What’s your favorite place to shop? I wonder how many women would reply with ‘Trader Joe’s’ as their answer. I can tell ya that this girl would!
I used to despise grocery shopping when we lived in Manhattan. I never was able to figure out a good weekly routine of when to go to avoid the masses and I hated having to walk home multiple blocks carrying heavy bags.
Now that we live in Jersey City I kinda love grocery shopping. It’s funny. I actually still shop in Manhattan because the Trader Joe’s Chelsea location is just a block away from my go-to pilates studio and the PATH train stop. However when I do feel like driving I’ll go to the Hoboken, NJ store, however I find items there sell out quickly and there isn’t as much selection.
I often post about my Trader Joe’s finds to my Instagram Story, but thought it would be helpful to do a big recap of everything I’ve shopped for and tried recently. PS if you’re interested in reading about my all-time favorite TJs products I posted a list of them here.
New Trader Joe’s Products + Grocery Haul
Shaved Brussel Sprouts & Pancetta- I love this sautéing this combo together as an easy side dish! So good with a balsamic glaze. Check out my Cooking highlight on my Instagram Story for the recipe.
Buffalo Style Chicken Dip- I’m a major chip & dip girl so the second I saw this I had to buy it. We’re serving it at our gender announcement party this weekend so I’ll keep you posted on our thoughts!
Sour Scandinavian Swimmers & French Macarons– Warning: you will become addicted to these Sour Patch Kid-style gummies so buy with caution! Nick and I are obsessed– perfect amount of sweet and sour! I also like to buy the macarons as an occasional sweet treat. Serving ’em at our gender announcement party this weekend too!
Chicken Enchiladas– my go-to easy weeknight dinner recently that’s perfect for two people. You just have to bake ’em in the oven for 25 minutes and that’s it! I like to top with a dollop of sour cream and guacamole.
Cinnamon Rolls & Overnight Oats– Love me a sweet breakfast treat! I like to buy these cinnamon rolls occasionally when we have guests (my sis visited two weeks ago) and for long lazy weekends. I also recently tried the overnight oats and while I did like the taste, I probably won’t regularly buy just because I’m more of a greek yogurt kinda girl.
Coconut Oil– one of my go-to Trader Joe’s favorites! I use this for a variety of things: cooking, baking, as a moisturizing hair mask, etc.
Corn Dogs & Pastry Pups– For some reason I craved corn dogs and pigs in a blanket SO MUCH my first trimester. I didn’t have much energy to cook and these were so easy to pop in the microwave or toaster oven. Not the healthiest snack, but there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself on occasion.
Fettuccini Alfredo- made this for dinner for the first time this week and really enjoyed it!
Lemon Ginger Cayenne Cold Pressed Juice & Coconut Carrot Cold Pressed Juice– I definitely don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, so juices and smoothies have been go-to way of getting these valuable nutrients for years. I typically make these myself at home with fresh organic produce, but when I’m on the go I’ll grab a bottled juice from TJs. I tried both of these recently and enjoyed both, however I definitely prefer a juice with a green base.
Pitted Kalamata Olives– I add these to all of my salads!
Potato Pancakes- I haven’t purchased these in years, but pregnancy has me craving allllll types of things. So yummy with sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt as a healthy alternative)
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies- treated myself to these cookies on a recent trip. Dangerously yummy!
Gluten Free Granola & Gluten Free Whole Grain Bread- some of my breakfast staples. I love adding this granola on top of Greek yogurt, however it’s yummy on it’s own too with milk. I use this gluten free bread for avocado toast!
Tea Tree Hand Wash- I’ve always been told that I need to try TJs beauty products and I finally caved. This hand wash is my first buy and I love the scent!
Trader Joe’s Products I’ve Spotted In Store
These next few items are all things I’ve spotted in store while shopping, but have yet to pull the trigger on buying. Your girl here can only eat so much 😛 Still wanted to share in case any of these things peek your interest!
Brownie Crisp Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches & Soft-Baked Snickerdoodles
Plant Based Burgers
Coconut Whipped Topping
Philly Cheesesteak Bao Buns
Ginger Turmeric Herbal Tea & Turmeric Ginger Coconut Beverage
Grilled Rosemary Boneless Chicken Breast
Peanut Butter Cartwheel Cookies & Chocolate Covered Sea Salt Butterscotch Caramels
Cucumber Citrus Face and Body Wipes
Hibiscus Tea and Lemonade Beverage & Lemon Ginger Seltzer Water
Naples Local Diva says
I love when you do these and post about TJ’s. For example, I had no idea about the coconut whipped cream. I have to watch salt and cholesterol intake so this would be a prefect alternative to whipped cream. 🙂 Thanks Katie!
Olga says
So many good ideas here, I love to get dark chocolate from Trader Joe’s! Those chicken enchiladas look amazing!
Olga
http://www.littlethingsolga.com
Colleen says
I don’t know..Too many pre-packaged “processed” foods for my tastes…don’t forget you are eating for a babe now!
Maureen says
My husband and I live within 5 minutes of our local Trader Joe’s. We probably go there at least once a week. There are items that we always must have on hand and items that we try and enjoy every now and again. There are a few that are seasonal so they are not always around.
I love the fresh blueberries. I most of the time always get them there and have them most days for breakfast. I think it is getting to be the end of the Meyer lemon season but they have the best and not too bad a value. Love the Lemonade with hibiscus as you have pictured. I also must have on hand the sparkling apple cider vinegar. I am allergic to strawberries and therefore enjoy the mint. cucumber flavor.
I remember when they first came in the area– I wasn’t sure that I would like what they had to offer–boy was I wrong.
Thanks for your review.
Libby says
I LOVE TJ’s!! I started almost exclusively shopping there after I was diagnose with Celiac’s- I find that their special gluten free things like the toaster waffles are so much better and better priced than anywhere else!! So if you haven’t tried those waffles, they are a nice, yummy treat!! Also, the ginger turmeric tea you have a picture of is so good. Definitely try it!!
xx Libby