Now that I am budgeting and trying to do better money wise, I have been doing more grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s. They seriously have some great prices. It can be really overwhelming there so I always appreciate recommendations from others. These are some new items that I have tried lately and love. They all seem to make their way to my basket every time I am in there!
PARMESAN PASTRY PUPS
These are the best pigs in a blanket ever. I love the puff pastry aspect it pairs so well with the hot dogs. I seriously prefer them to regular pigs in a blanket. Perfect easy app for entertaining or meal for your little one, Sterling gobbles these up.
SPICY BLACK BEAN DIP
This literally cost a $1.50 so I figured why not try it out. It was way better than I expected it to be, even Matt loved it. It has incredible flavor. I served with sliced fresh veggies and lavash chips. A great healthy snack to keep on hand.
WHOLE WHEAT LAVISH CHIPS
If you are getting tired of pita chips try these out. They are thinner with great crunch and salty flavor. I dip them in hummus or the black bean dip.
CHILE RELLENOS
I have to admit I am not a big frozen meal person. Most are disgusting and I can easily whip together something way tastier. However enter pregnancy number two and I am just plain exhausted come dinner time, I just can’t cook every night. I decided to give these a try- I liked that they were vegetarian, frozen meat grosses me out (I have meat issues). They were actually really good. Filled with lots of cheese and the salsa on top was very flavorful. I did have to add more salt and hot sauce. But overall a great easy meal and only 350 calories. I would make them again.
MANGO LEMONADE
I got sucked into tasting this last time I was shopping and I loved it. I have been on a real lemonade kick and this hit the spot with pulps of fresh lemon and not too sweet. Sterling loves it too, great for kids.
SPINACH KALE BALLS
My mom and sister raved about these and for a long time our store didn’t have them in stock but they are back in and so good! A great meal served with a side salad or as an appetizer. They are delicious served with marinara or roasted red pepper sauce.
MAC AND CHEESE BITES
I don’t think I even need to describe these. Mac and Cheese Balls enough said.
TEMPTING TRAIL MIX
Thanks to my sister I am addicted to this trail mix. I keep a bag in my purse or car at all times. It is the perfect combo of salty and sweet filled with nuts, dried cherries, chocolate chips, and pb chips. Such a great snack.
SALSA AUTENTICA
I mentioned this the other day but wanted to add it to my list. This salsa is only $1.99 and I buy several each time I am at Trader Joe’s that is how much I am addicted to it. I heard the Salsa Verde is great too so I need to try it next time.
MARINATED FRESH MOZZARELLA BALLS
With cherry tomatoes in prime season right now, I have been really into caprese salads. This small mozzarella balls cost a small fortune at other grocery stores but at Trader Joe’s they are $4.99. You really can’t beat any of the cheese prices at Trader Joe’s. I love that they are already marinated with tasty spices. I use them in pasta salads, to snack on, or caprese salads.
What else should I add to my Trader Joe’s shopping list?
xoxo
Yup. I will be going to TJ this weekend now thanks to you. This shit looks redonkulous. Those mac and cheese bites omg.
Yum and more yum. We love the chocolate covered banana bites. They are insane and so healthy. And it's dairy free 😉
thanks girl, now I will be making a TJ run today 😉
We love the orange chicken ( think my girls could eat it every night). Always on my list also is the spicy guacamole, seasoned lentils near produce, jalepeno chicken sausage, prepared rice dish in frozennfood sectionnthat has carrots, tofu, and edamame in it, frozen sliced potaoes with parmesian cheese on thrm. Also love the garlic sea salt in a grinder and shredded Brussels sprouts
Also check out this site theynalso have a sister site for Target brand ( archer farms). http://www.whatsgoodattraderjoes.com/
Yum! I agree with Julia! The chocolate covered banana bites are great! All their mixes are delicious (pancake, cake, brownie, etc). The sea salt brownies are out of this world! The Greek orzo chicken is to die for! It's in the pre-prepared section. All you do is nuke it. It feeds at least 2 people for $6.
Thanks for the recommendations. Now that we have a TJ's in Mount Pleasant, I need to remember to go more often. In their frozen dessert section, you can find some yummy chocolate and vanilla macaroons! I will agree with you, their prices are awesome! That marinated mozarella looks delicious.
Happy weekend!
xo
http://www.simplylowcountry.com
Love Trader Joes! You have got to try the roasted garlic salsa, to die for. Also, the mushroom (Its not mushroom-y at all) TRUFFLE oil flat bread pizza is amazing.
Oh girl…you NEED to try Trader Joe's chocolate croissants!! They are the bomb! They come in a box of 4 and all you have to do is let them sit or proof overnight and in the morning you just pop them in the oven. They taste like you are sitting in a bakery in France! I highly recommend them!
I definitely need to try many of the items you suggested….especially the mac and cheese balls! YUM!
OHHHH Trader Joes. What I wouldnt give to have one closer!
I love the cranberry and walnut chicken salad, as well as the spinach and kale Greek yogurt dip!
wow those all sound so yummy! i need to hit up trader joes more often. it can very overwhelming so thanks for the recommendations. also, i was meaning to tell you last week i got a spam email from you. it had a link in it i didn't click it but im sure it was a virus.
We love the orange chicken, the kale Greek yogurt dip, and their little mini pizzas (they are perfect for a last minute meal for little ones). I also recently tried some sort of bacon ranch dip and it was yummy! I have heard that they have good frozen rissoto and it's on my list to try next time I'm there.
SO happy we are finally getting a Trader Joes in South FL very soon! This all looks awesome!
The spinach and kale wraps look amazing! And I don't even want to talk about what I would do for those Mac & Cheese Bites…
Xx,
Letra
The Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip is phenom! I am also addicted to the the Greek Yogurt Guacamole, could seriously put down the whole container. The egg white salad is a little more pricey, but the perfect portion for a lo-cal high protein lunch. Love the everything pretzel crisps also, way cheaper than other brands and more quantity. LOVE, love TJ's!!
LEMON CURD! Girl, it's amazing. I've heated it up to use as a syrup on waffles and pancakes and have even just dipped animal crackers straight into the jar, it's THAT good. Next on the list is crepes!
The corn & chile salsa is also fantastic. Sweet with a hint of heat!
I must echo the reco for the chocolate croissants!! to.die.for. Also I love their dark chocolate covered raisins and their VinTJ Chardonnay. And for a super easy dinner, try some of their Indian curry simmer sauces…YUM!
The Lavash chips make me cry they're so good. Wait…am I being dramatic?
Those piggies really are the bomb. I also love trader joes pub cheese.
Mmm I'm officially starving now!
Love this!!! I'm so obsessed with TJ (we just got it last year) — I thought about doing a post like this. I have that relleno in my freezer, but haven't brought myself to make it yet…that will likely change this weekend!
My store had to start hiding the Cookie butter behind the counter, and you can only buy one jar at a time!! Crazy. I love the pineapple salsa, it makes great crock-pot shredded chicken for tacos. My kids are crazy for the Orange Chicken, and the frozen Naan is straight out of a restaurant. Not even kidding.
I love TJ! I'm obsessed with their Kung Po chicken and any of their sparkling beverages.
Have you had their assorted macarons yet? Not a fan of the vanilla/chocolate ones, but this new product is surprisingly good for frozen ones. http://dawnypoo.blogspot.com/2013/06/we-go-wednesday-trader-joes-now-has.html
We're getting a Trader Joe's by us in the next few months and I couldn't be more excited! Everyone raves about the place!
xx lexi @ glitter, inc.
I love their chipotle hummus, especially on a wrap with spinach & toasted pine nuts. I also love their dark chocolate ice cream bars and their fire roasted veggies (frozen)- they are great with stir fry or fajitas! And the chocolate peanut butter cups are amazing!
I love their chipotle hummus, especially on a wrap with spinach & toasted pine nuts. I also love their dark chocolate ice cream bars and their fire roasted veggies (frozen)- they are great with stir fry or fajitas! And the chocolate peanut butter cups are amazing!
That black bean dip sounds amazing!! I eat a caprese salad pretty much every day I need to try that marinated mozzarella
I love their spinach dip, any desserts, buffalo jerky, and the kimchi fried rice from the freezer. I have a mini tjs, and we don't always have everything the bigger ones have.
Those pastry pup are the BOMB! I do so much of our shopping there too. I recently read they are the cheapest grocer in the nation for milk, bread, cheese, and eggs. And they really do have the cheapest cheese selection.
The dark chocolate and mint cremes in the candy section are as good as their PB cups. Phenomenal.
Asiago with rosemary cheese is a favorite too.
They also have a coconut body cream that is about 5$ and is SUCH high quality.
I could go on, I am a big fan.
DITTO to the chocolate croissants.
The butternut squash risotto is a quick and easy meal or side dish.
Can never get enough of the sea salt dark chocolate almonds.
Just came across this infographic about having a baby and the financial costs. Thought you might find it informative 🙂
http://www.mint.com/blog/consumer-iq/bundle-of-joy-wad-of-cash-a-peek-into-financial-planning-for-a-new-baby-0613/?display=wide
Thanks for sharing! We finally got a TJ here in Columbia and I still haven't been, sad I know! But I am totally going out there today after reading this! 🙂
This will be good weekend with these,
Good to get it soon before it starts
want to check this tooo
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I'm a Trader Joes junkie and I love everything in this post!
If you love Indian food, try TJ's Butter chicken with Rice. So delish and easy coz it's microwaveable. Add in their Naan, and you are set!
Ummmm yeah. Love me somt Trader Joes. We didnt have one in VA but now we have one 5 mins down the road and I am there every other day. Next time try their Kale and Broccoli salad. It is the bomb. And they have a marinade that I like to use on fish/chicken/steak its called Island Soyaki. It it really good. Also their sea salt caramels are super yummy. Chocolate banana bites, and mini ice cream cones are also really good. Maybe I should just put together a list? 🙂 Let me know what you think if you try any of these.
hey there! I'm a long time reader of your blog although I don't normally comment. First, congrats on baby Mason #2! Very exciting! I too am pregnant although this is my first baby. I love all your recipes and TJ's recs! But I was wondering since this pregnancy thing is new to me – if you were eating hot dogs, fresh motz and some of those other things – i thought we couldn't eat while pregnant. I'm in NO WAY judging you – I'm just wondering if I'm taking the whole what not to eat thing too seriously! Thank you!!!
you always get me w/ these posts!! i never know what to buy!! hope you are doing wonderful!!!
3 things I love:
Chocolate croissants (in frozen foods near ice cream) To die for!
Sea Salt & Turbinado sugar dark chocolate almonds….omg! My #1 must have at TJ's. Please try and report back! 😉
Everything bagels chips. So good with hummus!
Definitely going to try the lavash chips next time. I always buy that black bean dip. So good!
Please continue these posts. Love them!
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I really like their pita crackers!