What I Buy at Trader Joe’s

Our relationship is a little more love than hate

In the summers, I prefer to get as many of my grocery items at the Farmer’s Market, the local Co-op, or a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture Farm). Heck — I’ve even started growing my own.

Many of these are not an option in the winter, are too expensive, or fall short if you’re cooking on the fly.

In these events, Trader Joe’s or Aldi are my go-to.

I reviewed items I purchase from Aldi, you can check it out here:

Like Aldi, Trader Joe’s is not perfect. The company relies on plastic film and single-use plastic. It’s problematic.

Despite this, Trader Joe’s knows what they are doing. They get people in the door.

Step inside any Trader Joe’s and you will see what I’m talking about. There are murals and bright colors everywhere, their labels look as if they’re hand-written and filled in with colored pencils. It’s big but not too big — no warehouse-style ceilings with fluorescent lighting. There are maybe four aisles.

It’s the atmosphere that gets you — the Trader Joe’s aesthetic.

As of July 11, 2023 — there are 563 stores located throughout 42 states of the U.S. They began in California and spread from there. Most, if not all, have grocery and a liquor store.

I won’t go into it here but people rave over Trader Joe’s affordable wine selection.

Trader Joe’s products are labeled under one brand and there’s often only one type of each item. This eliminates decision fatigue.

If something is more expensive than I want to pay? I don’t buy it. If the produce isn’t looking completely fresh — I’ll figure something else out. For example, I strongly dislike how they package cilantro and other herbs in a single-use zip bag. They’re rarely fragrant. I don’t buy them.

I digress. I’m here to talk about the things I DO buy at Trader Joe’s

Greeting Cards — $.99

They’re cute, they’re quirky, and they’re 99 cents. Usually, the message is short and sweet inside the card — I like to write my message so it’s fine by me.

Most of the cards are wrapped in single-use plastic. WHY. It’s nonsensical. Ok, maybe if you’re putting the card in the same bag as your sweating cold brew can. But, come on. I’ll take my chances. Or better yet, be mindful of where you’re packing your paper cards.

Oat Milk Coffee Creamer — $1.99

I am moving away from coffee creamer. My coffee is becoming more about the cream than the actual coffee beans. But if I do buy creamer — this is it.

The added sugar in this product is less than other coffee creamers you see in the U.S. Brown sugar and oat milk? Mmhm. The cost is cool too.

Salted Edamame — $1.99

We eat this frozen item all of the time. I add olive or avocado oil to a pan and heat for four to five minutes. So simple, so good.

Pea Protein Powder — $11.99

I think Trader Joe’s is scaling back on their protein products but I use this one all the time. I add it to mango or peanut butter and bananas to make smoothies in the morning.

I like it because it’s not sweet — so many protein powders have Stevia in them for sweeteners. I can’t taste the powder, which is ideal. And if it matters to you, it’s USDA-certified organic.

Cut flowers — varies, under $10

This is about cut flowers but I want to add in the potted plants too. Way more affordable than most places — Aloe for $4.99 and Monstera for $12.99!

For context — my Monstera was $60 when I bought it. The average price is between $20–30 for the size of plant shown in the photo above.

I often will buy Eucalyptus for $3.99 from Trader Joe’s and place it in my shower or by the sink. It smells wonderful and lasts for a couple of weeks in water.

I found it funny that there are lush basil plants for sale — $2.99 and $3.99 for organic, then there is a clamshell of basil for $2.99. I think you know which one I bought.

In my opinion, potted plants make better gifts and are way more sustainable. Yet — there is a time and a place for cut flowers.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups — $.99

Oy! Behold, my weakness.

These are amazing when you have a sweet craving. Just one can do the trick.

I add a bag to gifts and use it as a stocking stuffer at Christmas.

Dried Mango Slices — $2.99

This is probably my most-purchased item at Trader Joe’s.

I love these, and they are way more affordable at Trader Joe’s than at other spots (Target, I’m looking at you).

Frozen Ginger — $2.69

Ok, don’t shame me for this one.

This is a personal favorite for bottling Kombucha. I make my own Kombucha weekly and this was a game changer for adding Ginger to each bottle. It’s already measured into teaspoon-size squares.

I have a container of Garlic too but I prefer fresh when cooking.

Frozen Cooked Shrimp — $7.99

I do it for the price.

These are detailed and deveined. I throw in a stew or stir-fry — it’s easy and affordable.

There you have it!

Tell me — what do you buy at Trader Joe’s?

I didn’t get into it but their seasonal items can be wonderful. When the Harvest Blend tea is distributed I buy multiple boxes at a time.

Remember to bring your reusable grocery bags.

Here in the Midwest, people seem to be slow to realize the havoc plastic bags are causing for our planet.

I bought some reusable bags and was given a free bag as a promo at my local Trader Joe’s store in Chicago back in 2011. I STILL have the same bags, which is wonderful for me — and for the environment. They last.