South Florida is buzzing with the opening of a new Trader Joe’s in Boca. If you’ve never been to the grocery store that has developed a cult-like following, you’re probably wondering, “what’s all the hype about?” Read on to find out what makes this grocery store so special and my Z-tips on Trader Joe’s best buys.
What makes Trader Joe’s different?
The biggest differentiating factor for Trader Joe’s is the way it purchases products. Buyers pick a few products in each category and only sell a few varieties of that item. For example, if you’re looking for salad dressing, Trader Joe’s may only have five kinds for you to choose from, instead of 50, as you may see in Publix – but they’re sure to be five really good salad dressings. This gives them the freedom to purchase items in large volumes, so they’re able to negotiate the best prices and share their savings with you.
Do note: not everything in the store is organic or “clean,” and some of their products have soybean and canola oils. But the store’s animal proteins don’t have hormones or antibiotics, and compared to Publix, Trader Joe’s is definitely a much better choice in my book. When it comes to comparing Trader Joe’s to Whole Foods, I find that TJ’s organic and conventional products are less expensive. I bought one pound of organic cherry tomatoes for $3.99. At Whole Foods, that would only get you a pint.
And if you don’t like something that you bought, you can always return it for a full refund!
MY FAVORITE THINGS AT TRADER JOE’S:
Produce Section:
Bagged wild arugula – $1.99/bag
Organic bagged baby kale, chard and spinach – $2.49 a bag
Single red peppers – 99 cents each
Organic pea shoots – $2.49 (loaded with nutrients and what a great price)
Organic fresh broccoli florets, cut and washed – $2.99 for 12 oz.=
Pre-cut butternut squash – $1.99 a bag (makes dinner in minutes with no peeling or cutting)
Fresh Asian stir-fry veggies in a bowl – $3.99 (I like to dip them in hummus and eat them raw)
Organic baked tofu – $3.69 (I love to cut it up in cubes and throw it on salads or add it to sandwiches. If you don’t like tofu, and haven’t tried this one, give it a shot. It’s not like any other tofu on the market.)
In the Dry Goods Isle:
Organic blue corn tortilla chips – $2.99 for a 12 oz. bag (Whole Foods sells a similar product, but it is $3.49 for a bag half the size and not even organic)
Hearts of palm in a glass jar – $3.29
Organic spaghetti sauce – $2.49 (Mix it with cooked spaghetti squash, add some Daiya mozzarella cheese and veggies, you got yourself a delicious meal in minutes)
Orange Muscat Champagne vinegar – $2.99 (I love to use this vinegar instead of salad dressing)
Whole grain dijon mustard- $1.79 (This price is a steal. Mix this mustard with some raw honey and apple cider vinegar for a delicious dressing)
Dry organic oregano – $1.99 (Great price as it is half of what you would pay at Whole Foods)
Organic ginger pear tea – $2.99 (One of my absolutely favorite teas. No dessert needed)
Roasted seaweed snack – 99 cents (Great alternative to chips and it helps support your thyroid function. Bet you can’t stop at just one!)
Handful of go raw mixed nuts – $5.49 (I love these little baggies of mixed nuts. Just throw one in your purse for a portion-controlled afternoon snack, mix it with salad greens or add it to your kid’s school lunch)
Black Mountain pinot noir – $6.99 (Trader Joe’s in known for buying left over wine from “reserve” collections and selling it at a low price. You get the taste and quality, without over-paying. This has been one of my favorite wines for years)
Frozen Section and Shelves Above it:
Pound Plus dark chocolate with almonds – $4.99 for more than one pound (If you love chocolate, this one is a must-try. Look for it above the frozen section)
Organic whole green figs – $2.79 (Great to add to pies and smoothies)
Frozen mango – $2.69 for a pretty large bag (Perfect for smoothies and frozen desserts)
Organic Frozen Spinach – $1.99 a bag
Wild Alaska cod pieces – $3.99/lb (If you eat fish, try wild varieties instead of farm-raised)
Gone Bananas frozen bites – $1.99 (Instead of ice cream, try these little banana bites. Because they’re so small, it’s easier to control your portions)
