Trader Joe’s is known for their unique, on-trend products. While a typical grocery store may carry 50,000 items, Trader Joe’s stocks about 4,000 items, 80% of which bear it’s own brand label. They skip the middle man, buying from small time vendors. Varieties of their food are differentiated by region based on Trader Jose’s” (Mexican food), “Baker Josef’s” (flour and bagels), “Trader Giotto’s” (Italian food), “Trader Joe-San’s” (Japanese food), “Trader Ming’s” (Asian food), “JosephsBrau” (beer), and “Trader Jacques'” (French food and soaps). Trader Joe’s has said its private-label products contain no artificial flavors, no artificial preservatives, no colors derived from anything other than naturally available products, no genetically modified ingredients, no partially hydrogenated oils and no MSG. I go there every 6 months or so to check out new items (they add about 10-20 new items/week) and here is what I picked up on my last trip:
Flowers: Small orchids ($6) and mini roses ($2), the floral section of TJ’s is super affordable and packed with variety. From sunflowers, fresh roses and bundles of arrangements ranging from $5-$10, it’s an absolute must before leaving the store.
Prepared Salads::: Their prepared salads average $4/ea. and are super-filling and packed with nutrition. Fantastic deal b/c if I go to any other grocery store, I’m NOT paying $10/ea. for salads, I’m making my own. This is a total TIME SAVER.
Fresh Mango & Pomegranate Arils::: Pomegranate seeds are my #1 fruit to snack on, these are super crunchy and sweet (not tart, not soggy like some of the pomegranate seeds that sit on the shelf). Their sliced mango is very juicy and ripe, a great snack to keep in the fridge for sweet cravings. I reach for both instead of candy!
Individual Dried Apricots::: I love that these come in individual packages, not the best for the environment 😦 but…for the times I just don’t have the energy to meal prep, having these in little containers helps for grabbing on the go and snacking healthy. My big issue is snacking on candy (ie: gummy bears) when I’m working on a project. Having these on hand, provides no excuse but health!
Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips::: Thin and air crisp, these pair well with any salsa and impart a very subtle sweet potato taste.
Mango Ginger Crisps::: Cheese & crackers are my comfort food! I love discovering new savory crackers and these are the latest – slightly sweet and spicy from the ginger, very crunchy, these pair well with your favorite hummus or dip.
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