Favorite Trader Joe’s Items

If you get me in a room for five minutes, odds are quite high that I’ll mention something about Trader Joe’s.  I love it.  I love that it’s affordable. I love that it’s on the healthier side.  I love the in-store samples, especially when the samples involve chocolate chip cookies.  I love that there’s a little bit of a lifestyle that surrounds shopping at Trader Joe’s.  I love Trader Joe’s.  So, one of the many times I was chirping about it at work, a colleague asked me to do a post like this.  If you’re the type that’s maybe a little bit intimidated to shop at Trader’s because you’re used to your brand-name grocery store, look no further.  Here I’ll take you through my favorite products and tell you how I eat them.  Get excited.  Your life is about to change for the better.

Oh, and I will mention, that, while it has the reputation of being expensive, I’ll have you know that shopping at Trader Joe’s has actually saved me money.  It’s budget-friendly, promise!

I’m linking to some of these products that you can actually buy on Amazon!

(Please note that these are affiliate links, and I will receive a small compensation if you buy!  Thanks in advance!)

Shisito Peppers– I buy most of my produce at the farmer’s market, with this one exception (mainly because I don’t think may farmer’s market sells these).  They are SO good in either jambalaya, or eaten straight up after being fried in a pan with oil.

Trader Joe’s Dry Roasted and Salted Pistachio Nutmeats Halves and Pieces– Simple?  Why, yes.  Actually, my all time favorite pasta dish involves these.  Simply put equal parts of these babies and shredded parmesan cheese in a food processor with a bit of olive oil and a shake or two of garlic powder and BAM.  Toss is over orchiette cooked al dente (save some pasta broth in case you need a little extra liquid in the pistachio pesto) and you have seriously the most amazing pasta dish on the planet.

Chicken Andouille Sausage (refrigerated)- This also goes in my jambalaya and I freakin love it.  Trader Joe’s foods don’t contain nitrates, so, even though sausage in general isn’t always the healthiest food, this makes it a tiny bit better.

Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend 2.3 Oz– Who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashioned everything bagel?  A crazy person, that’s who.  A New York Bagel with cream cheese and bacon might be my favorite thing. However, it goes straight to my thighs, and that’s not cute.  Everything But the Bagel gives you all the fun flavors without the calories.  I like to eat it on piece toast with an avocado spread or just sprinkled on a cucumber.  Trust me when I say, you’ll find many, many uses for it.Roasted Potatoes with Peppers and Onions (frozen)- I featured these little angels on my breakfast tacos post, and it’s my favorite FAVORITE weekend morning breakfast, especially after a good workout.  It’s even better with guac, which brings me to my next favorite…

 

Avocado’s Number Guacamole To Go (refrigerated)- I have always liked the Avocado’s Number Guac, but they recently came out with pre-portioned packets which are PERFECT for lunches.  I almost never was able to eat an entire tub (notice how I said “almost”) without it browning, and these little babies are perfectly portioned.

Mashed Cauliflower (frozen)- This is amazing straight up with a shake or two of salt and pepper, or mixed in to macaroni and cheese, to boost nutrition.

Eggplant Cutlets (frozen)- Um, major fave.  So, what you do is simply roast 4 of them (for one person) on a cookie sheet and flip halfway through.  Shortly before they’re done, take them out, sprinkle a bit of mozzarella cheese on them, and return to the oven to melt.  When they’re all done, stack them up with tomato slices.  They look really pretty, are super simple, and taste amazing. (and, pssst, would work for Lenten Fridays)

Organic Chia Bars with Almonds, Cranberries, & Pumpkin Seeds, 5 Bars, Net Wt. 4.4 oz– I love these for the mornings, or a quick snack on the go.  Unfortunately, a lot of Trader Joe’s bars have a high sugar content, but these are really manageable.  The chia seeds also keep you full longer.  Yayyyy!

Seltzers– My loves.  Trader’s has so many fun flavors that are great to down when you’re trying to fight a sweets craving. I particularly love the newest flavors, especially pineapple and starfruit.

Dark Chocolate Covered Powerberries…8 Oz. Bag– Any time I’m in charge of packing a picnic for wine country, these always make it in the basket.  They’re delicious, and I like to think they’re a little healthy because it says powerberry on them.

Speculoos Cookie Butter (14.1 Oz Jar)– eat it with pretzels and you won’t be sorry.

 

There ya have it, friends.  My eating life would be very boring if it wasn’t fore Trader’s, and I hope you enjoy these little gems too.