Trader Joe's is AMAZING and has an entire cult following - they sell only their own brands (the only "outside" brand I've seen there is Walker's shortbread), some of them imported from other countries like Germany (which makes sense since it's German based), many things you won't find elsewhere, and most are non-GMO. Unlike Aldi (each of the two separate companies is owned by a different brother from the same family) it's not cut-rate, but prices are reasonable, especially when compared to regular prices in stores like Publix and Food City. In fact, I used to drive almost 100 miles each way every so often to stock up on certain items, and thankfully we finally got one in the area after literally thousands of people begged them for years to open a store here via an email campaign and a FB group that alone had over 5,000 members. They do have basics like milk, eggs, meats, yogurt, etc., and lots of frozen ice cream treats as well as non-dairy ones.
Must get:
The frozen croissants -both chocolate and almond - are to die for. You proof them overnight and they're ready to stick in the air fryer by breakfast.
21 Seasoning Salute - A blend of 21 seasonings that you can put on all kinds of things - I sprinkle it on my burgers, pork chops, and more. They have all kinds of unique spice blends, and I've been having fun trying them, but IMO this is the best.
Cookie Butter - One of their most famous products. Not only great as a spread (or right out of the jar), but there are all kinds of recipes online to use it in.
Cookie Butter Sandwich Cookies - Another one to die for. Two very, very good butter cookies with a cookie butter filling.
Pizza Macaroni & Cheese with Pepperoni - Need I say more?
Pound Plus Chocolate Bars - A little over a pound of imported chocolate (milk or dark, plain or with almonds) for around $5 a bar.
Frozen Orange Chicken - One of their best sellers. I don't eat processed frozen foods from anyplace except Trader Joe's, because they're very good and unique, and generally non-GMO.
Sangria tomatoes - Little tomatoes in assorted colors; good for salads or just snacking. The teeny tiny Sprinkles tomatoes are really good too, but seasonal.
Cheeses - They must have over 100 kinds to choose from, and often come up with something new and wonderful.
Their brand of pasta is 99 cents for a one pound bag; imported pasta from Italy is under $2. They do have various kinds of pasta sauce, but I make my own.
They have a lot of produce items you won't find in most places, such as rainbow carrots, and they're famous for their "Two Buck Chuck" - cheap wines that reviews say are really good. (Can't say - I don't drink.)
Avoid:
Their baked goods are iffy. Some things are very good, like their blueberry muffins which I get almost every time I go there, and their raspberry kringle is also good but very sweet, but their breads are often dry - they're all organic with no preservatives and will spoil very quickly. Their sour cream donuts - awful. BUT...the good thing is, you can try something new every time you go, and if you don't like it, take it back (even if just the package is left) and they'll refund you, no questions asked.
Their pre-made burger patties are very tasty, but they shrink to half their size. I prefer the ones from Aldi.
The customer service is amazing - employees don't point you to a product you're looking for, they'll lead you to it. One day I was upset over something, and got into a conversation with the cashier (they're all very friendly). I was walking towards my car and heard someone calling me. It was the cashier, and I thought I must have forgotten something but no - she was chasing after me with a bouquet of flowers (they sell lovely ones) and gave it to me "to brighten your day."
It's my favorite food store; I'm there just about every week. Even if I don't need something specific, it's always fun to see what new products they've come out with since the last visit. I got some sparkling watermelon juice the other day; haven't tried it yet, but if I don't like it, all I have to do is take it back, so there's no loss.
NOTE: I'm not being paid by Trader Joe's for this review; it's just a wonderful store!
