5 Essential Items to Stock Up on at Trader Joe's

Discover the Best Buys at Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's, known for its unique and affordable selection, offers a variety of products that are hard to match elsewhere. From fresh to frozen, here are five essential items you should definitely buy from this iconic grocery store.

1. Pastured-Raised Organic Eggs

Eggs - pastured-raised organic eggs are cheaper here than anywhere else I can find them.

Trader Joe's provides a great option for pastured-raised organic eggs, often at a more affordable price compared to regular supermarkets. These eggs are not only healthier due to the chickens' diet and living conditions, but they are also more cost-effective thanks to the store's bulk buying power. Whether you're baking, cooking omelets, or making scrambled eggs, these eggs are a must-have in your pantry.

2. Kerrygold Butter

Kerrygold butter - so good and cheaper than the surrounding stores

Kerrygold butter is another standout item at Trader Joe's. Known for its rich, creamy taste, this butter is a popular choice among food lovers. Despite its quality, it is remarkably cheaper compared to other stores in the area. Use it for cooking, baking, or simply spreading on your favorite toast. With a great value proposition and exceptional taste, Kerrygold butter is a staple you should have in your kitchen.

3. Smoked and Fresh Salmon

Salmon - both fresh and smoked

Salmon is a nutritious and versatile fish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Trader Joe's offers both fresh and smoked salmon, making it a convenient and healthy addition to your meals. Fresh salmon is perfect for grilling or baking, while smoked salmon is ideal for sandwiches, salads, or even snacking. The quality and affordability at Trader Joe's make it a top choice for seafood lovers.

4. Bone-In Pork Chops

Bone-in pork chops - I don’t know why but Trader Joe’s are just better than other places I’ve gotten them

Pork chops from Trader Joe's are renowned for their quality and taste, even though the store chain doesn't typically have a reputation for such items. The bone-in pork chops are tender, juicy, and flavorful, making them a favorite among customers. Whether you're making a simple pan-fried meal or a Southern-style barbecue, these chops are a hit. Trader Joe's is the place to go for the best pork chops.

5. Coffee

Coffee - maybe if you’re super picky about coffee skip but while I do enjoy a bag of beans from a small roaster on occasion, TJ's has some fair trade coffees that are very tasty for the price. I especially like that they have a “medium-dark” roast available

For coffee enthusiasts, Trader Joe's offers a diverse range of coffee options. While some might prefer their favorite small-batch roasters, Trader Joe's provides fair trade coffees that are both delicious and competitively priced. Their medium-dark roast is particularly notable, offering a perfect balance of flavors without being overpowering. Whether you're enjoying a casual morning cup or a late-night brew, these coffees are a great choice for coffee lovers looking for a guilt-free purchase.

Additional Recommendations

Olive oil, kale pesto, sundried tomato hummus, frozen Indian meals, frozen edamame, frozen garlic and ginger cubes, and nuts.

Olive Oil: Not necessarily for fancy occasions, but an everyday cooking olive oil is great. It’s versatile and affordable, perfect for pan-frying, salad dressings, or drizzling over vegetables.

Kale Pesto: Works great on pasta but also as a sauce for fish or meat. The convenience of ready-to-use pesto makes mealtime easy and healthy. Plus, the flavor of kale adds a nutritional boost without being overpowering.

Sundried Tomato Hummus: A versatile spread that is great for dipping vegetables or spreading on a veggie sandwich. The intense flavor of sundried tomatoes pairs wonderfully with hummus.

Frozen Indian meals: Only recommended if you don’t have other options. Some people find the quality lacking, so you might want to taste before buying in bulk. These meals are convenient for busy weekdays and can be a good emergency option when you run out of prepared meals.

Frozen Edamame: Delicious and a super easy side vegetable. Perfect for quick and healthy snacks or side dishes.

Frozen Garlic and Ginger Cubes: Only place I can find these locally is TJs. The convenience and quality of pre-chopped garlic and ginger make meal preparation much easier, especially when you're short on time.

Nuts: I almost forgot about this but I buy almost all of my nuts here. Pecans for baking and oatmeal almonds for snacking etc. Pine nuts are so much cheaper here than anywhere else!

What to Avoid: Most fresh produce - I used to get a lot of stuff here but lately I've found a lot of it getting old within a day or two of bringing it home and I just don't have time to shop for fruits and veg every other day.

In conclusion, Trader Joe's is a treasure trove for affordable and delicious groceries. From eggs and butter to various meat products and coffee, this store has something for everyone. However, not everything is worth buying, especially when it comes to produce, so choose wisely and maximize your shopping experience at this iconic retailer.