I just wrapped up my prenatal yoga teacher training weekend and it was such a lovely and enlightening experience. I can’t wait to write all about it in more detail in a post later this week! I’m currently parked in front of the computer with a glass of wine catching up on the internet and blogging. Training weekends are intense in that the days are long and there is a lot of sitting and a lot of information absorbed. I went to the Y once we finished up today to move my body after two days of sitting and then came home and took a hot shower and got in my PJs. I predict I’ll sleep like a rock tonight.
It’s been a few months since I last visited Trader Joe’s. We moved to a spot that’s awkwardly placed between both of our Trader Joe’s and it’s about a 20 minute trip for me in traffic to get to either one. I’m closer to Whole Foods and Harris Teeter so that’s been where I’ve done most of my shopping since we moved. I drove right past our south Charlotte Trader Joe’s on the way home from training last night so I decided I should stop in and stock up on our faves. Clearly, I missed TJs because I did some damage.
I thought it would be fun to show you guys what I bought since “a peek in my grocery cart” posts always seem to be popular…this trip was a good mix of old faves and a few new finds.
I think Trader Joe’s has the best selection of frozen foods of any grocer. Here’s what I came home with…
- Individually packaged brown rice (TJs frozen brown rice is so much better than WF)
- Semi-dried green figs (for smoothies)
- Riced cauliflower
- Stir fry vegetables
- Mushroom medley
- Wild Alaskan salmon
- Blueberries
- Harvest Hodgepodge
- Cod
- Strawberries
Fruits and veggies…
- Beets
- Cruciferous Crunch
- Pineapple
- Grapes
- Shaved brussels sprouts
- Bananas
- Avocados
- Rainbow carrots
- Lemons
- Cauliflower
- Pears
Meats…
- Ground turkey
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken tenders
- Spicy Italian chicken sausage
Snacks, nuts and stuff…
- Pitted dates (amazing price on these…I think $2.99…way cheaper than I’ve seen them anywhere else)
- Plantain chips (love these things!)
- Nutritional yeast (for making this gravy that is amazing on everything)
- Raisins
- Sliced almonds
- Pecan pieces
- Golden raisins
THE HOLY GRAIL.
- Quinoa (cheapest at TJs!)
- Cashew butter (there’s is the BEST! the salt level is on point!)
- Sunflower butter (they are now making a version without sugar so I am eager to try!)
- Dijon mustard (I think Trader Joe’s dijon has the perfect kick to it)
- Canned Alaskan salmon
- Coconut milk
- Beets in vinaigrette (y’all know I love beets and this lady told me these things were to die for…we shall see!)
- Almond butter (see my cashew butter commentary above)
- Salted peanut butter
- Kalamata olives
- Coconut oil
- Yogi tea ginger tea (cheapest at TJs by $2 and this is my #1 favorite tea of all-time)
A random shot of mushrooms and watermelon because I left them out of the produce shot!
Treats for the doggies!
Treats for the dog momma! 🙂 These are highly addictive. Proceed with caution.
Do you shop at Trader Joe’s regularly?
Any new or old Trader Joe’s finds to share?
can you believe the CLOSEST one to me is over 3 hours? so its such a treat when i go! last time my fav find was the mixed nut butter! SERIOUSLY so good =- i think i need another TJs run soon!
Haha just had to comment because I live in CANADA and made a trip over the border this weekend for a shop… its like an hour and a half away (but totally worth it ever few months).
Some of my recent favs I’ve found (west coast, Washington).. the sauerkraut with persian cucumbers, dark chocolate bar with sea salt and caramel, Green Dragon sauce, Mediterranean hummus, specialty cheeses (SO much cheaper in the US) and I bought a few things to try new this time as well like the chili lime seasoning, everything bagel seasoning, jackfruit in brine (?tacos).. love TJs!
I always have their brown rice in my freezer! it’s perfect. I do most of my shopping at TJ – I am positioned right between a few locations which is great. I am very lucky lol
Looks like an amazing haul! I probably go to Trader joes every there day :-X and still haven’t tried some of these products! I’ve been wondering what to do with the green figs. I’ll have to try out that smoothie idea!
I’ve been looking for unsweetened Sunflower Butter for awhile! While I love SunButter brand, I prefer no added sugar. I hope you enjoy it!
I LOVE TJ. Mine is 20 min away from he but I think is worth the drive. Those plantain chips are my favorite! And those vinaigrette beets are heavenly.
Trader Joe’s is a mile away from my apartment…I love to shop there for flowers, wine, and odds and ends. I go in there with a short list and then leave with 2 bags stuffed to the brim with goodies. I love those plantain chips. So YUMMY!
I love Trader Joe’s! Like you, I do not have one located conveniently near my home, so I have to go a little out of the way to shop there.
You have given me ideas for a few new items. 🙂
Our TJ’s is just up a little access road from our clinic — needless to say, I am there all the time! I eat a ton of stir fry (easier for me to digest sautéed or steamed veggies) — love their caulirice, frozen organic broccoli, medium cooked shrimp, magi fillets, salmon, turkey burgers…. produce!, hummus, sun butter, raw cashews, mango slices… pretty much everything! Can’t tell you how many plants and flowers I have purchased from Trader Joe’s as well !
I love Trader Joe’s, too. But ours is also 20 min from home, so I’m not there every week. Everytime I go, I have a similar haul as yours this time… you got a lot of my favorites, including the plantain chips and most things in the “holy grail” section. ?
The Trader Joe’s mixed nut butter is my current favorite thing. It’s truly delicious – almonds, cashews, walnuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and pecans, and sea salt. I also buy their taco seasoning in bulk – it’s cheap and there’s no msg / preservatives and it is so good. other favorites are the sweet potato tortilla chips, whole grain dijon mustard and the frozen dover sole.
I go to TJ’s 2x/week – I’m addicted. 🙂 (there’s one by my office and I walk to the train, so I haul my groceries on foot over a mile…but it’s worth it) Your favorites are a lot like mine – frozen cauli rice, plantain chips are up there for me! Also, their frozen quinoa duo is awesome, and I am OBSESSED with their frozen zucchini fries. I’m not going to say they’re healthy, but they’re delicious (I recommend baking them at 425, rather than 400, so they get a little crispy)!
So wish there was a Trader Joe’s around me! Their cashew butter is my absoute favorite out there!
My gym is next to TJ’s so I’m there 2-3 times a week. It’s dangerous!
Their prepared lentils are great! Mix with their prepared bruschetta for a quick dip or toss in a tortilla with salsa and avocado for delicious vegan tacos.
Frozen turkey meatballs with their basic marinara(no sugar) or with their soyaki glaze over cauliflower rice with stir fry veggies.
Frozen eggplant stacks, yum!
And I bought, but haven’t tried, new broccoli cauliflower patties. Very few ingredients so I’m hopeful.
These recommendations are SO helpful and I haven’t tried any of them so THANK YOU!
Gosh, this post of TJ nearly makes me cry. I’ve been living in China for 2 1/2 years, and I cannot tell you how much I miss that store. Ugh. I love what you purchased! I see quite a few items that I don’t recall since we’ve been out of the US. I love that they are always bringing in new, and fabulous goods. Some of my fave old treats were the chocolate covered banana slices, and their fresh salsa, not to mention ALL the gluten free options which are non-existent here. Enjoy!!
Ahhhh I’m so sorry to make you TJs homesick! 🙁 What are you doing in China?
Oh goodness, please – I didn’t mean to make you feel bad! 🙂 My husband is a cardiologist and a genetic scientist heading up a project in Beijing to help with the massively growing problem of cardiovascular disease in China. Our time here has been a fascinating journey, but I’ve certainly gained a huge appreciation for all the good, fresh, whole and familiar foods of home. Enjoy them for me! I love your inspiring blog. x