13 Things I ONLY buy at Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s is one of my go to grocery stores. I’m one of those people that like to frequent multiple stores on Grocery Day and Trader Joe’s is always my first stop. I love the welcoming rack of super cheap bananas, the enticing fresh flowers, and the option to taste something new each trip.

Did you know they will let you taste ANYTHING in the store (within reason of course)? Jeff and I were looking for some travel treats and were stuck between two different boxes of cookies. A nice employee approached us and asked if we would like to taste them to make our decision a little easier. He opened them right there and let us have some!

I appreciate good customer service and have found that majority of their products are made with recognizable ingredients and are pretty affordable.

I thought I would share our Trader Joe’s staples since I use them as shortcuts in many of my recipes. It’s also where I purchase majority of the foods I give to Joy!

1. Buttermilk Pancake Mix

It is a great all purpose baking mix. I have used it for pancakes, waffles, and biscuits. It’s also the base to Joy’s Banana Pancakes.

2. Mandarin Orange Chicken

A quick dinner for those nights I don’t feel like cooking. I like to steam or roast some fresh broccoli and have dinner on the table in no time.

3. Rice Medley

Now, I prefer fresh rice and it’s hard to beat a rice cooker but when time is of the essence this is the next best thing.

4. Cauliflower Rice

Why get out your food processor when you can just buy it. Get there early, they sell out every week!

5. Organic Strawberry Preserves

Great on fresh biscuits. Also has reduced amounts of sugar.

6. Cookie Butter

Perfect on apples, celery, toast, or a spoon.

7. Unsweetened Applesauce

Joy’s preferred applesauce. I always keep at least three jars on deck. It doesn’t have ll those added preservatives.

8. Trader Joe’s Pizza Sauce

I always have a few jar in the pantry. Perfect for BBQ Chicken Pizza, Flatbreads, or Pizza on Frozen Naan Bread.

9. Roasted Garlic Marinara

Favorite Jarred Marinara, hands down. Add a few fresh ingredients and fresh herbs and you have a delicious sauce.

10. Coconut Oil Spray

I use this for pretty much everything. It’s a great cooking spray. 

11. Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

There are countless uses for old fashioned oats. My favorite: Coconut Granola or Pumpkin Pie Granola.

12. Gone Bananas – Banana Bites

Guilt Free Dessert. Have a few of these every night!

13. Frozen Hashbrowns

Almost as good as McDonalds.

I hope this helps! Don’t forget to come back later this week for a new edition of “What Joy Ate.” Many of these items will be making an appearance. 

Marissa A