First off, I am going to confess that I am a foodie.   I am a grocer’s daughter and grew up in the business.  I know my groceries, prices, and quality of food.  I am one of those rare people who love to go into a grocery store.  I can’t wait to see what’s new and what’s in season.

I am also a self-confessed Trader Joe’s Addict.  Why?  Because they offer great quality food at unbelievable prices.  (This is not a sponsored post; strictly my opinion).

I prefer quality over quantity and if I am going to consume calories, it better be worth it.  (See below for my favorite Trader Joe’s Dessert, well worth the calories!)

I am also very health conscious.

• I want antibiotic and hormone free meat and dairy products.
• Fresh produce has to have taste.  (Have you ever bought blah produce?)
• I will only buy wild caught seafood and from countries that I am comfortable with.

Per their website, all of the foods in the Trader Joe’s name have:

• no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
• no MSG
• no added trans fats
• no genetically modified ingredients
• no high fructose corn syrup

So what’s in my cart at Trader Joe’s?  These are my most recent purchases and My Favorite 20 Trader Joe’s Products.

The Best of Trader Joe’s Fresh Produce Aisle

I love hitting TJ’s produce aisle.  You can find things that you can’t find in your regular grocery store as well as common items that in my opinion, are better than my grocer’s produce aisle.

Mini Heirloom Tomatoes

One of their current items that I am enjoying are their Mini Heirloom Tomatoes.   They are great in salads.

Green Onions

It may seem odd that green onions would make the top 20 list but they come packaged in a plastic bag and are always fresh and crisp.   They are usually very clean and not gritty like the ones I get in the grocery store.

Persian Cucumbers

Many store-bought cucumbers don’t have much taste.  Not these Persian Cucumbers. They are full of flavor and I love to snack on them as well as serve in salads.

Shishito Peppers

I have written about Shishito and Padron Peppers before.  Grill or sauté  them in a smidge of olive oil until they blister.  Season with sea salt and you have a healthy, delicious appetizer.

Snack Size Fruit

I enjoy having fruit and a slice of cheese as an afternoon snack.  I don’t want a huge piece of fruit.  Have you seen how large some of the pears and apples are in the stores these days?  It’s like they are on steroids!

That’s why I love these Bartlett Pears at TJ’s.  They are petite and just the right size.  Make sure to leave a couple out on the counter to fully ripen before eating.  Store the balance in the fridge.

Basil Plant

My basil in my garden this year was tough and bitter.  I don’t know why? Any ideas?  I love to cook with basil and TJ’s has the best basil plants.  They are full and healthy and their leaves are so tender.  And it’s only $3.99!

Multi Colored Carrots

These carrots are great for roasting and stews.  I like the multi-colored ones when I am entertaining for something different!

Steamed Lentils

Yes, dried lentils are inexpensive and easy to make; however, they take time.  I like to keep TJ’s steamed lentils in my fridge for a quick lunch.  Add chopped peppers, green onions, carrots, celery, lemon juice and olive oil and you have a great salad full of fiber and protein.

Trader Joe’s Quality Yet Low Priced Condiments

White Modena Vinegar

TJ’s White Modena Vinegar is fabulous mixed with some mashed garlic, olive oil and a pinch of sugar for an easy homemade salad dressing.

Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar

I like to try different things and was so glad I gave TJ’s Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar a try.  It’s great in salads with some olive oil.

Jalapeno Stuffed Olives

You don’t have to be a martini lover to enjoy these Colossal Olives stuffed with Jalapeno Peppers.

Jars of Spices

Spices can be expensive but TJ’s has a great selection of commonly used spices at a great price.

Best of Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods

Quinoa

Quinoa is also inexpensive when bought dried but buying it fully cooked in the frozen section is one of my shortcuts for a quick last-minute lunch.  I can whip up a quinoa salad with vegetables in minutes.  It beats fast food any day!

French Green Beans

These French Green Beans are fabulous.  Don’t you love it when frozen food comes in a clear bag so you can see what you are buying?

French Style Flat Bread

This French Style Flat Bread with Ham, Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Cheese is over the top delicious!  My uncle got me hooked on these and they only take 10 minutes to cook!  You don’t even have to dirty a pan!  Just place on a sheet of aluminum foil when placing in the oven.  Warning – You will become addicted to this treat!

Dover Sole

You can purchase this wild caught Dover Sole and make this incredible entrée found on the Daily Meal.  

Here is the recipe for Baked Rollatini of Sole, a dish that Celebrity Chef Lidia Bastianich had the pleasure of cooking for Pope Benedict the XVI.  

Mango Chunks

These frozen mango chunks are delicious.  I just let them thaw slightly and snack on them.

Tiramisu Torte

Sometimes I don’t have time to make a dessert when I am entertaining.  This Tiramisu Torte from TJ’s is off the charts delicious.  I take it out of the freezer while we are having dinner as it doesn’t take long to thaw.  It looks great served on a cake stand!

Favorite Trader Joe’s Crackers

These Raisin Rosemary Crisps are a great addition to any cheese tray.

TJ’s Chocolate Candies

I love these Chocolate Orange Sticks which also come in raspberry flavor.   Just one after dinner is enough to satisfy my sweet tooth when I don’t want a full dessert.

In all honesty it was very difficult to narrow my favorites to only twenty products!  Trader Joe’s has so many to choose from.  Some other favorites include:

• Their fabulous cheese department
• Competitively priced organic dairy products
• A nice selection of nuts

Trader Joe’s Return Policy

You can try any product you want.  If you don’t like it, return it for a full refund.  It’s as easy as that!

I love to hear what others like at Trader Joe’s.  I often ask one of their employees what their favorite item is.  Now it’s your turn.  What are your favorite Trader Joe’s products?  Please share in the comments below so we can all check them out!