10 Little Reasons I’m in Love with Trader Joe’s
I’m a second-generation Trader Joe’s shopper. My Mom started shopping there in 1981 and I’ve been taking weekly strolls through their delightfully adorned aisles since I was a baby. To this day I go to Trader Joe’s every week to get grocery staples, treats, and sometimes even home care items! So when the opportunity came up to write about my top 10 Trader Joe’s favorites, I was overjoyed! I could talk about Trader Joe’s all day.
Trader Joe’s is probably my favorite store in the world. No, really. I told my Husband when we got married, “I could move to any city in the world, BUT there has to be a Trader Joe’s within driving distance.” And while I was half-joking, I honestly don’t know what I would do without it. Their customer service, quality products, and unbeatable prices have me coming back again and again and again. (And no, Trader Joe’s isn’t paying me a dime to write this.)
So, although it’s tough to pick just 10, here we go:
#10. Cruciferous Crunch
This delightfully crunchy blend of cruciferous veggies is the perfect start to a good coleslaw, salad, or even stir-fry! It features kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, green cabbage, & red cabbage.
Price Tag: $1.99
The best part: The convenience! No chopping required, just open the bag and it’s ready to go!
My favorite way to enjoy it: BBQ Chicken Sandwiches! Start with pulled barbeque chicken, top with the cruciferous crunch covered in ranch, and serve on a toasted Brioche Bun!
#9: Multi-Purpose Cleaning Spray
Who doesn’t love essential oils, am I right? This cleaning spray is my go-to for everyday messes.
Price Tag: $2.99
The best part: The smell! It’s fresh, light, and not overpowering like so many cleaning sprays!
My favorite way to enjoy it: Wiping down, well, anything! Safe on several different surface types, I use this on everything when I want to do a quick dusting or cleaning job. The resulting aroma alone motivates me to wipe up crumbs all day long.
#8: Chicken Sausages
Looking for an easy, exciting way to incorporate chicken into your meal? Look no further. There are literally a dozen flavors to choose from, and they play the perfect starring role in a variety of dishes – stir-fry, sandwiches, soups, breakfast hash – the possibilities are endless.
Price Tag: $3.99
The best part: The flavor! These sausages are packed with a savory punch.
My favorite way to enjoy it: Chicken Sausage Sandwiches. Brown the sausages on the grill or in a pan. Saute some sliced onions & bell peppers. Put it all in a hot dog bun with some mayonnaise or the sauce of your choice. Voila!
#7: White Cheddar Corn Puffs
These soft, crunchy, fluffy puffs are amazingly cheesy. (The cheesier the better, if you ask me.)
Price Tag: $1.99
The best part: White cheddar enthusiasts will not disappoint. It really does taste like white cheddar.
My favorite way to enjoy it: Straight out of the bag, while sitting on the couch in front of a good movie. Warning: you might want to have a napkin (or 10!) nearby for the powdery goodness it leaves behind. Or you could just lick your fingers like I do.
#6: Garlic & Herb Pizza Dough
I don’t know about you, but I love a good pizza. I like all pizza, but I love good pizza. You know, that pizza that has flavorful crust and the perfect sauce topped with oodles of cheese? This dough makes it all possible, in your very own kitchen!
Price Tag: $1.29
The best part: It has real garlic and herbs mixed in, and you can really taste the difference when you eat this dough.
My favorite way to enjoy it: Topped with Trader Joe’s Pizza Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, and Turkey Pepperoni. My little family has pizza night every single Friday and we all look forward to it all week long.
#5: Yogurt Cups
Blueberries & Cream...count me in! These yogurt cups come in a pack of 6. They are full-fat which is great for the kids, and Mommy & Daddy eat them daily as well. There are so many flavors but our favorites are Blueberries & Cream, Mangoes & Cream, and Bananas & Cream. Yum!
Price Tag: $2.99
The best part: They’re convenient little cups that can be easily packed for an on-the-go snack or set on the table as part of a meal.
My favorite way to eat it: Mixed with cottage cheese! (I know, some of you reading this are cringing right now. But I honestly love cottage cheese mixed with yogurt. Don’t knock it ‘till you try it!)
#4: Turkey Corn Dogs
Just another day at the state fair... Oh wait, I’m actually just at home enjoying a snack with the kids. Four in a pack, they come frozen and are so easy to prepare. We almost always have these on hand for instant fun at snack time.
Price Tag: $2.99
The best part: The grandeur of a gourmet corn dog experience, and all you need is a microwave.
My favorite way to enjoy them: Dipped in ketchup and mustard. Lots of ketchup and mustard.
#3: Frozen Brown Rice Packets
That moment when I’m just about done with dinner when suddenly I realize I didn’t make the rice yet. This nightmare-scenario no longer haunts me, thanks to these frozen rice packets. A few minutes in the microwave and I’ve got fluffy warm rice ready to go! Trader Joe’s offers white rice, brown rice, and even quinoa in these little pouches of heaven!
Price Tag: $2.99
The best part: I enjoy perfectly cooked rice every time.
My favorite way to eat it: As the base for yellow chicken curry! Trader Joe’s has a lovely yellow curry sauce available that is perfect with chicken and veggies.
#2: Herb Goat Cheese
If you’re a cheese-enthusiast like me, you have got to try this. It’s goat cheese, but with fine herbs. I mean how much better can it get?
Price Tag: $2.99
The best part: That moment when you take your first bite.
My favorite way to eat it: Spread generously on top of literally any kind of crackers.
#1: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Don’t get me wrong, I will always be a loyal fan of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. However, nothing is as fancy, as tasty, as dark chocolate-y as these cups of goodness. And for all of you chocolate lovers out there don’t worry, they have a milk-chocolate version, too.
Price Tag: $4.99
The best part: EVERYTHING. I mean why do you think I listed them as #1?!
My favorite way to eat them: Any way that involves eating them is my favorite way to eat them. But seriously, one or two of these after a savory meal is the perfect way to satisfy that sweet craving.
BONUS: Notice the dreamy flowers and eucalyptus in the photos? Yeah, they came from Trader Joe’s, too. Sigh. I love you, Trader Joe’s...
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Hannah lives in Reno, Nevada with her beloved husband and 3 children. After struggling with disordered eating during adolescence, Hannah discovered healthy approaches to body-image, food, and exercise during her studies in the Nutrition department at California State University, Chico. Hannah has a heart for sharing the freeing principles of body acceptance with everyone she meets, especially other moms. She is excited to raise her daughter to know that each and every person is made beautifully in God's image and He wants us to revel in the awe of that beauty every day. Hannah loves spending her time running around with her kids, cooking for her family, practicing Pilates, and cultivating her love of photography.
