Trader Joe’s (TJ’s), a haven for culinary exploration, boasts an impressive array of distinctive, predominantly private label products that seamlessly blend tastiness, affordability, and a commitment to healthier options. With a network of 547 stores spanning the United States and territories, it has become a neighborhood grocery gem, with only 7 states yet to join the Trader Joe’s family.
Stepping into a Trader Joe’s is not just a shopping trip; it’s an adventure. The store exudes a witty vibe, creating a sense of community that is further enriched by authentic and engaging customer service. The shopping experience is akin to embarking on a gastronomic journey, from the captivating wall of cheeses to the enticing frozen appetizer case, and even the vibrant displays of fresh flowers – Trader Joe’s presents a visual feast for the eyes and a delightful array of treats for the taste buds.
Now, let’s dive into some personal favorites and a few insider tips.
Seasonal Mousse Cakes: If you like traditional Petit Fours, you will adore these. Currently TJ’s has a raspberry flavored mousse with white sponge cake. I believe Easter Egg inspired cakes will be arriving next.
Lavash Bread: These make wonderful flatbread pizzas. Most recently I coated it with pasta sauce, thinly sliced onion and red bell peppers, pepper jack cheese and prosciutto.
Roasted Hatch Chili & Jalapeno Cheese Dip with Olive Fougasse: This is a great weekend kickoff appetizer. I place the dip into a mini cast iron pan to heat and toast some olive fougasse as the vehicle to scoop up the spicy dip.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: Once you try these, you may never buy a Reece’s peanut butter cup again.
Riced Cauliflower: This is a great substitute for rice. You can kick it up by adding diced onions, garlic, red bell peppers, salt, pepper, and sumac.
British Style Crumpets with TJ’s Lemon Curd: Toast the crumpets then spread the lemon curd on top to transport yourself to afternoon tea in London.
Sri Lankan Organic Mango Chutney: I love to add this to the top of my turkey loaf.
Organic Chicken Stock: This stock is full of flavor and extremely well priced. I use it for all my homemade soups. Quick tip – to elevate your soups and add a umami component, add a parmesan rind to your soup.
Shawarma Chicken Thighs: This wonderfully seasoned chicken is perfect for tacos when cooked on the grill, then chopped into small pieces.
Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe: TJ’s frozen pasta dishes are tasty and this one transports you to Italy in under 5 minutes. To kick it up, add a touch of nutmeg and parmesan cheese to kick it up.
Pita Bite Crackers: Our Friday night charcuterie boards often have these light, crunchy, savory crackers adorning the board.
Egg Frittata with Swiss Cheese & Cauliflower: If you like the frittata at Peet’s Coffee, you will love these.
Parmesan Pastry Pups: I like to describe these as fancy pigs in a blanket.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dunkers: The secret ingredient in these “hard to eat just one” cookie is a hint of coconut.
Toffee Chips: If you like See’s Molasses Chips, you will love these. The See’s version is $15.00, and TJ’s is $3.69.
French Vanilla Ice Cream Super Premium: This ice cream is supreme. If you love malt, I highly encourage you to add a spoonful as a mix in.
Candied Pecans: These are perfect in a bowl for a cocktail party or simply eating out of the bag.
Zhoug Sauce: It is a Middle Eastern pesto that is great on top of roasted salmon, grilled chicken, or an embellishment to hummus.
French Bordeaux Wines: I love a good “Wednesday Wine” and recently discovered that there are great choices (mostly under $10.00) at Trader Joe’s.
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001