Question:
suggestions needed for first Trader Joes experience

I am going to Trader Joes on Fri (Dayton, Oh) I am looking for suggestions on what to buy. What are your favorite foods, drinks, bars, vitamins from them? I have heard so much about the store and am looking forward to going there. I will have a cooler. I am 17 mo post RNY, down 120# (10 to go)    — Sue J. (posted on July 17, 2003)

July 16, 2003
I like their low-sugar preserves and thier cashew peanut butter.
   — M B.

July 17, 2003
they make these frozen salmon rounds stuffed with cucumber and dill, they are frozen individually and in, i think, 4-5 oz. portions. they are de-lish. i also like their shrimp and chicken( frozen,individually then put into bag) it makes pulling out the exact portion easy. they also have several creamcheese dips and they also have low-carb rolls that are worth trying. happy shopping!
   — Michelle R.

July 17, 2003
Ooh, a TJ virgin! You'll love it--bring LOTS of money, and not because their prices are high; in fact, their prices are much better than most grocery stores for the same or comparable items. No, you'll need money because you'll want to try everything! I'm lucky enough to have a Trader Joe's 5 minutes away, and I do most of my grocery shopping there. They have a great selection of WLS-friendly products (before WLS, I loved all their cookies, candies, breads and desserts, but now I just look away when I pass those aisles)! They carry dairy products at low prices (eggs, lowfat and nonfat milk, cottage chese, sour cream, etc.). Their cheese selection is terrific, including lowfat, fat free and non-dairy (soy) cheeses, also at great prices compared to the regular grocery stores (if you like bleu cheese, check out the price on the Danish Blue-unbelievably cheap!). They sell many different protein bars (including my favorite, the Detour)MUCH cheaper than I've seen them elsewhere. Their vegetarian products are good, too, if you're into that. I like the Gimme Lean Soy breakfast sausage; it's meat-free, fat-free and high-protein. They have canned chilis made with chicken, turkey, or soy, and instant split pea soup-in-a-cup that I love to keep in my desk drawer at work for energency lunches. If you like Indian food, they have a Masala sauce in a jar that makes a great quick meal when you add chicken or pork and veggies. I could go on and on...I recommend that you just walk slowly up and down each aisle and look at all the products they have. I'd hate to live without my Trader Joe's. Have fun!
   — Maggie T.

July 17, 2003
You should try the Maryland Crab Cakes. Fantastic!
   — Jim F

July 17, 2003
What can I say about TJ's?!?!? I LOVE THE PLACE!! I get the Golden Flaxseed cereal, shredded BBQ pork, almond butter, frozen berry medley (raspberries, blueberries and blackberries without sugar), sushi packs, salad, plain yogurt (excellent with their apricot-peach jam or just honey added), chicken breasts, pistachio nuts, every marinade under the sun, etc...bon apetite!
   — merri B.

July 18, 2003
In my liquid phase, I'm finding their soy-milk based "cream" soups a lifesaver! The only liquid that tastes like FOOD food. My favorite is the portabello mushroom. Also, they have a cheese called "olivia" cheese, which is a fresh mozzarella that is not in water, and is lower fat and salt than most cheese and very good, and very reasonably priced! For fruit, their frozen mango chunks thaw in minutes on your counter, and are delicious, and no waste/economical.Have fun!
   — Postop_nurse