Trader Joes

Hello everyone.  They just opened a Trader Joes in my city.  I have never been to one and the new store here has been so crowded since it opened I haven't even been able to check it out yet.  I know from past posts that several of you like this place very much.  What can you tell me about it?  What are some of your favorite products?  I'm anxious to get in there but I have no idea what would be some good things to try. 

Hi Barbara, so nice to see you stop by!  We don't have a TJ here in Little Rock, but we did have them in San Diego and I miss them. They have a lot of unusual foods from all over, some great specials, and just an overall fun store to visit. Before WLS, I used to buy a lot of thier premade frozen baked goods to keep around in case I needed something to take to someones house at the last minute or if someone dropped by. 

As I remember they have lots of good fish and seafood in their frozen section. Go check it out when the crowds die down....you'll enjoy it.

Please stick around!

Hi, Barbara - I've been shopping at Trader Joe's for a few years - here is what I get there on a regular basis.  Don't think that "all natural" means low sodium, sugar and/or calories.  It doesn't - you really have to check the packaging.

Soups:  Low everything:  minnestrone and chicken.  About $1
Tuna:  Albacore, no sodium - still pale pink, unlike most store brands lately. $1.49
Better than Peanut Butter:  100 cals - you get used to it - $4
Crackers:  Package with 4 types crackers - most are 4 for 70 cals - but be careful can
  splurge easily!  Also - flatbreads - multigrain - 3 for 90 but they're long and for me 3 is
  more than enough.
Salads in a bag:  Baby salad - nice and soft - about $1.99
Celery/onion/carrots:  Chopped for you - watch dates - nice and easy. Check dates.
Dolmas:  Yummy - I have one with my tuna/salad every day.  Fresh in refrigerated. Check dates.
Trader Joe Brand Granola - with almonds.  Very caloric/sugary, tho it's the slim version.  I do
  about two tablespoons in with my low everying Gr yogurt.
Trader Joe Brand Plain 0 fat Greek Yogurt:  Yummy, they also have Faje, but now A&P cheaper      for       Faje.   TJ Vanilla has more cals.
Trader Joe Corn Salsa - sugary, probably bad - but put a tablespoon in with my tuna - yummy.
Laughing Cow 35 cal wedges
Turkey Breast - Low Sodium - Roasted - yummy

Frozen veggies yummy:  broccoli florettes, string beans.  Good price.

WATCH OUT FOR their pre-made fresh lunches - very high calories, sodium, etc.

Well better stop!   Also their greeting cards are really really nice and only $1.  I stock up on them.  Flowers are nice - but don't have staying power in this area (Northern NJ).

Good luck!  I love going there - people are so friendly, easy in and out and no more expensive than other food stores EXCEPT that I tend to splurge on "me" food!

Thank  you both so much.  The store just opened this week and it's been a mad house.  I'll try going next week.  Another new store just opened this week right next to TJ's.  It's called Nothing Bundt Cakes.  Got to try and stay away from that one.

We have a Trader Joe's in the next town. I only go about every three months but I love to browse there. My favorite purchases are the bulk slab California dried apricots, nuts, and muffins. I have to be careful about portions when I eat these things- just little amounts. I also really love their plants and fresh flowers. The prices are quite reasonable and the quality (in CA) is excellent.
Julia