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! -
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get great new recipes from us every week!
-
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."] -
-
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. -
-
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
Robyn Wsays
We love their organic chocolate hemp protein powder for our after work out smoothies. Also, their frozen organic wild blueberries are great for smoothies or on yogurt.
My newest addiction is their Ruby Red Chai. It is organic and naturally sugar and caffeine free. I stated drinking it when I gave up desserts for two weeks and I am still drinking it instead of having desserts (well, sometimes at least.) I like it with milk in it.
I also love their reduced sugar jams, their whole wheat Tuscan Pane, and their homemade tortillas ( sometimes we get whole wheat and sometimes white). The price on their organic raisins is awesome, and the bags of organic pears and apples.
Hummus is actually very easy to make and then you can play around with different flavoring on a small scale.
And I agree with the one note on Two Buck Chuck- unless you are spending a ton on $ on wine (and then we should maybe have a different conversation) I would read up on wines that have higher reputation for environmental choices.
But kudos for getting the word out on what some of us have been doing for years. I did not realize until recently how little some people really cook at home. Amie, Yarmouth Maine
How fun that you did a post on TJ's! Love their customer service! Like their chopped brussel sprouts in organic garlic olive oil, organic blue tortilla chips with white bean hummus. Kids like the dried fruit leather - tip, the longer ones (59c) have 2 strips in them instead of the TJ's brand that just has one and are a bit cheaper. Thanks for doing this post!
I love the TJ's Goat Milk Yogurt in the 32oz container. Their frozen organic berry blend is great, too. To the question above about listing the ingredients for baking powder - apparently it is a big thing for the baking powder to be aluminum-free, and according to the ingredients listed it did not contain aluminum. :)
I have to say that it is the 'extra-virgin' organic coconut oil that tastes and smells like coconut. If it doesn't taste/smell like coconut it has been heat processed or refined.
I buy the whole wheat flour tortillas from trader joes. I like the homemade ones but they are so labor intensive and I believe the ones at trader joes follow the rules, but I do have a question. The ingredients are stone ground whole wheat flour, safflower oil, honey Baking Powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, corn starch, monocalcium phosphate), yeast, sea salt. Is baking powder okay? Why do they list the ingredients that make up the baking powder?
I would guess that it might be because some baking powders contain aluminum. The one they have listed looks to be a double acting baking powder instead.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)says
Staci. The honest answer is I really don't know. I have seen that many times on packages where they will list the ingredients within the ingredients. It could be to just provide more detail as well in terms of allergens. Sorry I can't provide you with an answer. Jill
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)says
Hi Angela. Beyond the pledge I think those whole wheat tortillas are a good option. More than the baking powder I would be concerned with the safflower oil. Here is some information Carrie Vitt from Deliciously Organic has shared about safflower oil...“Safflower oil is another highly processed oil and is very high in omega-6 fatty acids, so it’s best to choose an alternate oilâ€. Hope this helps. Jill
I love the coconut oil! We also get our canned salmon, low-sodium tuna, organic hummus, lots of frozen organic fruits and veggies (though you can't beat Costco's deal on triple berry mix!). Almond butter, but my fav is: JUST MANGO. Unsulfured, unweetened, delish!
I don't care for the coconut oil from TJ's. I really wanted to because if the price. Coconut oil funny enough shouldn't smell like coconut and this does.
My favorite non processed foods are:
- Frozen French green beans
- frozen artichokes
- fresh Mozerella balls in oil
- shelled and lightly salted edemmame
- leeks that are cut and cleaned in a bag in the refrigerator
- goats milk feta cheese
- green tea
- rolled oats
Virgin coconut actually should smell and taste like coconut. That is how you can tell that it is not processed and is a pure as can be. Just wanted to mention that!
yeah, I'm not sure why you think virgin coconut oil shouldn't smell like coconut. Refined coconut oil does not smell like coconut, but unrefined/(extra) virgin most certainly does!
Thanks for mentioning that TJ's is not a health food store. Yes, they do have some quality products, but it's still important to read labels and know what you're really getting.
As a word of caution...I've read a few places that Two Buck Chuck is processed wine, and made with several chemicals. It's hard to say what's fact, but it did make me think twice about buying it, even if the price is good. Just a point to consider for you and other readers.
We do not have Earth Fare (just Fresh Market) here in Williamsburg, VA, but I do the majority of my shopping at TJ's. Many of the things you mentioned are staples at our house as well. We do not have Great Harvest, and I don't always make homemade bread, so their organic, preservative-free whole grain bread is a compromise. Some other staples are: peanut butter, organic fruit spread without sugar, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat flour, olive oil, tea, organic pasta sauce, spices ($1.99!), their soup and broth, frozen green beans and other frozen veggies. I do get several of my produce items there too just because it's convenient, especially in the winter months when the Farmers Market isn't around (ours can be rather pricey too.) I buy their organic spinach, bananas and organic apples regularly. Also, their bacon, lunch meats and sausages are all nitrate and msg free. We love their organic olive oil popcorn, but we have an air popper now and make our own. I also get my dog treats there. I get their whole wheat pizza dough, all of my cheeses, eggs, dairy and cereal there too. Also, they have a great selection of frozen fruit for smoothies. When I do occasionally splurge on a sweet treat, it's nice to know our family isn't getting artificial flavors or colors. I use their meats on occasion as a backup when I can't get to the farm. Their frozen fish selection is good too. And of course, their wines! And the absolute best part is that I can get in and out with three kids in 30 minutes for my weekly shopping at a price that doesn't break my bank.
I buy so much here! I always pick up some organic limes and lemons. You can usually buy a bag of 6 for under $2.50. I also love the organic brown rice in individual steam bags. I realize it's more expensive but still under $4 and SO easy (and delish).
I get an organic Whole Grain Quinoa, the Brown Rice Medley (which only has 3 ingredients (br rice, barley and radish seeds. so yummy!), and the organic frozen wild blueberries.
TJ's is our go-to grocery, week after week, and a lot of the things you listed here are high on our list. Especially coffee--it's SO hard to find organic fair trade coffee without spending an arm and a leg. Tortillas have been covered here too...
Honestly, more of what we buy at TJ's is when we're looking for lower-impact processed-ish foods, like tortilla chips with only 2 ingredients, or un-scary chicken tenders, or affordable organic canned veggies, or affordable organic frozen fruits, things of that nature...I can't tell you how many of my go-to meals involve a can of organic diced tomatoes and a bag of frozen roasted bell peppers and onions. Quite the little template, you know? :-)
We love TJs fire roasted tortillas. You might want to reconsider Charles shaw. The Food Inc. Companion book sheds light on their numerous subcontractor labor/ human rights violations
Thanks for this post. I haven't shopped at Trader Joes in a long time. I had them when I lived in Las Vegas, but they have only recently opened one here in Dallas. I haven't even been into it yet because I do most of my shopping at Sprouts Farmers Market. I may have to travel over to Trader Joes for the coconut oil. Thanks for all your hard work and for keeping us informed. :)
We buy most of our grocery-store food at TJs (in Northern CA). Straus (I suspect) cream-top organic whole milk & yogurt, the organic cheddar you show (plus, for every 3 organic, I get 1 of the Sharp but not organic version of the same cheese, and 1 Raw Milk Cheddar, to cut the cost a bit). Occasionally I get whole-milk mozzarella (no rBST, but not organic) and wedges of Parmesan, Romano, or something of that sort. We also get sprouted bread and tortillas (both organic, probably Alvarado Street). Frozen berries for smoothies (mostly the organic wild blueberries which are from Canada, but to a lesser extent the organic raspberries, which are currently from Chile :(), and frozen organic peas for the toddler-who-love-peas (not nearly as nice as Cascadian Farm, but so much cheaper). I *used* to buy all of our nut butters from them, but my husband found out he was allergic to almond butter and they had their organic PB issue, so I have rerouted that purchase for now, and when I run out of homemade I buy their organic fruit spreads (jam). I get produce there when I just need a couple of things and the TJs offerings are decent, but there isn't anything I always get there. Most weeks, I do farmers market, TJs, and then another local grocery store to supply us for the week (plus a monthly trip to a farther-away natural foods co-op).
I like Trader Joe's. I'm lucky that the one near me has a good selection of produce, so I'm able to do a lot of shopping there. Yes, they do have a lot of processed food I won't eat, but they have some really great and affordable choices for people who want to avoid additives.
My favorites:
-99 cent organic avocados - I've never seen one cheaper.
-Canned tuna in water only - very reasonably priced (the additive-free tuna in mainstream grocery stores runs up to four times as much).
-Frozen fruit
-Frozen seafood
-Grass-fed ground beef
-Sunflower seed butter/almond butter
-Canned coconut milk
-Coconut oil
-One-ingredient fruit juice - you have to look for it, but it is there!
-Nuts and seeds (never had a problem)
-Kerrygold butter
-Tea
I live within walking distance of a TJs so its our run out to get what we forgot place. I've gotten most of what you listed though we just switched to coconut oil and it didn't even dawn on me to check there. I really love their jumbo raisins though. So much that we can't get them often. I also think their frozen organic berries can't be beat. My daughter will eat them still frozen out of a bowl.
I also like many of the above but I wanted to mention a can of ripe medium green olives. I do not like green olives but these were SO good! It isn't organic though:(
I just recently discovered Trader Joe's and love it! They definitely have the best selection of produce and the prices are way better than mainstream stores. I am careful to read labels there too though. I have noticed that more people read labels at Trader Joes than at other stores!
Wow it's called "two buck chuck" here in so cal. They must have raised the price
where you live. I love their creamy cilantro hummus and their roasted red bell pepper hummus
And their reduced guilt pita chips.
Can you do a post about local honey and it's benefits?
I have not been able to locate good info on it.
I just bought a bunch of organic staples (sunflower seed butter, whole wheat pretzels, organic sugar, etc) at vitacost.com. Great prices and delivered right to your door!
I love Trader Joes! The frozen pineapple tidbits are amazing, not organic but they are amazing! And coconut chips are delicious!!! And there vanilla coconut milk, while not organic, is amazzzzzing!!!!
I love their whole wheat tortillas as well. They have 5 or less ingredients in them too. I do make your recipe at times, but I love the convenience of their tortillas for tacos and sandwiches. I also buy organic canned tomatoes and tomato sauce because it's a lot less expensive than my grocery store. I also buy some frozen fruit, such as, strawberries.
Not sure if you have a Costco near you, but they have a great price on large sizes of Maranatha Almond Butter (only almonds in the ingredients), organic coconut oil, raw nuts, local raw honey, organic greens and pure maple syrup. Love Trader Joe's organic produce for the price.
I love that Trader Joe's offers all these items, and their prices cant be beat...however, my son has a nut allergy and almost all of their dry items are processed on same equipment or may contain nuts. Any other alternatives?? I can only buy my dairy products there.
Their price on organic whole chickens ($2.49/lb) is a great deal. We also buy organic peppers (their 3 in a bag is a better deal than conventional @ most stores), frozen fish (great prices on wild fish), canned salmon (always wild and great on salads or in salmon cakes), frozen organic berries (great for smoothies and to sweeten plain yogurt), avocados, organic heirloom tomatoes and pomegranate white tea (great hot or cold!)
Amazon prices are frustratingly inflated, though. :/
BettyJsays
FYI - Trader Joe's does not sell their products anywhere except in-store. Nothing on-line, especially via Amazon. These are people who have purchased in quantity from TJ's and are charging super over-inflated prices with the sole purpose of making a very large profit. Example: Trader Joe's Roasted Seaweed Snack x 6 Packs sold on Amazon for $9.27 & $5.00 shipping...in-store price .99 ea or $6.00 total. DON'T BE FOOLED!
Organic frozen berries
frozen mango chunks
asparagus spears
Coconut and grapeseed oils
Green Fin: organic white table wine at $3.99 a bottle that is good enough to fool wine snobs
I fed my daughter good healthy food like this when she was young and now she has gluten and dairy issues. In hindsight I think she would have had fewer health issues if I would have stuck to more meat, veggies, and fruit.
We JUST got a Trader Joe's in North Dallas, and I can't wait to go check it out! I went to my local Market Street and looked at coconut oil - it was $15! for one little jar! I definitely need to check out TJ next weekend. I'm starting me and my son on a 30-day challenge and only allowing myself $50/week. -- up this week, crock pot chicken - with chicken noodle soup later in the week :D
Hi Alex. Yes, I have had their frozen rice before. I have stopped using it though over concerns about microwaving the plastic package, but, I do agree, in a pinch it is not a terrible option. Jill
Robyn W says
We love their organic chocolate hemp protein powder for our after work out smoothies. Also, their frozen organic wild blueberries are great for smoothies or on yogurt.
Lisa D says
My newest addiction is their Ruby Red Chai. It is organic and naturally sugar and caffeine free. I stated drinking it when I gave up desserts for two weeks and I am still drinking it instead of having desserts (well, sometimes at least.) I like it with milk in it.
I also love their reduced sugar jams, their whole wheat Tuscan Pane, and their homemade tortillas ( sometimes we get whole wheat and sometimes white). The price on their organic raisins is awesome, and the bags of organic pears and apples.
Amie says
Hummus is actually very easy to make and then you can play around with different flavoring on a small scale.
And I agree with the one note on Two Buck Chuck- unless you are spending a ton on $ on wine (and then we should maybe have a different conversation) I would read up on wines that have higher reputation for environmental choices.
But kudos for getting the word out on what some of us have been doing for years. I did not realize until recently how little some people really cook at home. Amie, Yarmouth Maine
Kathleen Harvey says
How fun that you did a post on TJ's! Love their customer service! Like their chopped brussel sprouts in organic garlic olive oil, organic blue tortilla chips with white bean hummus. Kids like the dried fruit leather - tip, the longer ones (59c) have 2 strips in them instead of the TJ's brand that just has one and are a bit cheaper. Thanks for doing this post!
Donna says
I love the TJ's Goat Milk Yogurt in the 32oz container. Their frozen organic berry blend is great, too. To the question above about listing the ingredients for baking powder - apparently it is a big thing for the baking powder to be aluminum-free, and according to the ingredients listed it did not contain aluminum. :)
verymerryseven says
I have to say that it is the 'extra-virgin' organic coconut oil that tastes and smells like coconut. If it doesn't taste/smell like coconut it has been heat processed or refined.
Angela Yonker says
I buy the whole wheat flour tortillas from trader joes. I like the homemade ones but they are so labor intensive and I believe the ones at trader joes follow the rules, but I do have a question. The ingredients are stone ground whole wheat flour, safflower oil, honey Baking Powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, corn starch, monocalcium phosphate), yeast, sea salt. Is baking powder okay? Why do they list the ingredients that make up the baking powder?
staci says
I would like to know the answer to this baking powder question too!
Tanya W says
I would guess that it might be because some baking powders contain aluminum. The one they have listed looks to be a double acting baking powder instead.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Staci. The honest answer is I really don't know. I have seen that many times on packages where they will list the ingredients within the ingredients. It could be to just provide more detail as well in terms of allergens. Sorry I can't provide you with an answer. Jill
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Angela. Beyond the pledge I think those whole wheat tortillas are a good option. More than the baking powder I would be concerned with the safflower oil. Here is some information Carrie Vitt from Deliciously Organic has shared about safflower oil...“Safflower oil is another highly processed oil and is very high in omega-6 fatty acids, so it’s best to choose an alternate oilâ€. Hope this helps. Jill
Arlene B. says
I love the coconut oil! We also get our canned salmon, low-sodium tuna, organic hummus, lots of frozen organic fruits and veggies (though you can't beat Costco's deal on triple berry mix!). Almond butter, but my fav is: JUST MANGO. Unsulfured, unweetened, delish!
Andrea Jasmin says
I don't care for the coconut oil from TJ's. I really wanted to because if the price. Coconut oil funny enough shouldn't smell like coconut and this does.
My favorite non processed foods are:
- Frozen French green beans
- frozen artichokes
- fresh Mozerella balls in oil
- shelled and lightly salted edemmame
- leeks that are cut and cleaned in a bag in the refrigerator
- goats milk feta cheese
- green tea
- rolled oats
Rebecca says
Virgin coconut actually should smell and taste like coconut. That is how you can tell that it is not processed and is a pure as can be. Just wanted to mention that!
Kat says
yeah, I'm not sure why you think virgin coconut oil shouldn't smell like coconut. Refined coconut oil does not smell like coconut, but unrefined/(extra) virgin most certainly does!
Sam says
Thanks for mentioning that TJ's is not a health food store. Yes, they do have some quality products, but it's still important to read labels and know what you're really getting.
As a word of caution...I've read a few places that Two Buck Chuck is processed wine, and made with several chemicals. It's hard to say what's fact, but it did make me think twice about buying it, even if the price is good. Just a point to consider for you and other readers.
Jenise says
We do not have Earth Fare (just Fresh Market) here in Williamsburg, VA, but I do the majority of my shopping at TJ's. Many of the things you mentioned are staples at our house as well. We do not have Great Harvest, and I don't always make homemade bread, so their organic, preservative-free whole grain bread is a compromise. Some other staples are: peanut butter, organic fruit spread without sugar, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat flour, olive oil, tea, organic pasta sauce, spices ($1.99!), their soup and broth, frozen green beans and other frozen veggies. I do get several of my produce items there too just because it's convenient, especially in the winter months when the Farmers Market isn't around (ours can be rather pricey too.) I buy their organic spinach, bananas and organic apples regularly. Also, their bacon, lunch meats and sausages are all nitrate and msg free. We love their organic olive oil popcorn, but we have an air popper now and make our own. I also get my dog treats there. I get their whole wheat pizza dough, all of my cheeses, eggs, dairy and cereal there too. Also, they have a great selection of frozen fruit for smoothies. When I do occasionally splurge on a sweet treat, it's nice to know our family isn't getting artificial flavors or colors. I use their meats on occasion as a backup when I can't get to the farm. Their frozen fish selection is good too. And of course, their wines! And the absolute best part is that I can get in and out with three kids in 30 minutes for my weekly shopping at a price that doesn't break my bank.
Ashley says
I buy so much here! I always pick up some organic limes and lemons. You can usually buy a bag of 6 for under $2.50. I also love the organic brown rice in individual steam bags. I realize it's more expensive but still under $4 and SO easy (and delish).
Jennifer says
I get an organic Whole Grain Quinoa, the Brown Rice Medley (which only has 3 ingredients (br rice, barley and radish seeds. so yummy!), and the organic frozen wild blueberries.
Jenn the Greenmom says
TJ's is our go-to grocery, week after week, and a lot of the things you listed here are high on our list. Especially coffee--it's SO hard to find organic fair trade coffee without spending an arm and a leg. Tortillas have been covered here too...
Honestly, more of what we buy at TJ's is when we're looking for lower-impact processed-ish foods, like tortilla chips with only 2 ingredients, or un-scary chicken tenders, or affordable organic canned veggies, or affordable organic frozen fruits, things of that nature...I can't tell you how many of my go-to meals involve a can of organic diced tomatoes and a bag of frozen roasted bell peppers and onions. Quite the little template, you know? :-)
Danielle says
Have you thought of getting an aerator for your 3 buck chuck? It can really help a poor bottle of wine pass for decent:)
lynn says
We love TJs fire roasted tortillas. You might want to reconsider Charles shaw. The Food Inc. Companion book sheds light on their numerous subcontractor labor/ human rights violations
Melissa @ My Whole Food Life says
Thanks for this post. I haven't shopped at Trader Joes in a long time. I had them when I lived in Las Vegas, but they have only recently opened one here in Dallas. I haven't even been into it yet because I do most of my shopping at Sprouts Farmers Market. I may have to travel over to Trader Joes for the coconut oil. Thanks for all your hard work and for keeping us informed. :)
Irene says
great products, will have to look for those crackers. here in PA we have no chuck :( I buy their organic frozen veggies and frozen rice!
Juliana says
We buy most of our grocery-store food at TJs (in Northern CA). Straus (I suspect) cream-top organic whole milk & yogurt, the organic cheddar you show (plus, for every 3 organic, I get 1 of the Sharp but not organic version of the same cheese, and 1 Raw Milk Cheddar, to cut the cost a bit). Occasionally I get whole-milk mozzarella (no rBST, but not organic) and wedges of Parmesan, Romano, or something of that sort. We also get sprouted bread and tortillas (both organic, probably Alvarado Street). Frozen berries for smoothies (mostly the organic wild blueberries which are from Canada, but to a lesser extent the organic raspberries, which are currently from Chile :(), and frozen organic peas for the toddler-who-love-peas (not nearly as nice as Cascadian Farm, but so much cheaper). I *used* to buy all of our nut butters from them, but my husband found out he was allergic to almond butter and they had their organic PB issue, so I have rerouted that purchase for now, and when I run out of homemade I buy their organic fruit spreads (jam). I get produce there when I just need a couple of things and the TJs offerings are decent, but there isn't anything I always get there. Most weeks, I do farmers market, TJs, and then another local grocery store to supply us for the week (plus a monthly trip to a farther-away natural foods co-op).
Kitt says
I like Trader Joe's. I'm lucky that the one near me has a good selection of produce, so I'm able to do a lot of shopping there. Yes, they do have a lot of processed food I won't eat, but they have some really great and affordable choices for people who want to avoid additives.
My favorites:
-99 cent organic avocados - I've never seen one cheaper.
-Canned tuna in water only - very reasonably priced (the additive-free tuna in mainstream grocery stores runs up to four times as much).
-Frozen fruit
-Frozen seafood
-Grass-fed ground beef
-Sunflower seed butter/almond butter
-Canned coconut milk
-Coconut oil
-One-ingredient fruit juice - you have to look for it, but it is there!
-Nuts and seeds (never had a problem)
-Kerrygold butter
-Tea
Stephanie says
I live within walking distance of a TJs so its our run out to get what we forgot place. I've gotten most of what you listed though we just switched to coconut oil and it didn't even dawn on me to check there. I really love their jumbo raisins though. So much that we can't get them often. I also think their frozen organic berries can't be beat. My daughter will eat them still frozen out of a bowl.
Annette Standrod says
I also like many of the above but I wanted to mention a can of ripe medium green olives. I do not like green olives but these were SO good! It isn't organic though:(
April says
I just recently discovered Trader Joe's and love it! They definitely have the best selection of produce and the prices are way better than mainstream stores. I am careful to read labels there too though. I have noticed that more people read labels at Trader Joes than at other stores!
Jen says
Wow it's called "two buck chuck" here in so cal. They must have raised the price
where you live. I love their creamy cilantro hummus and their roasted red bell pepper hummus
And their reduced guilt pita chips.
Can you do a post about local honey and it's benefits?
I have not been able to locate good info on it.
Thanks!
Erica says
I just bought a bunch of organic staples (sunflower seed butter, whole wheat pretzels, organic sugar, etc) at vitacost.com. Great prices and delivered right to your door!
Tara says
I love Trader Joes! The frozen pineapple tidbits are amazing, not organic but they are amazing! And coconut chips are delicious!!! And there vanilla coconut milk, while not organic, is amazzzzzing!!!!
Alicia says
I love their whole wheat tortillas as well. They have 5 or less ingredients in them too. I do make your recipe at times, but I love the convenience of their tortillas for tacos and sandwiches. I also buy organic canned tomatoes and tomato sauce because it's a lot less expensive than my grocery store. I also buy some frozen fruit, such as, strawberries.
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
Not sure if you have a Costco near you, but they have a great price on large sizes of Maranatha Almond Butter (only almonds in the ingredients), organic coconut oil, raw nuts, local raw honey, organic greens and pure maple syrup. Love Trader Joe's organic produce for the price.
Brianne says
I love that Trader Joe's offers all these items, and their prices cant be beat...however, my son has a nut allergy and almost all of their dry items are processed on same equipment or may contain nuts. Any other alternatives?? I can only buy my dairy products there.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Brianne. You can try calling them or speaking to the manager at your local store to understand more about that specific labeling. Jill
Kristin says
Wild Fish
Then if I can't find them locally:
Organic Whole Chicken
Organic Apples
Organic Pears
sarah sprouse says
Their price on organic whole chickens ($2.49/lb) is a great deal. We also buy organic peppers (their 3 in a bag is a better deal than conventional @ most stores), frozen fish (great prices on wild fish), canned salmon (always wild and great on salads or in salmon cakes), frozen organic berries (great for smoothies and to sweeten plain yogurt), avocados, organic heirloom tomatoes and pomegranate white tea (great hot or cold!)
Lori says
You should consider reading the Food Babes article on Charles Shaw wines,... it might change your mind about it's integrity
Brandy says
There's a Trader Joe's "coming soon" about 80 miles away from me. Where else can I go???
Angela says
you can get Trader Joe's coconut oil, honey, & coffee that she shows above on Amazon. They have a big selection of Trader Joe's food.
Erin says
Amazon prices are frustratingly inflated, though. :/
BettyJ says
FYI - Trader Joe's does not sell their products anywhere except in-store. Nothing on-line, especially via Amazon. These are people who have purchased in quantity from TJ's and are charging super over-inflated prices with the sole purpose of making a very large profit. Example: Trader Joe's Roasted Seaweed Snack x 6 Packs sold on Amazon for $9.27 & $5.00 shipping...in-store price .99 ea or $6.00 total. DON'T BE FOOLED!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Brandy. Whole Foods and Earthfare are also great - not sure if you have one of those. A mainstream supermarket is also always an option. You may find this post interesting...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/11/11/real-food-tips-buying-“real-foodâ€-from-a-mainstream-supermarket/. Jill
K.D. says
We buy the Wheat Pane (bread) as it only has 4 ingredients! This is our go to bread.
Also cream top milk, raw nuts, peanut butter,
NanaCheryl says
Love me some Havarti cheese!! You are so right that it's good on nearly everything. Organic dried fruit is a must too.
Steph says
Organic frozen berries
frozen mango chunks
asparagus spears
Coconut and grapeseed oils
Green Fin: organic white table wine at $3.99 a bottle that is good enough to fool wine snobs
Rachel says
Thanks for sharing your favorites. I did the same on my blog, which you've been a huge inspiration for! :) http://thrivinghomeblog.com/2012/02/i-heart-trader-joes/
Ann says
I fed my daughter good healthy food like this when she was young and now she has gluten and dairy issues. In hindsight I think she would have had fewer health issues if I would have stuck to more meat, veggies, and fruit.
Kendra says
We JUST got a Trader Joe's in North Dallas, and I can't wait to go check it out! I went to my local Market Street and looked at coconut oil - it was $15! for one little jar! I definitely need to check out TJ next weekend. I'm starting me and my son on a 30-day challenge and only allowing myself $50/week. -- up this week, crock pot chicken - with chicken noodle soup later in the week :D
Alex says
Have you tried Trader Joe's frozen organic brown rice? So great in a pinch. What are your thoughts on it?
Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Alex. Yes, I have had their frozen rice before. I have stopped using it though over concerns about microwaving the plastic package, but, I do agree, in a pinch it is not a terrible option. Jill