Best things to buy at Trader Joes

ereck44

I'm so jealous of all of you, the only thing I have near me is a Whole Foods and I can't afford to shop there! Trader Joes sounds so nice!

I'm jealous, not near a Whole Foods.

ereck44

I'm vegan and all their vegan stuff has a little V on it so it's easy to tell.
Here is a list of all their regular vegan products (I think seasonal stuff is not included): http://www.traderjoes.com/lists/vegan.asp

First and foremost, all of their nuts, seeds, trail mixes, and nut butters are AMAZING and WILDLY cheaper than anywhere else -- literally 1/3 of the normal price! I honestly do not know how they do it. You must buy! If you really want a treat, the new coconut cashews are TO DIE FOR.

And of course, TWO BUCK CHUCK! Amazing wine for $2.49 -- it says Charles Shaw by Trader Joe's on it.

A few other of my faves that are surprisingly DELICIOUS AND CHEAP: dried black mission figs, fresh globe artichokes, any of their famous hummus flavors, any of their salsas, butternut squash soup, Tuscan Italian dressing, organic carrot juice, soyaki, tri-color quinoa, stevia, cinnamon, frozen berries, peaberry coffee, Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Burgers, meatless meatballs, EV coconut oil, 100% unbleached white whole wheat flour

Things to SKIP: unflavored coconut milk beverage half gallon, jarred green olives, jarred sun-dried tomatoes, jarred bruschetta, dijon... I have just found these disappointing and there are far better brands.

the black mission figs are delicious, also any of their dried fruit or trail mixes: I love their raw almonds and walnuts. Also they have an awesome garden patch juice--so delicious. Try their squash filled pasta--it is yummy. Too many cheese options to mention--love their carmelized onion English cheddar, blue cheese selections, and brie. Everything bagels are awesome. Also agree to skip the unflavored coconut milk--just dreadful!

laurynwithawhy

Literally everything. Sorry, not helpful, but I've never had anything bad and get something different every time.

For "junk food" I love the gummy penguins (JUICY BELLIES!) and the ginger cat cookies for people (Silly name, but they are just a huge tub of cat shaped gingersnaps).

ETA: The gummy penguins aren't vegan, like most gummies they are made with animal gelatin

jackiecamarena

SOY VANILLA ICE CREAM.

I am not even vegan and that stuff is better than the non-vegan stuff. SO GOOD.

ETA: Woops, you said HEALTHY. Nope, just tasty. Like everything else I buy there. They also sell unpasteurized orange juice which is also ah-maaazing.

ereck44

Also this month they are featuring pumpkin items. I have tried "this pumpkin walked into a bar", kind of like a fig newton, only pumpkin filling. And they have pumpkin ice cream which is very very good.
they have a little newsletter, called the "Fearless Flyer" in which new items are discussed.
It is really a fun little place. And you never wait in line, they ring a cow bell and a cashier opens up a spot immediately. I have a hard time buying food at Walmart where it appears that they don't care how long you stand in line.

jackiecamarena

And you never wait in line, they ring a cow bell and a cashier opens up a spot immediately. I have a hard time buying food at Walmart where it appears that they don't care how long you stand in line.

One of my favorite things about shopping there.

karinajean2388

Savory Thin Mini Rice Crackers- Multiseed w/ Soy Sauce. I could eat them forever.

Francl27

I have both Trader Joe's and Whole Foods 10 minutes away

I'm sorta useless about vegan stuff though. Just check ingredients and calories and try it if it sounds nice.

Bella0531

I LOVE their white bean and basil hummus! I only buy it on special occasions because I WILL eat the whole tub in a day or two.

JoRocka

I can't believe 2 pages and no one said chocolate covered espresso beans.

seriously- that's the only reason to go in there.

Nachise

I shop at Trader Joe's at least twice a week. I start out with coffee - peaberry and New Mexican Pinon.

I also get:
Walnuts
Whole Wheat Couscous
Harvest Blend Grain mix
10 Minute Barley
10 Minute Farro
Organic Basmati Rice
Sweet Corn Tamales
Organic Butter
Goat Yogurt
Kefir
Semisweet chocolate chips
Bran Flakes
Multigrain Os
High Fiber Cereal
Nature's Path Heritage Flakes
Frozen Organic Spinach
Frozen Fire Roasted Corn
Frozen Peas
Fire Roasted Tomatoes, no salt added
Roasted Vegetable Multigrain Lasagna
Organic Black Beans
Organic Pinto Beans
Wild Canned Salmon
Wild Frozen Salmon
Frozen Tilapia
Organic Chicken thighs
Organic Whole Chicken
Sun-Dried Tomato-Basil Chicken Sausage
Plain Cranberry juice
Cinnamon-Raisin Swirl Bread

...and anything else that might catch my fancy, including chocolate covered expresso beans or a Clif Builders Bar after I've hit the gym.

JoRocka

I shop at Trader Joe's at least twice a week. I start out with coffee - peaberry and New Mexican Pinon.
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...and anything else that might catch my fancy, including chocolate covered espresso beans or a Clif Builders Bar after I've hit the gym.

FTFY

kaylorraine44

Pumpkin Butter!!!! (It's not actually butter)
I love their Pumpkin Ravioli which is not too bad in the cals- I like to add it to cooked spaghetti squash.
Fat-free pizza sauce - very yummy tomato sauce for pizza, pasta, and more
Coffee
Low calorie lemonade <- one of the best things they sell!

LB2812

Also this month they are featuring pumpkin items. I have tried "this pumpkin walked into a bar", kind of like a fig newton, only pumpkin filling. And they have pumpkin ice cream which is very very good.

omg yes they have pumpkin everything out right now!!! i've been wanting to go back and get the pumpkin "pop tart" things but it's been raining non stop! gah!

I like their Sweet Potato Gnocchi... mmmmm yum. Not vegan though. They have a nice little indian food selection, some of which is vegan (the channa masala i think in the frozen section and an eggplent dish in the dry section). Their hummus is very good - I particularly like the olive!

I love their soy & cocounut ice creams! and much better priced than the usual brands in the grocery store. Frozen edamame is a good deal here also. And I always get my tofu here - organic tofu for $2? i can't find that anywhere else!

qtgonewild

Savory Thin Mini Rice Crackers- Multiseed w/ Soy Sauce. I could eat them forever.

absolutely. just got these last time i went and OH my god they are good and could easily get me in trouble. I package my lil 15 crackers and thats all I get.

ereck44

Savory Thin Mini Rice Crackers- Multiseed w/ Soy Sauce. I could eat them forever.

absolutely. just got these last time i went and OH my god they are good and could easily get me in trouble. I package my lil 15 crackers and thats all I get.

yeah, I think that one serving size is 37 crackers! I love the plain savories.

amanda9402

The roasted red pepper and tomato soup is a staple at my house. Also love the marinara, frozen berries, almond butter, and and ...

amanda9402

And not veg, but the smoked prosciutto is uh-may-zing.

JenniTheVeggie

Jelly. No not actual jelly....jelly that you all have a trader joes near by. :grumble:

SoDamnHungry

I love their water crackers and cracker cuts. Mmm. And their nuts are decently priced.