So we are going to Trader Joe’s for the first time on Tuesday in a city about 30 miles away. I know NOTHING about TJ. We are not fussy eaters. Wondering...
1. What are the HAVE TO purchases?
2. Is there anything we should avoid buying?
3. How are the prices in comparison to other grocery stores or places like Meijers or Sam’s Club?
4. Is morning a good time to go or will we run into a crowd? I realize it could depend on location but wondering about other people’s experience.
5. Anything you can’t find elsewhere but only at Trader Joe’s?
Kinda like a field trip for us since our movement during COVID has been limited.
Kinda like a field trip for us since our movement during COVID has been limited.
Have fun! TJ’s (well, the 6 I’ve been to) are small stores. Since it’s your field trip (and Tuesday is a good day to go), grab a cart and take your time exploring every aisle. You’ll find things you like.
Our Trader Joe’s is on the smaller side. Prices are pretty comparable to other grocery stores in our area. They are probably more expensive than someplace like Sam’s Club.
It’s a treat for me to go there. I go and stock up on frozen foods that I like and can’t purchase elsewhere. They have frozen quinoa mixed with different veggies. I like their frozen gnocchi and frozen green beans. The stir fried rice is also good. They have delicious pizza dough, some unique hummus flavors and dips. I like the prepackaged trail mix that is individual serving size to throw in my bag and have something to snack on when needed. They have a variety of different chips. I don’t have kids at home anymore so I shop differently since I only need smaller servings. They have good veggies that are prepared like beets that are cut, fresh shelled peas, salads, and frozen roast potatoes. The cilantro salad dressing is always a favorite for people. I do buy the tubs of chocolate cat cookies or the ginger snaps for DH. I’m vegan so I don’t buy a lot of things. You just need to be willing to try different things. I have purchased some things that I didn’t like but overall I’ve been very satisfied with what I’ve purchased. Don’t forget to stock up on greeting cards. They are only 99 cents and great quality!
My TJ's is the only store that consistently has a line to get in, no matter what time I go (due to covid rules with the number of people who can be in the store at once). Partially because it's so popular and partially because it's a small store. It typically looks really long but moves fast.
98% of my food shopping is done at TJ's and I can count on one hand how many times I've tried something I didn't care for. I'd just peruse the aisles and see what interests you. TJ's is cheaper than other grocery stores in my area. I don't go to any bulk places like Sam's though, I suspect it may be more expensive than that.
Things I always stock up on:
fat free feta, various types of nuts, cauliflower gnocchi, kung pao chicken (I add extra veggies), cauliflower stir fry rice, hearts of palm 9very inexpensive), grapefruit or lemon kitchen soap, grapefruit shower gel, hyaluronic moisture serum, traditional flavored hummus, stone fruits (they have hybrid mixtures, like cherry plums), shrimp burgers, chili lime chicken burgers, caramelized onion tartlets (SO GOOD!), inexpensive greeting cards, spinach and kale yogurt dip, milk chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate meringue cookies, shepherd's pie...
Take your time exploring! They have some unusual things, and I almost always enjoy what I get. Also have a large wine selection and crew members can recommend suggestions, if needed.
Definitely check out the post with all the links - I've made many suggestions. Newest find (as of this weekend) multi-colored frozen cauliflower. It's delicious!
They are doing a really good job with the COVID regulations. As mentioned, there will be a line but it moves fast and IMO, it's been a lot more pleasant shopping in there with so fewer shoppers!
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08-24-2020, 01:25 PM
