to it, and it’s like you’re eating a Chick-fil-a salad with ranch and Buffalo!
For all of those breakfast casseroles I love to make! They also make this with gluten too 😉 .
Oh my, these nuts! I couldn’t leave them out of today’s post because they also make my heart oh so happy! Add ’em to your cart too!
Whew!
What do you think?
Is that enough to get us started?
If you want to see the printable list of each of these, click right here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TGNRmbA341oPaElOvHS1iZCB3toeY0Czqf02J2ST3MU/edit?usp=sharing
Did I miss anything???? If so, please share! Also, if you have any new finds for me, PLEASE COMMENT AND SHARE those too!!
I also have easy recipes on my blog that use only Trader Joe’s items. If you haven’t tried some of these, now is the time…
TRADER JOE’S GNOCCHI WITH MEAT SAUCE
PEPPER JELLY & PEPPERONI GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH
Also, don’t forget, if you want to see even more of my favorite Trader Joe’s finds, you can by clicking here…
Trader Joe’s Faves PART 1 (from February last year, so most of these items are currently in store!!)
Trader Joe’s Faves PART 2 (from May!)
Trader Joe’s Faves PART 3 (from August!)
Trader Joe’s FALL FAVES
Trader Joe’s Faves PART 4
Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free
Trader Joe’s Lately from July 2020
Trader Joe’s FALL FAVES Part 2
Trader Joe’s November 2020
Trader Joe’s December 2020
Happy Tuesday!! xo
Erika Slaughter says
I’ve been influenced…to head to Trader Joe’s STAT!!
Stacey Mazurek says
Try the TJ green goddess salad dressing- it’s in the cold case above the vegetables. It’s so tasty- and great when you are on a diet. I live right next to a TJ’s here in California, but unfortunately I can’t go into it right now. We have such strict COVID lockdown laws, only 25% occupancy. Every timeI drive by there are long lines to get in. If you get in it is super crowded- Arggh. I used to go at least 3x a week.
Malinda Ennis says
Hi! Thanks for the great list! Just out of curiosity are most of these items gluten free? We have a new Celiac in our family as well. Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
This list is a mix! At the bottom, you’ll find my link to my favorite g-free finds plus, when you walk in the store, they can give you an up to date g-free shopping list!
Jenny says
Be careful. There are a few things listed even on the GF list on this blog that are not Celiac safe – meaning they are made on shared lines at TJ’s. TJ’s labels each and everything thing that is gluten-free and not produced on shared lines. If it’s not labeled, it’s a no. This goes for frozen items as well.
Sarah says
So for the tomato soup do you heat up the entire Boursin cheese in the pot with soup?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! Exactly!
Linda says
Love love ? Trader Joe’s have been a loyal customer since 1990’s In California. But when we moved to Virginia I was heartbroken until the one in Winston Salem opened!! Go there every other week and stock up. Great for pastas and dried fruit too. You just can’t go wrong!
Heather says
I’ve made those Pepper Jelly cheeseburgers a couple of times. SO delicious!!
The banana plantain chips from Trader Joes are a fave of mine.
stacy says
Since I don’t live near a TJ’s, getting to go is a special treat! Your list will be a HUGE help since all the fun things leave me with the attention span of a gnat once I get inside the store…
Erin Gobin says
I have turned on so many friends to the Coastal Cheddar Cheese. You gotta try that one, Shay! It’s a shame you’re gluten free because I especially love them with the seasonal “crisp” crackers. Right now they’re pistachio pomegranate flavored and SO GOOD. I also love the rosemary marcona almonds and the trail mix that comes in little packets with nuts and dark chocolate. Those are all staples for us!
Elspeth says
I’m definitely saving this post. I don’t have a TJ near me but when i do go I don’t know where to begin. This is so helpful! Thanks Shay!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Elana says
Hi! Thanks for this helpful list!! Are all of these items gluten free?
Abby Kate says
Oh my! I miss Trader Joe’s so much! Where I live there isn’t a Trader Joe’s near except for an hour and a half away. ? I remember if my family went on trips to places that had a Trader Joe’s, we would always stop by and it would be a treat just to be there!! Thanks for making this list! If we ever go to Trader Joe’s, I will be sure to grab some of these items!!
Carlin says
I also love the egg rolls and fried rice! But, the sweet potato gnocchi and sp fries are out favorite!
Holly says
We love Trader Joe’s too! If you haven’t tried it – the frozen brown rice and jasmine rice is amazing too and so easy! Also we LOVE roasting the “Cruciferous Crunch” veggies along with dinner (and then throwing leftovers into a salad). Just toss with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper and throw them in the oven at 400 until they are crispy and delicious!
Jennifer says
Hi Shay! What a great list! Thank you for the printable! A few of my faves that are always in my cart are a bouquet of the greenery, applesauce pouches (great variety and my daughter loves), box of individual brown rice bags, vegetable fried rice, white cheddar corn puffs (my daughters fave snack!), breaded tilapia in the frozen section, and the sea salt and turbinado sugar dark chocolate almonds (yum)! Oh and I always pick up a few of their greeting cards. I love your TJs posts!! They make me happy. 🙂
Jill says
I have a love / hate relationship with your Trader Joe posts. I love to look at them but the jealousy that I can’t have any of it is strong!! haha!
I have such a great list ready for whenever we can freely travel to the US again. Us Canadians miss out on Trader Joe’s!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh boo!!! thank you for supporting my blog from way up in beautiful Canada!!!! xo
Stephanie G says
This list is EXCELLENT! Definitely printing! Have you tried the sweet potato crackers from Costco? How do they compare to Trader Joe’s sweet potato crackers?
Mix and Match Mama says
I think they taste identical. If you blindfolded me, I do not think I could tell the difference.
Sheaffer Sims says
I’m going tomorrow, and I just added a couple of new items to my list! Yay!
Emily Harrison says
Yes to the argentine shrimp. My husband loves them. Our other staples are their Korean Style Beef Short Ribs in the freezer section, pork gyoza potstickers, creamy tomato basil pasta sauce, everything ciabatta rolls, shave cream, and the citrus body wash.
Susan Crivella says
I always buy the organic frozen jasmine rice, my family loves it and it’s SOO easy! 3 min in the microwave and done perfect!
Katelyn says
You have to try the everything but the gluten crackers! They are in a smaller package, often next to cheeses or with other crackers and are just soooo good!
Mix and Match Mama says
What? Why haven’t we had those???????
Amy says
We don’t have a Trader Joe’s near us, but my sis-in-law sends us S’mores bites that you heat up in the microwave for just a few seconds and they are soooo good!
Laura says
Yum…. all of these are so good! I would have to add the Everything But the Bagel Seasoning to the list — It is so good to add to avocado, eggs, tuna salad, egg salad, any roasted vegetables! It is one of my go-to purchases at Trader Joes!
Corbie says
Ok, does a little of the boursin cheese go directly into the soup?? YUM! Thank you for the shopping list Shay, off to Trader Joes this morning!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! Just put them both on the stove and let the cheese melt as it bubbles. Then serve. It’s life-changing. 😉
Kim says
I was going to ask the same thing! Like in the soup?? That sounds amazing! Yum!! Thank you and how did you think to do that??
Mix and Match Mama says
The soup? I didn’t! Trader Joe’s was demonstrating it one day! My friend Andrea had some and told us all to do it…we did and it’s amazing.
Jan says
How much cheese for an entire box of soup. Thank you for the great idea.
Mix and Match Mama says
The entire package!
Lindsay Larger says
Pub cheese the cheddar with jalapeño
Mexican style roasted corn
Easy appetizer- Put the cheddar with jalapeños pub cheese in crockpot. Make the corn according to directions. Then mix half (or less) of the roasted corn into the pub cheese. Dip with Trader Joe’s corn chips. So good and easy!
Mix and Match Mama says
I had to stop buying that exact pub cheese. I COULD NOT FOCUS WITH IT IN THE HOUSE. I would be sitting at my desk at like 9:30 in the morning thinking about it…and eating it. Oh my gosh! It’s amazing!
Maquelle says
I don’t have a Trader Joe’s near me but would really like to go. Before I go, how does the prices compare to the regular grocery stores, like HEB. I am assuming more expensive. Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I honestly think it’s really comparable to my neighborhood store BUT it is probably higher than if you shop at Target or Walmart. I don’t know for sure though.
Tracy Doubts says
Every time I go into Trader Joe’s it gets overwhelming and I leave with very little. This is a huge help, especially the
printable pdf. Thanks Shay!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!! Happy shopping!
Kelly Henderson says
We love Trader Joe’s and this is an excellent round up of year round items. We go weekly as well. After I meal plan, I make three lists: TJ, Costco and my local grocery store. We buy almost all of our produce at TJ. I love the Buffalo Chicken dip, did you know you can heat it up? I didn’t for the longest time. I eat it both way with a spoonful of sour cream. The brioche bread is amazing! My kids will no longer eat “regular” bread because they like the “fancy” bread better. Ha! Cheese bites are a must! We buy multiple bags a week because they are so dang tasty.
Tricia says
Sigh… Canadian here… Living vicariously through you each time you do one of your Trader Joe posts…! LOL! Always love these!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ugh!! Tricia! Boo. I vicariously live through your beautiful scenery in every day life if that helps at all. It’s very flat here in North Texas ;).
Tricia says
LOL! That does help! 😉
Have a great day! 🙂
Kathy says
Thank you for creating a printable list. So much better than me jotting things down on a sticky note! 🙂 I’m most excited to try the egg frittata and all the nuts and cheeses!
Alison T. says
Put some of those oven-baked truffle cheese bites IN your tomato soup. I usually grab the fire-roasted one. But I’m sure it’s good in the regular, too! And if you haven’t tried their Dill Havarti cheese, it’s a must for your charcuterie board. SO GOOD!! I grab one each time I go. 🙂
Makila says
Would you make a GF favorites post? Two of my four kids were diagnosed with celiac recently and I would love to find more things for them. Thank you.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I do have one GF post linked at the bottom, but I need to do another one!
Shavon says
I’m personally not into it, but I know a ton of people are…the “Everything but the bagel” seasoning is a huge seller. I personally love to get the Italian seasoning grinder. We go through it faster than I should admit! Fresh flowers are something I always purchase! Sometimes I get them for myself, but sometimes I buy them to gift in a cute mason jar with ribbon. Also, I love the Olive Oil spray. I keep their spray hand sanitizer in every bag and vehicle I own. I don’t know about every location, but ours has an incredible wine selection so I always browse and grab something new to try. Trader Joe’s…definitely one of my favorite shops!
Tonya says
In addition to many of the items above , our weekly TJ run includes the Plantain Chips, the Jerk-Style Plantain Chips, the Savory Banana & Nuts Trek Mix, Dark Chocolate Almonds with sea salt, Frozen Salmon, Olives and Olive Oil.
Alicia F says
My kid’s favorite meal is Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the freezer section. It is my go to on busy practice nights. 20 mins to bake while cooking the Rice (Trader Joe’s Basmati!) for the same time. Steam some veggies and it is a quick, super delicious meal.
Kelly says
Same – my kids LOVE their orange chicken! I cook the chicken in our air fryer and heat up the sauce in the microwave. Perfect!
Lori says
Thank you for posting this. I don’t live near a Trader Joes but I go about twice a year. I will take this list with me next time! I really like their pancake mix. It’s really cheap and makes great pancakes.
Dana says
I love how you make mundane things exciting again. I’ll have to get to Trader Joe’s stat! Also, if you still have a Costco membership, those açaí bowls are on sale this week and a much better deal than TJs. I love eating them on rushed mornings when I don’t have much time to make breakfast!
Corinne says
Our whole family loves the Butter Chicken from the frozen section. Buy the Garlic Naan to go with it!
Beth Valenta says
We are appetizer crazy here, so we went yesterday and got olive chicken bites and herbaceous cheese bites to try. OH MY YUM and we never walk away without a new vino and flavored waters in blueberry.
Susy says
No one gets out of TJs with only one item—but if I did it would be the frozen oatmeal!
Now if they would only do curbside during the virus!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! That is really, really good!!
Elizabeth says
I so wish we had a Trader Joe’s near me! When I do get close to one I definitely go in. Such a fun store. Will have to save this so next time I am close I can get some of these.
Bridget Angelica says
OMG! Thank you so much Shay! This post is GOLD. I’ve only been to TJ once and was completely overwhelmed, didn’t even know where to begin. I’ve heard so many people rave about it but I didn’t know what to get. Walked out with “Everything but the bagel” spice and that’s it! I can’t wait to go back and get some of these items.
Juliette Lienemann says
Trader Joe’s for life! There is a fun little podcast the have (short episodes) that talk about different foods and how they make their selections-worth checking out! My two votes-if you love the chocolate almonds, check out the dark chocolate sea salt ones-and we use their turkey bolognese over the cauliflower gnocchi for a super quick dinner-so delish! I could keep going, but I’ll stop at those two 🙂
Olivia Snyder says
The tomato soup and Boursin cheese is my absolute favorite!!! I know y’all are gluten free but for those reading this who aren’t, I love the cinnamon bread and use it for French toast (it’s sliced thick). And of course the cookie butter is amazing too. Really too many things to share!
Kimwr says
I agree we love the Trader Joe’s shrimp.
Deb says
I love Trader Joe’s! I feel like I need to make a trip now! How do you cook the little egg frittata bites? In the oven, or would they work in the air fryer?
Mix and Match Mama says
I put them in the microwave for two minutes! So easy!
Mary says
I also recommend their spices! I replaced all of my spices last year- inexpensive and good!
Josie says
Kale and Brussel Sprout salad- can be made in 5 mins w ingredients from TJs and SO SO good.
1 bag of shredded kale
1 bag of shredded brussel sprouts
cup of pecorino cheese (shredded already of course)
handful of pre-sliced almonds
Dressing: 1/4 C lemon juice, 2T Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt pepper
This is my go to salad when I have to take a salad somewhere. Sometimes I slide an avocado too to throw on top.
Chelsea says
Love this post Shay! My brother & sister-in-law introduced us to TJ’s about a year ago-now I’m obsessed. There are so many things on your list I can’t wait to try! Our nearest Trader Joe’s is 45 min away, so we go every 3 weeks or so. We love the pepper jelly, pita crackers, blueberry/vanilla yogurt for my 3 year old, everything but the bagel seasoning, dark chocolate and sea salt honey grahams- I could go on and on 🙂
aine says
frozen minced garlic cubes are such a lifesaver!!
Colleen says
I know that you buy mostly GF, but their TJ brand flour tortillas are literally like they came off the tortilla press at a Mexican restaurant…SO good!
Hilda says
Does Trader Joe’s not carry cleaning and paper products?
Mix and Match Mama says
Not a wide variety or the brands I typically love.
Mary C says
Since you mentioned Truffle… Have you tried the Truffle Ketchup they had this summer?? It was amazing! Seems to just be seasonal though, so you’ll have to look for it next summer.
Also, I saw someone ask about pricing and I wanted to mention this, Grocery stores in general vary in prices depending where you live. But Trader Joes prides themselves on keeping the price of every product consistent across the country. So you pay the same at your Trader Joes in Texas as I do at mine in Boston. So for me, it is much cheaper to shop at TJs than a regular grocery store. I think a lot of people lump them in with pricier grocery stores, but they are very affordable.
Mix and Match Mama says
Um, I bought enough bottles to last me the year!!! That stuff is amazing!!!
Chrissy says
Thanks for the printable! I’m a grocery store/Costco shopper…and have only been to our TJs maybe twice in 7 years. Being GF, I really need to embrace the place!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have really stopped going to Costco now that I visit TJ so frequently. In 2020, I only went one time!
Maggie Eterno says
This is amazing! Thank you for putting this together!
MelanieL says
I have a TJ’s about 30 minutes away but I’ve never been to it! Next month I’m taking my birthday off to take my daughter to get her license (hold me!) and I’ve been trying to think of something special to do for myself and going to TJ’s it is! Thank you so much for the printable, it will be very helpful!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!! What a fun day!!!
Alexa says
Yay for TJ’s! I tried the pepper jelly, thanks to you, and cannot get enough of it! And the brioche bread really takes breakfast casseroles to the next level! The chocolate peanut butter cups are a must for me, too. I need to go get those graham crackers with sea salt stat!
I also love their chocolate croissants in the freezer section. They are so simple to make and taste like they come from a European bakery, so so good!
Lauren Palomo says
Love those sweet potato chips! Need to try their clam chowder and frozen shrimp. I love all of your suggestions! Thanks so much Shay!
Anneka says
Sadly Trader Joe’s is about an hour away across town and I’ve never been! Maybe someday when my parents come and can watch the kids. At 5, 3, 2, and 7 mo I do lots of grocery pick up.
Ashley says
Can you elaborate on how you do the soup with the Boursin? Also the mustard looks delicious but I never know what to use it for- help! What do you use you mustard on/with?
Mix and Match Mama says
Literally just put both in your soup pot on the stove, let it come to a simmer and stir the cheese until it’s all melted in there. Serve and ENJOY!!
Erin says
That Red Pepper Soup is amazing with shrimp, black beans, and corn in it. Or, if you’re lazy like me, a big giant dollop of the TJ’s Cowboy Caviar mixed in. YUM!
I also tried the blueberry covered cherve goat cheese log that was to die for. It was like having dessert, but as a snack/appetizer.
Mindy Winant says
Hi my husband and daughter had a trip planned to Trader Joe’s today. We just went through your entire list. Happy to say a few things we’ve already gotten and love. We are going to try a few of your suggestions today as well. Thank you so much as always for taking the time to share with your readers ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! Yay!!!! I hope you get great stuff!
Abby says
I had never been to Trader Joe’s until I started reading your blog, and now I go almost every week!! The Triple layer hummus is our families favorite thing there. Also, the frozen chocolate croissants taste like something straight out of a French bakery…YUM!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!!!!
Jennifer FOOR says
Salt and pepper chips
Coffee filters
Carmel sauce
Fig breakfast bars
Hashbrowns
Anna says
Shay, thanks for sharing! I am wondering if eliminating/reducing gluten has had any impact on how you feel?
Mix and Match Mama says
You know, it’s hard for me to tell because I had my hysterectomy at the same time, so I’m not exactly sure (since I’m feeling so great on my hormones!) BUT, I do think it’s made K’s skin glow, her hair healthier…it’s been so good for her!
Kristen says
The mini Hold the Cones ice cream cones are the perfect size for my 3 year old son. They have chocolate, vanilla, choc chip and they have peppermint around Christmas time. We love them!
Laci Murray says
I am going to TJ’s this week..I have put it off long enough!
Crystal Cudaback says
Can we see your freezer somewhere I feel like you must have a big freezer to keep all of this stuff ? 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh! Yes! It’s in my garage!
SC says
This is making me hungry! Another TJ favorite in our family is the Veggie Fried Rice (frozen). I know frozen rice sounds awful, but I’m telling you — It’s delicious, especially with a fried egg on top!
Julianna says
Yes! Love the fried rice with a fried egg and bit of sriracha. We also love their frozen edamame!
Diane says
I’m so sad we don’t have a Trader Joe’s anywhere close to Amarillo, Tx.? I’ve gone to one in Santa Fe and San Antonio and love it! I am printing off your list in hopes of going to OKC to Trade Joe’s as soon as we can travel. Thanks!
Nicole says
Do you do anything to dress up the Egg Fritatas? I liked eating them for a period of time but they got old fast because they are sort of one note in my opinion. If I could add something to them maybe I’d start eating them again.
Mix and Match Mama says
I just enjoy them as is…sometimes, I’ll add a slice of toast with jam on the side to make it a bit more “complete”.
Jeanie says
Everything sounds and looks awesome!
Laura says
Love me some Trader Joe’s. I follow way too many TJs Instagram pages that make me want everything. I did see that the pale ale mustard is going to be discontinued! Better stock up!
Lisa A Ruggles says
Trader Joe’s is definitely a great place. They have a few faves of mine. One caveat for shopping their frozen meals is to beware of the sodium content. I was horrified to see the grams in my favorite chile rellenos and had to give them up forever.
Tiff says
This post was reposted by someone on the Trader Joe’s Reddit page! Thanks for the great recs Shay, you truly are our TJs fairy.
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s awesome!
Amanda Rooney says
I’m located in Mansfield – so still in the metroplex, but no TJ in our town. I’ll likely make the trek to Southlake.
Out of curiosity, if one were to buy the entire list you suggested, how much do you think it would cost?? Roughly? Just curious as to what their prices are like.
At a regular grocery store (Kroger) I would spend $175-200 a week on regular groceries for the week. However, if I were to purchase the same items at Whole Foods or Central Market, I would double the cost, if not more. So I’m curious as to where TJ would go on the cost scale.
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t shop at Whole Foods or Central Market, so I’m not sure, but I absolutely do not think it would double your cost! Based on another reader’s comment, it sounds like they go out of their way to be comparable.
Kacy M says
I LOVE TRADER JOES!! Love their matcha and ube ice cream, creamy strawberry yogurt popsicles, their summer bbq(?) chips (have a pickley flavor), and their salsas.
Jenny Gordon says
I don’t think anyone has mentioned the Unexpected Cheddar cheese!!! I don’t leave without it. And I know it’s one of their best sellers – at least around here. The cashiers always comment about it. I also always have the Chicken Chow Mein in the freezer for a quick lunch. Not much chicken, at all, but I like the noodles and sauce a lot!! Recently bought the brioche bread- unbelievable French toast! Can’t wait to try some of these items.
Maggie says
Trader Joe’s and Nordstrom have my heart ♥️ By far my favorite stores! Best customer service hands down for both stores! Did you know Trader Joe’s has been around for 63 years! I had no idea. ?
Mix and Match Mama says
I did not know that! That’s awesome!!
Melissa Day says
My hubby and I went today and came home with a bunch of new finds! Thanks for this list, it was so helpful!!
Jennibell says
You’ve done all my Super Bowl prep work for me :). Thank you for the printable list!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!!!
Karen Ward says
We are getting a TJ’s in Chattanooga, TN this spring!! This list will be so helpful.
There is one in Knoxville that I’ve been to a couple of times. The last time, I picked up mushroom ravioli with truffle sauce in the freezer section and OH. MY. WORD. I ate the whole three serving bag all by myself in one sitting.
The tomato soup with Boursin cheese sounds AMAZING!!
Thanks for the printed list. I think it will help me so much!
Lauren Smee says
Salsa
Spaghetti sauce (SO good!)
Big bottle of olive oil
seasonings
Shaving lotion (its in an orange tube and is SO good!)
Alexis deZayas says
We couldn’t live without their Everything But the Bagel seasoning, Jalapeño sauce, frozen potstickers, multi-floral & clover honey, plantain crisps or Schloss Biebrich rose champagne over here!!
Shea says
We’ve shopped TJ’s almost since it opened (even shopped the original Ventura store.) I hate to cook, so TJ and I have been bffs all these years. Love that TJ’s carries so many gluten free items now. I didn’t know about the gf fettuccine- will def be looking for that. The tempura cauliflower is a staple of ours. The cauliflower pizza crust is great as a regular style pizza – even without cheese (which we don’t eat), but it’s also great with the packets of Indian food, and TJ’s mango chutney, or any chutney. You can add crumbled up masala or veggie burger (the Thai veggie burger is awesome.) if anyone becomes addicted to the mandarin orange chicken, a great portion control and meal extender is one large-ish scoop over salad. Since I’m the only one at home who eats it, I get 3-4 meals out of one bag. About 2/3 of our food supply comes from TJs. (But, still haven’t forgiven Joe for years ago discontinuing the Smuckers sugar-free grape juice made exclusively for TJ.)
Marie says
I try never to be without TJs frozen brown rice. When I steam brown rice myself, it never comes out right! Theirs is so easy, so fast, and I love the texture. Their Unexpected Cheddar cheese is also a favorite- like cheddar and parmesan combined. And though they aren’t edible, I LOVE buying myself flowers at TJs. They have such great, reasonably priced options.
Donna says
Please bring back the Speculoos Crunchy Cookie Butter Spread in Chocolate. Ty!
Caitlin says
I go to TJ’s every other month or so…it’s not super close to us. I’d love to go more. I always go for their liquid stevia drops! And buy a few other things while I am there. I’ll print this list and take next time. We are always looking for easy meals!!
Grayson says
Best most helpful post ever! Thank you for the recommendations! So helpful! Tried most of them and so yummy! Thanks Shay!