I recently did a post about my favorite products from Costco and wanted to do the same for another one of my go-to stores, Trader Joe’s. Although Trader Joe’s doesn’t carry everything I like to buy, it has all the basics for my normal weekly shopping and much more, at really amazing prices to boot. Trader Joe’s is also always introducing new products, so it’s fun to go and check out what’s new on the shelves. I don’t always love the quality of some of their produce–I find that it tends to go bad sooner than produce from other stores–but over time I’ve learned what holds up well and what’s worth buying elsewhere. On the plus side, they have an impressive selection of organic produce, way more so than the pathetic selection at my local Stop and Shop. All in all, I love Trader Joe’s and would shop there every week if it was more convenient (If any powers that be are reading, open a store in Greenwich pretty please).

The list I’m sharing is far from exhaustive, but it includes a bunch of things that are on regular rotation in my house. I didn’t include most of the fruits and vegetables I typically pick up there because those things are pretty basic, but I do buy a ton of fresh produce as well. I especially love the organic bell pepper trio and bag of organic pink lady apples. The prices are AMAZING.  

1. Organic Marinara Sauce – No Salt Added: Pasta sauce tends to be loaded with sodium and it’s really hard to find low sodium options at many stores, even at Whole Foods. I’ve found that they are few and far between. And the lower sodium options I have seen are really pricey. This no salt added sauce from Trader Joe’s is just a few dollars and has just 35 mg of sodium per serving compared to the 500 or so mg that most sauces have. It’s a very basic marinara and is a little bland on its own, but I actually like that because I always add my own veggies and spices to make it my own.
2. Low Sodium Vegetable Broth: As with pasta sauce, soups and broths are typically packed with sodium. Have you ever looked at the sodium content on a can of regular soup? It’s often a full day’s worth! You can buy low sodium veggie broth at most grocery stores but Trader Joe’s offers the best price that I’ve seen anywhere, and since this is a staple in my house, the savings add up.
3. Organic Steel Cut Oats: I love a hearty bowl of oats with blueberries and almond butter for breakfast. It’s one of my go-tos. I often buy the organic old fashioned oats because they take less time to cook, but the steel cut oats are great too. Again, this isn’t a novelty item, but the prices at Trader Joe’s for organic oats can’t be beat!
4. Almond Butter Granola: I posted a recipe a while back for almond butter granola, which was inspired by this version from Trader Joe’s. Disclaimer: it’s totally addicting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
5. 72% Dark Chocolate: When it comes to chocolate, the darker the better for me. Not only is a darker cocoa content healthier, but I enjoy the deeper flavor. I usually have a few squares of chocolate every day so I go through it rather fast. Trader Joe’s sells a MASSIVE chocolate bar that’s 72% cocoa and it lasts forever. I just break the bar up into the pre-marked squares so that I have a small serving ready whenever I have a hankering for chocolate. It’s such good quality for a cheap bar of dark chocolate!
6. 3 Seed Sweet Potato Crackers: When I shared my Costco favorites I mentioned that I like to buy the RW Garcia Gluten Free 3 Seed Sweet Potato Crackers. They don’t always have them though and Trader Joe’s started making this dupe, which is nearly identical. They also make a beet version that I like too.
7. Cauliflower Tabbouleh: If you like traditional tabbouleh, you have to try this. I am absolutely addicted to this stuff. It’s SO good. Swapping out the bulgur in tabbouleh for cauliflower? Genius! I’ve been buying this so much that I’m planning on trying to replicate it for myself. If I do I’ll be sure to post about it.
8. Riced Veggies: There are so many uses for riced cauliflower these days but truthfully, I never bothered with it until they started selling pre-riced bags of it. Having it riced and ready to go makes such a difference. They sell it both fresh and frozen.
9. Organic Red Lentil Pasta: I love, love, love this pasta. It’s made entirely of organic red lentil flour so nutritionally it’s fantastic, but it’s also really delicious. The texture is al dente and perfect. If you missed my recent recipe for lentil pasta primavera, you can check that out here.
10. Broccoli & Kale Slaw: I like a little crunch to my salads and this broccoli kale slaw adds the perfect amount.
11. Cruciferous Crunch: This is very similar to the broccoli & kale slaw but it also has shaved brussels sprouts, which are delish in salads.
12. Ezekiel 4:9 Sesame Bread: This isn’t a Trader Joe’s brand product, but I buy it here because, surprise surprise, the price is the best I can find anywhere. This is my go-to bread because it’s delicious and nutritious. It’s made entirely from freshly sprouted live grains (meaning no flour), including millet, lentils and spelt.
13. Almond Butter Turmeric Salad Dressing: I wasn’t quite sure how I would like this but it has become a current favorite. It’s creamy, has a great flavor, and is made from good quality ingredients.
14. Reduced Carb Tortillas: I don’t monitor my carbs (I think quality of carbs is much more important than quantity) so the fact that this is reduced carb is neither here nor there, but I like that these have a high fiber content. I also love the texture and the smaller size. Jackson likes them too!

Do you shop at Trader Joe’s? If so, what are your favorite products to get there? I’m always on the hunt for new things to try!