We are sharing our 12 Trader Joe’s favorites this week. Some people say, if you are lucky enough to have a Trader Joe’s in your neighborhood, you’re lucky enough! Honestly, we agree. You can pop in and get flowers for a sick friend, a birthday card for your neighbor, milk, artisan cheese and a bottle of wine. As our husbands would say, just the essentials. Known for their excellent house brands and beachy vibe, TJ’s is a destination not to be missed. Check out our favorites and add them to your grocery list this week. You won’t be sorry!
Looking for more? Check out last year’s Trader Joe’s post for more favorites, more tips and more easy ideas from the SAF community!
And be sure to comment with your favorites if you don’t see them on this list (we know you all have favorites!). We’re always looking for inspiration! #friendssharethegoodstuff
1 // Flowers
You can’t miss them when you enter the store! Trader Joe’s has the best flowers for making a bouquet or just picking up one that’s pre-made.
Megan’s tip: When making a bouquet or an arrangement I stick with one color, usually white. I pick up 3 or 4 different types of flowers all in the same color and make my arrangement from that. You can’t go wrong when it’s all one color!
Check it out: Some TJ’s tips to create a fancy-schmancy floral arrangement!
2 // Pizza
Trader Joe’s has the best fresh pizza dough and toppings. Pop in and pick up your favorites for an easy weeknight dinner. Or make a bunch of individual-sized pizzas and let everyone top their own.
Megan’s tip: Make cast iron skillet deep dish pizza at home! Let the dough rise for an hour or two (in the oiled cast iron skillet, covered with plastic). After it has risen, press the dough to fill the skillet. Then half bake the crust at 450 degrees for about 8 min. Remove from the oven and add the pizza sauce, cheese and any toppings you like. Add a dash of Italian seasoning and put it back in the oven for another 8 min. Once the cheese is bubbly take it out and let it cool for a few min. Serve with a small salad and your fans will rave!
Check it out: Need some fresh ideas? TJs’s has lots of great recipes that start with their pizza dough.
3 // Beauty Section
Trader Joe’s beauty section is hit or miss. It seems to me that the “good stuff” is out of stock sometimes. BUT when they’ve got it you are in luck. Most of their products seem to be repackaged main stream brands that you already know. The prices can’t be beat, so if you see something it’s worth a try to see if you like it.
Megan’s tip: TJ’s sunscreens are amazing. Especially the Daily Facial Sunscreen. If it’s not a repackaged Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, then I’m crazy.
Check it out: For more skincare tips, check out the TJ’s nighttime skincare routine.
4 // Just for Pets
Everyone loves a treat, especially our dogs and cats. These Charlee Bears are only 3 calories each, making them the perfect training reward if you have a new puppy.
Megan’s tip: Keep your eye out in October/November, Trader Joe’s does the BEST pet advent calendars. They sell out quickly so get ’em when you see ’em.
Check it out: The Freeze-Dried Just Chicken treats are great for BOTH cats and dogs!
5 // Frozen Rice
Frozen rice is one of life’s greatest cooking hacks. Three minutes and no dishes — that’s a winner. The chicken or veggie friend rice is also a side dish winner.
Megan’s tip: Toss the chicken or veg fried rice on a cookie sheet, drizzle olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic seasoning. Add chicken tenders on top — season the same way. Bake at 375 for 25 min. You have an amazing grain bowl.
Check it out: More info on the Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice.
6 // Frozen Treats
Sometimes you just need a little something sweet after supper and these “mini” ice creams are perfect. There are a lot of dessert choices in the frozen section of Trader Joe’s from cookies to pies and ice creams. We haven’t had one we wouldn’t recommend.
Megan’s tip: The Hold The Dairy mini ice cream cones are addictive. AND six cones equals ONE serving. But who’s counting?
Check it out: TJ’s shares all the details about these amazing cones here.
7 // Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruit is a deal at Trader Joe’s. We use the frozen berries in muffins and cakes and in our oatmeal. Most of all we use them in our smoothies! You never have to worry about your fruit rotting or going bad if it’s in the freezer.
Megan’s tip: Use the Trader Joe’s frozen fruit to make our SAF favorite smoothies. Recipes can be found here.
Check it out: Check out TJ’s recipe for Fruit and Cashew Butter Toast.
8 // Frozen Breakfast
Breakfast of champions right here. These frozen breakfast treats will make you look like the Martha Stewart you want to be. Pop them in the oven and voila — Parisian boulangerie in your very own kitchen.
Megan’s tip: Serve these croissants to house guests and they might never leave! We set out the plain ones with cold butter and a berry jam. They are also perfect for Christmas morning. Christa likes to serve the chocolate ones — always a hit at her house.
Check it out: We love a good brunch party and Trader Joe’s makes it super easy to host. Here is their entertaining guide to brunch.
9 // Frozen Garlic/Herbs
We’ve all had the time we were cooking dinner and realized we didn’t have fresh ginger or garlic. Fear no more, these little fellas go right in your freezer and they are always fresh and ready.
Megan’s tip: 1 cube equals 1 clove of garlic.
Check it out: Make TJ’s Sassy Stuffed Sliders using the crushed garlic cubes.
10 // Pasta
Oh pasta, we love you. These imported macaronis from Italy are REALLY GOOD. Like almost as good as when you make the pasta yourself. So good I won’t buy any other type of noodle.
Megan’s tip: Certain cuts hold sauce better, we use the Trofie for traditional marinara and the quintet for soups.
Check it out: Soup season is coming, make TJ’s yummy Full of Fusilli Veggie Soup.
11 // Nonfat Greek Yogurt
You can’t beat the Greek nonfat yogurt at Trader Joe’s. They have tons of flavors to chose from. It’s creamy and so, so good.
Megan’s tip: If you are sick of eggs, toss some granola in one of these yogurts and you have a delicious breakfast.
Check it out: Mango Yogurt Granola Parfait is a fabulous breakfast or dessert.
12 // Trader Joe’s Reserve Wine
A lot of friends buy their wine at Trader Joe’s and they aren’t wrong. They have a HUGE assortment and the prices are always right.
Hubby’s tip: Look for the Trader Joe’s Reserve brand wine. They are consistently good and the price is always right.
Pro tip: The Trader Joe’s website in an invaluable resource. There is a recipe section with tasty recipes. They have a section with tips for entertaining; so many of their products make entertaining easier! They also have a podcast!
Friends share the good stuff! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram where we share our favorite fashion, decor and beauty finds. You can also subscribe to the blog and get all the good stuff delivered right to your inbox. Join us today!
We earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links in this post, at no additional cost to you.
Comments
Comments are closed.