Readers have been asking more and more what real food products to buy at Trader Joe's, so I thought I'd just turn the discussion into a blog post! First of all, I don't do all my shopping at Trader Joe's (I get produce, dairy, and other items at Earth Fare and the farmers' market), but I do go there every couple weeks for some staples that in some cases I can't get anywhere else.
Secondly, I know Trader Joe's is touted as a health food store, but just like the rest of them they still sell a whole lot of (organic, gluten-free, vegan, multigrain, etc.) junk food! A reader asked me once if there was anywhere she could shop for food without having to scrutinize labels and just buy anything that's available (while still avoiding processed food).
To be honest, the closest you are going to get to a place like that is the farmers' market, and even then I still like to ask if they spray chemical pesticides or use synthetic fertilizers on their produce. So long story short, you pretty much always have to have your guard up...and that even includes shopping at Trader Joe's!
Before I dive right into the products though I want to be sure to tell you about two of our sponsors. Our sponsors are what keep this site going for free so we really appreciate it when you send them some love. :)
First, there's Real Salt that's produced without additives, chemicals, or heat processing of any kind. Real Salt has a pinkish tint with flecks of color from more than 60 naturally occurring trace minerals. All salt is not created equal so you should definitely check them out.
I'd also like to make sure you know about Tattler's BPA-Free Reusable Canning Lids. If you haven't finished canning all your summer produce yet then now is the time! I canned some green tomato relish myself last weekend and it was super nice having the Tattler lids on hand because to be honest I have trouble keeping track of which Ball lids have been used before or not. :) If you want to give them a try be sure to use coupon code "100Days" for 5% off! And now back to Trader Joe's products...
What I buy regularly at Trader Joe's...
Trader Joe's Whole-Wheat Pitas Finding decent bread products at the grocery store is no easy task. Most people have to go to a bakery or make it themselves in order to have 100% whole-grain bread made with only 5 or 6 ingredients, which is why I was so excited when I figured out that these Trader Joe's pitas fit the bill. It's so great to have an alternative to regular sandwich bread...because I like to switch things up every now and then! -
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Trader Joe's Sliced Havarti Cheese I like the convenience of pre-grated cheese, but not the powdery additive that's used as an anti-caking agent to keep it from sticking together (cellulose - made from wood pulp), which is why I think pre-sliced cheese is the perfect middle-ground. It's super quick and easy without any unwanted additives...because no matter how hard I try I cannot get my cheese slices this perfect and uniform. Plus I am learning that havarti is good on just about everything (including those pitas that I just mentioned above!). :) - -
Trader Joe's Organic Hummus It would appear that I am creating a delicious pita sandwich here with these first three items! Sure, I like to make homemade hummus, but I don't always have time and this is the only organic version that I can easily find. They no longer carry organic hummus (to my knowledge) at Earth Fare, which is again where I do my main shopping. - -
Coconut Oil I can find organic coconut oil elsewhere, but not at the TJs price of only $5.99! Now that's a deal compared to around $10 at other stores. - -
Yogurt Sometimes it can be a challenge to find yogurt that meets all my criteria...organic, whole-milk, plain, and reasonably priced! Now if yogurt is on sale at the other stores it's the same price as the Trader Joe's stuff, but when comparing regular prices this one is a little bit cheaper. - -
Honey It may not be local honey, but once again it's reasonably priced! I normally buy big glass jars of local honey from Earth Fare or the Farmers' Market, but for convenience I do like to have one squeeze bottle around for when we need just a little (on oatmeal for example). - -
Nuts and Seeds Speaking of cheaper...you cannot beat the price of nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, pine nuts, pecans, etc.) and seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, etc.) at Trader Joe's. BUT I will say that price sometimes comes at the cost of quality. Earlier this year I noticed a few bags of our Trader Joe's cashews smelled and tasted funky. I tried using them anyway and they pretty much ruined our whole batch of granola. Nuts may be more expensive out of the bulk bins at Earth Fare, but at least I can do a quick quality check. I do know that Trader Joe's does accept returns so you could still roll the dice and try to save money on their nuts and seeds...and just return them if they don't work out. - -
Coffee/Espresso I save lots of money stocking up on coffee and espresso from Trader Joe's whenever I am there! Organic coffee can be a big ticket item elsewhere. - -
Three Buck Chuck Yes, guilty as charged. We put a great deal of effort into selecting the highest quality food available and then we wash it down with cheap wine. What can I say...we are definitely not perfect! It's not that we don't enjoy (or want) more expensive wine it just doesn't help the budget if you know what I mean. [UPDATE: Since writing this post I've switched to the organic wines that Trader Joe's offers instead of "3 Buck Chuck."] -
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What I buy occasionally at Trader Joe's...
Whole-Grain Pretzels There are not many 100% whole-wheat pretzel options out there. These contain corn syrup (although not much), which is definitely less than ideal, but sometimes beggars can't be choosers. So every couple of months we'll pick up a bag of these just to keep our school lunches interesting! - -
Lara Bars These are available at quite a few places now...Target, mainstream grocery stores, all the health food stores, etc, but once again it's hard to beat the price at Trader Joe's. So if I am there and happen to think about it I pick some up. --
Ak Mak Crackers These are one of our favorite brands of crackers because they are both whole-grain and organic! I can buy these elsewhere, but I do sometimes get these from Trader Joe's as well. - -
Cheese It all comes back to price. Trader Joe's has some of the best prices on cheese (which can get pretty expensive elsewhere), but to be honest their selection isn't my first choice when it comes to taste. So depending on how the budget is stacking up at the end of the week I sometimes go for their cheese as a cheaper alternative. -
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What non-processed foods do you like to buy at Trader Joe's?
Lisa is a wife, mother, foodie, blogger, and #1 New York Times Best-selling author who is on a mission to cut out processed food.
Comments
Jennysays
I think the Three Buck Chuck is everyone's guilty pleasure (including mine)! I love TJ because the prices are reasonable and I don't have to worry about finding high-fructose corn syrup in every other item I pick up. I feel better about buying their "convenience" foods when they're made from real ingredients. Some of my favorites:
Dried pastas and potato gnocchi
Extra virgin olive oil
balsamic vinegar
TJ brand Tuscan Marinara (canned)
TJ brand organic boxed soups, in flavors such as creamy tomato and butternut squash
TJ brand lavendar salt scrub for the body
produce, especially organic grape tomatoes, which my daughter loves
TJ brand chocolate bars
TJ brand cheese puffs (tastier than Cheetos with a much healthier ingredient list)
I bought a whole basil plant there near the beginning of summer for $2.99. That plant has been producing all our basil needs since then!
I also appreciate the employees there - They always go out of their way to help me find something and a few times, when they were out of something on the shelves, they actually went to the back room and opened up new cases for me!
When I have impromptu entertaining, TJ's is my go to! Mix that 3 buck chuck (Sav blanc) with a bunch of organic fruit and soda water... YUM! I don't get the frozen stuff for myself, but when I'm in an entertaining pinch, it works perfectly.
I work for Trader Joe's and I know that they would be sorry to hear about your "funky" cashews. ALWAYS return anything that is not the quality you expect from our store. Thanks!
Hi Alicia. Thanks. Yes, I have found they are very willing and want to accept returns for products you are not happy with. Their customer service has always been excellent in my opinion. Jill
Their wheat sourdough bread is to die for. The brown rice pasta is good, & inexpesive compared to others. They have the best price in our area for olive oil, (Costco sometimes has better prices, but you have to buy a ton & they have plastic containers), their peanut butter & applesauce are competive, and they have a wide variety of tortillas. I buy the Free Ranger whole chickens, (dh won't pay for organic) they are good. I get their fz. stawberries as they're cheaper than Winco. They seem to be the only ones who have 1/2 n 1/2 that's not ultra-pasturized. Soy sauce is good & I like the chicken concentrate pks. (subs for bullion) even tho I know it isn't as healthy as it could be.
You're quite right that you have to be careful not to go crazy on their convience food, as it's always cheaper to make it yourself. I do buy their spagetti sauce.
They used to have the best price for E-mergen C, but Fred Meyer now has the best in our area. Most of their supliments are cheap & not worth buying.
You are making me jealous! We moved to Grand Rapids MI last year and no longer have access to my beloved Trader Joe's, Sprouts, and Whole Foods. It's been a real adjustment! Thank goodness there are gorgeous farmers markets here in the summer but still...missing my "go to" stores...
I agree! I live in Grand Rapids, love the farmers market but I wish we had a Trader Joes or Whole Foods. Where do have the best luck grocery Shopping in Grand Rapids?
I love their coconut oil, trail mixes, lara bars (although found a box at Costco for way cheaper), organic popcorn, tortillas (practically the ones I can find without trans fats), kefir, organic brown rice pasta, and just picked up some grass fed beef for a steal of a deal!
Your TJ's list looks very similar to mine! I've been getting wine at my TJ's from Green Fin winery - it's made with organic grapes and is only $3.99 at my store. Their red table wine is pretty good and they have a good white too. I think it's a step up from 3 buck chuck, taste wise. :)
Their frozen corn is the best! Love the individual pkgs of almonds, cashews, and cranberries. They have the best wheat/corn tortillas.Great organic pumpkin in a can.
Another Harvest Whole Wheat bread fan here! It can't be beat. We also do the yogurt, sliced cheeses, pesto (oh how I miss living somewhere hot enough to grown my own basil!), nuts, kosher chicken (it's not always there).
Also some organic produce, but it is very hit or miss! We get most produce from a CSA, and then I get organic fruits, veggies, as well as bulk beans etc at Sprouts.
I also buy my nuts, ww pita, cheese (so many choices!), and Coconut oil at TJ's. In addition, I get spices (Everyday Seasoning, Saffron, Himalayan Pink Salt), Israeli couscous and quinoa, soup stocks when I need it in a pinch (prefer to make my own and not sure if TJ's version counts as real food!), and wild caught fish (good deals!).
Tortillas and bagels for the kids. Ezeikel bread, bananas, fruits and veggies that are in season (organic for most), organic potatoes, unsweetened almond milk, organic brown rice pasta, organic apples (in bags when they have them), unsweetened organic applesauce and organic vegetable broth.
I was at Trader Joe's today and spoke with 2 different store associates to confirm what I had read about their brand. They both told me that just because it's their brand doesn't mean it doesn't contain GMO's. Their produce is all non GMO. Their other TJ products are healthier though than the leading stores products as far as additives, etc.. All the other products are carefully selected as far as where they come from.
If you scroll to the bottom of this page it says that all TJ's brand products nothing artificial, no GMO, no MSG, no added trans fats. They certainly carry other brands and I don't think they hold them to any particular standard. But they claim that their products are NOT GMO.
I love their Harvest Whole Wheat Bread $1.99 here in San Diego and only six simple real ingredients, unrefined coconut oil, and selection of organic berries during summer.
We have a CSA, but I pick up most of my family's other stuff at TJs. They have great prices for their staples. I used to go to Whole Foods more, but I spend SO much less at TJs for essentially the same stuff. I get frozen fish, canned tuna/clams/sardines, organic meat and cheese, raw honey, coconut oil, Larabars, Kerrygold butter, all kinds of nuts and seeds, chickpeas, fruit, veggies our CSA doesn't include (like cucumbers and onions), orange juice, rice, etc.
If you don't mind saying... what is your budget for a week's worth or month's worth of groceries? I'm trying to switch to organic, but I find the prices difficult. Especially in Canada!
I don't know what Lisa's budget is, but we are TRYING to stick to a $500 a month budget for all consumables (including paper goods) in our house. We are not strictly organic, but we try to do mostly non-processed foods. There are five people in my family, which includes three hungry kids who are 7,5, and 3. Some months we do better than others . . .
I don't mind at all! Right now I am not tracking a specific budget because I am writing a cookbook and the recipe testing part is pretty intense. If you need 5 avocados to test a recipe 5 times...you just have to suck it up and buy them! :) But I did do a "real food on a budget" pledge for $125/week for the 4 of us. You can check out the posts (including what we bought and how much we spent) here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-on-a-budget/
I love trader joes and have been doing the bulk of my shopping there. The price of their organic milk is great and I love that the breads are non GMO so I always get bread there. We also really like their frozen green beans and corn. I wish they had big containers of plain organic greek yogurt-why is it so hard to find??? I wish I could get it there or the regular grocery store but it only comes in little containers. I buy my kids the nitrate, additive turkey corn dogs every once in a while- they love them!
Individually wrapped goat cheese medallions and whole wheat cous cous are two things I pick up every time we go. I also like to keep some of their sauces and marinades on hand for when I don't have time to make my own. For a special treat we sometimes get the Almondictive Bites. They are delicious little carmelized almond bits covered in dark chocolate.
Great and very helpful post! I love TJ's green salsa, roasted red peppers, and I often buy organic produce there as well. They offer some of the best prices in my area on organics and also tend to have some hard to find items.
My son LOVES to snack on dried fruit, and Trader Joes has the best selection of unsweetened dried fruit! The mango is his favorite. We can only go to Trader Joes when we are visiting family out of state, but we always stock up when we go.
I am so excited to see that Trader Joes has New Zealand cheese - I'm from there and have been in America for 8 years now. I might make the 1 1/2 hr drive to Raleigh now.
I love their pineapple juice (in the cold section...not from concentrate...delicious!), their brand of Maple Syrup and their wine (does that count as "real" food? :) )
I do almost all of my shopping there, aside from what I get from our CSA. Brown rice, dairy (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream), whole wheat pasta, marinara, broccoli, carrots, apples, bananas, canned beans, whole grain tortillas, cheese, bagged kale (when it's not the season at the CSA), nuts (especially the pre-packaged small bags these days), frozen green beans, frozen chicken strips, wine, whole wheat flour, tomato paste, popcorn kernels...literally anything I can buy there, I do.
I buy all of that except for 3 Buck Chuck, our TJ's doesn't sell wine. I do buy beer there. I also get sunflower butter, frozen peppers, frozen organic blueberries, brown rice pasta and GF oatmeal.
Hi Lisa, I have 2 questions I am hoping you can help with. Do you know if one can find a more natural option when it comes to chicken buillion, trader Joe's or other? I am Mexican-American and am currently trying to improve many of my mexican recipes that I grew up with and chicken buillion is a must for rice and soups. I currently use chicken broth/stock but is does not have the same flavor that I am used to. Also I enjoy eating "posole" made with hominy and don't know of any canned hominy brand without yucky preservatives. Would you happen to know of any or alternatives. My nearest Trader Joe's is one hour away and we only have one tiny local health food store so I have to get creative about where I buy what...Thanks.
Hi Gaby! I am Mexican-American as well and having the same issues with hominy and masa (non-GMO). :( For the chicken bullion problem, I started making my own chicken stock and my rice turns out really well. Although Pollo Asado is definitely not the same, I find that it comes out pretty tasty by marinating it in my homemade chicken stock, cumin, garlic, fresh orange and lime juice, and a dash of ancho chile powder. Glad to know I'm not the only one with these issues!
Have you tried Better than Boullion? The kind I buy is organic and from Costco. It works really well.
Gabysays
and yes, I just bought Better than Buoulllion also to try it out it still has many ingredients but at least not artificial colors and gunk that Knorr has :)
Gabysays
Thanks! I am making my own stock now too. Yes good to know there are others out there :)!
Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Foodsays
Gaby - We don't use bouillon cubes since we make chicken stock ourselves and freeze it, and we don't cook with hominy (at least we haven't yet!) But for items like this with a long shelf life, you will have a greater selection buying online. Many brands of bouillon cubes have MSG (or other hidden names for MSG) in them, so watch out for that. Hope that helps!
I always buy the whole wheat tortillas that have only a few ingredients and no sugar, EVOO, Go Raw Trail Mix, Brown rice pasta, their salsa verde and organic apples!
I buy most of my organic produce there, applegate hot dogs, dried fruit for my kids, nuts, eggs, sour cream, tortillas, pita, pretzels, peanut butter and jelly. I live in Washington state we dont have the same store as you. We have whole foods and PCC but its expense. I also shop at Fred Meyer they have good organic produce selection that is well priced. What do you think about the honey wheat pretzels at Trader Joes? I know they have more ingredients then you would prefer.
Hi Mandy. I sometimes get the whole grain pretzels (that Lisa pictured in the post). Are the ones you are referring to different? If so, I'm not familiar with them. Jill
So many things though they don't all follow the non-processed rules, but they are great alternatives for our family! And you CAN shop there knowing their brand doesn't contain GMO ingredients, which is a big plus.
Almond butter--I was making my own from Costco almonds, but I don't know if they are GMO-free, so back to TJs brand.
Hormone-free cheese--Best price on cheddar and havarti that I've found!
Mini Cinnamon Raisin Bagels--These probably have too many ingredients for ya'll, but my kids are over-the-moon for these. So they are a special treat at our house.
Turkey Hot Dogs--Least expensive hot dog option unless I have a coupon for Applegate.
Vinegars
Jelly Beans--We use these for potty training, while others use m&ms. I will also be eating these instead of drinking the HFCS and dye junk for my gestational diabetes test.
Yogurt Kefir/Lassi--The mango is delicious!
Frozen mango, pineapple, organic berries, and organic corn
We used to get their pears every time for a whopping $2.50 2/lb bag. Months ago, they disappeared along with bagged organic apples. The store said they were switching to a domestic source, which is great, I guess. But I assume when the finally show back up, the price will be a lot higher. Our family hasn't had pears in months because we can't do the price at the hoity toity health food store, and pears are so high on the DD.
I noticed that too with the bagged organic apple and bagged organic pears. I went this weekend and they are back! Still at a great cheap price. I was so excited!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)says
Hi Stacy. I was there today and saw organic apples and pears. I honestly didn't take note of the price, but, they are back. And, I did think they said product of USA. Jill
Stacysays
So thoughtful of you to update! You are right! Organic Gala 2 lb. "WA Extra Fancy" $2.49
Rebekahsays
kettle corn! Its an occasional splurge but it is soooooo good.
Question - I looked at Coconut Oil at Trader Joe's and couldn't find the term "unrefined" anywhere on the jar. So I assumed that it IS refined so I didn't buy it. Does anyone for sure one way or another? Real unrefined organic coconut oil can be used for SO many uses other than cooking, so I want to buy a 1 for all, if you know what I mean.
Okay, how excited am I, that you showed FULL FAT yogurt?! I've been wishing for some, as I love yogurt, and recently lamenting to my family about not having full fat. This is awesome! I was also hoping to find it so my 1 year old can have it! He's got lots of energy and I like to give him full fats and things with yummy calories, because he's a grazer. Thank you1!!!!!!!!
Peggy- It is so hard to find full fat yogurt, huh? And if you ask for it people look at you like you have 3 eyes!! Another brand I adore is Straus Family Creamery. Full fat, organic and grass-fed. They also have ice cream that is supposed to be yummy, but I haven't tried it yet. But their yogurt? I want to bathe in it!!
Jenny says
I think the Three Buck Chuck is everyone's guilty pleasure (including mine)! I love TJ because the prices are reasonable and I don't have to worry about finding high-fructose corn syrup in every other item I pick up. I feel better about buying their "convenience" foods when they're made from real ingredients. Some of my favorites:
Dried pastas and potato gnocchi
Extra virgin olive oil
balsamic vinegar
TJ brand Tuscan Marinara (canned)
TJ brand organic boxed soups, in flavors such as creamy tomato and butternut squash
TJ brand lavendar salt scrub for the body
produce, especially organic grape tomatoes, which my daughter loves
TJ brand chocolate bars
TJ brand cheese puffs (tastier than Cheetos with a much healthier ingredient list)
I bought a whole basil plant there near the beginning of summer for $2.99. That plant has been producing all our basil needs since then!
I also appreciate the employees there - They always go out of their way to help me find something and a few times, when they were out of something on the shelves, they actually went to the back room and opened up new cases for me!
Elizabeth says
When I have impromptu entertaining, TJ's is my go to! Mix that 3 buck chuck (Sav blanc) with a bunch of organic fruit and soda water... YUM! I don't get the frozen stuff for myself, but when I'm in an entertaining pinch, it works perfectly.
Alicia says
I work for Trader Joe's and I know that they would be sorry to hear about your "funky" cashews. ALWAYS return anything that is not the quality you expect from our store. Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Alicia. Thanks. Yes, I have found they are very willing and want to accept returns for products you are not happy with. Their customer service has always been excellent in my opinion. Jill
Goldnrod says
Their wheat sourdough bread is to die for. The brown rice pasta is good, & inexpesive compared to others. They have the best price in our area for olive oil, (Costco sometimes has better prices, but you have to buy a ton & they have plastic containers), their peanut butter & applesauce are competive, and they have a wide variety of tortillas. I buy the Free Ranger whole chickens, (dh won't pay for organic) they are good. I get their fz. stawberries as they're cheaper than Winco. They seem to be the only ones who have 1/2 n 1/2 that's not ultra-pasturized. Soy sauce is good & I like the chicken concentrate pks. (subs for bullion) even tho I know it isn't as healthy as it could be.
You're quite right that you have to be careful not to go crazy on their convience food, as it's always cheaper to make it yourself. I do buy their spagetti sauce.
They used to have the best price for E-mergen C, but Fred Meyer now has the best in our area. Most of their supliments are cheap & not worth buying.
HTH!
Elana says
You are making me jealous! We moved to Grand Rapids MI last year and no longer have access to my beloved Trader Joe's, Sprouts, and Whole Foods. It's been a real adjustment! Thank goodness there are gorgeous farmers markets here in the summer but still...missing my "go to" stores...
Savannah Smith says
I agree! I live in Grand Rapids, love the farmers market but I wish we had a Trader Joes or Whole Foods. Where do have the best luck grocery Shopping in Grand Rapids?
Angie says
Larabars, nuts, seeds and I love the Triple Fruit Treat (dried fruit) Grass fed ground beef, hummus (yuuummmy)Ak Mak crackers, EV olive oil...
Crystal says
I love their coconut oil, trail mixes, lara bars (although found a box at Costco for way cheaper), organic popcorn, tortillas (practically the ones I can find without trans fats), kefir, organic brown rice pasta, and just picked up some grass fed beef for a steal of a deal!
Allison B says
Your TJ's list looks very similar to mine! I've been getting wine at my TJ's from Green Fin winery - it's made with organic grapes and is only $3.99 at my store. Their red table wine is pretty good and they have a good white too. I think it's a step up from 3 buck chuck, taste wise. :)
Grandma Honey says
Their frozen corn is the best! Love the individual pkgs of almonds, cashews, and cranberries. They have the best wheat/corn tortillas.Great organic pumpkin in a can.
Dree says
Another Harvest Whole Wheat bread fan here! It can't be beat. We also do the yogurt, sliced cheeses, pesto (oh how I miss living somewhere hot enough to grown my own basil!), nuts, kosher chicken (it's not always there).
Also some organic produce, but it is very hit or miss! We get most produce from a CSA, and then I get organic fruits, veggies, as well as bulk beans etc at Sprouts.
Natalie B says
I also buy my nuts, ww pita, cheese (so many choices!), and Coconut oil at TJ's. In addition, I get spices (Everyday Seasoning, Saffron, Himalayan Pink Salt), Israeli couscous and quinoa, soup stocks when I need it in a pinch (prefer to make my own and not sure if TJ's version counts as real food!), and wild caught fish (good deals!).
Penny T. says
Tortillas and bagels for the kids. Ezeikel bread, bananas, fruits and veggies that are in season (organic for most), organic potatoes, unsweetened almond milk, organic brown rice pasta, organic apples (in bags when they have them), unsweetened organic applesauce and organic vegetable broth.
Dana says
I was at Trader Joe's today and spoke with 2 different store associates to confirm what I had read about their brand. They both told me that just because it's their brand doesn't mean it doesn't contain GMO's. Their produce is all non GMO. Their other TJ products are healthier though than the leading stores products as far as additives, etc.. All the other products are carefully selected as far as where they come from.
Kate says
http://www.traderjoes.com/products.asp
If you scroll to the bottom of this page it says that all TJ's brand products nothing artificial, no GMO, no MSG, no added trans fats. They certainly carry other brands and I don't think they hold them to any particular standard. But they claim that their products are NOT GMO.
Tina Monji says
I love their Harvest Whole Wheat Bread $1.99 here in San Diego and only six simple real ingredients, unrefined coconut oil, and selection of organic berries during summer.
Kay says
We have a CSA, but I pick up most of my family's other stuff at TJs. They have great prices for their staples. I used to go to Whole Foods more, but I spend SO much less at TJs for essentially the same stuff. I get frozen fish, canned tuna/clams/sardines, organic meat and cheese, raw honey, coconut oil, Larabars, Kerrygold butter, all kinds of nuts and seeds, chickpeas, fruit, veggies our CSA doesn't include (like cucumbers and onions), orange juice, rice, etc.
Chantelle says
If you don't mind saying... what is your budget for a week's worth or month's worth of groceries? I'm trying to switch to organic, but I find the prices difficult. Especially in Canada!
Katrina the Poorganic says
I don't know what Lisa's budget is, but we are TRYING to stick to a $500 a month budget for all consumables (including paper goods) in our house. We are not strictly organic, but we try to do mostly non-processed foods. There are five people in my family, which includes three hungry kids who are 7,5, and 3. Some months we do better than others . . .
Lisa says
I don't mind at all! Right now I am not tracking a specific budget because I am writing a cookbook and the recipe testing part is pretty intense. If you need 5 avocados to test a recipe 5 times...you just have to suck it up and buy them! :) But I did do a "real food on a budget" pledge for $125/week for the 4 of us. You can check out the posts (including what we bought and how much we spent) here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-on-a-budget/
heather says
I love trader joes and have been doing the bulk of my shopping there. The price of their organic milk is great and I love that the breads are non GMO so I always get bread there. We also really like their frozen green beans and corn. I wish they had big containers of plain organic greek yogurt-why is it so hard to find??? I wish I could get it there or the regular grocery store but it only comes in little containers. I buy my kids the nitrate, additive turkey corn dogs every once in a while- they love them!
Amy says
Individually wrapped goat cheese medallions and whole wheat cous cous are two things I pick up every time we go. I also like to keep some of their sauces and marinades on hand for when I don't have time to make my own. For a special treat we sometimes get the Almondictive Bites. They are delicious little carmelized almond bits covered in dark chocolate.
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
Great and very helpful post! I love TJ's green salsa, roasted red peppers, and I often buy organic produce there as well. They offer some of the best prices in my area on organics and also tend to have some hard to find items.
Sarah says
My son LOVES to snack on dried fruit, and Trader Joes has the best selection of unsweetened dried fruit! The mango is his favorite. We can only go to Trader Joes when we are visiting family out of state, but we always stock up when we go.
Rachel says
I am so excited to see that Trader Joes has New Zealand cheese - I'm from there and have been in America for 8 years now. I might make the 1 1/2 hr drive to Raleigh now.
BRenda says
How long does coconut oil keep for after its been open?
Katrina the Poorganic says
It keeps at room temperature for a LONG time. Several months.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Brenda. A refined oil should last about 1 1/2 years. An unrefined one will last longer. Jill
Lynette Strickland says
I love their pineapple juice (in the cold section...not from concentrate...delicious!), their brand of Maple Syrup and their wine (does that count as "real" food? :) )
Marcia @Frugal Healthy Simple says
I do almost all of my shopping there, aside from what I get from our CSA. Brown rice, dairy (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream), whole wheat pasta, marinara, broccoli, carrots, apples, bananas, canned beans, whole grain tortillas, cheese, bagged kale (when it's not the season at the CSA), nuts (especially the pre-packaged small bags these days), frozen green beans, frozen chicken strips, wine, whole wheat flour, tomato paste, popcorn kernels...literally anything I can buy there, I do.
katy says
We don't have an Earth Fare here in Orange County, Ca. Do you know if it is comparable to Whole Foods?
Susan says
Katy- Beware of Whole Foods. If you shop there you MUST watch this video! So maddening! BTW, love the OC! Grew up there!! :)
http://www.infowars.com/whole-foods-knowingly-engages-in-massive-gmo-deception-says-undercover-video-by-organic-spies/
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Yes. Whole Foods is actually bigger. Jill
Nina says
I buy all of that except for 3 Buck Chuck, our TJ's doesn't sell wine. I do buy beer there. I also get sunflower butter, frozen peppers, frozen organic blueberries, brown rice pasta and GF oatmeal.
Gaby says
Hi Lisa, I have 2 questions I am hoping you can help with. Do you know if one can find a more natural option when it comes to chicken buillion, trader Joe's or other? I am Mexican-American and am currently trying to improve many of my mexican recipes that I grew up with and chicken buillion is a must for rice and soups. I currently use chicken broth/stock but is does not have the same flavor that I am used to. Also I enjoy eating "posole" made with hominy and don't know of any canned hominy brand without yucky preservatives. Would you happen to know of any or alternatives. My nearest Trader Joe's is one hour away and we only have one tiny local health food store so I have to get creative about where I buy what...Thanks.
Natalie B says
Hi Gaby! I am Mexican-American as well and having the same issues with hominy and masa (non-GMO). :( For the chicken bullion problem, I started making my own chicken stock and my rice turns out really well. Although Pollo Asado is definitely not the same, I find that it comes out pretty tasty by marinating it in my homemade chicken stock, cumin, garlic, fresh orange and lime juice, and a dash of ancho chile powder. Glad to know I'm not the only one with these issues!
Fabiana says
Have you tried Better than Boullion? The kind I buy is organic and from Costco. It works really well.
Gaby says
and yes, I just bought Better than Buoulllion also to try it out it still has many ingredients but at least not artificial colors and gunk that Knorr has :)
Gaby says
Thanks! I am making my own stock now too. Yes good to know there are others out there :)!
Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says
Gaby - We don't use bouillon cubes since we make chicken stock ourselves and freeze it, and we don't cook with hominy (at least we haven't yet!) But for items like this with a long shelf life, you will have a greater selection buying online. Many brands of bouillon cubes have MSG (or other hidden names for MSG) in them, so watch out for that. Hope that helps!
Gaby says
Thank you...
Elizabeth says
I always buy the whole wheat tortillas that have only a few ingredients and no sugar, EVOO, Go Raw Trail Mix, Brown rice pasta, their salsa verde and organic apples!
Mandy says
I buy most of my organic produce there, applegate hot dogs, dried fruit for my kids, nuts, eggs, sour cream, tortillas, pita, pretzels, peanut butter and jelly. I live in Washington state we dont have the same store as you. We have whole foods and PCC but its expense. I also shop at Fred Meyer they have good organic produce selection that is well priced. What do you think about the honey wheat pretzels at Trader Joes? I know they have more ingredients then you would prefer.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Mandy. I sometimes get the whole grain pretzels (that Lisa pictured in the post). Are the ones you are referring to different? If so, I'm not familiar with them. Jill
Stacy says
So many things though they don't all follow the non-processed rules, but they are great alternatives for our family! And you CAN shop there knowing their brand doesn't contain GMO ingredients, which is a big plus.
Almond butter--I was making my own from Costco almonds, but I don't know if they are GMO-free, so back to TJs brand.
Hormone-free cheese--Best price on cheddar and havarti that I've found!
Mini Cinnamon Raisin Bagels--These probably have too many ingredients for ya'll, but my kids are over-the-moon for these. So they are a special treat at our house.
Turkey Hot Dogs--Least expensive hot dog option unless I have a coupon for Applegate.
Vinegars
Jelly Beans--We use these for potty training, while others use m&ms. I will also be eating these instead of drinking the HFCS and dye junk for my gestational diabetes test.
Yogurt Kefir/Lassi--The mango is delicious!
Frozen mango, pineapple, organic berries, and organic corn
Stacy says
We used to get their pears every time for a whopping $2.50 2/lb bag. Months ago, they disappeared along with bagged organic apples. The store said they were switching to a domestic source, which is great, I guess. But I assume when the finally show back up, the price will be a lot higher. Our family hasn't had pears in months because we can't do the price at the hoity toity health food store, and pears are so high on the DD.
Brooke says
I noticed that too with the bagged organic apple and bagged organic pears. I went this weekend and they are back! Still at a great cheap price. I was so excited!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Stacy. I was there today and saw organic apples and pears. I honestly didn't take note of the price, but, they are back. And, I did think they said product of USA. Jill
Stacy says
So thoughtful of you to update! You are right! Organic Gala 2 lb. "WA Extra Fancy" $2.49
Rebekah says
kettle corn! Its an occasional splurge but it is soooooo good.
Molly says
We get Castile soap there. It's the best price I can find!
sabrina says
I cant imagine coconut oil for only $5 a jar! Here in Alberta, (Canada) the cheapest I can get it is for 14.99 a jar!
Ashley says
They have fabulous tortillas that have maybe 4 ingredients. I love making quesadillas for lunch and roping them with homemade salsa.
Kathryn says
Question - I looked at Coconut Oil at Trader Joe's and couldn't find the term "unrefined" anywhere on the jar. So I assumed that it IS refined so I didn't buy it. Does anyone for sure one way or another? Real unrefined organic coconut oil can be used for SO many uses other than cooking, so I want to buy a 1 for all, if you know what I mean.
Rebecca says
Costco sells organic unrefined cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil. The brand is Nutiva. It comes in a big 78 fl oz container for $21.49.
Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says
Kathryn - According to Trader Joe's, it's cold pressed and filtered and no chemicals or bleaches are used. You can read more here.
JoAnn says
I really like their almond butter!
Angela says
You can get organic coconut oil and Lara Bars at costco for super cheap too!
Peggy says
Okay, how excited am I, that you showed FULL FAT yogurt?! I've been wishing for some, as I love yogurt, and recently lamenting to my family about not having full fat. This is awesome! I was also hoping to find it so my 1 year old can have it! He's got lots of energy and I like to give him full fats and things with yummy calories, because he's a grazer. Thank you1!!!!!!!!
Peggy
Susan says
Peggy- It is so hard to find full fat yogurt, huh? And if you ask for it people look at you like you have 3 eyes!! Another brand I adore is Straus Family Creamery. Full fat, organic and grass-fed. They also have ice cream that is supposed to be yummy, but I haven't tried it yet. But their yogurt? I want to bathe in it!!
Jennifer says
Sliced cheese? Get one of these: http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-Cheese-Plane/dp/B00004OCJM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1348780964&sr=8-4&keywords=oxo+cheese+knife I have had mine for over 8 years, and I use it nearly daily. That being said, the closest Trader Joe's is over 4 hours from us...
tiffany says
the frozen bags of mixed red, yellow, green peppers! the only place i can find them without added onions.