I adore Trader Joe’s. The more I shop there, the deeper my affection grows. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
1. It’s small. There’s only eight aisles or so. None of this mega-store thing.
2. Their prices are competitive, if not better, than the local grocery stores. See below for more details.
3. Their employees are actually helpful.
4. Their food is pretty damn good.
5. Best organic prices around.
6. Great specialty products. See below for more details.
Here’s a list of items we’ve bought at Trader Joe’s. Of course, some prices are slightly higher than your brand-name grocery store brands, but others are considerably cheaper.
Trader Joe’s Tri-Tip Asada, $5.49/lb.
I wish I had not thrown away the packaging for this. It was amazing and was enough meat for two dinners and two lunches. If you love spicy, flavorful foods, definitely try this out. We loved it. They also have some other pre-marinated meats I am now eager to try. And, if you are an organic nut, it’s hormone-free (among other things, but again, I threw away the packaging, so I can’t remember). I don’t know if I have ever had meat that was hormone-free before, but I am anxious to try more meat.
Eggs, dozen, $0.99
This is the cheapest price for eggs around.
Tulips, $4.99
For a little beauty in your life, or to make someone feel special, $4.99 is worth it.
Whole Wheat English Muffins, six, $1.49
This is a great price.
Trader Joe’s Whole Wheat Pita Bread, six, $0.99
Another unbeatable price.
Trader Joe’s Whole Wheat Fiber Bread, 1 loaf, $1.99
Unbeatable price.
Trader Joe’s Tofu, 1 lb., $0.99
Unbeatable price. Even cheaper than the Asian specialty market.
Trader Joe’s Milk (2%), 1 gallon, $2.99
I haven’t done price comparisons on milk, but I think this is really, really good.
Crabmeat, 1 pound, $6.99
Much, much cheaper than anything I have found. This is their cheapest can. You can splurge for the good stuff and spend $4.00 more.
Trader Joe’s Chicken Broth, 32 oz., $1.99
Not a great price, but it’s not bad.
Green Onions, 6 oz., $1.19
Have no idea if this is a good buy or not.
Shredded Mozzarella, $3.69
I don’t think this is a good buy. I am pretty sure you can find it cheaper elsewhere.
Trader Joe’s Pesto, 6.7 oz. jar, $2.49
I’m pretty sure unless you grow your own basil, this price is hard to beat.
Trader Joe’s Greek Style Plain Yogurt, 1 pint, $2.49
This yogurt is not cheap, but it is wonderful, thick yogurt. The cheapest Greek yogurt around.
Feta Cheese, 8 oz., $2.29
I’m pretty sure this is a bargain.
Carrots, $0.89
I routinely see carrots cheaper.
Trader Joe’s Garden Patch Juice, 64 oz., $2.69
Not a terrific price, but very reasonable.
Trader Joe’s Mayonnaise, 32 oz., $2.99
This used to cost just $2.49, but I’m sure they jacked up the price because of demand. It’s good and it’s better for you.
Trader Joe’s Turkey Chili with beans, 1 can, $1.69
Trader Joe’s Chicken Chili with beans, 1 can, $1.69
Haven’t tried either of these. I bought them for Matt to take to work for an emergency lunch. Unless it is inedible, it’s not a bad price to pay for lunch grub.
Trader Joe’s Organic Decaf Green Tea Chai, 20 bags, $1.99
Matt loves Chai, especially green tea chai and doesn’t like to drink caffeine. I’ve no idea where we could find this elsewhere. Thanks to Rich for this find.
Trader Joe’s Instant Miso Soup, 4 packets, $3.29
Great deal? Not exactly. But again, great to have on hand for emergency (and healthy) lunches. Just add boiling water.
Trader Joe’s Organic Plain Yogurt, 32 oz. $2.79
A little more expensive than your standard yogurt, but it IS organic.
Trader Joe’s Sliced Black Olives, 1 can, $0.99
Not a great deal.
Trader Joe’s Multi-Grain Spaghetti Pasta, 16 oz., $1.69
Great buy.
George Shaw Wine, 750 mL, $3.29
Okay, this is as cheap as wine gets and believe it or not it’s pretty darn good. Great to have on hand for parties, for everyday drinking, or for a last-minute gift.
Yellow Onions, 2 lb. bag, $1.99
Not cheap.
Trader Joe’s Horseradish Hummus, 8 oz., $1.79
Not cheap, but is very yummy. Great for picnics.
Fage Greek Yogurt, 2 oz., $3.38
Greek Yogurt is heavenly, but we like the Trader Joe’s brand just fine.
Button Mushrooms, 8 oz., $1.59
Okay, great deal here.
Trader Joe’s String Cheese, 12 sticks, $2.99
No idea if you can go cheaper here.
Gorgonzola Cheese, 1 lb., $4.99
No idea, but most of their specialty cheeses are very affordable.
Trader Joe’s Dijon Mustard, 13 oz., $2.49
This ain’t cheap, but I thought I’d give it a try.
Trader Joe’s Caesar Romano Salad Dressing, 12 oz., $1.99
Affordable, but not the cheapest you can find.
Trader Joe’s Cream Cheese, 8 oz., $1.39
When on sale, I can find cream cheese for around a buck a bar. Otherwise, add about fifteen to twenty cents to that for regular price. So, this price ain’t bad.
Trader Joe’s Unsalted Butter, 1 lb., $2.69
I’ve seen unsalted butter on super sale for under two bucks a pound, but this isn’t a bad price to pay.
Trader Joe’s Whole Wheat Tortillas, $1.99
No idea.
Trader Joe’s Whole Wheat Pizza Dough, 16 oz., $0.99
This has to be a great deal. I’ve never seen it anywhere else.
Charlee Bear Liver Dog Treats, 16 oz., $2.99
Not really sure if this is the cheapest I’ve seen Charlee Bears.
Trader Joe’s Salsa Authentica, 12 oz., $1.69
I think this is reasonable.
Trader Joe’s Seafood Cocktail Sauce, 11 oz., $1.69
This is a good price, and it’s not packed full of sugar or corn syrup.
Irish Steel Cut Oatmeal, size unknown, less than $3.00
I’m pretty sure this is about half of what it costs at other stores. And steel cut oatmeal is so much better than the rolled kind and is better for you.
