Trader Joe's!

This is by far one of my favorite stores. Here's a link to all of the store locations http://www.traderjoes.com/pdf/locations/all-llocations.pdf


They are so vegetarian friendly and they have many healthy eating options. Also, if you are on a specific diet (gluten-free, low sodium, etc.) a lot of the stores label which items fit your diet. In case you are unfamiliar with Trader Joe's, they are like a grocery store, not a restaurant. Unfortunately, they don't have a way to order their products online, so you either need to live by one or take a road trip! Their prices are extremely reasonable, so don't be intimidated. Their products don't contain the preservatives and strange ingredients that other commercially available stuff does. I want to share some of my favorite items from them to encourage you guys to check it out.


Maple Leaf Cookies- These are a fairly new addition and absolutely delicious! It's a sandwich type cookie with two maple flavored, maple leaf shaped cookies encompassing a creamy middle of maple flavored filling. They are fairly large and hit the spot perfectly if you're looking for something sweet. Just be careful because they are fairly high in calories.


12 Grain Mini Snack Crackers- These are a super delicious, healthier alternative to Ritz crackers. They are slightly smaller and they have all kinds of yummy grains and it also is a really good source of fiber. Although they have all the grains, they don't taste strange and there isn't an overwhelming grainy flavor to them and there aren't a ton of seeds to get stuck in your teeth. They are great with cheese or as a side with soup.


French Truffles- These are the best truffles I have ever had. They absolutely melt in your mouth and satisfy any chocolate craving.


Garlic and Cheese Breadsticks- These are a great side to pasta. They come in a bag in the bakery section and are much healthier than the ones you can buy in the freezer section of a grocery store. They aren't at all greasy and taste great. They have herbs in them and cheese melted on top, but not too much cheese. Although they have garlic in their name, I never really pick up an overwhelming garlic flavor. They definitely won't leave you with garlic breath.


Vegetable Broth- They have a really nice veggie broth in a carton that can be used in cooking or alone. It has a very mild flavor and compliments dishes nicely. They also have chicken and a few other meat flavored ones.


Various Granolas- I can't remember the specific names of all of their granolas, but I've had quite a few and they are all delicious. They make a great breakfast, but be careful because granola has more calories than cereal. You can also add granola to yogurt if you're craving a sweet and crunchy snack.


Yogurt- They have a lot of really yummy yogurt flavors and also carry greek, soy, and goat's milk varieties. I like that they don't have gelatin and are veggie friendly. I have had the greek yogurt and I definitely prefer the whole fat variety to the lesser fat varieties. I just prefer the texture and creaminess of the whole fat, but it does carry more calories. I have never built up the courage to try the soy or goat's milk kinds, but I'm sure some people would enjoy them.


Tortellini with Mixed Cheese Filling- These are in the pasta aisle and come dry. You just pop them in a pot of boiling water, making them very easy to prepare. They have a great taste and go great with all kinds of sauces on top. They also have a dry ravioli in the same place as the tortellini that is very tasty as well.


Sparkling Flavored Mineral Water- I really like these because they add a hint of flavor with no sweetness. They come in lemon and lime and I believe a few other flavors.


All of the above are Trader Joe's brand. They have a few other things that I like, but I don't have them on hand so I don't know their exact names.


Jalapeno Cheese snacks- These are like cheetos only healthier. They have a similar taste and I love the spicy touch to them. If you've ever had the jalapeno cheetos, they do taste quite similar.


Frozen snacks- They have a variety of snacks and appetizers in their frozen case that I enjoy. I've had their goyzas and pot stickers and they are both delicious.


Mexican food- They have enchiladas, tamales, and burritos in their frozen case that are really good and easy to prepare.


They also carry Hansen's soda which has always been a favorite of mine because it is way better for you than the regular brands.


For dessert they have various ice creams and I believe they also have soy ice cream as well. They have pies and cookies and various frozen treats. I really like their cheesecake bites assortment.


If you have pets they have some great things for them too. They have all kinds of treats and bones and food.


They also have some beauty items like shaving cream, lotions, cleansers, shampoos, and conditioners. They have a really nice tea tree oil as well. These aren't all their brand, but they are still good quality.


They carry dishwasher detergent and laundry soap and I've used both and they are both really good. I've also used their cleaner they carry and it's good as well.


Their vitamin selection is impressive. Pretty much anything you need will be there. My family has used their brand of vitamins for a long time and they have never let us down.


I'm not a big drinker, but they have a huge selection of wine and other alcohols. They are always happy to help you pick something out and seem to know what types go with certain foods.


I think one of my favorite things about Trader Joe's is the shopping experience. Their stores are always clean and the atmosphere is great. The music is funky and fun and their employees are superb. They are super friendly and always offering to help. They also have a little test kitchen where they cook some of their things for you to try out.


Overall it's an amazing store and I highly encourage you to check it out if you get the chance.