Trader Joe’s has become a cult favorite. Some people are die hard Whole Foods fans and some are die hard Trader Joe’s fans. I used to shop at Whole Food’s all the time when I lived in Chelsea and they have great things, but ever since I moved back to the suburbs I have converted to Trader Joe’s. Whole Foods is also so expensive it burned a hole through my pocket. However, now that amazon partnered up with Whole Food’s I will from time to time order the 365′ (Whole Foods brand) online (but don’t tell Joe).
A common misconception about Trader Joe’s is that it’s all organic, so it must be super expensive. Well folks, its not ALL organic and it is much cheaper then when I shop at Stop & Shop or King Kullen.
So, if you’d like to save some money and there’s a Trader Joe’s near you, these are my top favorite picks.
If your a cous cous lover, then this is the best Israeli cous cous around. In the regular supermarket this can cost more then $7.99 per box. I purchased this for only $1.99 and its so delicious.
This is my favorite Jasmine rice. This box stays in your freezer and includes 3 microwave bags inside for $3.99
If your looking for a non-dairy yogurt, this is the one to try! There are plenty of great non-dairy yogurts out there but this is one of my top favorites for $1.29
This is the HOLY GRAIL non-dairy cheese I have ever had in my entire life and I have tried so many. My husband hates all things non-dairy and is obsessed with this cheese. We make homemade pizza’s and you cannot tell the difference. There is no weird after taste either. It literally tastes like mozzarella. It needs to be cooked, this is not for eating it raw. $3.99 per bag, worth every penny.
Their soups are off the charts good. I love this Carrot Ginger Soup. They also make great butternut squash soup. $1.99
Speaking of soup, they have the cheapest bone broths around. At your typical market this can go for $7.99 and this was $2.99, but they have cheaper ones in a can for $1.99. Why get bone broth? It is rich in nutrients, helps joints, helps fight against osteoarthritis, heals the gut and is an anti-inflammatory; need I say more?
If your a sauce lover, you need to get your hands on this. I actually mix this with the carrot and ginger soup, place underneath a salmon with broccoli and it’s so delicious. One of the best Thai sauces around and not too spicy (I hate spicy). $1.99
The cheapest Almond Butter around – end of story. $4.99 – I have also seen it for $3.99.
They were sold out of the Coconut Amino’s this time around, but I ALWAYS pick this up. This tastes just like a soy sauce, its crazy. You can use this to marinade with, as a dipping sauce, soy sauce, stews, and even cook with it instead of salt. Why use this? read about the benefits of coconut amino’s here. I found a great article that lists health benefits that I didn’t even know, including fighting against colon cancer and improving mental health. $2.99
Last but not least, is the cheese selection. I am going to do a whole separate post for their cheeses. As much as I try to have a non-dairy diet, I cannot resist a good cheese. It is my kryptonite. I have been to the best cheese stores from NYC to the Hamptons and nothing beats Traders Joe’s cheese quality for the price. They have really stepped up their game. Some cheese can run you $60 per pound at speciality stores and you can get the same cheese from $8lb – $16lb. I have not seen a cheese at Traders more then $16 per lb. They also have rare cheeses such as my absolute favorite, triple cream truffle brie.
