Despite the narrow aisles, the kid-sized carts, and how often they discontinue things I love, I keep going back to Trader Joe’s. It’s as if they pump some sort of happy gas throughout the store. I can go in grumpy and leave grinning like a little kid. Every employee seems to wear an infectious happy face that draws you in. I know the cashiers are told to compliment me on one of my purchased items but I still fall for it every time. They make me feel proud that I made excellent choices this shopping trip.
There are plenty of products at Trader Joe’s that don’t fall into my “healthy” way of eating, but I do love that I can shop there knowing that none of their products contains artificial crap. With that, I feel a little better getting things like the occasional Joe Joe’s for the kids instead of Nabisco Oreos.
I can also get in and out of Trader Joe’s in record time because I tend to buy the same things. Here are my top 12 items I love at Trader Joe’s and purchase almost every time I shop. I would love to hear about your favorite items. Feel free to share.
Savory Thin Mini Rice Crackers:
When you feel like you need a lot of food, this cracker fits the bill. You get 38 crackers in one serving! Pair this with the hummus below and you’ve got yourself a pretty awesome snack.
Cilantro & Jalapeno Hummus:
We’ve tried many flavors and brands of hummus and this our family favorite.
Grainless Cassava & Coconut Tortilla Chips:
Not only are these a healthy alternative to corn tortilla chips, but they also taste amazing. I now prefer these over regular chips.
Organic Green Vegetable Foursome:
This is a tasty vegetable combo. I use this in my stir fry meals as well as a side dish to any dinner.
Organic Super Firm Tofu:
Speaking of those stir fry dishes, this is my protein of choice. Dice it up into bite-sized chunks and saute in a wok or pan. Tofu doesn’t have a strong flavor on its own so it takes on whatever seasonings you add.
Shelled Edamame:
If you want to pack in a bit more protein to a stir fry, throw in shelled edamame. They cook up very quickly so you can grab them from the freezer at the last minute.
Gyoza Dipping Sauce:
This is my last stir fry reference, I promise! When you find a dish that gets your picky eater to eat vegetables, you go back to it over and over again. I definitely use this product as a dip for Gyoza (pot-stickers), but I also use it as a sauce in our stir fry dishes. It’s very light and adds a great flavor.
Wild Arugula:
I think you either love arugula or hate it. I’m definitely in the love category. I find Trader Joe’s wild arugula to always be fresh and a great addition to my salads and wraps.
Everything but the Elote Seasoning Blend:
Have you tried this yet? It is fantastic! I throw it on my salads, popcorn, eggs, steamed vegetables, and so much more.
Everything but the Bagel Seasoning Blend:
This seasoning has gotten so much hype and it’s well deserved. Just like the Elote seasoning, it can be thrown on just about anything.
Frozen Multi-Grain Waffles:
For that picky eater in my house who lives on nothing but carbs!
CHOMPS Meat Sticks:
I saved this one for last because it’s not a TJ branded product. I love keeping these in my gym bag for a quick protein source. And TJ has them priced right!