What are your favorite products from Trader Joe's?
Hi all-- I'm a newbie with TJs and believe that I have fallen head over heels in love. (The BF would be jealous but TJ treats us all equally.) I was curious about products that you dig. Mine are as follows:
(1) Sunflower seed butter-- I CANNOT say enough about this, so I won't try. Only try it if you'd like to be momentarily transported to heaven.
(2) Lemon curd-- particularly on their...
(3) Crumpets (cinnamon kind)
(4) Raw almonds (great deal on the 1 lb bag)
(5) The various trail mixes-- the sweet and savory kind are amazing
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124 Comments:
I love:
Blueberry preserves
pumpkin butter
dried fruit- flattened banana, mango
I've just started shopping in the store on 14th St. in NYC, so I'm sure I will find alot more along the way.
Mich23 at 7:01PM on 02/09/09
Their frozen mac and cheese is the BEST ever. For frozen mac and cheese, anyways.
mikaque at 7:07PM on 02/09/09
one of my absolute favs is the chili lemon pistachio nuts, triple ginger snaps, the plain greek yogurt, the Trader Joes honey with honeycomb, olive oil, strawberry preserves, cheeses, the steel cut oatmeal---Oh, so many things....
Frozen foods: there's plenty of good eats but a couple of things spring to mind: the roasted corn, Thai style green beans & the ready made oatmeal-- I just bought the restaurant style creamed corn but didn't try it yet, so I can't say..
I know there's lots more but this is all I can think of right now....
Thanks for the Sunflowere seed butter suggestion, I have to try it!....
Italiancupcake at 7:10PM on 02/09/09
@Mich23--the flattened banana is addictive!
Italiancupcake at 7:12PM on 02/09/09
oh, so many. i love their sunflower seed butter too.
blenheim apricots
boysenberry preserves
organic frozen raspberries
frozen artichoke hearts {the best quality around, and by far the cheapest!}
sea salt in a grinder
pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts
steel cut oats
muscat orange vinegar
just a few of the things i love!
cybercita at 7:16PM on 02/09/09
@mich23, i hear that TJ is opening another site at 72nd and broadway!
cybercita at 7:16PM on 02/09/09
Ah yes, there's several more I must add:
(1) Their fiesta bean dip mix (I think that's what it's called) -- guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and a whole bunch of great stuff -- DELICIOUS
(2) I second the pumpkin butter but was told on the DL (ok, he'd probably tell anyone!) by an employee that it's seasonal, so stock up soon
(3) the dried mango strips -- addictive!
healthygirl78 at 7:21PM on 02/09/09
@cybercita-- really???? That's so close to Fairway! If I lived on the UWS, I think I'd chose Fairway. Not to sound like a traitor...
healthygirl78 at 7:22PM on 02/09/09
I, like healthygirl, really love the dried mango strips. I have three main Trader Joe addictions, though: The roasted pepper soup, the huge packs of basil (I LOVE basil), and my all time favorite- their green tea mochi. I couldn't live without it and I've got my nieces addicted to it too.
PumpkinBear at 8:03PM on 02/09/09
TJ, how do I savor thee, let me count the ways....several good choices have already been listed, I'll try not to duplicate those...
The big bag of frozen haricot vert...
The pasta and pasta sauce....
Reasonably priced carrot juice!
Oatmeal Stout
Hansen's natural sodas
TJ Peanut Butter...and the PB stuffed pretzels
Gorgonzola flavored crackers
the cheese section
White Balsamic Vinegar
Grapeseed Oil
The frozen creamed spinach...
and on and on...
chanterelle at 8:14PM on 02/09/09
@chanterelle-- just out of curiosity what do you with the haricot?
healthygirl78 at 8:25PM on 02/09/09
Peanut butter stuffed pretzels
Tarte D'alsace - so much nicer than "frozen pizza", lovely with soup or salad
Only place I can find Heavy Cream without stabilizers
Roasted corn (frozen)
Frozen artichoke dip
Seasonally, the Peppermint Jo-Jos are good, the chocolate covered ones make me swoon, and the pumpkin butter is tasty.
In general, I also get stuff because it has a good quality/low price ratio:
Milk/butter/Fage
Carr's lemon-ginger cookies
frozen peas
Olive oil
canned tomatoes
Cheap balsamic
Booze
...
cyberroo at 8:27PM on 02/09/09
Is there anything that's not awesome at Trader Joe's? Of their current offerings, I love their 99 cent rice cakes, corn and black bean enchiladas, stone ground wheat crackers, and alphabet cookies. I also love the sprouted wheat bagels that are only available on the West coast. Two buck chuck is pretty awesome in principle and in real life as well. I do wish they would bring back their frozen green garbanzo beans though. TJ's is a happy place...
runnereater at 8:30PM on 02/09/09
basically everything. 99 cent herbed pizza dough, cheap but quality goat cheese, cat cookies for people (the chocolate variety), thai red curry sauce, stir fry sauce, cheap organic produce, frozen sweet potato fries, 2 buck ($3) chuck, free samples, good cheap chocolate....
vanillapudding99 at 8:55PM on 02/09/09
greek yogurt (plain, honey, or fig)
yellow curry sauce
frozen stir-fry veggies
frozen sweet potato fries
frozen garlic fries
whole wheat pizza dough
multi-colored flaxseed tortilla chips
dark chocolate toffee w/pistachios (yum!)
Pretty much any wine - try the Incanto rose for Valentine's Day
chicken sausages (pretty good & less expensive than most brands)
cheese!!!!
I think I just made my grocery list for the week!
suthungirl at 9:11PM on 02/09/09
I like the cheap peanut butter, tempeh, avocados nuts and dried fruit. I often get their frozen vegetables (artichokes, edamame, harvest hodgepodge), salsas, dijon mustard and oils/ vinegars. The Soy Creamy cherry chocolate chip ice cream is very good, as are the wheat crackers, the chocolate chips and the 5-lb. chocolate bars (great if you're making filled chocolates and truffles). Occasionally, I'll get hummus or baba ghonoush.
I didn't like the raw almond butter, but the cashew's yummy. I've been keeping an eye out for the return of cashew-macadamia nut butter, but I might be out of luck there. The chocolate cereal bites are also supposed to taste like nutella- filled poptarts, but I can't vouch for them myself.
KarynMC at 9:41PM on 02/09/09
Hey Mod! Any way to merge these threads?
DavidNY at 11:42PM on 02/09/09
I like their turkey burgers IF they have them.
pjracz10 at 12:49AM on 02/10/09
canned albacore tuna
balsamic syrup
-just to name a few that haven't already
Karencooks at 7:56AM on 02/10/09
Coconut cashews
smile at 8:55AM on 02/10/09
Many, many, many....
-peach salsa
-blue corn tortilla chips
-coffee blast ice cream
-TJ mocha yogurt
-freeze dried mango
-whole wheat sesame pretzel nuggets
-baked potato crisps
-pear, gorgonzola & champagne vinaigrette
-espresso chip cookies
-brioche buns
I can't stop myself. I'm going this afternoon...
*The problem is, you fall in love with some of these products and they disappear. Oh, wasabi farmers cheese, yin-yang nuts and walnut-gorgonzola tortellini, how I loved thee!!! :-( Have any of your favorite things gone missing from TJ's shelves?
frederika at 12:36PM on 02/10/09
Oh, and I have to hook up with some of that sunflower seed butter! I get the almond butter all the time and it is so perfect on a multigrain bagel.
frederika at 12:40PM on 02/10/09
Two of my favorite Trader Joe's products are from the frozen section. They are:
-Four cheese mac n' cheese from Joe's diner. I think it has havarti, swiss gouda and cheddar - it's sooo yummy.
-Mochi ice cream, it comes in four flavors!
Oh, and sometimes they have awesome Viennese lemon tarts in their little baked dessert section.
Hillary
Chew on That
Chew on That at 12:52PM on 02/10/09
The great wine selection, and their animal crackers for my daughter, the ginger snaps, and greek yogurt.
mhurst826 at 1:22PM on 02/10/09
The white bean hummus is deeeelicious. I love the frozen blocks of steel-cut oats. So easy to take to work. Caramelized onion tart, hand-made tortillas, pot stickers, lemon curd, vanilla cake mix (seriously y'all, so easy with lots of real vanilla bean). The red salsa and green salsas in a jar (by the chips) are addicting. Great with chips but really great to cook with.
There's more but I gotta go!
Marls Barkley at 1:42PM on 02/10/09
- canned yellow fin tuna in oil (better than the tongal or albacore)
- frozen naan
- frozen mini donuts with raspberry fillings
kobetobiko at 2:13PM on 02/10/09
Canned trout
Organic Raspberry and Blueberry Jams
Pop-up Sponges
All Manner of nuts and dried fruits
izzy's mama at 2:23PM on 02/10/09
I don't live close to a TJ's but a friend recently came over and brought toasted bread and TJ's bruschetta mix. I was really impressed that the mix tasted a lot like the homemade version I make. I'd add some chunks of mozzarella to make it mine, but it was really tasty!
drew13000 at 2:57PM on 02/10/09
frozen naan bread- great for individual sized pizzas. trust me. the oatmeal chocolate chip 100 calorie packs are a must have, as well as the apple chicken sausage. chicken chili verde, and the make your own six packs (at the TJ's in coolidge corner, Brookline MA) I'm dying for a Joe's out here in Denver.
RachelDP at 2:59PM on 02/10/09
Turkey Bacon. They have the best ever turkey bacon!
misha1by at 2:59PM on 02/10/09
i have an unhealthy relationship with TJs. I go there every weekend and end up buying more than I need and packing my fridge and freezer until its bursting and then am forced to actually do something with all the food. On Sunday I went to TJs twice...just because.
Favorites:
Just Mango dried mango
Fruit leather ends & pieces
Any kind of nuts / dried fruits that i need for baking or snacking
Almond meal (i just sift this and get almond flour for cheap!)
Habanero Lime salsa
Beef Tamales (for a quick snack)
Corn tortillas (I'm too lazy to go to the mexican grocery stores, these will do)
Frozen fire-roasted vegetables with butter sauce
Chocolate European-style yogurt
TJs pack of butter sticks (so cheap!)
Portobello Ravioli
Chicken chorizo (I haven't seen this in a while though)
Blackberries (their big packs are super cheap)
Frozen fruits (particularly the dark sweet cherries)
Caribbean fruit floe popsicles
Cocoa covered almonds
theres a lot more to add that i think is delicious but that's just a short list of what i usually buy....mmm, TJs.
korovka at 3:24PM on 02/10/09
I fought TJs for a year and a half and continued to support my little local bargain/organic grocery. Alas, 1 tiny store could not win against a mighty multi-national giant and went out of business. So a couple months ago I crossed over to the dark side, just out of curiosity you understand. Now I always have the frozen turkey stromboli in my freezer. There is also a tub of something chocolaty (the tiny peanut butter cups, dark chocolate covered blueberries, non-pariels) around. As long as I'm there might as well get some cheeses and crackers to go along with the beer. I find the store brand beers to be acceptable and a very good value. They also have the best price in town on some of my favorite Belgian-style ales. Oh and the Chicken Verde Burritos. Did I mention the Marionberry pie?
beersnob at 3:31PM on 02/10/09
I have to say I'm the most excited about two things. The $2.99 Shiraz which is actually very good and the NUTS!! There is a whole aisle of cheap and beautiful nuts! makes me drool...
csbrown at 4:34PM on 02/10/09
Henry and Jasper love the Traders Joe's tuna for cats.
pickled at 4:49PM on 02/10/09
Where to begin??? I agree with the comments about the mochi and the frozen mac&cheese. I also stock up on my curent addiction - Snapea Crisps! Other must-haves -- Guayaki Yerba Mate, vanilla/blueberry yogurt packs, brie (they have a good brie fondue too), sweet italian sausage... And of course, you gotta love the flowers and wine! Has anyone tried the croissants in the frozen aisle? How did they turn out???
FamishedFem at 4:53PM on 02/10/09
Trying not to repeat...
Fresh naan- I just found this, the frozen is good too but the fresh with the Tuscan hummus is really good
Praline Pecans- I break them up and put them in salads with dried cherries and gorgonzola
Pork pot stickers
An assortment of 4 spanish cheeses that I found twice but didn't see the last time I was there
cares951 at 5:32PM on 02/10/09
i love tj frozen food. especially the vegan pad thai with tofu. and the frozen mandarin orange chicken is awesome.
HappyJack at 5:44PM on 02/10/09
- second (or third?) the peach salsa. i literally go through 2 jars a week.
- tomato chutney
- greek yogurt
- grilled portobello mushroom and garlic pizza (the non-frozen kind)
- cranberry apple butter
staples!
lokamotion at 6:03PM on 02/10/09
Mango Salsa!
Red Salsa!
Green Salsa!
Blue Corn chips (unsalted) to eat the salsa with!
TJ Water (but only on the West Coast, the midwest and east have something from the tap in a bottle)
Grind it yourself (or not) coffee
Dried fruits
Trail mixes
And back in the day, they used to have the best Jerky in the world. It wasn't dried very much, and it was big thick chunks of meat.....But it didn't last long, either in the display case or home.
The peanut butter dog biscuits (according to my dog)
And most importantly, 2-buck chuck!
Flighterdoc at 6:07PM on 02/10/09
Oh, and the Druid cookies!
Flighterdoc at 6:08PM on 02/10/09
A great item are their cats for people cookies, ginger, chocolate, or vanilla that come in a round see thru container. Great sweet for a low fat snack pick-me-up. Only 110 to 115 calories (chocolate is lowest calorie!) for 18 of them and they taste GREAT! Only a couple of bucks and you can control the intake without feeling guilty.
lenny425 at 7:03PM on 02/10/09
-Sweet Potato Fries
-Beef and Green Chile Burritos
-Spicy Hummus
-Reasonably priced Brie
-Fat free Greek Yogurt
-White Cheddar Corn Puffs
-Most of the Trail Mixes
-Orange Chicken
-Pretty much anything from the frozen section!
nsa4eva at 7:35PM on 02/10/09
We have a TJ's on the way home from work and we always stock up on these:
Madarin (sp?) Orange Chicken
Tomato Soup
Coconut Curry Sticks
eastcoastvb at 7:51PM on 02/10/09
Mochi? Cats for people cookies? DRUID COOKIES? How did I miss all this????? Thanks for all your suggestions... my shopping list is now as long as the lines in the Union Square Store...on a Saturday...afternoon...
healthygirl78 at 7:54PM on 02/10/09
a few different items that haven't been mentioned...
soyaki marinade
berry apple sauce for lunch packs
organic baked beans (also great for kids lunches)
mini pitas
whole milk ricotta cheese
creme fraiche
marscapone
green goddess salad dressing
cubed pancetta
sugartoast at 8:01PM on 02/10/09
freeze dried rambutans, freeze dried mangosteen. Pure heaven. But I feel guilty because my local TJ's is across the street from Sahadi, Damascus Pastry (the best fresh pitas anywhere. ANYWHERE) and a really friendly and inexpensive greengrocer....
eleeb at 8:09PM on 02/10/09
organic 1% milk
cave aged gruyere
frozen blueberries
eggplant hummus (quality varies among different locations though)
caramel waffles
veggie masala burgers
melodylio at 8:16PM on 02/10/09
@healthygirl78, I usually nuke 'em, being very careful not to overcook them, sometimes just a tsp of water acts as a safety for when I iget distracted (as usual) and forget to catch the nuke's own sense of veggie timing before it turns them wrinkly.
Then, I toss them with some chopped Goya pimento, or some slivered almonds that were toasted in a little sesame oil. More often than not though, just a grind of sea salt. They're such a great foil with something assertive next to them.
chanterelle at 9:37PM on 02/10/09
dark chocolate covered pretzels
pink grapefruit drink (lightly carbonated)
pielady at 11:19PM on 02/10/09
Everyone's talking about the frozen items, and they really are amazing. When you are lazy, but don't want to dish out $10-$15 on takeout. I'm addicted to the frozen gnocchi a la sorrentina. Tastes almost as good as at my favorite Italian restaurant! My roomie loves the frozen pasta with roasted red pepper sauce.
And you can't forget all the different grain selections, like quinoa, and the blends, and more.
And oh, the raspberry maple granola. YUM.
nycjules at 12:14AM on 02/11/09
Triple Ginger Snaps ... absolutely and completely addictive. And I do not like hard cookies! I put them in the freezer and allow myself five per "feeding." We don't have a TJ's in Grand Rapids. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing, because I'd definitely be there all the time.
smallkitchen at 7:04AM on 02/11/09
I must second the Tuscan White Bean Hummus... it is really the best storebought hummus I've ever had.
I also recently discovered the Tomato Chutney... AWESOME!! It is spicy, sweet, tangy, and goes great on their Vegetable Masala burgers microwaved with spinach ;)
And every time I MUST get their Nonfat European Style Yogurt (the kind in the big blue container)... it is so good plain, but goes great with cereal and bananas as well.
Must go this weekend...........
mesohuangry at 8:09AM on 02/11/09
I have to limit my TJ shopping to once per month-otherwise I end up with so much stuff it's ridiculous.... I seem to always buy:
Frozen grilled corn
Edamame
Frozen grilled and marinated zucchini and eggplant
TJs frozen succotash
Raw almonds
Dried mango
Chile lime chicken burgers
Buffalo burgers
Frozen marinated ahi tuna
Parmesan cheese sandwich slices
Frozen naan
Praline granola
And at least 3 bottles of wine. They've been carrying an Argentinian Chardonnay- La Boca- that I really like so I'm stocking up while they still have it.
Rottenmom at 8:23AM on 02/11/09
@chanterelle - I'm going to try that tonight.
@Rottenmom - I love La Boca too! After venturing into their wine store, with the intent of buying a bottle for a party, I walked out with 6. Not the most fun to carry at 5 pm on the subway...so I made the bf shoulder the burden (;
healthygirl78 at 9:42AM on 02/11/09
hummus...the only product i specifically go there to get, ever.
Wolverines at 9:48AM on 02/11/09
Pumpkin Butter
Whole Grain Cranberry Oatmeal
Any of the frozen Gyoza (and the Gyoza dipping sauce!)
Their plain ol' marinara sauce.
Peanut Butter stuffed pretzels (with salt!)
Chicken stock
Frozen Chopped spinach
Mushroom Turnovers (OMG YUM)
Cornbread Stuffing mix
Turkey Gravy (I don't make my own anymore...yum.)
Bay Blend coffee
Canned Salmon
Vanilla Meringue cookies...I have to have them on hand at all times.
Those mini beef taco things.
The whole frozen green beans.
The dark chocolate and pistachio covered toffee
The "single serving" pepperoni pizzas (great for a late night after bar snack)
Man...I need to go to TJ's tonight. Is there a program for us addicts? ;)
blogkitten at 10:21AM on 02/11/09
The Seafood Blend! $5.99 for a big bag of shrimp, scallops, and calamari. So versatile, so easy to use. Use for asian dishes, paella, italian, or fry some up! Haven't tried to fry any yet, but that's next on my list.
Also, the wine. Forget two buck chuck, spend a couple more dollars and get a luxurious wine from overseas.
I love you, TJ.
Juman23 at 10:30AM on 02/11/09
the chile lime burgers and 5 dollar calamari and mussels
aimingforzero at 10:43AM on 02/11/09
Easier to list what I don't like or haven't tried.
What I LOVE at TJ's:
*Goat cheese brie
*Dried pears
*Dried sweet, dark cherries
*Ciabatta rolls
*Frozen fish, especially the salmon (better than some fresh)
*50% less salt cashews
*Raw almonds
*Not food, but I do buy their vitamins
*Organic Medjool dates (huge, soft and wonderful)
hereandthe at 10:47AM on 02/11/09
Items from TJ's that I love:
-chocolate croissants (they are in the frozen section - you leave them out all night so the dough can rise and then pop them in the oven the next morning). Delicious and decadent!
-flax & honey flatbread crackers - we buy at least 2-3 packages at a time
-edamame hummus - we buy a container every week
-turkey meatballs
-bruschetta (frozen section)
-dried baby pineapple, mango, banana, tart cherries
-gnocchi (frozen section)
-pretzel bread
-whole wheat baguettes
-chocolate covered almonds, raisins, pistachios, edamame, cranberries
-oatmeal cranberry cookies (frozen section)
-TJ's kefir
-roasted red pepper soup
-2-buck chuck
jenh78 at 10:53AM on 02/11/09
Hmmm....
hazelnut coffee
blackberry tea
blood oranges
limes
butternut squash
baby potatoes
frozen berries
steel cut oats discs
spin dip
garlic, gyoza sauce, white balsamic, chili and sesame oil
truffle brownie mix
paparadelle
spinach pie
gyoza
roasted corn, haricovert, asparagus, broccoli
tiramisu
oatmeal cranberry cookie dough
chocolates...all of them
plugra, greek yogurt, creme fraiche, marscapone, all cheeses, mango juice
mesquite honey
saffron
vanilla
2 buck chuck
Niman Ranch bacon
triple layer hummus
pizza dough
blueberry and apricot beer
I could go on and on!
ChelleyD01 at 11:05AM on 02/11/09
Wibble. Canada sucks (not really, but I do miss TJ's a lot).
wellred at 11:15AM on 02/11/09
- Unburied Treasure cheese puffs!! ($1.79 kockoff of the $3.99 Pirate's Booty...and about double the volume too)
- Chicken Chile Verde frozen burritos
- Pizza Dough
- Chocolate Truffle brownie mix (currently out of stock!)
- Fresh Guacamole Kit (that costs like $2 less than buying the fresh ingredients separately)
- Chocolate covered peanut butter filled pretzels
- Frozen Soycuttash (succotash with edamame instead of lima beans)
- Frozen garlic naan
- Blood Orange Italian Soda
- Bonny Doon Dry Riesling...yummmm.
crystalginger at 11:22AM on 02/11/09
@ cybercita and healthygirl: Yes, TJs is coming to the UWS, according to NYMag from last fall: http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/10/trader_joes_invades_the_land_o.html
I think they will coexist quite well with Fairway (and Citarella and Zabars and Westside and...). I'm regular FW customer and I can't think of anything I'd get at TJs overlapping with what I buy at FW.
I've only made the trek down to Union Square a couple of times, so I am so psyched for this -- especially with all these terrific SE suggestions. Thanks to all!
Dee at 12:40PM on 02/11/09
So, so much love for Trader Joe's.
I'm sad to have seen their frozen 'fungolini tortellini in white wine sauce' go away several years ago, as it was one of my favorites -- but their other tortellini are tasty, and there are several frozen items I love. (Their fish, the prik kring green beans, many of their stir-fries and veggies...)
I have a deep-seated love for their Italian blood orange soda and the bread in their bakery section, too.
bansidhe at 12:46PM on 02/11/09
I don't think I've seen this on here yet, but the one thing that I ALWAYS bought when I shopping there was the box of espresso-filled chocolates. Not the chocolate-covered espresso beans, but chocolates filled with LIQUID ESPRESSO. Soooo amazing, and I can no longer find them :(.
Besides that, I always find myself buying the frozen samosas, they're low-fat no-hormones cheeses, and their tasty quinoa bread. I also love to snack on their frozen edamame.
sfuller84 at 2:19PM on 02/11/09
A great item are their cats for people cookies, ginger, chocolate, or vanilla that come in a round see thru container. Great sweet for a low fat snack pick-me-up. Only 110 to 115 calories (chocolate is lowest calorie!) for 18 of them and they taste GREAT! Only a couple of bucks and you can control the intake without feeling guilty.
lenny425 at 2:23PM on 02/11/09
This post is making me seriously depressed. I fell in love with TJ's in college, was ecstatic when they opened in NYC and am now desolate that they don't have one in Miami. TJ's - please please please come to Miami!
bitchincamero at 2:30PM on 02/11/09
Red thai curry sauce
Greek yogurt
Sweet & Salty trail mix (they used to make a shortbread cookie with this trail mix in it that was divine, but I can't find it anymore. They were like pecan sandies)
peanut butter filled pretzels (the chocolate covered ones too)
aharste at 3:05PM on 02/11/09
The closest TJs to me is about a 4-hour drive (WAAAAA!!), so when I do get there I really stock up. Here's what's always on the list:
-dark chocolate edamame
-choc-covered espresso beans
-those little tins of traveler's chocolates
-blue corn chips
-gyoza sauce
-huge jugs of green tea
-nuts/trail mixes
-mini whole wheat pitas
-cashew or almond butter
They also had a mango sauce once that my kids loved, but I haven't found it since that first time. ;o(
dana828 at 4:33PM on 02/11/09
I have had to walk out of the Union Square TJ's the last two times I attempted to go; it is just not a possible task to even navigate the isles, much less wait out the line. And i am jonesing. I am going to attempt the brooklyn store (I live in BK, but it is easier to just take the L) this weekend. Love the place, but you really need infinite patience to deal with the Union Square store.
LIRC at 4:43PM on 02/11/09
Chanterelle, I just tried those gorgonzola crackers this morning - they're to die for! They have some sort of barley, whole grain rice cracker concoction that I love, too.
VLSmith at 4:49PM on 02/11/09
- freeze dried mango (omg...craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack)
- eggplant pepper dip
- great prices on soy milk and greek yogurt
- cats cookies
- cheese
- joe-joe's (I've hoarded a few boxes of the chocolate dipped peppermint variety)
- organic salad greens (great prices again)
- nut butters and nuts
- orchids, esp the mini $6.99 ones
Fantastic prices on frozen berries and artichoke hearts. TJ's also has low prices on the Morningstar Farms sausage patties and veggie burgers. I'm lucky I have so many TJ's around me.
manda at 6:40PM on 02/11/09
this is the post for me. I
-triple berry o's
-coffee blast/chocolate/ice cream premium ice cream
-berry mango and carrot ginger muffins
-sausage, pepperoni, veggie pizza
-potstickers
-joe-joes
-cranberry and iced cookies
-mild salsa
-original hummus
-apple cider - yum!
-potato medley, and
everything else!
pequenalooloo at 8:27PM on 02/11/09
I am a long time customer of TJ's and did respond earlier on in this thread with my own personal favs. I will say this, after reading some of your comments, you guys have given me some new food ideas..When I go to TJ's tomorrow, I am adding the Mochi, the sunflower seed butter and the lemon curd on the shopping list along with some of my tried and true foods
Italiancupcake at 8:45PM on 02/11/09
@VLSmith, aren't those Gorgonzola crackers great? I intended to put some kind of toppings on them for a canape effect, but all of a sudden the box was empty.
@Drew1300, You should toast a slice of their Herb Focaccia Loaf and spread the Bruchetta mix over it....I just had one.
I also had one of their Chicken, Four Cheese and Artichoke patties on an onion roll, I seasoned it liberally, but it was very tasty, they come in two packs. I actually live next door to a TJs, so it's a regular stop.
I miss the Ginger Jo-Jo cookies, have any of you seen them in your local TJs?
chanterelle at 8:55PM on 02/11/09
My Boston Terriers love the Buddy Biscuits. I love:
Fage yogurt
Plugra butter
Hummus
All kids of chips
Picante salsa
Pizzas, especially pesto
Everything else mentioned here!
lucylucy at 8:52AM on 02/12/09
i just thought of something else -- their liquid glycerin soap. and their cardboard cat scratchers are great and half the price of the ones at petco.
i also often peek into the US tj's and then leave. the lines are horrendous.
cybercita at 12:11PM on 02/12/09
identity crisis tortilla chips
hummus
soy pita
frozen naan
indian fare-punjab eggplant
chicken sausage
cat cookies
trail mix & nuts section
layered taco dip
chili verde frozen burittos
frozen edamame
too bad I'm in PA and can't take advantage of TJ's wine although I've had it and you can't complain for the price!
carolinemarie at 2:32PM on 02/12/09
the hummus trio. the pomegranate greek-style yogurt. and cracked wheat crackers. delicious!
camelia at 2:32PM on 02/12/09
1. Trader Ming's Sauce, great for stir fry
2. Their frozen vegetable pancakes, they make amazing appetizers
3. Their frozen Tarte Flambe, it's better than my homemade one!
Stacey Snacks at 3:06PM on 02/12/09
hands down, the cilantro dressing available in the vegetable/deli cooler.
cooksultant at 5:30PM on 02/12/09
LOVE their frozen broccoli florets. Amazing quality, and not just stems too!!!
Will miss their Spelt with dried red peppers that you cook like a risotto. Does anyone know where I can something similar? I didn't save the packaging, so unfortunately I have no idea what company produced it for TJ.
fromageface at 6:26PM on 02/12/09
I agree about the lemon curd. I also LOVE the pumpkin butter that they sell only around Thanksgiving, and the gingerbread mix they sell around Christmas - both are nice and spicy. The Meyer lemon cake mix is good too. The almond butter is great for serving, and my family loves it as a change for peanut butter in cookies too. We also think the Columbian coffee beans (in the Toucan container) are excellent and a great caffeine bang for the buck.
The cheese raviolis are also a favorite, as well as the goyoza. I haven't seen the chicken andouille for a while, and I always keep my eye out for them - they are very good. The Stoned Wheat Thins knockoffs are fresher tasting and a lot more cost effective. The cheeses are also uniformly good.
MMinNYC at 6:45PM on 02/12/09
@MMinNYC--I'm thinking you live in NYC?! If so, the chicken andouille sausage can always be found at the TJ's in Plainview & Oceanside L.I. and also at the Metropolitan Avenue location in Queens...They always keep it in stock because that's one of their "staple" items that I always buy..I hope that helps....
Italiancupcake at 8:06PM on 02/12/09
When I was in college in the DC area, ('01-'05), TJs carried these canned chickpeas in a curry gravy. The label was green with maybe gold writing? They were ready to serve, just heat and eat and pretend like you could afford Indian takeout. It sounds gross but they were amazing, trust me. A college student's dream - cheap, easy, fast, and filling.
I moved to Southern California after graduation and the West Coast TJs didn't carry them. Ditto for Atlanta. Now I live in Whole Foods land (Austin, TX), and I still dream of my cheapo canned curry chickpeas. Does anyone know if any of the TJs still carries them????
LetThemEatQueso at 10:06PM on 02/12/09
chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel bites. i just discovered these the last time i was at TJs and they are addictive!
corn salsa
trail mix
GLEE827 at 11:06AM on 02/13/09
Organic Ginger Snaps
Pumpkin Butter
24 Karat Cake
the Mildly Spiced Vegetarian Burritos
...great, now I'm hungry.
disbelief11 at 5:48PM on 02/13/09
99% of my food comes from TJs (I work there!).
I adore all the hummus, the garlic ones are my fav and I eat it with snow peas. Frozen veggies, burritos and the marsala veggie burgers are staples of my freezer. Great place to find healthy food, as well as some great treats (Peppermint JoJos!). Love the spanish sparkling white wine, such a treat.
It's a fun and crazy place to work and it always interesting to see people's reactions if they have never been to one before. People are so attached to products and god help us if they ever are discontinued.
littlehands at 10:08AM on 02/14/09
Instant miso soup is great.
Naan.
Their pasta sauces are simply disgusting.
8ptstars at 12:39PM on 02/14/09
Fresh pizza dough
Honey yogurt
Par baked baguettes
Cuban canned black beans
Jarred red curry sauce
Steak asada
Almond crunch granola and cereal
Boxed turkey gravy (in a pinch)
Nehna at 6:25PM on 02/14/09
The classic Mai Tai is good but I am really into the Zombies.
eldiablito at 6:52PM on 02/14/09
There .99 cent pizza dough
ms_green at 10:55AM on 02/15/09
There .99 cent pizza dough
ms_green at 10:55AM on 02/15/09
Interesting to read everybody's favorites. It makes me realize I usually buy the same things at TJ's, and makes me want to try new things
My staples:
Their cheese/nut selection can't be beat, pricewise.
the tarte d'alsace
the bruschetta in the fridge section; who knew refrigerated tomatoes could be so good? Great mixed into pasta/risotto/panzanella as well as on bread.
Oh, the bread/cereal selection is pretty great as well.
Orchids. Flowers. Plants.
The canned kalamata olives. Better than the jarred, IMO.
The frozen enchiladas, gyozas.
Niman ranch bacon and (sometimes) pork chops
Fage yogurt and their butter/cream,etc. Altho I don't buy eggs at TJs
My only beef with them is that you get used to a product and then it just disappears off their shelves; eg, Muir Glen canned tomatoes.
LauraJ at 3:09PM on 02/15/09
ItalianCupcake, thanks so much! I live in Queens, and also go to the T.J.'s in Commack - it's near my sister's house; and both of these stock the chicken andouille only sporadically. But I have friends in Merrick, North Bellmore and Oceanside, so I'll make a detour to the one in Oceanside that I didn't know was there!
Thanks again!
MMinNYC at 7:48PM on 02/15/09
Love their cornbread mix, the best ever had. Add blueberries-yummy!
wendyz at 9:30PM on 02/15/09
Oh, how to pick only five favorites??!
1) Island Teriyaki Sauce
2) 2 ft. long pasta noodles
3) jarred coconut green curry sauce
4) cheap and delicious cheese
5) the cute letter cookies
Have you seen the new cookbook, Cooking With All Things Trader Joes? I love my copy so much that I wrote and asked if they'd be willing to give one away on my blog and they said yes! Here's the link, you simply have to leave a comment to enter:
http://gourmetmomonthego.blogspot.com/2009/02/trader-joes-cookbook-for-you.html
Also, please know that I DO NOT make any money or have ads on my blog, it's simply for fun and love of great food!:)
GourmetMom at 12:33AM on 02/16/09
To everyone who has seen a favorite item go missing from the shelves: it is worth calling the customer service number (1800SHOPTJS, I think) and asking them to bring it back. I worked for them from '02 to '05 and saw a (small) handful of items make a comeback after enough customers voiced their displeasure. TJ's will not hesitate to drop a product if sales are slow or their wholesale prices go up too much, but they do listen to customer feedback.
My favs: honey-sesame cashews, peanut butter-filled pretzels, frozen pizzas, bagged spinach and spinach salad, greek yogurt, Joe's O's (sold out at Union Sq. more often than not :-P ), pad thai meal kit, frozen southwestern quesadillas, etc. etc.
DavidNY at 12:43AM on 02/16/09
I was just there two days ago, and I already need to go shopping again!
My favorite products include:
1. dark chocolate covered raisins
2. banana nut cluster cereal (my boyfriend bought this on a whim and now I'm absolutely addicted to it)!
3. lobster ravioli (while I prefer nuovo's pasta in general, this is a great backup).
4. cheddar cheese sticks
5. sweet and nutty tail mix (whoever thought to put peanut brittle in a nut mix was a genius).
6. chocolate covered peanut butter pretzels
7. frozen fettucini with mushrooms (actually amazing).
8. frozen chicken breast tenderloins (great in everything)!
9. frozen new england wild jumbo scallops
YUM! Loves me some Trader Joe's.
cstone at 2:20AM on 02/16/09
I love the chocolate crescents, the frozen garlic naan, and my newest LOVE the sweet potato frites!
darcybel at 3:20AM on 02/16/09
Thirding the chocolate croissants and seconding the individ. pepperoni pizzas! And the frozen pie crusts are nice for when I'm short on time but still don't want chemicals in my dessert.
Also, the persian cucumbers in the produce section are the closest thing I have ever found in the US to the "real" cucumbers you get overseas.
Oh and grew up on the chocolate covered raspberry and orange jelly sticks - do they still have them? My mother kept them in a secret place and doled them out a few at a time.
cowprintrabbit at 6:29AM on 02/16/09
I read all of the comments and no one mentioned the licorice Scotty dogs. I love many things from TJ, except for the box of small steamed clams (some things need to be fresh). But I am addicted to those Scotty dogs. The Australian licorice sticks are also good but the dogs rule. Here's a cute tribute to TJ's.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdB7GDZY3Pk
JohnFred at 9:43AM on 02/16/09
Their cereals and coffees are a great deal. Everyone at my house loves the 'Organic Morning Lite' cereal and it has tons of fiber but does not taste like cardboard.
Love the roasted almond butter,
the Marche Greens (which are otherwise impossible to find in this country)
their own Greek yogurt brand
TJ Tzatziki
Crystalized ginger
I can rely on the Trader to have some of my old country favorites at christmas time, Stollen and Lebkuchen (gingerbread)
brigittesm at 10:11AM on 02/16/09
hardly anyone has mentioned the cereal!
The Honey Crunch and Oats (or something along those lines) tastes exactlyyy like Honey Bunches of Oats-without the high-fructose corn syrup and other unnatural substances.
They also carry Natalie's Florida Orange Juice for the cheapest price I've ever seen.
Another great seasonal item is their frozen pie dough! For those who are too lazy to make their own... they only have it in the summer and fall, though.
GabyK45 at 10:21AM on 02/16/09
For a while Trader Joe's carried a low fat chevre that was every bit as good as full fat chevre. When I learned they had discontinued it, I think I may have actually cried a little. So if you're listening out there Joe, bring back that fabulous low fat chevre as a service to your aging patrons who have to pay attention to such things.
chomsky at 11:13AM on 02/16/09
I just discovered their dark chocolate covered almonds with turbinado sugar and fleur de sel. Salty and sweet..so addictive. I also like the white cheddar soy crisps.
CollD at 12:33PM on 02/16/09
EVERYTHING!!
But, I ALWAYS get: freeze dried mango, frozen edamame, chicken tamales, herbs, and Organic dog food. Not that I care about organic for the dog (I mean, he licks himself....down there) it's just that he is fussy and will or won't eat the expensive Nutro dog food. He LOVES the TJ Organic dog food and the peanut butter dog treats. The Charles Shaw wine or two buck Chuck is three dollars but it really tastes more like a ten dollar wine, if you know what I mean. I'm in North Jersey, so there is ONLY ONE TJs that sells liquor in NJ--the one in Westfield. I also buy staples like eggs, milk, etc., because they're cheaper. They have very nice crackers too!
Donnamarie at 12:55PM on 02/16/09
A little late, but - I was there the other day, perusing the nut aisle, and a couple handed me a bag of TJ's Spicy & Tangy Almonds. They just said, 'trust us.' Pepper and lemon - so goooooood!!
suthungirl at 1:34PM on 02/16/09
I love TJs! Some of my favorite things are:
Low-Fat Granola with Almonds (great snacking and yogurt topping)
Sparkling Pink Lemonade
Refresh (Citrus) Shampoo
Frozen Rices: Mushroom risotto; Asparagus risotto; par-cooked brown rice -- you nuke it!; indonesian rice - spicy; fried rice. All tasty timesavers.
Gourmet Popcorn Clusters (with nuts in the chips aisle)
Frozen Fettucini
Scones
Multigrain breads
Naan
Creme fraiche - for over the scones. yum.
All just to name a few. ;P I'm drooling!
dvanguilder at 1:52PM on 02/16/09
The TJ's maple brown sugar mini shredded wheats are incredible; also, their sun-dried tomatoes in a jar, nonpariels, peanut butter pretzels (salted or unsalted), frozen key lime pie, brown rice bowls...
SpecialK at 2:32PM on 02/16/09
I think that the Belgian butter in a tub, called Ballade, is one of the greatest things they carry. It is pure butter with 50% of the calories, easy to spread and delicious. I get 6 at a time and freeze them because sometimes they stop carrying it for a while.
Also the pumpkin bread and muffin mix, the nuts, Bonny Doon Dry Riesling,
Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Olive Oils, Cheeses, Niman Ranch Bacon and Ribs etc. etc.
Every trip is an adventure in tasting.
Elaine67 at 2:55PM on 02/16/09
After reading all the replies it seems I am in a minority of one as I dont care for most of their products they are overly salty, quality control is lacking and some simply do not taste very good . A lot of the produce is over-priced as are the deli products ( the cheese grows nasty redish mold finger prints where it was handled during repackageing ) . I do purchase some dairy , mushrooms , the concentrated stocks in packets purely for convienence, a few greens , nuts and some dried fruits ( gotta check ingredents and expiration dates on everything ) with the least amount of handling ans processing as possible . The source of the products should also by watched what is the country of origin the climate , the sanitary standards of those countries are not the same as the U.S. and we have alot to be desired here so imagine what takes place over seas with all the corruption in the gov'ts and industrys . Just how good can a bottle of wine be from Australia , south america , or europe if it only costs $5 - $10 remember it has to be processed from grapes ( one would hope ) then bottled and shipped to the U.S. everything costs money , If all you want is a buzz drink 'PURO' !
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR !
THERE'S A SUCKER BORN EVERY MINUTE [ you may think I/m one ]
FRESH IS BEST
THE EMPERIOR HAS NEW CLOTHES
shipwreck at 3:12PM on 02/16/09
Love this post :)
I rarely buy any of the fresh veggies or bread anymore. We have had a problem with freshness, as they seem to go bad almost immediately but the packaged items are great!
Mac n cheese PLEASE!
Frozen Edamame - YUM!
Eggs are Cheap
Love the crackers - never had a bad one...
French Onion Dip is TDF but hard to find...
ddvierra68 at 6:51PM on 02/16/09
Shipwreck, you're a moron...not everything there is great, bit as a whole, the quality, value, and variety is simply outstanding. Period. Go hate on something where you're not outnumbered 999 to 1 so you won't appear so foolish.
onedrummer at 7:07PM on 02/16/09
I've gone down the column and no one mentioned the one thing I get there, the "French cornichons". Having been married to a Frenchman over 50 years, this is a must in my house. My grandchildren go wild and eat it like candy. It's great with meat. I've had some cheeses and some different trail mixes. Love to go down the aisles and whatever strikes my fancy I get it. The last time I was out of milk and got a quart there. I must say it tasted a lot better than the supermarket. Are there any special "TJ" cows.
surrah@optonline.net
shirl at 7:25PM on 02/16/09
Dana828,
You have my utmost sympathy. TJ's is a two-hour drive for me. This, after living in San Diego for 18 years...and for the last five years I was there, a TJ's was within walking distance! Now in San Diego, it's a15 minutes drive between stores! Oh, how I miss it!!! My favorite food from the San Diego TJ's is the Eastern Flat Bread, a soft, thicker version of pita bread. Yum! Can't get it in St. Louis, drat! I had converted several friends to TJ's, and when one of us was planning the two-hour trip, she had to call the other four and get their list. The total was usually $800-$1000, and our story was known so well at each of the four St. Louis stores that the shopper was always asked, "Are you the designated shopper for Columbia (MO) today?" Gave the checkers a good laugh and the shopper always got a big thank you and quite often a high five! Now that I've moved 50 miles away, I'm not part of the group anymore...sob...
kateinmo
kateinmo at 9:55PM on 02/16/09
chipotle hummus
whole wheat pizza dough
they used to have this great pasta sauce that was made with yellow tomatoes. Unfortunately they don't make it anymore.
Trader Joe's is the most amazing supermarket ever. I wish I had one nearby.
RisaG at 9:43PM on 02/17/09
Be glad that you have it at all, people. I moved to Florida, and THERE ARE NO TJ's here!! Bunch o' clods....
MoonRidr at 11:11PM on 02/17/09
one drummer , too bad I'm not of your herd mentality , last I checked it is still a free country and more power to TJ's for their capitalistic success
shipwreck at 2:44PM on 02/19/09
I drove 100 miles to the closest Trader Joes to me just to purchase their Blackberry Infusion tea and they NO LONGER CARRY IT!!!!!!!!!!! I could have cried. I am in love with that tea. They told me to try World Market and I found some Blackberry Sage green tea (for 3x the cost of Trader Joes teas) and it was weak and not comparable at all Could someone please tell me where I can find that luscious tea???? Many thanks!
kraftlady at 9:08AM on 05/24/09
To the Columbia Mo crowd, I am the one who drove 100 miles to St. Louis to get the Blackberry Tea! Columbia is now so large, we could support a TJs if they would put one there!
kraftlady at 9:20AM on 05/24/09
My top 5:
Chicken egg rolls
Frozen Naan
All of the curry sauces are amazing
Peanut butter pretzels
Booze, especially the Hofbrau
After reading this, I need to try that pumpkin butter.
project_nessa at 9:45PM on 06/02/09
Is the Pomegranate Glaze really discontinued? My mom tried to buy it in Atlanta but they didn't have it. Can it be found elsewhere???
stphjay at 3:07AM on 07/27/09