The Best Thing at Trader Joe's is...

by Elijay  11 contributors  -  October 06, 2008   + Add To This Guide

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People might not be able to agree on politics, how to fix the economy, or the whole Mac vs. PC thing, but there's one thing we can all agree on no matter our political leanings or computer preferences: Trader Joe's is awesome. I have never once in my life encountered someone who says "You know what I really hate? Trader Joe's." So in the spirit of unity and camaraderie, post your favorite TJ's product, tell us something you'd love to see on the shelves at TJ's, or write a poem expressing your love for two buck Chuck.

Organic Lowfat Yogurt

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This my FAVORITE yogurt, I have tried many, many kinds and nothing comes to close to the vanilla version. It tastes like vanilla bean ice cream! Well it doesn’t really taste like ice cream, but you get what I mean.

Espresso Pillows

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I’m not even a big fan of chocolate covered espresso/coffee edibles, but what I AM is a sucker for cute product names. Yes, advertising and marketing gimmicks totally work on me. “Espresso Pillows”…how adorable is that?!?

added by aliciak 10/07/2008

PEANUT BUTTER FILLED PRETZELS

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The title alone makes me want to do a happy dance. I have tried my best to resist the URGE to eat the entire bag, but most of the time once I’ve bought the pretzels, the damage is done. The bag will be gone in point 5 seconds. It’s really incredible to watch.

added by Chelsea 10/15/2008

Chili Lime Pistachios!

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As if it wasn’t already torturous trying to open pistachio shells fast enough to satisfy your craving. Now add spicy tang to the flavor and you’ve got edible crack.

Can’t! Open! Fast! Enough!

added by ghosty 10/15/2008

Pirate's Booty

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I don’t think this is strictly a TJ’s item, but all the best have already been taken (TJ’s PB pretzels, OMG!), and I couldn’t find a picture of those frozen scallops I always get there. This is still pretty darn high on the list of favorites, though. Pirate’s Booty is worse than Doritos in the “can’t stop ’till the bag is empty” department. Thank gawd they are (purportedly) healthier.

added by H Nicole Young 10/16/2008

Organic Micro Greens

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I’ve become crunchy granola in my old age and I love these micro greens. Put these on between two pieces of the Sporuted Flourless Wheat Berry Bread, slather with some Spicy Hummus Dip and you’ve got yourself a vegan sandwich fit for a non-vegan!!

added by GillianS 03/24/2009

Roasted Plantain Chips

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OMFG. I eat these a bag at a time. Dipped in hummus, they are possibly the best pseudo-healthy drunk snack out there.

added by GillianS 03/24/2009
 

Pumpkin Butter

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I can literally eat a whole jar of this stuff in one sitting. It is heavenly. You can smear this stuff on toast with cream cheese (it tastes like pumpkin cheesecake!!!!) or eat on ice cream, or you can even eat it by itself— it’s that good!

Peanut Butter

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I love TJ’s chunky, salted peanut butter. It’s way better than JIF or any of that other crap. And while you’re in the peanut butter section you HAVE to pick up some of TJ’s Soy Butter. It is the BEST.

Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

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They took a temporary leave of absence in 2007 but after shopper outrage TJ’s brought back these golden fried nuggets of deliciousness back in a hurry.

added by ElGuapo 10/15/2008

Hummus

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The moment I crack into one of these bad boys, a beam of light shines from on high and I am serenaded by a choir of angels. The first bite, usually atop a shred of oh-so-soft garlic naan, is indeed a little taste of heaven. And best washed down with a breathmint or two.

added by JayFerris 10/15/2008

Granola Trail Mix

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Mmmmmm. I can taste it now! Organic granola, dried berries, sunflower seeds, cashews, and tons of nuts of which I have no idea what they are. Deliciousness!! I can eat a whole bag and still want more!

added by Coffee Slut 10/15/2008
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Ahhhh. Joe’s is the only place I’ve found this beer: it’s my favorite. I’d practically drink it warm (AH – there’s a TJ’s complaint…wish they had a cold bev. section. that would be beautiful). This is the only brew I’ll drink from a can.

added by heatheradair 10/18/2008

Same idea, + videos and songs about Trader Joe’s!!

added by Karey Ann 03/24/2009

Cheese, all of it

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The cheese at Trader Joe’s is the best because it is cheap. You can get a whole spread for almost half the price of any other grocer store. And in my book, a cheap but fancy cheese spread is a great way to impress your guests.

added by Susan 03/31/2009
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Discussions

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Traders Joe’s has a killer Green and Black Olive Hummus. Smear this hummus on the Naan Flatbread that they stock as well. It is so good. I can eat the entire package of hummus like this for dinner. This is why I always have to get two!

-619772048

The chili lime pistachios are ADDICTIVE. And the potstickers rock, too. Great idea for a guide!

-621041618

This is the best guide ever!! I live at trader Joe’s. Seriously, every time I go there old ladies mistake me for an employee. Weird

About The Author

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Elijay Rss 

The SFV, Los Angeles
Likes: sweet pickles, English Bulldog puppies, jukeboxes, bicycles, and wheat beer. Dislikes: traffic jams, people who talk during yoga classes, murky swimming pools, excessively sweet frosting, and surly librarians.

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