Trader Joe's intimidated me for so long. I assumed it was a super healthy, strange foods, sugar free/gluten free/dairy free/taste free, expensive zone. I stayed away. There wasn't one close to where I grew up or even lived during and after college. In fact there isn't one particularly close to my home now. But a few friends shopped at TJ's and were discussing how it was their happy place or just a go to for some particular products. I checked the Google to find one just five minutes from my work! So being the Type A planner that I am I read articles for a week with reviews of Trader Joe's and their products before finally adventuring over on my lunch break.
Let's just say I have moved to my own must have list and am now a weekly shopper. I have my favorite products and ones to try still... even a few I was not a fan of. But it's now a staple in my house. So this is what I love keeping on hand and that I buy exclusively from Trader Joe's.
Mandarin Chicken- I read once this is their best selling product of all time and I can certainly see why! Super easy to make and even better tasting than Panda Express (yes, I said that... fight me).
Fried Rice- this goes with my orange chicken! Just grab straight from the freezer and cook stove top with some oil. Super easy and I would say restaurant quality. We use this as a side and get a solid two meals out of one bag.
PB&J Bars- I love a good old pb&j sammich. They are delicious and simple and fill my love of peanut butter and bread with a little sweet. However in my never ending quest to fill my body with nutrients they are not as ideal as I would like. So I love these little bars for a treat when I am looking for a snack bar.
Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate- I have come a long way in my coffee drinking. I love this concentrate because I can make it as strong or as weak as I need to. Add in ice and a splash of coconut creamer and I am set for my afternoon pick me up.
Greek Yogurt with Honey- So I try and limit my dairy intake due to a slight intolerance. However I love a good Greek yogurt and this is so think and just sweet enough! It is a great base for smoothies but I honestly eat it solo as a snack.
Crushed Ginger/Garlic/Basil- .These are just little time savers! They look like super mini ice cubes and you keep them in the freezer. Then when you need to add garlic/ginger/basil to your dish and don't want to peel or chop it all up... you just drop one of these little guys in. I also save money on these guys because of how infrequently I am using basil and ginger (garlic is daily and kept in 3 forms at my house!) Yay for less food waste!
Organic Coconut Aminos- I try to avoid soy sauce but I love Asian food and honestly let's be real... I am not skipping it. So coconut aminos are a great sub filled with healthy vitamins!
Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend- Are you eating this? No? Go buy it. This is a great seasoning that I love for eggs and avocado toast, plus a variety of other foods that need a little extra love. Everything bagels are my true love... but when I am trying to eat more green things and less breads this makes a great sub.
Go Bananas! - These are in my freezer right now. And I may shed a tear whenever I pop into TJ's and see them sold out. These are just little chocolate covered frozen banana slices. I just grab a bite or two when I need something sweet but don't want a full dish of treats. It satisfies me before I can get to Dairy Queen.
What are your Trader Joe's must haves? What am I missing out on? Do you love Trader Joe's or have you never stepped foot in one?
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