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When I lived in Southern California, we had a lovely Saturday routine. My husband would make a double batch of pancake or waffles with the kids while I would do our weekly shopping. First, I would go to the farmer’s market, then I would go to Trader Joe’s and if there was anything I still needed I would go to the local grocery stores. This system allowed me to buy healthy food for the less. It was also very relaxing to shop on my own and come home to a homemade breakfast. I knew that I had it good, but didn’t realize how good until we moved to Southern Maryland. The closest farmer’s market was 30 miles away and the closest Trader Joe’s was an hour and a half away in D.C. When we moved to Tidewater Virginia, we were blessed with local farmer’s markets, but the drive to a Trader Joe’s was even further. Whenever my husband had to go to D.C. for work I would pack an ice-chest and take the kids for a field trip. My husband’s first meeting at the Pentagon was usually held at 8:00 a.m. and while the kids and I waited for the museums to open at 10:00 a.m., we would go shop at Trader Joe’s.
So why do I like Trader Joes so much that I would include it in our D.C. visits? They have low, every day prices on healthy food. Some of their every day prices are comparable or less than other stores “loss leaders”.
During the winter I buy frozen organic vegetables and fruit:
1 lb. Organic Green Beans $1.79
1 lb. Organic chopped spinach $1.99
1 lb. Organic Peas $1.99
1 lb. Organic Corn $1.69
12 oz. Organic Raspberries $2.99
12 oz. Artichokes $2.29
I buy frozen fish:
BL/SL White Ruffy $4.99 lb.
Ahi tuna Steaks $4.99 lb.
Mahi Mahi fillets $4.99 lb.
Tilapia $5.29 lb.
I buy some packaged items:
1 liter (33.8 oz) Extra Virgina Olive Oil $5.49
32 oz. Free-Range, Organic Broths $1.99
20 oz. Midnight Moo Organic Chocolate Sauce $2.99
11.75 oz. Organic Blue Agave $2.99
18 oz. Organic Fruit Spread $3.49 – $3.99
I also buy Gluten Free Products:
1 lb. Organic Brown Rice Pasta $1.99
Food For Life Gluten-Free Bread $3.99
When I did the Food Stamp Challenge with The Nonconsumer Advocate, I discovered that Trader Joe’s accepts coupons. I am often able to find a Barbara’s coupon that I can use to buy Cinnamon Puffins. Trader Joes price for Puffins is similar to other stores, BUT their box is 4 oz. larger (this is where a price book comes in handy!). Even when I don’t have a coupon, TJ’s Puffins are a better deal.
15 oz. Barbara’s Cinnamon Puffins $3.79
What do you like to buy at Trader Joe’s?
Sea Cuisine says
There's no argument that for anyone looking to buy frozen seafood, Trader Joe's has some great prices. The cost of Ahi Tuna steaks are especially low. Do they provide you with information on where the fish is caught?
Anne @ Quick and Easy Cheap and Healthy says
We just got a TJs in Columbia, MD a couple years ago – I LOVE it! Even though produce is not their strong suit, they do have some of the best prices for organic produce (carrots, celery, and apples in particular are items I buy there a LOT). I also always buy their white whole wheat flour, and their rice noodles. And a whole bunch of other stuff, lol.
Laura says
Amanda: My family in CO will be happy to know that they have a model other places where they don't sell beer and wine. Apparently that had been the sticking point in the past with opening stores in CO.
Amanda says
State alcohol laws prohibit Trader Joe's from selling alcohol in PA, so they just don't sell wine or beer here. So, I doubt that is what is going on in CO. 🙂
Laura says
Rebecca: I have heard the reason that there are no Trader Joe's in CO is because of the state liquor laws; you cannot buy wine in a grocery store and Trader Joe's always sells wine (my favorite is the $3.00 pinot grigio from Italy!). Until the laws change, no Trader Joe's.
I love them for the same reasons you give, but we've been shopping at TJ's for so many years I can't remember how many, and some things haven't changed for the better. While they do have low prices on some items, I think their prices have gone up quite a bit (I used to be surprised by how low my total always was for so much, but these days, not so much). They discontinue products very quickly – if something is not a big hit *nationally* you won't see it around very long. I can name well over 10 favorites that disappeared because they didn't sell well in other markets even though they were popular here.
So, I'm still a fan, but with a few more reservations these days. And one fun thing I just discovered recently: TJ's founder lived in my hometown; his son and I were in the same class in high school!
April says
I live about 1 hour from the closest Trader Joes and I don't go often, but I do stock up when I do go.
My last trips included shampoo, conditioner, laundry soap, vitamins, Aria Protein Powder (best deal ever on protein powder), yogurt, rice noodle bowls, yams, olive oil, coffee, eggs, crescent roles…my list literally could go on and on. I love their products and their prices. Whatever I don't get there, I hit the parent company Aldi's store that is in my town. Honestly, between those two stores, I am really set well. I do hit up the natural foods section in my town for my last few gluten free goodies I need, but really, I can get so much at these other stores, that I really don't even think about coupon shopping much.
Alea Milham says
Rebecca, Those are two happening businesses. In our area they do not seem to be adversely affected by our economic downturn like some of the other businesses.
Kankana, It is easier to go to the store that is the closest and with gas prices being so high that is probably a very wise decision!
Shana, I can send you a care package. 🙂
Stacy, I have never tried the Chili Spiced Mango, but I am going to look for it.
Amanda, We moved from Virginia Beach in 2004 and are now in Nevada. I still miss living on the east coast and hope to return! I heard that you got a TJs. I don't buy organic produce there because, as you pointed out, that is one area where I can do much better at my local stores and Costco.
Anonymous says
Do you still live in Tidewater, VA? If so, they've added a Trader Joe's in Virginia Beach, although compared the organic selection at my Kroger (on Providence Rd.), I wasn't impressed! -Amanda Y. (ayyogurt)(at)(yahoo)
Stacie says
I also really miss Trader Joe's. When I lived in Massachusetts they were EVERYWHERE! Now the closest one is two and a half hours away. I love their prices on lots of things and they have awesome quality stuff. My favorite thing to get there though is chili spiced mango! It sounds weird but it's dried mango and spicy and mmm…every year my grandmother buys me some for Christmas because she's so close to a Trader Joe's.
Shana says
I am so bummed that we don't have a Trader Joe's anywhere around us. Not fair lol.
Kankana says
we used to go there regularly but we moved our apt and Trader joe is kinds far for us! I stick to safeway 🙂
Rebecca says
no Trader Joe's in Metro Denver yet, but I heard on the radio this morning that it and In and Out Burger are at the top of the list of establishments that Denver is wooing to come to town.