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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Trader Joe's ·

Trader Joe’s Haul: February 2021


Happy Monday!!!

Today, I have a new batch of Trader Joe’s finds.

Here’s what I love about Trader Joe’s…there’s always something new and seasonal.

Here’s what I hate about Trader Joe’s…I fall in love with something new and seasonal, and then cry buckets of tears when they discontinue it.  #imtalkingtoyoutrufflehotsauce

I’ve been several times this month and once, I even got to take this girl with me…

I always go during the school day, but this one time, Kensington was with me, and it was even more fun shopping with her.  Plus, we found a few new g-free items which was an added bonus starting with…

Gosh, I hope these aren’t seasonal!!!!  Friends, these cauliflower thins are REALLY GOOD!  You’re going to find them in the refrigerated section (by the pre-made salads and dips), and they come four to a pack.  I love them for so many reasons.  First, they’re thin enough that you could add some syrup and almost eat them like a pancake, but they’re strong enough to serve as a bun for a sandwich too.  You just heat them up in the microwave and go!  They’d also work really well as mini pizzas too.  I used my four to make two breakfast sandwiches.  Delish!  I really hope they stay all year long.

You guys know I love a sauce.  Basically, everything is boring without a sauce on it…so this is #win for me.

Speaking of a win, Smith has been begging for alfredo sauce to go with his pasta at lunch, so when I went this time, I found this new one here!  Yum! I do think this is a seasonal item.

Kensington scored some major g-free cookies!  First, she picked out these and then…

…these.  We love finding new gluten-free treats like this!

They’re crunchy like a chip…but not really a chip.  I like that they’re savory and not sweet.

Easy to roast and colorful too!

I’m very much a “chicken salad girl”, but I did enjoy their egg salad last week!

Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!

The dressing is realllllly good in this one!

This is in the frozen section by the orange chicken and fried rice.  We are big fans!!  This is easy to heat up for lunch too!!

Yes!!!  Sheaffer told me to buy two bags…and I’m so glad I did!  My kids have been eating these out of the sack (not just as croutons!).  These are really good, and I hope they stick around!!

My mom has always teased me about my love of a dried prune.  I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to buy them from Trader Joe’s, but they’re amazing.

For your next Moscow Mule (as a garnish) or just for snackin’!  I love candied ginger!

Okay, this sauce is new, and we really love it!  I hope they keep it through the summer because it will be perfect on burgers and dogs.

My friend Brooke told me to buy two boxes of this…we’ve already had both!  It’s super easy to prepare and very fresh. This was such an easy way to make pasta (that’s g-free!).

Buy like three bags of these.  Seriously, these are amazing.  I have been enjoying them with my afternoon coffee.

And of course, because yes.

Don’t forget, if you’ve never been to Trader Joe’s before, make sure you check out…

…my First Timer’s Guide to Trader Joe’s!  In that post, I even include a printable shopping list for you.

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

Okay, what have you been buying recently at Trader Joe’s?  I feel like they were pretty basic during the month of January, but now that February has rolled around, they have so many new items.  Let me know what to buy this week!!

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Comments

    • jenny says

      How was the bulgogi beef fried rice and kimchi? Was it too sweet? Spicy? Was kimchi separate package than the rest?

      • Mix and Match Mama says

        For me, it was the perfect balance. I love spicy, but this wasn’t spicy. It was flavorful but not too intense.

  6. Jennifer Hall says

    The cauliflower thins are not seasonal, I buy them all the time! I use them to make mini pizzas with all the time…so good!

  7. Hannah says

    Love these finds! Does your Trader Joe’s have the gluten free cinnamon coffee cake muffins yet? They are with the bread and cupcakes and are HEAVENLY.

      • Amy Strouse says

        Yes!! The gluten-free cinnamon coffee cake muffins are amazing!! I put a slice of butter on top, put it in the microwave for 15 seconds and it makes a super yummy breakfast!!!

        • Kerri says

          YES!! Even my family that is not G-Free, love them! I assumed they would be in this post! also, there is an instagram dedicated to Trader joes G Free, they always show the new items!

    • Lisa says

      YES! We go Saturday mornings and my GF daughter requests them each trip. The tiny bits she’s let me sample are so good.

  9. Julie from snowy Boston says

    Shay! I went to TJ’s over the weekend and just in time, you popped into Instagram stories with some recommendations. It was perfect! I tried the mustard you recommended…it is life changing. How have I not tried it before? I just tried their French Roast coffee for the first time and highly recommend. Also, they have a vegan version of the ‘orange chicken’ and it is FANTASTIC. I like it even better than the chicken version and so did my husband who looooooves meat. And I have to mention…I forgot to put on my Apple Watch the day I was at TJ’s (which never happens). After I inserted my credit card, I heard this lovely music playing and asked the cashier, is that singing to me? She said yes, that now the credit card machine plays ukulele music when it’s time for you to take your card. I mean, TJ’s is the most delightful place anyway, but a credit card machine that SINGS to me? I love going there. Thanks as always for the recommendations!

  10. Sheaffer Sims says

    I’m heading to Trader Joe’s today right after I finish carpool, and the cauliflower thins are now on my list! So is that last sauce you talked about, the Magnifisauce. Thanks for the tips! And yes, the Hearts of Palm “pasta” is great!

    • Lola Mooney says

      I saw an article that said you should soak the hearts of palm pasta in milk (?) to neutralize the flavor. Do you do this?
      Thanks, Lola

      • Mix and Match Mama says

        Nope! I just microwave them per the package directions and serve them with meat sauce (or whatever).

  11. Mother Henn says

    I love prunes too…have since I was a child. If you love dried prunes, try Medjool dates (you can get pitted or whole – but if you get whole, don’t bite into them because they have a pit inside). They taste like caramel…great with apple slices, bananas, or just to eat.

  13. Lauren says

    Love these TJ posts! Have you ever tried some of their toiletries/beauty products before? Over the past few months I’ve become obsessed with several items, plus they’re super well-priced! I’ve loved the peppermint hemp bar soap (it smells so fresh in the shower), the lavender body scrub, and their eye cream.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yes! In fact, I need to add my links to the bottom of this post so you can find them (doing it now!). The lavender body scrub is so much better than expensive brands!

  14. Megan Fulton says

    I was so disappointed in my Trader Joe’s. I went last week with your list in hand. There aren’t any super local (45 minutes away). Their freezer section was only 10% full. I couldn’t find any of your recommendations. I’m hoping I just hit it on an off day but definitely was so sad!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      What??? Did you ask them about this?? I hate that for you!! What a disappointment!!

    • Danielle says

      Megan—not sure where you live—I go to TJ all the time and last week mine was the same way—they said all their truck deliveries had been delayed due to the snow storms up North

  17. Tammy says

    Oh how I love Trader Joe’s and your Trader Joe’s Hauls are my favorite posts, well besides your book reviews ~

  18. Kelly says

    I think the Cauliflower thins are here to stay! We’ve had for almost a year! (NC) I made a grilled cheese with them last week and it was so good!

  19. Marie D. says

    Is the Hearts of Palm Pasta in the frozen section? Or by the pasta? Looks very interesting!!!

  20. Tracy Doubts says

    I thought for sure that I was the only one on the planet with a love for dried prunes. Glad to know that I have some company.

  21. MelanieL says

    Well, I made the trip to TJ’s on my birthday last week and it was fantastic!! I bought many items from your first timers list and the croutons and alfredo sauce from today!! My daughter and I picked out a ravioli to go with the sauce and we’ll be eating that sometime this week!! I am a huge fan of all the cheeses and the dark chocolate covered everything (lol)! 🙂

  22. Elizabeth says

    What is the texture like on the hearts of palm pasta?? I’m so curious to try but always find veggie alternatives fall flat!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Hmmm…I feel like it has a pasta-like texture but it does taste like artichokes.

  24. Chrissy says

    I bought the cauliflower thins in September so I don’t think they’re seasonal! They’re the BEST!

  26. Stacia says

    The Alfredo sauce is seasonal and VERY POPULAR! I was told by an employee to buy more than 1 at a time since the stores are limited to how many they can order at a time.

  27. Nichole says

    The almond butter almonds are DANGEROUS. So so good. I grabbed the bulgogi rice and I think we’re going to do that for dinner tonight. I also saw a mustard and ale cheddar that I missed my last go round, so need to grab that and also that limone alfredo!

  28. Laura says

    Cauliflower thins are not seasonal! I’ve seen them often. My favorite TJs find is jalapeño sauce, always have an extra on hand

  29. Melissa says

    My husband is a mate at Trader Joe’s, he has confirmed that the Cauliflower Thins are not seasonal! They should be around as long as there is demand.

  30. Mary C says

    The cauliflower thins are great. I don’t think they are seasonal, I have seen them at my store for quite a while. Whole Foods also sells a similar one by a brand called CauliPower They are in the freezer section. I love to make mini pizzas with them. So delicious!

  31. Kelly S says

    Trader Joe’s gal here! Happy to report that the cauliflower thins are not seasonal. The limone Alfredo sauce is seasonal so would recommend stocking up if Smith enjoys it. If you enjoy the plantain chips, there is a new item Plantain Chips with dark chocolate and sea salt sprinkled on top.

    The new TJ’s dry shampoo just hit the shelves as well. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about a powder dry shampoo but so far I really like it and it smells SO good.

    New chip to try: Scalloped potatoe chips with five cheeses. SO yummy!

  32. Nicole H says

    Thank you for all of the recommendations as always, Shay!

    The British Mustard & Ale Cheese and Dorothy’s Holy Smoke Soft Ripened Cheese are both delicious. With some Everything But the Bagel pretzel slims!

  33. Nicole says

    OMG the almond butter almonds, so good. I only bought one bag and regret it especially since our TJ is 40 min away. Also I bought the dark chocolate covered plantains and ate the whole bag. I went for the everything bagel seasoning potato chips but they didn’t have any. The cashier said they were something new and he didn’t know if they would get them again.

  34. Erin says

    We love the candied ginger at our house. Anytime someone feels a little under the weather, we tear a piece of that candied ginger into little pieces, put it in a mug, pour hot water over it, and smush the ginger with a spoon so it’s like a sweet ginger tea. After a cup of that, tummy aches are gone, headaches are gone, sinus pressure is less, runny noses clear… It’s been my secret weapon for years!!

  35. Sara D says

    Which section do you find the beats of palm pasta in? I haven’t been able to find them the last few times I’ve gone.

  36. Kim says

    So excited about the grand opening of our new Trader Joe’s last week!! ? I had one within walking distance before moving and I’m so thrilled to have one nearby once again!! Whoop whoop!! ?‍♀️ I love the XO’s valentine gummies hope they’re not all gone. Also love dark chocolate pb cups, chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches and cookie butter! Yum! I shared your first timers list with my daughters in laws and they loved it. Thank you Shay! ?

  37. Cindi says

    I can not wait for our new Trader Joe’s to open here this year!! And I will have all my MixandMatch Mama lists with me! ?
    These are probably my favorite of your posts…and I can’t even shop there yet! LOL
    But my list for my first trip just keeps growing…? Can. Not. Wait.

  39. Allyson says

    The plantains have always been a fave with me, but if you like spicy, try the jersey plantains. They’ll change your life! I like them with TJ’s smoked salmon dip.

  40. Biral says

    The Dark Chocolate Drizzled Plantain Chips are delicious! They are the perfect combination of sweet and salty. The Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream is the best coffee ice cream I’ve ever tried. The Mini Mint Ice Cream Mouthfuls are the perfect little treat.

  41. Laura says

    Have you tried their Fire Roasted Salsa? It is soo yummy! It has no salt added, and I did add some, but I could not stop eating it! Everything is better with salsa!

  43. Kelly W says

    Last week when I went I discovered a soup that was I think new and maybe seasonal (in the refrigerated section) – Tomato Dumpling with Calabrian Chiles. Love that it was a bit heartier than some tomato soups. Was a bit spicy for the rest of my family, but I’ll be getting it again for my lunch!
    And I know what you mean about the devastation when good products are so short-lived – in December I tried a Truffle Pesto that was life-changing but I went through that little jar so quickly and by the next week it was gone! Hopefully it will be back next year!
    Also, how have I never known to put candied ginger in a Moscow Mule??? Thanks for the tip!!

  44. Lisa D says

    I love the dark chocolate peanut butter cups! If you like chai try the chai concentrate and make it with almond milk, really good! And I just tried chicken picatta in the prepared refrigerated section, just heat in the oven and add the sauce.. yummy and super easy!

  45. Kelsey B says

    I just went to Trader Joe’s for the FIRST TIME and the check out staff said…. What took you so long?! haha. I followed your first time trader joe’s post and found a ton of great stuff. Can’t wait to go back!

  46. Catherine says

    Just FYI, and maybe she’s not the one eating it, but I don’t think the bulgogi beef is GF! Sneaky hidden gluten 🙁

  47. Jennifer Henke says

    I don’t notice a certified G Free statement on Trader Joe’s products. Do you know their labeling standard? I’ve always been afraid to try anything not labeled certified.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      When you go into the store, ask them for their most updated list of g-free foods. This makes shopping so much easier!

  48. Alison T. says

    I’m Korean and I can honestly say that the frozen Korean-inspired Bulgogi beef with Kimchi is well-loved in my household. 🙂 I know you love their pre-made salads. Have you tried the edamame kale one yet? That’s my fav. The lemon herb dressing is stellar!

  50. Emily says

    Ok – this isn’t at Trader Joe’s – but I just found gluten-free Oreo’s at Tom Thumb in Dallas. If Kensington liked Oreo’s – these taste just like the original ones!! Really good! Also – Birds Eye has a gluten-free 100% vegetable pasta with marinara in the frozen section that is good as well. It’s with all the frozen vegetables and you just pop in the microwave in the bag it comes in and its done…

  53. Kathryn says

    Dorothys Holy Smokes Cheese!! New and I’m not sure if it’s seasonal but I sure hope not! It’s soft like Brie but has a smoky flavor like Gouda. SO GOOD!

  54. Lora says

    Sadly, the Magnifisauce was a seasonal item and is already gone. If you see it at your store buy every bottle! I had to hunt for it over the weekend and asked at the desk about it which is how I know that once it’s gone, it’s gone. I managed to find three bottles and bought them all. I’m hoping there will be a loud enough outcry that they’ll bring it back over the summer.

  56. Deena says

    Thanks for the recommendations! Love Trader Joe. Last time they were out of the Mandarin Chicken and was told that it’s the most popular. We serve it with their cauliflower stir fry. The Kung Pao Chicken was a nice alternative. Still trying to savor the dark chocolate peanut butter cups. They’re delicious!

    Have you tried the individual packs of Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad from Costco? We love it for sandwiches, with crackers, or on its own and it’s healthy.

  57. Lauren says

    How did I miss the Almond Butter Almonds? Adding those to my list for next trip. We used the new Magnifisauce to make our version of In N Out animal style fries last night – so good!
    A few of my favorites lately:
    -Holy Smoke Cheese
    -Sliced Prosciutto
    -Everything But The Bagel Nut Duo
    -Many Things Snack Mix
    -Cuban Style Black Beans
    -French Macaroons (frozen)
    -Kale, Broccoli Slaw, and Chicken Salad (Single serving)

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