Happy Wednesday, friends!
It’s November 5th, and I’m loving it. The trees are really getting pretty here in McKinney, the weather has changed, the Christmas carols are playing…and it’s a Trader Joe’s Haul!
After listening to…
…this episode of the podcast Acquired last week, I could not wait for my next shopping trip to Trader Joe’s.
I shared this on Friday, but on an episode of The Drive podcast with Dr. Peter Attia, he mentioned that his favorite podcast is Acquired. I went to see what it was about and this was their latest episode, so I immediately started listening. I LOVED it! I had always been a fan of Trader Joe’s, but this episode made me a SUPER fan. I highly recommend it if you love shopping at Trader Joe’s too. You’ll rethink everything (in a great way!) once you listen.
Grab your coffee and settle in.
It’s my NOVEMBER TRADER JOE’S HAUL, y’all!
When I visited the store this week, I needed “normal” groceries to make dinner, lunch things for my kiddos, and then I was excited to see what “new” things were in stock for Thanksgiving.
I was not disappointed. You guys, I could have taken 100 photos of delicious seasonal treats and baked goods. I have one word for you…PIE. There were so many great options this time, but the pie department was very much on point…
They had seasonal teeny tiny pies…
…and full sized pies too.
You all know that my FAVORITE dessert is pie, so needless to say, I was in pie heaven.
I shared this last year, but they even had…
…the Nantucket Style Cranberry Pie in stock too 🙂 .
Okay, here are a few of the things I came home with this time…
…well after listening to that podcast episode, I was absolutely going to bring home a complementary issue of the Fearless Flyer. I have glanced at this before, but now I am very much invested in reading it.
Guess what else I bought for the first time?
I bought…
…their famous Two Buck Chuck 🙂 . I am not a wine enthusiast, so forgive me if this is old news, buuuuut a HUGE part of the Trader Joe’s today being “the Trader Joe’s it is today” is because of their California wine and especially because of their Charles Shaw wines (a.k.a. Two Buck Chuck). Each bottle cost me less than $4. I bought some for me and also for my wine enthusiast friends. These friends are WINE people. I’m talking…they have an entire room dedicated to wine at their house. Well, I dropped off my less than $4 wine, and they promise to report back. I loved learning little details like this on that episode.
Okay, per the usual, I also bought my four kiddos…
…each one of their seasonal Advent calendars. They are oh so cute, and my kids always get excited about receiving one.
I also bought…
…because, YES!
I also grabbed…
…these seasonal little crisps. Every year when these are available, I grab a bag (or two!). They’re excellent for snacking or for a charcuterie board.
These chips are oddly very on point. They taste just like Thanksgiving!
This snack mix used to be seasonal, but now, it’s available all year long. I always keep a tin in my butler’s pantry for a little nibble with your cocktail. I’ve even put bows on these tins and given them as little holiday gifts. It’s a really delicious mix…especially this time of year.
I bought two bags! ‘Tis Christmas baking season!
What do I do with this? You can make my VERY delicious TURKEY, BACON & CRANBERRY BREAKFAST CASSEROLE!
I’m always looking for ways to sneak in extra protein…
…these frozen chicken breakfast sausage patties are an easy way as are…
…these hard-boiled eggs. I’m either really on my A game and making big batches of hard-boiled eggs at my house for the week or I’m not. These are for the days when I’m not.
Speaking of protein, I bought these…
…this week for the first time and love them! I made some scrambled eggs for lunch and then heated up about six of these in the same skillet. It was a nice change to my usual turkey bacon or sausage. Really good! I saw that they come “plain” too. This was a great find!
Oh the love!
Andrew and I are always looking for new cheeses to add to our charcuterie boards. Anything with truffle is always a win.
I grabbed both of these for my girls to put in their lunches.
We parboil them and “mush” them for our version of a British mashed pea. An easy (and always popular!) side at our house.
Because I was intrigued…
Honestly? They’re pretty darn tasty.
I love me a fig! The team member stocking these at the time said she couldn’t keep these in stock.
Another seasonal “must” for charcuterie boards and snacking!
And finally…
…two finds for coffee lovers…
…they had a maple pecan version of this cold brew that looked good too.
And that’s my NOVEMBER TRADER JOE’S HAUL!
Okay, before we sign off today, I have a NEW health and wellness “challenge” to get us through the rest of the year. Make sure you head over and check out STEPPING INTO THE HOLIDAYS this morning too. I would love to have you do this with me!
What is your favorite thing to buy this time of year at Trader Joe’s?! I would love to read your recs in the comment section.
Happy Wednesday, friends! xx
Lorraine says
My favorite seasonal item is the pepper jelly!! So so good. I buy several jars to last me all year. It’s great for a board, but we also love it on pork tenderloin and grilled chicken.
We also love their GF cornbread mix. I make it with coconut milk and coconut oil and it makes it a little sweet and so good!
And their GF pumpkin pancake mix. I don’t even normally like pancakes, but I love these!
Maria says
Those damn chocolate gummy bears! I can’t have them in my home. They are so good and addicting. A lady a my TJ’s suggested popping them in the freezer. Ooh they are yummy!
Now be careful with that pumpkin cold brew – it’s a concentrate. The measurements are on the side of the bottle. 4oz of concentrate to 8oz water. Then I added a little s/f brown sugar syrup some creamer and top with cold foam. You got a fancy Starbucks drink at home. Maple cold brew should be available any day now. I’ve been looking out for it.
Dana P says
Wow, I can’t believe they have chocolate covered gummy bears! I used to ride up to the candy store and buy those when I was little. I have only been able to find them at Central Market in the past. So fun that TJs is carrying them! I can’t wait for them to get my favorite candy cane meringues, too. 🙂
Elspeth Mizner says
I bought their snack bar mix and loved it!!! Great ideas!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Polly Pover says
Another great thing about TJs. I heard they are spearheading a program for people to have access to food who just lost SNAP. Hungry kids getting to eat thanks to TJ!!
Mandy says
My absolute favorite seasonal item is Unexpected Cheddar Holiday cheese spread. The base is their Unexpected Cheddar and then it has cranberries, cinnamon, and a splash of Riesling. It’s delicious!
Thanks for the TJ recommendations today!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Whaaaaaat?! I haven’t tried this! I love the Unexpected Cheddar. Kensington puts some in her lunch every day. I need this spread!
Mandy says
Stock up! The lady last year told me it can sell out quickly. I took it as an appetizer to a party last year and tried to play it off like I made it. After several people raved about it, I confessed that it was TJ’s. Hahaha
Sheaffer Sims says
I cannot wait to try those pineapple teriyaki meatballs!!!! A new to me purchase last week was the roasted veggies in the little tray things in the refrigerator section: brussels, sweet potatoes, squash, onions. DELISH. And remember the fresh cranberry sauces in the refrigerated sections? I hope they have those out when I go tomorrow!
Michelle says
I went yesterday and was so happy! I love the plain meatballs and eat them all of the time! I agree about the chocolate covered gummy bears. I can’t wait to see your Christmas haul. Mine had Jingle Jangle! 🙂
Carol says
So many great finds. LOVE the cranberry sauce. I’ve already opened mine and seem to be eating it with everything. Bought the TJ turkey burgers last week when there. Added some sage seasoning and cooked them up in a pan, put a slice of bacon added some TJ cranberry sauce and Ohm my— made a Delicious club sandwich. My son added cheese to his and said it was really good too. Will definitely try the Nantucket cherry pie.
Lori says
Your Trader Joe’s posts are one of my favorite things about your blog! I am eager to see if our Trader Joe’s has the chicken sausage and chicken meatballs. And those milk chocolate gummy bears would be a good stocking stuffer! Thank you for sharing your Trader Joe’s hauls with us. Oh! And I’ve got one hour remaining in the Trader Joe’s podcast. So interesting!
Jessie says
Love Acquired! If you enjoyed the TJ episode, you will LOVE the Costco one.
Mix and Match Mama says
I will listen!
Sherry says
What brand of turkey bacon do you buy? I can’t find a brand I like. And do you microwave it or stovetop/oven cook it? Love the TJ’s posts!! Ours is a weekly stop so love your finds!
Mix and Match Mama says
Typically Butterball. We always crisp it up in a skillet.
Susan P Fitzpatrick says
Yum! I’m going to have to check out some of those pies! I’ve never bought their wine but for the price I should buy a bottle or 2. Steer clear of the dill pickle popcorn. We love dill pickle chips but their popcorn was a big no for us!!
Dawn Scheurich says
I have to travel for Trader Joe’s, but always worth it!! I tried those chocolate gummy bears last time we made a trip and I’m hooked and also it’s probably a good thing we don’t have a neighborhood Trader Joe’s!!
Mary Anne Duke says
I am all about the cards….cute, fun, meaningful and the price is always right!
For a quick and easy meal the frozen vegetable stir fry. I slice up my own chicken, cook it with lots of garlic salt. Drain. Cook the stir fry in evoo, add soy sauce, scramble up two eggs in same pan. Add chicken, eggs, veggie fry, little more soy sauce and you’ve got dinner in a bowl.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for sharing this easy idea!
Mary Catherine Green says
I LOVE that you mentioned Two Buck Chuck!! We served it at our wedding 18 years ago, slapped a custom label about the wedding over the Charles Shaw one and noone knew the difference. I’ll be anxious to hear what your friends think of it. I’ve not had it in years.
Mix and Match Mama says
What a clever idea!
Ruby Huling says
Hosting a bridal brunch, I headed over to our only TJ’s in the Memphis area for flowers. I arrived an hour early not knowing what time they opened. By the time the store opened, there were 25-30 people standing in line with shopping carts ready! It was like the day after Christmas sale when everybody is wanting the same item and every person in line congregated around those flowers filling their carts with FLOWERS!! It was a madhouse!😂
Gail says
For all of you out there that are chocolate mint fans for chocolate mint chip cookies…..RUN to get these peppermint flavored chips!! Do you know how hard it is to find these? Thank you Shay, I am forever grateful!
Kristy says
The milk chocolate gummy bears are so delicious.
Beth H says
I love/appreciate the TJ hard boiled eggs too! When compared to half a dozen eggs, the price really isn’t that different. They are a huge help when life gets busy.
sandi says
They are finally opening a TJ’s near me in a few months. The closest is currently an hour away and it is just not worth the gas money. I did go last year to stock up on some Christmas treats and could not believe how busy they were. Looking forward to having one closer!
Ashley says
Did you know that Trader Joe’s stores typically have a stuffed animal mascot that they hide in different places around the store for kids to find, and then receive a lollipop at checkout? For example my store in Palm Beach Gardens, FL has a sea turtle named Juno, and the one near me in Wellington has a horse (I forget the name). Now my kids and I have started popping in different Trader Joe’s while traveling to see everyone else’s – so fun! We’re curious to know if you’ve got one in McKinney, TX?
Mix and Match Mama says
WHAT?! That was not on the podcast episode! I had no idea?!
Ashley says
Well I’ll be anxiously awaiting your December haul post to find out what you discover at your store lol.
Lorraine says
We have one at the Southlake store! A green dragon stuffed animal.
Valerie A says
We have one in the Woodlands, TX. His name is Timmy; Timmy the Turtle. My kids are grown, but it used to be a fun and a great way to keep them occupied while shopping.
Rachel Wible says
Speaking of Advent calendars, I feel like your younger two might like the advent calendar puzzle! We are gifting those this year to our puzzle lovers and its about 60 – 80 pieces a day and can be a fun little activity each day! Some turn out to be a 5×7 puzzle and some are apart of a total 1,000 piece puzzle but it breaks it down and has cute little scenes.
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s such a fun idea!
Kacey says
Ohh I have to go back (by myself) ASAP!! I went earlier this week with my 4 yr old niece in tow so we were in and out pretty quick!
Ashley B says
Hi Shay! Happy Holiday Season to you and your family. I recommended that Nantucket Cranberry Pie to you last year or maybe the year before. So happy you enjoy it!!
If you are taking requests or suggestions for the 2026 “How We” series, I had some ideas. I hope this is the right way to communicate them.
How We….
College Prep
Give Back
Purge
Plan Girl’s Trips
Host Swap Parties (if you and your friends do this)
Teach Financial Responsibility to Our Kids
Maintain close relationships with friends
Mix and Match Mama says
I am ALWAYS taking suggestions! Thank YOU so much for these!!!
Angie Wilbur says
Hi ladies, I am from California and a wine enthusiast! I would not say a wine snob, though. While 2 buck chuck is fine for things like sangria or a wedding where you need a mass amount, please know its just okay. It is not a fair representation of California Wine 🙂
Angie Wilbur says
Also, have you ever tried their Kringles?
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t think I have?!
Valerie Stults says
You need to try the toffee pretzels and the peppermint bark pretzels!! To die for!!
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Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE TOFFEE!!!! Why haven’t I tried these?!
Nicole says
I just got the plain chicken meatballs and made your “Meatball Mozzarella Bake” – prepped to take for two different families at my church and paired with their Caesar salad kit and roasted veggie tray, and Jingle Jangle for dessert!! Also a cute card! 🥰