Trader Joe’s opened its first store in Pasadena, CA in 1967. For about 30 years it was a West Coast/California chain but they have been expanding east in a very big way. Don’t be surprised if a new store is popping up near you. The first Trader Joe’s opened here in Asheville, NC about 6 years ago. I have never been there when it wasn’t packed with people. It is a very popular spot.
Favorite Things at trader Joe’s:
Most of the items they carry are under their own store brand. Almost everything was new to me when I first started shopping there. I was constantly looking at what other people were buying. Asking, “Is that good?” or “Have you tried that before?”. I also read their newsletter, Fearless Flyer to get more familiar with their products.
Now, I have settled into sort of a routine of how I shop there. It is a great place to stock up on pantry basics. I always get wine when I’m there and I usually get a few frozen foods and snacks. I still try to get at least one new thing to try every time I go. Last visit I pick up their Rosemary Balsalmic Steak Tips but I haven’t prepared them yet. Their products are usually good and the prices are fantastic. Here’s a list of my favorite things to buy at Trader Joe’s.
Pantry Basics:
Nuts and Seeds: As I said, their prices are great and that includes nuts and seeds. I always have a bag of their Raw Pecan Pieces on hand for baking. Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, whatever you need they will most likely have it.
Rice: They have a great selection of rice. And at a great price. You can find organic varieties or non-organic, white, wild, brown, Jasmine or our favorite their Basmati Rice from India. I always pick up a bag of rice when I’m there.
Spices: As with their other products, the prices for their spices are fantastic. I use their Seasoning Salt all the time. Whether it’s basil, paprika, red pepper flakes or real vanilla that you need, check Trader Joe’s first and save some money.
Oils and Vinegars: Another great basic to pick up at Trader Joe’s. I especially like their White Modena Vinegar and use it in salad dressings all the time.
Soup stocks and broths: Good selection of stocks and broths like chicken, bone or beef. And although seasonal, I always pick up a few of their Condensed Cream of Portabello Mushroom Soup to have on hand for recipes when it’s available. Try their version of Instant Ramen Miso Soup for a cheap quick meal and a better alternative than the ramen soup we all know.
Wine at trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is a great place to buy wine. I am not a wine connoisseur. And I usually don’t feel like going to a wine shop. I have a hard time finding a decent bottle of wine at most big grocery stores and the prices can be quite high. The staff at Trader Joe’s can be very helpful if you need suggestions and of course, the prices are great. Luckily, I have found several wines at Trader Joe’s that I like. Here are a few of the red wines that I have gotten more than once:
El Castilla Syrah 
Laurent Dublanc Cotes-du-Rhone 
Cotillion Pinot Noir
Frozen Foods:
Trader Joe’s has a huge variety of frozen foods. It’s nice to have something on hand in your freezer to save yourself a trip out for those times your kitchen is a little low on supplies (or your young adult son is home and hungry). Here are my picks including the Mandarin Chicken that consistently ranks as one of the most popular items that Trader Joe’s sells.
- Mandarin Orange Chicken
- Turkey CornDogs
- French Style Green Beans
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Chicken Tikka Masala
Cheese:
They have a great cheese selection at Trader Joe’s. I almost always pick up some sort of cheese. My favorites (so far):
- Unexpected Cheddar Cheese: Yummy cheddar flavor but what makes it different is the crumbly texture. I first tried it there as a sample in a tomato/basil salad they had prepared and it was so good I bought it that day and went home and made the salad.
- Grated Parmesean
- Smoked Gouda
- Brie
Other Good Buys:
I seem to always pick up a bag of lettuce when I’m there and a lemon or avocado. A bag of Reduced Guilt Potato Chips seems to make it home with me on most occasions and maybe the Dark Chocolate Covered Raisins as well. I try to think of those as a little daily vitamin. Dark chocolate is good for you now, I believe. And don’t forget to take a peek at the plants and flowers, too. They have some good deals sometimes. But now, I want to hear from you.
Share with us! What are some of your favorite things to get at Trader Joe’s? Leave a comment below and let us know!
Leave a Reply