Cindy in C-ville Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 What are your favorites? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punchie Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 TJ's peanut butter. B/c there are no TJ's close to me, my dad sends me care packages of it periodically. It is the only pb I will buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaAkins Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Our "regular" purchases from TJ's include: oranges, goat cheese, prosciutto, brie, smoked turkey (lunchmeat), sour cream, ravioletti, tortellini, olive oil, parmesan cheese, yogurt, and occasionally some frozen mexican meals for my husband to take to work for lunch. The last time we were there, my husband bought a can of Cuban black beans. He said they were delicious served over some garlic-infused jasmine rice, so we'll have to add those to our list of things to get there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret in GA Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Their olive oil is a good quality at a good price. Organic Coffee. Balsamic vinegar. Olives. Organic chicken. Goat cheese. GF crackers. Oh, and we just bought Italian blood orange soda yesterday and wow, it was good. Really, everything is pretty good at a reasonable price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 veggie "meat"balls in the freezer section (we prefer using the baked method of prep) raw nuts and dried fruit Midsummer's Night's Cream lotion lavender lotion At Trader Joe's you can try stuff and get a refund if you don't like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgo95 Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 I like their nuts and dried fruits (great prices). We also regularly pick up frozen mangoes (so good in smoothies), frozen tamales, extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, and grana padano cheese. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in C-ville Posted July 4, 2011 Author Share Posted July 4, 2011 Oh boy! I'm so excited! Other must-buys? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyWImom Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 (edited) Sooo many good things! I will try to narrow it down.:tongue_smilie: TJ's hummus is great-I love the Jalepeno, white bean; okay, all Pita crackers (great with the hummus) Cinnamon Grahams (big & thick and not a lot of sugar) Most of their cereal-less sugar & sodium than most, tasty, and good price Salsa-any we've tried has been good Vegetable Masala Burger's (frozen, spicy, indian flavor, great with the Peach Salsa!) White Ice Tea-no sugar, comes in a huge container, and I buy it when I'm feeling too lazy to make my own great selection of cheeses We live almost 2 hours away from TJ's, so we can't go often, therefore, we don't get a lot of fresh items, Their frozen foods are great, too many to list. Edited July 4, 2011 by happyWImom punctuation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyWImom Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Oh, I forgot about their greek yogurt. Low fat, but yummy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merry gardens Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Do you want my whole shopping list or just the highlights? :D I'd suggest you buy their version whatever types of things are on your weekly shopping list. Chocolate cover almonds with turbinado sugar and sea salt <--that's my newest craving. I vary what type of chocolate-fix I get. All their chocolate is amazing! Orange chicken (freezer section) Fresh fruits--usually better than other grocery stores around me. Cereal Coffee Almond Butter I usually end up buying whatever they are sampling that day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in C-ville Posted July 4, 2011 Author Share Posted July 4, 2011 Do you want my whole shopping list or just the highlights? :D I'd suggest you buy their version whatever types of things are on your weekly shopping list. Chocolate cover almonds with turbinado sugar and sea salt <--that's my newest craving. I vary what type of chocolate-fix I get. All their chocolate is amazing! Orange chicken (freezer section) Fresh fruits--usually better than other grocery stores around me. Cereal Coffee Almond Butter I usually end up buying whatever they are sampling that day. So, is TJ's your regular shopping place? How does it compare, price-wise, to say, Kroger? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 If you're on the west coast, I've heard that TJ's can sub for a mainstream grocery and compete... over here in the east, I find that (excepting their specials, which are often very good) the produce and dairy is just too expensive for us. We shop there a little for convenience but we do better at the Giant. I tend to alternate my shopping runs. One week TJ's, one week Giant (our local standard Kroger, Safeway, sort of store), and one week at Costco. But staples like cereal, oil, crackers, chips, nuts, pastas, bottled sauces, granola bars, broth, baking supplies, etc. are all cheaper AND better at TJ's. We also like a lot of their frozen foods. I don't do a lot of frozen stuff generally, but their frozen pizzas are simple and not bad at all - and their frozen appetizers are easy and not bad for entertaining. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Tuna packed in olive oil (heavenly!) Frozen fish, including "fish nuggets" that are actual fish Frozen vegetables Whole wheat tortillas Yogurt and cheese Prosciutto and lunch meats Raw nuts Frozen croissants (yummy treat!) We have a WF and a better place to get produce locally, so we don't buy a lot from TJ, just a whole lot of the same things over and over. :D I never buy their flowers or plants there anymore. I learned my lesson after the third time. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess in the Burbs Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 well we had their pinneapple juice the other day and everyone liked it in our family....I was shocked! Yummy :-) But I get their gluten free/dairy free english muffins and sometimes their fruit. I can't stand how crowded it gets, so we don't go often and I don't buy much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happygrrl Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Ooh, I love those chocolate almonds with sea salt! Mmmm. We have a good grocery store locally, so our Trader Joe's purchases are just a few items. We buy: Dishwasher detergent, citrus shampoo (for guests, we are no-poo) Balsalmic vinegar, spanish olive oil, raw cheese, organic baked beans (canned), We used to get their bread before going gluten free, rice pasta (cheapest and best anywhere!), Ketchup, mustard (yellow and dijon), cornichons, Kerrygold butter, and I am sure there is more I am forgetting. And don't forget to look at the cut flowers. So pretty for a great price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in C-ville Posted July 4, 2011 Author Share Posted July 4, 2011 If you're on the west coast, I've heard that TJ's can sub for a mainstream grocery and compete... over here in the east, I find that (excepting their specials, which are often very good) the produce and dairy is just too expensive for us. We shop there a little for convenience but we do better at the Giant. I tend to alternate my shopping runs. One week TJ's, one week Giant (our local standard Kroger, Safeway, sort of store), and one week at Costco. But staples like cereal, oil, crackers, chips, nuts, pastas, bottled sauces, granola bars, broth, baking supplies, etc. are all cheaper AND better at TJ's. We also like a lot of their frozen foods. I don't do a lot of frozen stuff generally, but their frozen pizzas are simple and not bad at all - and their frozen appetizers are easy and not bad for entertaining. This is super helpful. We are on the East Coast. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in C-ville Posted July 4, 2011 Author Share Posted July 4, 2011 I never buy their flowers or plants there anymore. I learned my lesson after the third time. :glare: What lesson is that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 After going back, because there's a new one here, all I could say is "Where's the organic?" I wish there was more organic :( The scottie dogs are good (licorice) even if you don't like licorice, for some reason the little dog... Yum :) I kinda wish we got a Whole Foods Market instead... but I do like TJ :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 What lesson is that? They are cheap and pretty, but they die within a day or two. I felt bad, too, because I had taken a bunch to a friend when I bought the first ones. She never said anything, but I know they must have died quickly. :blush5: I have flowers from the produce stand and markets last for weeks, but the TJ ones are weak. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Actually I am sitting here thinking I can't get another set of flowers from TJ because the movers are coming on the 11th and I hate to throw out flowers. Today I am getting rid of the flowers that I got on June 23rd so they have lasted quite a while here. I love the dark chocolate covered almonds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamsFamily Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Hansen's sodas TJs cookie thins - lemon and ginger TJ's Natural cranberry juice - dilute with water for tasty drink TJs tea tree Jingle body wash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kchara Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 They have these ice cream sandwiches... chocolate chip cookie ones rolled in chocolate chips. LOVE those!! Oh, and the chocolate covered frozen bananas. SOOOOO good when it's hot out! Of course, you can make both of those yourself, but I'm rather lazy like that... The pizzas are good, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
torikei Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Trader Joe's is my favorite. Our list includes: Ketchup Pineapple Salsa Small pkgs nuts/cranberries Chicken sausages w apple or mango Mini bagels Organic tortilla chips Maple syrup grade b Maple leaf cookies Round crackers w cheese or peanut butter Pickles or pickle relish Almond butter We've liked everything we've tried. I have children that can't handle the dyes so it's nice to have someplace to shop where I don't have to read every label. Tori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendi Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Trader Joe's is my main grocery store, although I do go to Fry's for things TJ's doesn't have. Things I always try to keep on hand: Mandarin orange chicken individual pepperoni pizzas frozen fruits frozen grilled bell peppers and onions tortillas Other treats: Joe-joe's Greek yogurt chocolate-covered pretzels reduced fat battered shrimp mochi ice cream Oh, and if you like Asian food, you will LOVE the Bulkogi (not sure how TJ's spells it). It's marinated boneless beef ribs, in the meat section. We grill them, and my family could eat them once a week and not get tired of them. Wendi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewellsmommy Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 My must buys... Honey sesame cashews Mango chicken sausage yogurt 21 seasoning salute cereal bars organic brown rice (in the freezer) 3 frozen packets. You just put in the microwave. Terryiaki Chicken (in the freezer section) quick meal when made in conjunction w/the rice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happygrrl Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 They are cheap and pretty, but they die within a day or two. I felt bad, too, because I had taken a bunch to a friend when I bought the first ones. She never said anything, but I know they must have died quickly. :blush5: I have flowers from the produce stand and markets last for weeks, but the TJ ones are weak. :glare: Hmmm. Maybe it differs by region. I have some on my table now that I bought on June 19 (and then left in the hot car all day, oooops!). I have had to toss about half the bunch as they withered, but they seem to last longer than those I get at the grocery store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Three pages, and nobody has yet to mention the cat cookies???! Thumbs up to ginger, down to chocolate, but yum, yum, yum. Crunchy, light, ... can't eat just one. That's the downfall, though. Ask my waistline. We don't have TJs in my state, but we get monthly care packages from my friend in California so we stay stocked on cat cookies. I'm not usually a snack, crunchy person but these have helped me to see the light. I also like their sponges - the dry, flat ones that puff up once wet. Cellulose, compostable, convenient, cheap. Good stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Hansen's sodasTJs cookie thins - lemon and ginger TJ's Natural cranberry juice - dilute with water for tasty drink TJs tea tree Jingle body wash Those lemon cookie thins with a bowl of strawberries or raspberries... yummy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 I try to do a TJ's run every other week. Here are our regular items--not everything every trip (except tortilla chips and sourdough bread), but these are all regular purchases. And then it's fun to have some un-regular items jump in the cart. The items are also pretty much in order for how we loop through the store. Sliced sourdough bread (for toast and grilled cheese sammies) nuts (peanuts, cashews, toasted sliced almonds) Honey Nut O's cereal fig bars (This Fig Walked Into a Bar...I think that's their name) granola bars--the green box and the orange box (chocolate/peanut butter) the can of cinnamon rolls for Christmas or a special occasion uncured applewood smoked bacon yogurt sticks (like gogurts, but natural ingredients only. We freeze them.) chicken burritos in the freezer section pita bite crackers orange chicken frozen brown rice frozen hashbrowns all of the cookies we have tried are delicious, but I purposely don't get them often gyoza (potstickers) and the gyoza sauce tortilla chips black bean dip jasmine brown rice mac and cheese 3-cheese pasta sauce soyaki sauce dark chocolate bars for dh the peanut butter cups are all amazing--avoid if you have self-control issues Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 Love! the ginger cat cookies! (can't eat 'em anymore, though) We get staples there: tongol tuna is cheaper and better quality than the national brands. TJ's is one of few places I can find frozen shrimp without TSP (deck cleaner, not food). Their organic bananas are cheaper than at Whole Foods, and not plastic wrapped like in some places. Joe-Joes (Oreos) are a huge hit with the kids and husband - much better than other "off brand" or more natural alternatives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photo Ninja Posted July 5, 2011 Share Posted July 5, 2011 In addition to items others already mentioned: Chocolate covered peppermint Joe-Joe's (only at Christmas, so stock up!) pizza dough (fresh dough, different kinds, by the deli case. Makes it really easy to whip up a pizza) Blood Orange soda (incredible flavor!) Pomegranite Green Tea (in a plastic bottle - great summer time drink) Fruit - riper and has more flavor than the grocery store fruit Frozen mahi-mahi marinated in lemon, garlic, oil (delicious grilled) milk, eggs and yogurt Rice cakes Penguin gummies with the liquid filled tummy (my dd's candy treat) artichoke tapenade (in a glass jar. I cook angel hair pasta, put the artichoke tapenade in a pan with some additional olive oil and juice from a lemon, heat it, then pour over the pasta. My dd's favorite meal.) tortellini and ravioli (dried, in bags. I have a ds going to college out of state where there is no Trader Joe's and he asked that I send him some bags of these because he misses them. They make an easy, quick meal.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4everHis Posted July 5, 2011 Share Posted July 5, 2011 their chocolate syrup ketchup sun-dried tomatoes yogurt pizza sauce chocolate peanut butter cups chocolate chips we just tried their pesto mmmmmmmmm! I'm sure there's more but that's what first comes to mind. Happy Shopping!:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted July 5, 2011 Share Posted July 5, 2011 (edited) Things I buy on a regular basis at Trader Joe's: Graverstein Apple Sauce Sunflower Seed Butter Peanut Butter Almond Butter Chicken Stock/Vegetable Stock Roasted Tomato Soup Cereal Cheese Crackers Frozen Veggies Frozen Fish Greek Yogurt Holiday Time-Peppermint Jo-Jo's. Edited July 6, 2011 by kewb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eight_gregorys Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 I shop at Trader Joes every week and live on the west coast. We love their organic yogurt, hummus, pesto, cereals, all most all the produce, and meats. You absolutely must eat the DARK CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS....they are divine. Their prices are very good, except for meats. You can almost always find cheaper fresh and deli meats at Costco. However, their prices on just about everything else are very good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlifemom Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 Wine! Their 3 or 4 buck Chuck is great for cooking. :D Others are nice for drinking. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 You absolutely must buy either their Korma simmer sauce or their Masala sauce. Seriously. I buy it by the case. I didn't even think that I liked curry before I tried it. You can use it as a simmer sauce, but I prefer to just pour a jar over a 9x13 pan of chicken breasts, cover it with aluminum foil and bake it at 425 until done. It makes for a very easy, very yummy meal when paired with veggies or a salad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmrich Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 Just had their breaded Tilpia tonight. So crispy! My dh has to make dinner with me in the cast and on crutches. THANK GOODNESS for Trader Joes!!! I am so glad I stocked up on their freezer meals. I like everything. Blueberry Jam - yummy I mix it into my homemade yogurt. Divine yumminess. Can't wait until I can drive or convince hubby to take me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frontier Mom Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 Some favorites: Love, love, love the orange chicken served with vegetable fried rice in frozen section. Greek yogurt All the cheeses are great Olive oil Bananas Banana chips Nut mixes Salsa Tortilla chips Peanut Butter Superberry Jelly Pancake Mix Maple Syrup Juices are all good. My lab said to be sure to tell you he loves the peanut butter dog biscuits!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 I just filled my cart to overflowing at TJ's today! It would take too long to list all our favorites, But we regularly buy dried fruit and raw nuts, organic peanut butter, organic polenta, organic chicken, organic cheese sticks, almond milk, organic free range chicken broth. I also buy Applegate Farms cold cuts to pack dh wrap sandwiches for lunch. I love the white bean hummus and the 3 layer hummus. Older ds loves the freeze dried mangoes, strawberries and bananas. Younger ds loves the Snap Pea Crisps, and occasionally I'll buy dh some organic ribeye steaks, and he's a happy camper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serenade Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 Three pages, and nobody has yet to mention the cat cookies???! Thumbs up to ginger, down to chocolate, but yum, yum, yum. Crunchy, light, ... can't eat just one. That's the downfall, though. Ask my waistline. We like the ginger cat cookies, too. I need to get some next time we go! Other things we buy regularly: Pizza dough and fixins Marcona almonds Mache (corn salad) It's the only place around here I can find it Tomatoes when we don't have them from our garden smoked gouda by the slice black beans wine cheese enchiladas frozen seafood blend that DH makes with pasta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiobrain Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 They have a pizza there that is insane. I have to buy two (one for me, one for my husband) each time I go. It is in a green box, I think it is called Tarte D'alcasce or something. It has ham, gruyere and carmelized onions. OMG, it is awesome. Other than that, their hummus is good, and their staples are affordable and of good quality. Rice, nuts, oils, spices, etc. Other than that pizza, I tend to be underwhelmed by their pre-packaged foods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 I recently discovered their sweet potato gnocci in the freezer section. My boys LOVED it... SO good! I also love their individual pad thai bowls for a simple, quick lunch for me. Jo-jo's are a must here (esp. the peppermint ones at Christmas) as are the ginger cat cookies. The cinnamon ABC cookies are a hit as well. Their cereals are excellent and I don't mind giving my boys their frosted flakes. My sons love their cereal bars, especially the fig ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meet me in paris Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 Just had their breaded Tilpia tonight. So crispy! My dh has to make dinner with me in the cast and on crutches. THANK GOODNESS for Trader Joes!!! I am so glad I stocked up on their freezer meals. That tilapia is the *best* for fish tacos! That's a staple for us. We always buy: frozen Chimichurri rice (super yum!) Dunkers cookies goat cheese w/honey sea salt chocolate almonds licorice doggies frozen eggplant patties (cover w/sauce & cheese and bake for eggplant parm - so easy) frozen bolognese sauce strawberry yogurt jojos cookies sushi platters (9.99 for a giant round platter. seriously.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lorilou Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 A friend forced me to try their Harvest Grains blend couscous (I had never been a couscous fan before)...I can't live without it now! It is so yummy! I also love their Brown Rice Medley and Basmati Rice Medley! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 Here's an article on their best and worst products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Nyssa Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 If you are a vegetarian, the square-shaped mushroom ravioli is good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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