favorite TJ's products Archives

My love for Trader Joe’s is still going strong. So strong in fact that I wake up at 7:30 am on either Saturday or Sunday to grocery shop there. While the getting up early part is not fun at all, the ample parking, clear aisles, and stocked shelves are enough to keep me going.

A few months ago I wrote a post about 10 awesome Trader Joe’s products. Looking back, those are some of the more basic things I purchase on a weekly basis. Since then, I’ve expanded my list of awesome products. Things that are too good not to share!

8 [More] Awesome Trader Joe’s Products

1. Fig spread. This is now one of Vishnu’s favorite condiments. He loves it in his turkey and Muenster cheese sandwiches, and I love it in my egg and cheese sandwiches. This sweet spread pairs so well with savory ingredients.

2. Coconut oil spray. LOVE this stuff. While I still like to use an olive oil spray for more savory dishes, this coconut one is perfect for baked goods.

3. Masala burgers. These burgers deserve a post of their own. They taste like samosa filling and are the perfect substitute for patties in Ragda Patties.

4. 21 Seasoning Salute. This is another recent purchase that we’ve come to love. It includes traditional spices like garlic, black pepper, onion, etc., as well as things like carrot, orange peel, and tomato granules. I’ve used it in both a stir-fry dish and a vegetarian chili.

5. Organic Brown Rice and Quinoa Pasta. While we still love the Brown Rice pasta I mentioned in my previous post, the texture of this pasta is better. And again, even Vishnu loves it, so you know it has to be good!

6. Light Champagne Vinaigrette Salad Dressing. I prefer homemade salad dressings, but on the days I don’t want balsamic, this dressing is perfect. It has a slight tang that goes nicely with raw/roasted veggies and tofu.

7. Organic Stone Ground Blue Corn Tortilla Chips. These chips are amazing! They have a rich, nutty taste and the perfect amount of salt. LOVE!

8. Corn & Wheat Tortillas. My mom found similar tortillas at their local Sprouts and raved about how much she and my dad loved the flavor. These obviously aren’t the same as the ones she bought, but we too love the corn and wheat combination. They don’t fall apart like corn tortillas and don’t have a doughy texture like flour/wheat tortillas…essentially, this is the perfect tortilla!

What are some of your favorite grocery store buys (Trader Joe’s or not)?

It is no secret that I absolutely love Trader Joe’s. I wish y’all could see me walking up and down the aisles. Kid in a candy store I tell you.

South Florida was introduced to TJ’s in October 2013. Can we say behind the times? Anyways, I meant to go around the opening but never made it for one reason or another. My first real visit was a few weeks ago, and I’ve been back twice since. Addddddicted!

I can now say that I have a few favorite products that always seem to make their way into my shopping cart. It’s pretty much a given that I will come home with most of these. And since I know so many people shop at TJ’s, I thought I would share what they are. And I’m hoping that you’ll share some of your favorites in the comments (re: PLEASE share your favorites in the comments)!

1. Refried Black Beans. Love love love! Both Vishnu and I love these beans. They taste great on their own and even better with some chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin mixed in. We usually eat them alongside eggs and potatoes. Yum!

2. Organic Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes. These canned tomatoes pack a lot of flavor and are perfect in everything. I’ve made tomato sauce with them as well as Indian curry.

3. Speculoos Cookie Butter. No words needed. If you haven’t yet tried this deliciousness, get your butt to TJ’s ASAP! This stuff is amazing in bowl of hot oatmeal (with a few chocolate chips of course)!

4. Organic Brown Rice Penne Pasta. For anyone doubting how good this pasta is let me tell you one thing. Vishnu loved it. Shocking, as he strongly prefers “normal” pasta. Personally, I loved the texture – it was smooth and slightly chewy.

5. Cilantro and Jalapeno Hummus. The fact that this even made my list should shock some of my long time readers. I HATE cilantro, but I LOVE this stuff. The only reason I ever bought it in the first place was because I knew Vishnu would devour it. And now? I think I love it more than he does!

6. Organic Tuscan Kale. Love using this in my green smoothies. AND it’s $1.99/bag! What a deal!

7 and 8. Crushed Garlic and Chopped Basil Cubes. These little packets are frozen gems. I love having them handy to throw into…everything! Convenience is key.

9 and 10. Frozen Pineapple Tidbits and Mango Chunks. I love TJ’s frozen fruits, and these two are my favorites. They are perfect additions to my green smoothie drinks. Sometimes Vishnu and I eat the mango all on it’s own. It’s so sweet – love it!