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Thursday, April 4, 2013

I *Heart* Trader Joe's


Trader Joe's is one of those places where you can shop for only those specialty items that make you happy. Or, you can do all of your shopping here and it's still a win-win.

When I go, there are always go-to items that I never leave without. Here's my top ten Trader Joe's finds:

1. Goat Cheese Medallions


I buy two or three of these packages at a time. They are perfect in a salad or on crackers for an afternoon snack. With five grams of protein and only 80 calories, these creamy medallions offer nearly guilt-free indulgence. They also have mini-brie cheeses, if you prefer.


2. Baby Beets
Beets can be bothersome and messy to cook and peel, but TJ's does it for you. They are perfect on salad (with the goat cheese medallions) or heated for the dinner plate. And they're good for you too.


3. Pomegranate Seeds
Another cumbersome good-for-you item is the pomegranate. TJ's makes it effortless to add a bit of crunch to your yogurt, pancakes or salad with these pre-packaged pomegranate seeds.


4. Salad Dressing

This dressing is delicious and low fat. It is great as a dressing or as a marinade.


5. Persian Cucumbers

These tender cukes are perfect as rounds topped with goat cheese or in lieu of potato chips when you want something crunchy and salty.  6. Pumpkin Pancake Mix
 Nothing says New England fall like pumpkin. However, I love pumpkin all year round, so this mix is perfect for me for when I'm craving spicy pumpkin comfort.   7. Oatmeal 

This blended grain cereal (rye, barley, oats and wheat) is perfect for chilly mornings or for when you're craving warm, comfort food. It's also great mixed with egg whites for a protein packed pancake that you can top with berries, yogurt or syrup of your choice.

8. Pineapple Salsa

It's sweet and hot...perfect on salads or with nachos.


9. A great produce and prepared foods section for picnics on the go.


 
 
10. And of course, Two-Buck Chuck...
 
Given the price, you may expect to drink vinegar, but it's not bad. Really. It might be Three-Buck Chuck now, depending on your location, but nevertheless, it's a bargain.
 
Trader Joe's has so much more to offer. We don't do all of our shopping at there, and the closest one is more than a half hour away; but when we do, we get the items we love and always try one or two new ones as well. With good quality items and wide availability of specialty and gourmet items, Trader Joe's makes it a worthwhile trip.



4 comments:

  1. I love Trader Joe's too, we have one about 15 mins away from us. I don't get there as much as I used too, but I also love the pineapple salsa and the Champagne Pear V too! I will have to look out for the Beets as I now love them since being introduced to Pickled Beets at our local farmer's market recently. Aren't those little cucumbers so cute! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. I always get those Persian cucumbers, some of the prepared salads, those mushroom tortellinis with asparagus, ginger chews and so much more. I love Trader Joe's!

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  3. I would love to go to Trader Joe's. It looks awesome. And you post makes me want to go even more now!! (I live in Canada) Great post.

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  4. Thanks for the feedback! :-) Trader Joe's is a weekly must for me, especially now that the weather is warming and seasonal fruits and vegetables are on the rise. I'll bet they will expand into Canada any day now. Like Whole Foods, they seem to be capitalizing on people's desire for healthy, fresh foods. Check out their website for store development information.

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