I just found out there's a Trader Joe's in Columbus (don't get out much anymore), and I'm getting all geared up to make a trip and stock up on a bunch of crazy hipster West-Coast food. From what I understand, Trader Joe's has mastered the art of selling guilt-free (almost-clean) food and snacks.


So, for those of you well-versed in what Joe has to offer, I'm looking for input...what are some totally sweet things I should get? I eat pretty clean and cheat a bit on the weekends, so I'd be down for wholesome and slightly-naughty suggestions both. Sweet!



-Dodus

I've never actually been to a Trader Joes store, but I've tried several of their products...basically I think your question should be rephrased to say: "Whats NOT good at Trader Joes?"

I just found out there's a Trader Joe's in Columbus (don't get out much anymore), and I'm getting all geared up to make a trip and stock up on a bunch of crazy hipster West-Coast food. From what I understand, Trader Joe's has mastered the art of selling guilt-free (almost-clean) food and snacks.


So, for those of you well-versed in what Joe has to offer, I'm looking for input...what are some totally sweet things I should get? I eat pretty clean and cheat a bit on the weekends, so I'd be down for wholesome and slightly-naughty suggestions both. Sweet!



-Dodus

1) Cabots fat free cottage cheese. 140cal. 26gP. 10gC. 0gF per cup

2) Trader Joes natural peanut butter.- the smooth and creamy is the shit! 15g F. 6g C. 8g P. Ingredients - roasted peanuts. (unsalted)

3) Trader Joes Almonds. 16 ozs. - 5.95.


These are my favorites but there's a ton of stuff there that's real good.
It is by far one of the best bargain/ quality stores for our needs.

Look over in their frozen food section for the stuffed salmon. They have various stuffed fishes.

Fage 0% greek strained yogurt. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm good. :) (and they also have the high fat kind for high cal days).. :)

Almond Butter is cheap and good.

So, for those of you well-versed in what Joe has to offer, I'm looking for input...what are some totally sweet things I should get? I eat pretty clean and cheat a bit on the weekends, so I'd be down for wholesome and slightly-naughty suggestions both. Sweet!

-Dodus

They're great for all kinds of nuts and dried fruits. They have an organic oatmeal I use for breakfast every day. They have a really wide variety of breads. Their organic orange juice is the best OJ I've ever tasted. On the whole they're a good place to go to if you're trying to eat organic.

If you're feeling naughty, they usually have a great selection of treats like chocolate covered peanut butter pretzels etc. The wine selection is always worth checking out, and if you like it, they have some screaming deals on single malt Scotch. Oh yeah, and they also have amazing ginger beer.

Alistair

Sweet feedback everyone. Thanks. Keep it coming. To return the favor, I have to recommend Trader Meng's Spinach and Tofu Egg Rolls. I snagged a couple from my roommate yesterday--whole wheat, tons of fiber and protein, no sugar...and totally delicious!!!!

It seems like it's really hard to eat organic food and not be eating clean. Am I wrong?

Cheap Kashi Cereal.
Good prices on Protein Supplements/Bars.
I love their brand of hot sauce, too.

It seems like it's really hard to eat organic food and not be eating clean. Am I wrong?

Eating organic is definitely more healthy but there is plenty of organic "junk" food. There's the obvious stuff like all the cookies, ice cream etc that Trader Joe's sells. I've also noticed some semi-hidden junk food like some of the organic granola they sell. You think it's healthy because it's organic granola, until you realize the nutritional profile is slightly better than a chocolate chip cookie.

You need to try their Almond Butter too!

You need to try their Almond Butter too!

I just bought some yesterday but haven't tried it yet. The people there must think i'm a little nuts. I buy 12 - 15 cottage cheeses and 5 p.b. every time I go in.

And unlike whole foods market, TJ's DOES carry products with partially hydrogenated oils, so check those labels.

I also love their low carb cinnamon walnut bread w/8 gms protein per slice. :)

Their pure Hawaiian Kona or Kauai Estates coffee. If it's available. :drool:

You need to try their Almond Butter too!

I just got it too...but whoever said it was "cheap"....

And yeah, I saw all the organic junk food too. My nutrition label-reading fanatacism finally came in handy. Usually it just paralyzes me from buying anything.