Here, I’m laying out my favorite store and my absolute favorite things they offer. Trader Joe’s (TJ’s) balances quality, safe ingredients with reasonable prices. One month I put myself on a $65/week healthy food budget and met my goal shopping only at TJ’s. They have some options that are name brand, but most of the food there is their own brand, like Whole Foods has 365. I made this list so that it exclusively includes things that are specific to Trader Joe’s. You might be able to find similar items other places, but it won’t be all in the same place and they won’t all be these good! (And, no, this definitely is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with TJ’s in any way.)
1. Butter Chicken
My all time favorite. A classic. I keep at least 3 in my freezer at all times. If you’ve never had butter chicken, its an Indian dish. TJ’s recipe has flavor, while not spicy, and comes with a side of basmati rice. It’s perfect for one person. You have to try it at least once, even if you’re a picky eater.
2. Greek Spiral
Crispy, cheesy, just read the description on the top of the container. It’s the perfect appetizer for when friends come over. Although, if you eat it all yourself, I can confidently tell you that you’re not the first person to do so.
3. Jicama Wraps
My latest obsession. They are malleable like a flour tortilla, but crunchy like a corn tortilla, with almost no flavor at all. They’re perfect for anyone, but especially the low carb or vegan. I’m neither, but I could crunch on these all day.
4. Mandarin Chicken
This is a very popular one. I add rice and broccoli on the side and I like it better than ordering Chinese takeout. If TJ’s makes a crab rangoon of this caliber, someone will need to check on me.
5. Chili Onion Crunch
Everyone loves this stuff. I particularly like it because I no longer have to think of a better option than alfredo for my pasta. This stuff is a perfect sauce replacement because the oil is healthy, the onion and pepper flakes give it added nutrients, and the crunch of it all adds dimension. It’s also delicious if you want to use some bread to sop it up. I love the ciabatta bread at TJ’s. Just a tip.
Also, if you’re wondering, I don’t find it to be too spicy, but if you have an aversion to spicy food, I’d skip it to be safe.
6. Dark Chocolate Ganache mini sheet cake
If you like chocolate but don’t like dark chocolate, still try it. The ganache icing makes all the difference. Its the perfect store bought chocolate cake. I had an unhealthy obsession for quite a while, but I’ve recovered. And, a word of advice: the cupcakes are not the same.
7. Hold the Cone
Do you remember those ice cream cones that had that chocolate chunk in the bottom? That chocolate was a sweet surprise for me, plus it kept my ice cream from dripping out of the bottom. Well, TJ’s makes a cone like this, but its mini sized. So, you get ice cream, chocolate, and cone, and none of it is wasted. It’s fun. It’s yummy. And I’m not sure why I can’t find this more often at other grocery stores, but its genius.
There are plenty of other things I love from TJ’s but most of them are things you can get other places. I just choose to shop at TJ’s because the prices are so reasonable and the ingredients are generally clean.
I love just about everything at this store, but I haven’t tried it all! Share your favorites below, so we get a nice long list going.
Prescribed by Law 