TRADER JOE’S Faves List

Living in Utah I had only heard about the unique and tasty items at Trader Joe’s from a distance through blogs I followed or relatives in other states that would frequently post their favorites. I was dying to get in the door and try them all for myself! When they finally came to our neighborhood I was jumping up and down with excitement! Pretty sure it was our date night that weekend and we tried at least ten items before even getting home!! I was like a kid in a candy store with all those new products! It was all I could do to not grab one of everything! I don’t know about you but just walking in their door gets me excited to grocery shop! Oddly it has the same effect on my husband too. Ha! Over time we have tried just about everything that appeals to us. Although each time we go back I quiz an employee for their new items. They ALWAYS have something new! My #1 tip is ask an insider what their favorite or new item in the store is. I’m chatty by nature so this to me is just what I do, but I’ve learned so much by making friends while shopping. One time I had an employee shop with me the whole time. I spent double but it was so fun to learn and see what I was missing down each aisle! Ask!

For the most part Trader Joe’s offers a large selection of healthy options. Grass fed meats, organic produce, pre chopped produce and frozen veggies, all natural health and beauty products ect and for a great surprisingly competetive price! BUT don’t assume all products have a clean ingredient list! Its easy to get distracted by pretty packaging and all things treats! Trader Joe’s has a reputation for organic and healthy products but sugar is sugar, organic or not. #2 tip Read your labels. Many contain sugar, additives and preservatives. Stick to the outer aisles for your cleanest items. Frozen entrees seem to have the longest not so great ingredients list. But don’t pass up the Cookie Butter its worth the splurge! I like to let my kids (and hubby) choose one new treat each trip. I don’t stock up on our entire treat list each time we go! I’ve listed our treat faves but they are not staples. Moderation friends. Enjoy!

Trader Joe’s Faves by Clean Eats & Treats