The 10 Best Trader Joe’s Products: From a TJ’s Employee

My intern, Leah, has been working at Trader Joe’s for the past year and a half – and she’s obsessed with it. Working there has only made her love the store even more, which speaks volumes about the store. I thought it’d be fun if she shared her top 10 favorite TJ’s products from an insider’s perspective as an employee. She’s also sharing a few trade secrets that you might not have realized (I didn’t!).

Leah, take it away.

Let’s be honest: we are increasingly obsessed with Trader Joe’s. The unique products, playful environment, and notably friendly employees are the obvious components contributing to the loyal following of the brand. But, I think there’s another element to the TJ’s craze that isn’t being discussed because people aren’t even aware that they’re experiencing it: simplicity.

TJ’s simplifies grocery shopping in a few subtle ways. You might not even realize it, but here are some of the things I’ve learned that TJ’s does to make the grocery shopping experience perfect:

1) There are no sales! No customer rewards system or coupons of any kind. Products do not go on sale. The prices remain the same week to week so you always know what to expect, especially when trying to budget. Without sales, there’s also no added pressure to buy something just to “get a deal.” Personally, I didn’t even notice this at first. One day while working there, I realized this and how unique the approach is. TJ’s just offers customers the best prices possible all of the time. 

2) The produce isn’t sold by weight. Items aren’t priced per ounce or per pound, instead, they’re priced per item. For example, bananas cost 19¢ each, not 99¢/lb. I don’t know about you, but I love not having to do the math associated with figuring out prices. Another fun hack is that this system gives you the chance to get more bang for your buck. For example, if sweet potatoes are 79¢ each, you can dig through the pile and find the largest sweet potato and it will still be the same 79¢ as the smallest one. I think people often miss out on this because they don’t realize how the “no-weight system” works. Get to it and find yourself a large sweet potato!

3) Most items (80%) on the shelves are made under the TJ’s brand label. Besides the fact that this helps contribute to TJ’s notably low prices, there’s another bonus to this set up: having mostly only one brand to choose from ultimately means the customer doesn’t have to make as many decisions. Instead of seeing 10 different peanut butter brands, and then multiplying those by creamy or chunky, at TJ’s, the choices are simply: TJ’s brand organic or conventional, chunky or creamy. That’s it. Having fewer choices allows a more simplified shopping experience. You don’t have to stand in front of the PB section trying to compare brands and prices to figure out the best deal. Decision making takes mental energy. The fewer decisions you have to make throughout the course of your shopping experience, the less drained you’ll be by the end of it.

Though seemingly minor, these qualities add up to create an overall noticeably simpler shopping experience. Not to mention, there are tons of approachable employees always willing to walk you to any product that you can’t find. Whether you love or can’t stand grocery shopping, who wouldn’t want to make this common task simpler?!

As a TJ’s insider, here are my top 10 current favorite products. You might be surprised by a few! 

1) 19 Cent Bananas

I had to start with these. Find me a cheaper banana in NYC, I dare you. In this ever changing world, I find deep comfort in the fact that TJ’s bananas have remained at a loyal and humble price of just 19 cents each for over 20 years. Props to TJ’s for not jacking up the price on bananas and keeping this nourishing, whole food financially accessible to all.

2)  Unsweetened Organic Soy Milk

Okay, I know it seems like a lame favorite but hear me out: this stuff is delicious. It has a  slightly sweet, mild taste that works perfectly as a non-dairy milk alternative. One serving has 7g of protein and 70 calories so it’s a great way to add some plant protein to your morning cereal. It’s one of few soymilk’s that I’ve seen on the market with only two ingredients: whole organic soybeans and water. I don’t know how they get the texture so smooth and creamy with just beans and water but I support whatever witchcraft is going on in the making of this product. I always keep an extra box on hand, since this product does not need refrigeration until after opening. At only $1.79 per box, how could you not?!  

3) Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers

Once I tried making this burger in a pan and it started to get all crumbly. Instead of fighting the inevitable, I decided to go with it and mash the burger up. I quickly got inspired and added an egg to the mix, scrambling the ingredients together. I topped the mixture with shredded cheese and plated it over a bed of spinach, and THAT is the story of how one of my favorite go-to meals was born.  I like topping it with sriracha and if I’m extra hungry, I’ll have it with a piece of avocado toast. This burger is loaded with fiber (6 grams!), making it a perfect meal to keep you full and satisfied. Important note: this burger is also awesome not crumbled – just follow the box directions when cooking :).

4) Popcorn with Herbs & Spices

The Herbs & Spices Popcorn. This popcorn has what I call “crack dust” on it. Crack dust, by my definition, is a powder-like substance – the kind that remains on your fingers after eating – with an irresistible flavor. The herb seasoning adds depth to this light popcorn, a nice change up from typical decadent oily or buttery popcorn. It even has dill as a seasoning! I’m a sucker for snacks that include both sweet and savory components, so I love paring this popcorn with a honeycrisp apple. 

5) Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter & Sage

Unpopular opinion: I don’t love the cauliflower gnocchi. I mean, it’s good, but it just doesn’t compete with this sweet potato gnocchi. On long days, I love resorting to easy, frozen meals that still taste good. Sweet potato gnocchi paired with roasted broccoli is my go-to easy dinner. I eat the gnocchi and broccoli in the same bowl so that the delicious butter & sage sauce soaks into the broccoli (SO GOOD). If I don’t have broccoli, I’ll put the gnocchi over a bed of arugula or spinach as an alternative way to get some greens in. With 6g protein, 3g fiber, and tons of vitamin A, this gnocchi is a pretty solid meal, especially when paired with some additional veggies.

6) Everything but the Bagel Seasoning

This seasoning has blown up since its debut in 2017. If you’re new to cooking, but still want to make impressive food, this seasoning is for you. This seasoning, which mimics the toppings on a traditional everything bagel, adds not only great flavor, but also texture to anything. I love it on avocado toast or eggs. You can also throw it on almost any vegetable before roasting for an interesting flavor pop (I recommend Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or squash). Or make homemade French fries with a unique twist. Or season salmon with it. Make your own dip by mixing it with cream cheese. Season popcorn with it! Use it as… an exfoliator?! When it comes to EBTB seasoning (that’s how we refer to it in the industry), the possibilities are truly endless. 

7) Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Grahams

I know, graham crackers aren’t normally a food that would excite me either. But these are not your average graham crackers. To start, they’re much thicker and heartier than the typical store-bought grahams. Conveniently, these traits allow this product to be the perfect tea-dipping device because they won’t soften and crumble on you. Additionally, they have an irresistible thick coating of cinnamon sugar. I like to spread cream cheese on these as a quick and easy lazy, cheesecake-type dessert. If I’m feeling crazy, I might even throw some berries or chocolate chips on there too. I’m certainly not eating these for the health benefits, but the future dietitian in me loves that one serving has just 6g of sugar AND that their first ingredient is whole wheat flour.

8) Dolmas

If you have no idea what a dolma is, let me explain: a grape leaf stuffed with rice, and seasoned with herbs and spices. These dolmas are canned and preserved in soy oil, which I like to use to make dressing once I finish the can of dolmas. I love the texture of the rice contrasted with the smooth grape leaf. I enjoy these dipped in hummus or lemon tahini dressing. They’re also great added to a Greek salad if you’re looking to take your salad game up a notch. When I was working at TJ’s in Vermont, there were a few customers who told me they would eat a can of these every day for lunch. I can’t say I’m that diehard about them, but I sure do enjoy them often.

9) Multigrain Sourdough Bread

This is another one that I always have on hand (plus, usually a second loaf in the freezer too). For a while, I was just buying the regular sourdough. One day, I tried the multigrain sourdough on a whim. I was hesitant that it wouldn’t be as good, since sourdough has a really unique flavor, but it literally tastes just as good. From that point on, this has been my bread of choice. Why would I not opt for the extra protein, fiber, and nutrients in the multigrain version if it tastes just as good?! This bread is my favorite vehicle for avocado toast (topped with EBTB seasoning, of course). It’s perfect as a hearty bread to scoop up shakshuka. Or, if you want to keep things nice and simple, use it for a more gourmet PB&J or grilled cheese sandwich.

10) Italian Tomato Paste (in a tube!)

Tomato paste in a tube is genius. How often do you need the whole can of tomato paste? (Not often). This product makes it easy to always have this kitchen staple on hand without the fuss. You don’t have to figure out trying to save awkward amounts of extra tomato paste that you didn’t need. I always have a tube of this in the fridge that I’m constantly using in soups, chilli, shakshuka, and sauces. Every time I need some, I can squeeze out just the right amount, put it back in the fridge, and move on with my life. No need to bring can openers and Tupperware into the equation –  do yourself a favor and splurge the $1.29 on this simple, yet genius, product. 

This blog post is not sponsored by Trader Joe’s – just written by an employee who really loves it.

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