Trader Joes Food Recommendations

jenjenl

Since finishing active
treatment I've been trying to turn the corner for my families eating
habits. My DH and I have disagreed for the last 6 months on food. We
finally had a big talk today and I convinced him to come with me to
trader joes. I told him this was something important to me and I needed
his support. In the end we agreed that I would go on Saturday to
trader joes and then he would do the rest of the shopping on sunday. I
HATE grocery shopping but if this is something I want looks like I am
going to start. His main concern is that the food is going to taste
like crap, the kids won't transition well and we will waste a lot of
money in trial and error. So we agreed to do a 90 day trial period and
incorporate new foods as we finish the old food. 

 So
(sorry for my rambling) but do you have any recommendations for Trader
Joe's foods for the following areas: bread, chocolate, pasta/sauce, snacks and
kid snacks?

**note - cross posting**

dlb823

Your DH sounds kind of opinionated (since it sounds like he hasn't even been in a Trader Joe's), and a bit misguided in what he thinks Trader Joe's is all about. Most of what they offer isn't really exotic or hard to get use to at all, but just simplified versions (more natural; less chemicals) than what you would find in a regular supermarket.  They have white bread, chicken nuggets, croissants, hash browns, ice cream, and lots of "normal" stuff, which is maybe what I'd start by integrating into your fridge and pantry -- not just kale or pomegranate seeds, or things that might be very foreign to your family's palate.

We like their Three Cheese Pasta Sauce over their Brown Rice Pasta.  You can put whatever you normally do in the pasta sauce, but if you want to try something healthier, their Tempah makes a great meat substitute.  (You crumble it up and sautee it until it's crispy, then add to the sauce.)  Their party meatballs cooked in their BBQ sauce and grape jelly are another thing most men and kids will like.   

As far as breads, they have so many good ones, it just depends on what sort of taste and texture your family likes.  Try making French Toast with their Challah (braided egg bread) or their gourmet white bread.  

Good luck!  I think the key is just to ease into the change and NOT make a big deal about it.   Try the Trader Joe's versions of the things you would normally buy elsewhere, then slowly try a few news things each week as your DH realizes he's not going to be as miserable as he thinks he is!     (((Hugs)))  Deanna

exbrnxgrl

I've been a confirmed Trader Joe's shopper many years. There is nothing strange there at all! Taste like crap? On the contrary, many of their items taste far better than and are more interesting than other supermarkets. I think you and your husband really need to go there and check them out.

jenjenl

Exbrnxgrl - yup we went and explored...do you have any specific suggestions? 

wyo

I opened up this post just because I LOVE Trader Joes and when in Wyoming the closest one is New Mexico.....(disturbing I know that).  It looks like you had a bilateral mastectomy,oophrectomy, chemo, rads and a flap- whew that is a lot of "busy" for your body in the past several months.  I am a nurse not a dietitian but I have a few ideas for you.  Long post so hang in

First- think about what you want to accomplish- do you want to eat more organic foods? Do less frying or use less sauces? Decrease processed foods? Introduce more fresh fruits and veggies? any or all of these things are good ideas and can be introduced gradually. I would write it down and agree with your husband- something like in 2014 we are going to modify our diet by XXX and fill in the things you think you might do.  It might be- I am going to cook at home 3 x/week.  My ,personal goal is- I am going to improve my nutrition by-  decrease chemicals/risk in what I eat by eating grass fed beef and organically grown chicken, reduce the amount of processed or pre-cooked foods, decrease carbs and increase proteins.  Drink Wine and Beer no more than 3 glasses/week.

 If you go "defcon 3" and radically change your entire diet, the changes may be hard to sustain over time. Trader Joes and/or Whole Foods is not a miracle cure for eating habits- you can find really fun things like macaroni and cheese balls there too (scrumptious by the way)

Then you do your "research".  Get on line go to the Trader Joes website and click on the Fearless Flyer"  This is their product circular that describes what is new, what is on sale and has recipes and even a shopping list you can fill out and bring to the store.  Its easier than walking around trying to figure out what is where and how its laid out because you might not look for crackers and cookies in the freezer section where they are 

You asked specifically about bread- that one you just have to look they have so many different kinds, and the cinnamon bread is quite yummy.  They have partially cooked breads you can come home and finish heating and sandwich breads, pitas, english muffins

Pasta Sauce- The Trader Giotto (play on words, the mexican stuff is Trader Jose) marinara is great, the vodka sauce is a guilty pleasure and all very reasonably prices.  You can get your diced tomatoes and all that there too, canned veggies etc.

Snacks- Again you will find plenty to fall in love with.  I really like the less guilt pita chips and my new favorite Pita Crisps with Cranberry & Pumpkin Seeds (do NOT read that name to your husband simply pop one of these into his mouth)

You did not mention cheese but I love cheese and their selection is so extensive with all types of domestic and imported cheddar, swiss , bleu you name it with several string cheese types too.  Really freak out the hubby and get the cheddar cheese with chocolate in it....there are no words yuuuum.

Kids Snacks- They usually have kids shopping carts- not sure how old your kids are but that makes shopping a lot of fun for them. I did discourage my teenage son from using them several years ago..... They have kids cereals and a lot of boxed macaroni/cheese or shells type dinners that are organic, don't have artificial colors etc. and taste really great.  The yogurt is fantastic greek style or fruit, whatever your family likes. They have granola bars and I highly recommend Jo Jos the cream filled sandwich cookies which come out in peppermint for the holidays. 

Okay I have gone on long enough- if you want we can stay on this thread and lots of others will join in and have fun or you can PM me and I can read what you are trying to do and go from there. 

Solen

Great kids snack is their gluten free snicker doodles, as above poster mentioned, they are found in freezer section (on shelf above frozen foods) they are made w date paste and sorghum flour, more nutritional than average cookie.  Their organic nut butters are way cheaper than other stores.  My son loves the mini brie and mini baguettes in his lunch.  I buy the cut up butternut squash and roast in coconut oil w a little sea salt.  I love that I walk out of there spending less money.  I buy a lot of produce at the farmers market.  Some trader joes do not have the best produce, but their prices are always good.

exbrnxgrl

Jen,

Since you 're trying to clean up your diet, I won 't go on about how I like their beer and wine selection

As you probably noticed they carry very few items that are not their own brand. I buy their unsweetened vanilla almond milk, high fiber cereals, Greek yogurt, cheeses, whole wheat flat bread and meats (though not often, since I eat little red meat). Canned beans and brown basmati as well as brown jasmine rice. The Joe Joe's sandwich cookies are available gluten free too, and are quite good. I buy, and grind, my coffee there and love all of their dried fruit. I confess to buying many of their frozen meals, which I take to work because they're convenient and tasty . The only thing I'm not always crazy about is their produce but I may be spoiled by the fantastic year round farmers markets we have. 

Happy shopping!

wyo

LOL ex

I am reducing not eliminating alcohol- and YES the beer and wine selection is fantastic- I was drinking Argentinian Malbec before it was "hip" for about 4bucks a bottle LOL.

I eat the frozen meals for work too and some of the refrigerated salads.  The sodium content is pretty good and not a bunch of additives and hey you have to eat something.  I buy butter from Ireland (Kerrygold) there- its sooo good and comes from grass fed cows.  

I think I have a trader joe's addiction.  It came from all those years where we had to go on a trip to find one and it was a "special event" to go.  

exbrnxgrl

I should add they also have lovely cut flowers, small potted plants that make nice little gifts and all kinds of seasonal specialties. Olive oil, vinegars, nut butters, jams and jellies. A limited but adequate spice selection. Need I go on? 

Blessings2011

Our shopping list has gotten smaller since we went Gluten-Free...

Let's see.... walking down the aisle... fresh flowers and plants.Nice fresh salad mixes, salad dressings, fresh veggies, either whole or cut up. Packaged salads, low-fat cheese sticks, huge selection of cheeses, different kinds of hummus, nitrite-free meats (like ham, or corned beef) at holiday time. Packaged charbroiled chicken strips - so good for lunch or salads. 

When they have it, TJ's Microwave popcorn. Reduced Guilt Tortilla Chips. (The Corn Chip Dippers are really my favorite, but have more fat in them.) Fat Free Turkey Jerky. Great selection of nuts and dried fruits.

Frozen blueberries, frozen mango chunks, frozen fire roasted corn, French cut frozen green beans. General Tsao Dipping Sauce. Sweet Chili Sauce. Trader Joe's BBQ sauce. All kinds of frozen chicken and fish. 

Mango and Cream or Raspberry and Cream popsicles. Incredible fancy frozen desserts for company. Gluten-free pizza.

Vitamins, cosmetics, protein powders. Wheat-free noodles. The BEST pumpkin bread mix in a box....seriously, the best. Next best: banana bread mix. Organic coconut oil. Nice selection of teas. Tiny containers of whipping cream in aseptic boxes on the shelf - nice to have on hand. Yummy, low-sodium marinara sauce. Fat-free Refried Beans. Lots of different juices.

In the bakery section, "Almond Horns" - these are crescent-shaped, gluten-free cookies that are made with almond paste and dipped in chocolate. Delish!

Also GF chocolate chip cookies... usually over the frozen food case. SO good! And GF gingersnaps, too.

But the thing I love most about TJs is the price... you can try just about anything for such a reasonable price... nowhere near Whole Foods.

Yup - guess I AM a TJs addict! We go several times a week.

Tomboy

pesto. mango passionfruit granola. pomegranate kefir. 100% tangerine juice. packaged greek salad. sesame sticks.coffee.

wyo

I had to check back and give you TJ addicts a laugh- I grabbed the mail today and what to my surprise did I find but the FEARLESS FLYER- I had a good laugh over it and a excited about 100% pure cherry juice! can't wait to check that out

Hortense

Its instant hot chocolate is delicious and has none of the chemicals in it that Swiss Miss has. My kids and I love it. As a treat, get a bag of their chocolate covered PowerBerries". Everybody I know loves them. 

My favorites are their dried fruits, as they carry many non-sulfured kinds. I reach for dried fruits instead of baked goods when I want something sweet to eat. Their pasta sauces are very good also, as are their wide variety of breads which are delicious and much better than most supermarket brands.

I have changed the way my family eats since I have gotten cancer, no more food with chemicals in them for any of us, less baked goods and lots more veggies and fruits. 

My husband still does not quite get that I am not supposed to be eating any red meats - beef, lamb or pork - or soy products. I cook meat for everyone else and eat soy free veggie burgers or falafel patties that I get at Trader Joes and keep in the freezer, as I can not get to a Trader Joe's very often and must stock up when I get to one.

gildedcage

TJs is THE BEST. I've been shopping there since the early 90's and I love it. Way better than the regular grocery store. I just had a slice of the Pumpkin Loaf for breakfast. Last night we had the Mushroom Ravioli with some olive oil on top for dinner. The Mediterranean Hummus is so good. It's not the lowest in calories but it's great with carrot sticks. I also love to get their beets (they have precooked ones) and mix them up with a little gorgonzola, some walnuts or pine nuts, dried cranberries or cherries, spinach leaves or kale and then top with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Totally delish and good for you. I also love the Middle East Feast plate they have in the "to go" foods section. The herbed popcorn is a great snack. I make my own spaghetti sauce once a week and it's easy to add some cooked mushrooms, spinach, onions and garlic to the sauce for extra veggies that taste great. I usually use half whole wheat spaghetti with quinoa spaghetti (I don't think they have it at TJs but I've found it at Target of all places)  and my husband can't even tell that it's not just regular pasta. The TJs soy nuggets taste very similar to chicken and the soy corn dogs are dead ringers for regular ones. They have handmade wheat tortillas that are really good as well. Those are my favorites. Hope it helps. 

I was a healthy eater and a vegetarian (occasional fish only) way before my diagnosis so I haven't changed how I eat with the exception of adding in a daily juice using my juicer. I've found that if you add half an apple, a lemon and a knob of ginger to it, even kale juice can taste good. Change just takes some getting used to and soon enough what seems weird will seem very normal. Eating healthy doesn't provide us with any proof that we won't get cancer or prevent a recurrence (I'm proof of that) but it may help to reduce our risk and it certainly can't hurt us, only help us. I've just finished up with my cancer treatments two days ago and I feel that the biggest reason I've bounced back from surgery, chemo and radiation so well is because I was in good condition and had a healthy lifestyle before my diagnosis. In being healthy eaters are setting ourselves up for success should we ever require further treatment, which is really a gift to ourselves. Keep going jenjeni, you are doing the right thing. 

Solen

I get the packages of small nut mixes.  They come w 10 small packs, my favorite is the almonds, cashews and cranberries.  They are easy to throw in you car/purse. (kid's lunches!)  High in calories, but high in nutrition.  I find if I let myself get too hungry running around, I end up eating way too much in the evening.  Having some nuts (often with a small apple) is a lot better for me than skipping lunch.

CarpeVinum

I LOVE Trader Joe's and shop there a few times a week. It sounds as if your hubby thinks it's a *health food store*. It's not. Their stuff is delicious and doesn't contain the chemical $#i7storm that most other brands do. Be careful though, if you are thinking of avoiding corn syrup ~ it is in MANY of their products, just under different names: Glucose syrup * Glucose/fructose syrup * Tapioca syrup *  Fruit fructose * Crystalline fructose  * maltodextrin  etc etc.

peggy_j

 we will waste a lot of money in trial and error.

Trader Joe's will let you return any product. So, you can try foods and if don't like them, you can take them back for the full refund. 

(BTW, due to the increased price of almonds they recently switched to selling their almond butter in a plastic jar, instead of glass. As a BC survivor, I'm trying to avoid BPA, which means I'm trying to avoid plastic as much as possible. I mentioned my BPA concern to the cashier and...it turns out he's responsible for stocking that part of the store. He said he'd send an email that day. If you're concerned about this too, maybe you can mention this to your local store. And/Or...we can send emails ourselves.)

JohnSmith

Not to hijack this thread, but the last comment regarding BPA is interesting.

The non-profit EWG In Washington DC did a big report on BPA in sales receipts back in 2010, which can be found here. It was shocking how much BPA was found in the receipts. 

This past week, I asked store managers at both Trader Joe's and Whole Foods in Northern California if they knew about BPA in the receipts. They both responded by saying they no longer use BPA in the receipts. 

Back on topic, there's been some criticism with Trader Joe's about not disclosing all ingredients in some products, particularly in the GMO category. I don't know all of the specifics, but a simple google search will generate a lot of results. Like most, we tend to stick with items that are "USDA organic" and shop mostly at "Whole Foods Paycheck".