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?
Trader Joes' Soy Sauce is one of the few soy sauces out there that is actually 100% MSG free!!
Foods and condiments stating no MSG or no added MSG can be misleading, as Monosodium glutamate goes under the name of glutamate, monosodium glutamate, glutamic acid, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, gelatin, textured protein, hydrolyzed protein, yeast extract. Most of the time, ontaining MSG are malt, barley malt, boullion, stock, carrageenan, maltodextrin, whey protein, pectin (anything enzyme modified). NATURAL FLAVORS, protein fortified, soy protein....
Trader Joes' soy sauce is naturally fermented, raw and unpasteurized. Hoorah!
I hesitate to share this cuz I don't want the stock depleted when I go next time...but the BEST cheap white wine at TJ's is the Vinas Chilenas Trader Joe's Reserva sauvignon blanc at $3.49 (Oregon prices)...it's with the other Chilean wines right next to the bubbly....really a nice taste and much nicer than the Charles Shaw chardonney. My fav and I'm not gonna go read the label, is the green salsa that they keep in jars by the chips. So good on everything!
In the fall til Christmas, the product I love best at Trader Joe's is their Pumpkin Butter. They also have mango and fig butters that are good! It is really the BEST with not much good sugars added.
Hey...Charles Shaw wine is really good! We keep it in stock at our house and everyone who has it loves it. While it might be a three buck chuck wine... it tastes like a $20-$30 bottle. And you can't beat the price! Only drawback... It used to be a two buck chuck ;)
Kimberly, check out Food Babe's post on Trader Joe's and her note towards the bottom about two buck chuck... I'm not super picky about my wine, and love to get a good deal, but unfortunately Charles Shaw is not the best choice.http://foodbabe.com/2013/08/07/what-is-trader-joes-hiding/ I still buy a few things at Trader Joe's, but it's hard to find good things there.
I love the turkey meatballs, sweet potato fries and frozen edamame. I also love their cheeses, however I tried the new Zealand cheddar pictured above and I broke out in hives for the 1st time in my life! (Twice because I had to make sure it was really the cheese). Love TJ nevertheless.
I buy yogurt there as well - organic soy yogurt for my dairy allergic child. Unfortunately they have been out of stock for several months, but we really love it. For a treat, I buy the kids the organic fruit strips (like fruit leather). I also like the bagged organic apple slices.
I love the TJ's plant-based laundry detergent. No phosphates, no junk. The lavender scent is heavenly too. For $9.99 for a 100oz bottle, it's perfect on the budget too!!! Also love the children's chewable vitamins. No funky stuff in there.
If you can't eat 100% organic, at least eat non-GMO! By the way...Lara Bars may claim to be non-GMO, as does Silk (soy milk)but they are under the GMA (Grocery Manufacturer's Association) who have paid out millions of dollars to stop YES on 522 in Washington State. For this reason alone, I don't support these companies. Do some investigations on your own. Not everything is as it always seems. I also don't trust TJ's 100% because they are not transparent. Time will tell.
I like all manner of things from Trader Joe's. Especially organic fruits and vegetables and dairy products. I like shopping there because my kids rarely notice anything except the fruit laid at eye level. There is no branded marketing (Disney characters on junk food, etc) and I rarely get asked to buy something junky. There is also a kids table with crayons and paper and non-food activities for them to do while I shop. About transparency, if you don't trust the USDA organic label, I don't know how you get by, unless you have an organic farm in your backyard. Even farmers at the farmers market have a business to run and may tell you what you want to hear in order to make a sale. USDA organic at one store is equal to USDA organic at another store, it's as simple as that. And to the commenter who called a store full of whole fruits, vegetables, whole grain, eggs and dairy "all garbage", frankly, that is the kind of statement that causes lots of people to dismiss the organic movement as hoity-toity elitist baloney, which is a huge shame (since it moves things backwards, not forwards). Letting the perfect be the enemy of the good results in neither perfect nor good.
We're fortunate to have TJ's less than a mile away. So it has become my convenience store. My list usually has bread, Greek yogurt, hummus, tortilla chips, spinach, lara bars, coconut milk... and Green Fin wine.
Love Trader Joe's!! I like their organic brown rice pasta and their high protein organic sprouted tofu and tempeh! Also their chia seeds and organic dark chocolate!
I love the 3-layer hummus from Trader Joe's. Also the pita bread, yogurt, frozen mango and pineapple, and I love the bags of frozen meatballs for quick easy meatball subs or spaghetti for dinner. I don't get down there very often, but when I do I stock up on coconut milk, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and canned black and garbanzo beans. I especially think the artichokes are a better price and much better tasting than other stores.
I love your blog and this is my first time commenting. I thought I would tell you I used to buy the 3 buck chuck as well but recently have been turned onto to there $3.99 organic wine called Green Fin! We love the taste and the price! Thanks for all you do! I have also switched to whole foods eating and a lot of it has to do with what you post! Thanks for the education!
I get their coffee beans, nuts and coconut oil like you too- plus I have gotten bags of chia seeds at TJ's for under $5. They are not organic but less than half the price of non organic elsewhere. I tend to get dairy staples like butter, eggs, half and half, and plain Greek yogurt there too. Some organic, some not- but all labeled as hormone free. They have organic corn tortilla chips I tend to get each time I go.
I love your blog. I'm committed to unprocessed as well. Once you start cooking this way, it becomes second nature. You are so fortunate if you have a Trader Joe's nearby.
The store may not be perfect, but it does have a good selection of organic products. I shop at Aldi for some of my organic produce. Although the selection is limited, you usually can't beat the prices.
I also buy frozen organic blueberries and the frozen spinach as a back up when I run out of fresh. I also will buy frozen wild salmon and scallops and shrimp. I have no idea if there seafood is any better.
I would be careful about what you buy from Trader Joe's. Like another person already pointed out, TJ's is getting a ton of backlash from recent investigations into their products containing GMO and their lack of transparency in listing the source of their ingredients in their private brand. To me, you get what you pay for. There's a reason why their products cost less: they're not using quality ingredients. With that said, I'm sure there are some things there worth getting, but they make it so darn hard to trust them since they refuse to get their products verified as non-GMO by a third party company. Also, stay away from the shampoo; just read an article that unsafe levels of DEA were found in a brand they carry. http://www.healthline.com/health-news/cancer-dangerous-chemical-found-in-shampoos-and-soaps-082913
I don't shop there much because time only allows for me to shop at one grocery store and I need more gluten free alternatives for my family.
Was wondering though, do you find that the folks at the farmer's market actually tell you when they spray chemical pesticides or use synthetic fertilizers on their produce? I feel like they all say 'No. no. We don't use any of that stuff.' and I find it hard to believe that so few of them do.
I like TJ's organic hummus too! Also buy their organic brown rice pasta. I'll keep my eye out for the yogurt you pictured - Organic whole milk plain yogurt - just what I want! It seems so hard to find, everything is low fat. I do have a yogurt maker, and I know I should use it someday soon. Will also give their organic cheese another look for the price! For produce (and cheese) I prefer local farmers markets and a new Whole Foods that opened up nearby ... this one has a roof top garden that is operated by the Food Project (local nonprofit) and they are really good about supporting and selling things from local farms. Oh, and TJs and this Whole Foods both have decent $2.99 wine! Which ever one I happen to be hitting ...
I buy most of the things on your list and I also buy ghee and dried mango (the unsweetened, "just mango" version) from Trader Joe's. You can't beat the price of their macadamia nuts - much cheaper than Whole Foods and they taste fresher.
Maple syrup, dried fruit and nuts. Plus whatever veggies look good, and cases of wine!! But it's a 3 hour drive for us so ti's more dry goods than fresh..
I only buy their organic offerings, but beware of their produce - it goes bad much, much faster than WF, Earthfare or even, Harris Teeter. Makes me wonder if it sits somewhere too long, because I don't believe it's any fresher. Also, in comparative shopping, sometimes Whole Foods Organic 365 brand is actually cheaper, and even more so if you use their coupons.
Several items similar to yours - we buy our honey at Earth Fare to get local which is supposed to help with immune system, I believe. We also get the Organic popped popcorn for a quick snack and the freeze dried bananas & mangoes - some of their lunch meats/hotdogs with no nitrates/nitrites (get most of meat from What's Your Beef). I know... lots of controversy lately - but I love our local store/staff and at least they try (I believe)... we do the best we can.
I, too shop at Trader Joe's NYC. TJ is one of my comparison stores in which I can get stuff cheaper than Whole Foods and Westerly Health food store, and the local supermarket where I live. I normally purchase their spirulina tablets and organic red quiona, lentils, coconut milk, nuts, pumpkin seeds, organic lemons, organic carrots, etc. This store is a CRAVE- lines be out the door. And we only have their wine store in 1 location in Manhattan- always buy their Marsala Dry Wine (use it for cooking), and organic red wine.
I don't believe the claims by Trader Joe's that their products do not contain MSG (or sulfites). After trying many of their house brands, I immediately felt the agony of a migraine headache coming on. As a recent article said - they do not disclose any of their sourcing - and do not offer transparency of ingredients to the public. If you are also suffering from migraine headaches after eating their products - PLEASE POST HERE - so others can be warned about the strong possibility that they are using a form of MSG in many of their items. I hope that a national TV program like "60 minutes" or "20/20" investigates all the claims made by Trader Joe's including their labeling practices, manufacturing techniques, and limited disclosure of ingredients. Are we supposed to simply trust this company when they use the terms "organic" "gluten-free" and "all natural?" I truly hope that I'm wrong about this company - but, my headaches after eating their various foods - tells me - I'm right. In my view, they should practice full disclosure like other legitimate food manufacturers. Hopefully, the FDA will crack-down on them and put an end to their secrecy and abuse of the public trust.
MSG triggers migraines in me as well. I tend to not buy anything that has the words 'natural flavor' in it. Which particular items from TJ's did you think didn't have MSG but which seemed to trigger a migraine? I'm just curious.
Absolute garbage made mostly by Ralcorp and Con Agra giant food factories. the same ones that fought the GMO law in California..
Giant German Company
Using giant food factories that also make Costco stuff
to Package Handmade hippie cute packaging
by Hawaiian shirt wearing surfer dudes....!!! for real...
Why did they buy this California Company????
It's all marketing and staging.... and the lemmings fall for it again...
We are a small business that supplies one of the baking mixes with the TJ label. We are NOT a giant food Factory. We had to change our recipe a little to meet the high standards of Trader Joex. Just so you know...
I like to buy the canned coconut milk (the "light" version) because there are 2 ingredients: coconut milk & water. Its the perfect consistency. I also buy grass fed cheddar cheese, their harvest whole wheat bread, sometimes grass fed meat there (if its on sale), yogurt and milk :)
Dee says
My staples include organic apples , organic berries, chopped cauliflower, organic string beans , spaghetti squash, whole wheat and brown rice pastas, organic garbanzo beans, dates, mission figs, organic popcorn, Ezekiel bread, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, almond butter, chia seeds, organic grapes, sliced pineapple, organic frozen berries , organic extra virgin coconut oil, grass fed New Zealand cheese.
Nicki says
You may want to rethink some of this list...like the Three Buck Chuck. More like Yuck!
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505144_162-57191651/4-things-not-to-buy-at-trader-joes/
http://foodbabe.com/2013/08/07/what-is-trader-joes-hiding/
Caroline says
Trader Joes' Soy Sauce is one of the few soy sauces out there that is actually 100% MSG free!!
Foods and condiments stating no MSG or no added MSG can be misleading, as Monosodium glutamate goes under the name of glutamate, monosodium glutamate, glutamic acid, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, gelatin, textured protein, hydrolyzed protein, yeast extract. Most of the time, ontaining MSG are malt, barley malt, boullion, stock, carrageenan, maltodextrin, whey protein, pectin (anything enzyme modified). NATURAL FLAVORS, protein fortified, soy protein....
Trader Joes' soy sauce is naturally fermented, raw and unpasteurized. Hoorah!
Sarah says
I use to buy what use to be called Two buck check but then I read where its one of the most unhealthiest wines out there....lots of sulfates!
Liza says
Trader Joes' Green Fin wine is made with Organic Grapes and is only about $1.00 more than 2 buck chuck.
Karen says
I hesitate to share this cuz I don't want the stock depleted when I go next time...but the BEST cheap white wine at TJ's is the Vinas Chilenas Trader Joe's Reserva sauvignon blanc at $3.49 (Oregon prices)...it's with the other Chilean wines right next to the bubbly....really a nice taste and much nicer than the Charles Shaw chardonney. My fav and I'm not gonna go read the label, is the green salsa that they keep in jars by the chips. So good on everything!
jen says
Just mango dried mango slices. Great snacks!
Tamara says
I LOVE!! the corn tortillas..excellent
Also the vanilla ice cream is the best
Louise says
In the fall til Christmas, the product I love best at Trader Joe's is their Pumpkin Butter. They also have mango and fig butters that are good! It is really the BEST with not much good sugars added.
Kimberly Schneider says
Hey...Charles Shaw wine is really good! We keep it in stock at our house and everyone who has it loves it. While it might be a three buck chuck wine... it tastes like a $20-$30 bottle. And you can't beat the price! Only drawback... It used to be a two buck chuck ;)
Marisa says
Kimberly, check out Food Babe's post on Trader Joe's and her note towards the bottom about two buck chuck... I'm not super picky about my wine, and love to get a good deal, but unfortunately Charles Shaw is not the best choice.http://foodbabe.com/2013/08/07/what-is-trader-joes-hiding/ I still buy a few things at Trader Joe's, but it's hard to find good things there.
Griselle says
I love the turkey meatballs, sweet potato fries and frozen edamame. I also love their cheeses, however I tried the new Zealand cheddar pictured above and I broke out in hives for the 1st time in my life! (Twice because I had to make sure it was really the cheese). Love TJ nevertheless.
Julie says
I buy yogurt there as well - organic soy yogurt for my dairy allergic child. Unfortunately they have been out of stock for several months, but we really love it. For a treat, I buy the kids the organic fruit strips (like fruit leather). I also like the bagged organic apple slices.
Kim says
I love the TJ's plant-based laundry detergent. No phosphates, no junk. The lavender scent is heavenly too. For $9.99 for a 100oz bottle, it's perfect on the budget too!!! Also love the children's chewable vitamins. No funky stuff in there.
Sherry says
If you can't eat 100% organic, at least eat non-GMO! By the way...Lara Bars may claim to be non-GMO, as does Silk (soy milk)but they are under the GMA (Grocery Manufacturer's Association) who have paid out millions of dollars to stop YES on 522 in Washington State. For this reason alone, I don't support these companies. Do some investigations on your own. Not everything is as it always seems. I also don't trust TJ's 100% because they are not transparent. Time will tell.
Marisa says
Boo, I'm so sorry to hear that about Lara Bars! I have yet to find any other brands that have such real food ingredients (without being too sweet)!
julie moore says
Super easy to make on your own if you have a food processor! Our family LOVES the ones from http://www.chocolatecoveredkatie.com.
Kayla says
I agree! Chocolatecoveredkatie lara bars are awesome and soooo easy! I use my vitamix.
Marisa says
Awesome, thank you for sharing that! I can't wait to try them.
Marisa says
OMG the recipes on Chocolatecoveredkatie look amazing! I'm tempted to start making all of them right now, despite the fact that it's almost bedtime!
Jamie says
Organic Ketchup for $1.99! HFCS free :) In a plastic container which isn't ideal, but for $1.99, I'll take it
Annie says
I like all manner of things from Trader Joe's. Especially organic fruits and vegetables and dairy products. I like shopping there because my kids rarely notice anything except the fruit laid at eye level. There is no branded marketing (Disney characters on junk food, etc) and I rarely get asked to buy something junky. There is also a kids table with crayons and paper and non-food activities for them to do while I shop. About transparency, if you don't trust the USDA organic label, I don't know how you get by, unless you have an organic farm in your backyard. Even farmers at the farmers market have a business to run and may tell you what you want to hear in order to make a sale. USDA organic at one store is equal to USDA organic at another store, it's as simple as that. And to the commenter who called a store full of whole fruits, vegetables, whole grain, eggs and dairy "all garbage", frankly, that is the kind of statement that causes lots of people to dismiss the organic movement as hoity-toity elitist baloney, which is a huge shame (since it moves things backwards, not forwards). Letting the perfect be the enemy of the good results in neither perfect nor good.
Katrina says
We're fortunate to have TJ's less than a mile away. So it has become my convenience store. My list usually has bread, Greek yogurt, hummus, tortilla chips, spinach, lara bars, coconut milk... and Green Fin wine.
Sarah McLaughlin says
Love Trader Joe's!! I like their organic brown rice pasta and their high protein organic sprouted tofu and tempeh! Also their chia seeds and organic dark chocolate!
Rebekah says
I love the 3-layer hummus from Trader Joe's. Also the pita bread, yogurt, frozen mango and pineapple, and I love the bags of frozen meatballs for quick easy meatball subs or spaghetti for dinner. I don't get down there very often, but when I do I stock up on coconut milk, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and canned black and garbanzo beans. I especially think the artichokes are a better price and much better tasting than other stores.
Stacey Pryce says
I love your blog and this is my first time commenting. I thought I would tell you I used to buy the 3 buck chuck as well but recently have been turned onto to there $3.99 organic wine called Green Fin! We love the taste and the price! Thanks for all you do! I have also switched to whole foods eating and a lot of it has to do with what you post! Thanks for the education!
Sarah's Fab Day says
I always buy hummus, chia seeds, organic Tuscan kale, nuts, honey, grade B maple syrup, and cheese if I need it for a fancy party.
Karen Taylor @ Journey towards simplicity says
I get their coffee beans, nuts and coconut oil like you too- plus I have gotten bags of chia seeds at TJ's for under $5. They are not organic but less than half the price of non organic elsewhere. I tend to get dairy staples like butter, eggs, half and half, and plain Greek yogurt there too. Some organic, some not- but all labeled as hormone free. They have organic corn tortilla chips I tend to get each time I go.
ologsinquito at Organic at Aldi says
I love your blog. I'm committed to unprocessed as well. Once you start cooking this way, it becomes second nature. You are so fortunate if you have a Trader Joe's nearby.
The store may not be perfect, but it does have a good selection of organic products. I shop at Aldi for some of my organic produce. Although the selection is limited, you usually can't beat the prices.
Shannon says
I also buy frozen organic blueberries and the frozen spinach as a back up when I run out of fresh. I also will buy frozen wild salmon and scallops and shrimp. I have no idea if there seafood is any better.
Renae says
I would be careful about what you buy from Trader Joe's. Like another person already pointed out, TJ's is getting a ton of backlash from recent investigations into their products containing GMO and their lack of transparency in listing the source of their ingredients in their private brand. To me, you get what you pay for. There's a reason why their products cost less: they're not using quality ingredients. With that said, I'm sure there are some things there worth getting, but they make it so darn hard to trust them since they refuse to get their products verified as non-GMO by a third party company. Also, stay away from the shampoo; just read an article that unsafe levels of DEA were found in a brand they carry.
http://www.healthline.com/health-news/cancer-dangerous-chemical-found-in-shampoos-and-soaps-082913
Erika says
I don't shop there much because time only allows for me to shop at one grocery store and I need more gluten free alternatives for my family.
Was wondering though, do you find that the folks at the farmer's market actually tell you when they spray chemical pesticides or use synthetic fertilizers on their produce? I feel like they all say 'No. no. We don't use any of that stuff.' and I find it hard to believe that so few of them do.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Erika. A farmers' market will leave it to each farmer to explain their own growing practices. It is up to the customer to ask questions. You may feel better if you dig a little deeper with each farmer you speak to. This might help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/09/23/real-food-tips-10-pointers-for-farmers%E2%80%99-market-shopping/. ~Amy
wilma says
I buy Ezekial bread at trader Joe's so much cheaper than other places.
Angie says
I heard that the Charles Shaw wine is full of additives and not even a traditional aged wine. Do you know if this is true?
rachel says
I like TJ's organic hummus too! Also buy their organic brown rice pasta. I'll keep my eye out for the yogurt you pictured - Organic whole milk plain yogurt - just what I want! It seems so hard to find, everything is low fat. I do have a yogurt maker, and I know I should use it someday soon. Will also give their organic cheese another look for the price! For produce (and cheese) I prefer local farmers markets and a new Whole Foods that opened up nearby ... this one has a roof top garden that is operated by the Food Project (local nonprofit) and they are really good about supporting and selling things from local farms. Oh, and TJs and this Whole Foods both have decent $2.99 wine! Which ever one I happen to be hitting ...
Kim G says
I buy most of the things on your list and I also buy ghee and dried mango (the unsweetened, "just mango" version) from Trader Joe's. You can't beat the price of their macadamia nuts - much cheaper than Whole Foods and they taste fresher.
Tracy Ames-Dennison says
There isn't a Trader Joe's within an hour of us, so we have never been to one.
Deb says
Maple syrup, dried fruit and nuts. Plus whatever veggies look good, and cases of wine!! But it's a 3 hour drive for us so ti's more dry goods than fresh..
Deb Desautels says
I like the "Healthy 8" veggie mix - http://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article.asp?article_id=398. I like to have it as a quick salad topping or to stir fry for an easy side.
Jeri Ann says
I only buy their organic offerings, but beware of their produce - it goes bad much, much faster than WF, Earthfare or even, Harris Teeter. Makes me wonder if it sits somewhere too long, because I don't believe it's any fresher. Also, in comparative shopping, sometimes Whole Foods Organic 365 brand is actually cheaper, and even more so if you use their coupons.
Erin says
Several items similar to yours - we buy our honey at Earth Fare to get local which is supposed to help with immune system, I believe. We also get the Organic popped popcorn for a quick snack and the freeze dried bananas & mangoes - some of their lunch meats/hotdogs with no nitrates/nitrites (get most of meat from What's Your Beef). I know... lots of controversy lately - but I love our local store/staff and at least they try (I believe)... we do the best we can.
Megan says
I like Trader Joe's Whole Grain Organic dry pastas, organic brown rice, and I usually buy their pure maple syrup and raw nut butters.
REA says
I, too shop at Trader Joe's NYC. TJ is one of my comparison stores in which I can get stuff cheaper than Whole Foods and Westerly Health food store, and the local supermarket where I live. I normally purchase their spirulina tablets and organic red quiona, lentils, coconut milk, nuts, pumpkin seeds, organic lemons, organic carrots, etc. This store is a CRAVE- lines be out the door. And we only have their wine store in 1 location in Manhattan- always buy their Marsala Dry Wine (use it for cooking), and organic red wine.
http://LivingItUpAlternatively.blogspot.com
wax5151 says
I don't believe the claims by Trader Joe's that their products do not contain MSG (or sulfites). After trying many of their house brands, I immediately felt the agony of a migraine headache coming on. As a recent article said - they do not disclose any of their sourcing - and do not offer transparency of ingredients to the public. If you are also suffering from migraine headaches after eating their products - PLEASE POST HERE - so others can be warned about the strong possibility that they are using a form of MSG in many of their items. I hope that a national TV program like "60 minutes" or "20/20" investigates all the claims made by Trader Joe's including their labeling practices, manufacturing techniques, and limited disclosure of ingredients. Are we supposed to simply trust this company when they use the terms "organic" "gluten-free" and "all natural?" I truly hope that I'm wrong about this company - but, my headaches after eating their various foods - tells me - I'm right. In my view, they should practice full disclosure like other legitimate food manufacturers. Hopefully, the FDA will crack-down on them and put an end to their secrecy and abuse of the public trust.
Faith says
MSG triggers migraines in me as well. I tend to not buy anything that has the words 'natural flavor' in it. Which particular items from TJ's did you think didn't have MSG but which seemed to trigger a migraine? I'm just curious.
realfoodmomma says
This is a case of always needing to read labels. I have found MSG listed (usually as autolyzed yeast) in many TJ products. I also experience migraines when consuming MSG. Here is just one of many sources for hidden names of MSG: http://www.msgexposed.com/hidden-sources-of-msg-monosodium-glutamate-on-food-ingredient-labels/
DEzz says
Absolute garbage made mostly by Ralcorp and Con Agra giant food factories. the same ones that fought the GMO law in California..
Giant German Company
Using giant food factories that also make Costco stuff
to Package Handmade hippie cute packaging
by Hawaiian shirt wearing surfer dudes....!!! for real...
Why did they buy this California Company????
It's all marketing and staging.... and the lemmings fall for it again...
Ashley says
We are a small business that supplies one of the baking mixes with the TJ label. We are NOT a giant food Factory. We had to change our recipe a little to meet the high standards of Trader Joex. Just so you know...
Beth says
I like to buy the canned coconut milk (the "light" version) because there are 2 ingredients: coconut milk & water. Its the perfect consistency. I also buy grass fed cheddar cheese, their harvest whole wheat bread, sometimes grass fed meat there (if its on sale), yogurt and milk :)