The Trader Joe’s Thread

[SportyGirly125]

I know we have threads dedicated to specific beauty brands but I didn’t really see one dedicated or updated for all things Trader Joe’s. It could be beauty, skincare, haircare, household or grocery items. Post your finds here so others could be on a lookout of what to find or is newly released at their local store. It could also be something you think people should try. Their beauty section is so underrated and most people don’t even know they have a beauty aisle.  Their candles and seasonal items are amazing and they always have unique snacks. 

[itsfi]

@Sunnysmom, Kringle as a holiday tradition is marvelous! I may have to introduce that as a new tradition in my family. I’ve turned my niece and dad onto the Kringle this year - suuuuure, they’re 2 of the easiest members to hook with new yummy food, but still!! 😂 Most of the time, I’ll sprinkle a little granola over yogurt for breakfast/snack, but I’ve been known to just eat these two in particular by the handfuls. 😋 

[Sunnysmom]

We usually send a Kringle or 2 to our family members @itsfi and we all love the memory of them plus aren’t they so good heated up?! Oh my stars 🤩. I have to go find that granola if they still have it! 

[Anastasiya13]

@itsfi  Ooo your Trader has such a cute display.

[itsfi]

It was fun to see @Anastasiya13! 😃 This is the area in the back where the store would give out samples, pre-Covid. I like how they’ve repurposed the space. 

[Anastasiya13]

@itsfi  Thats smart of them to do, and looks very nice. 

[CookieGirl1]

@itsfi Are the maple almonds good?  Not quite my jam but it sounds like something that my mother would LOVE and I'd totally pick some up and take to her.  

[itsfi]

@CookieGirl1, I picked up the maple almonds for my dad. He seems to like them, and my mom too. I tried a couple when I dropped off some groceries for them and think they’re just okay. It’s not what I would describe as sweet, and I like that. I do pick up a slight maple taste to them. It’s detectable but not over the top. 

[CookieGirl1]

@itsfi definitely appreciate the review.

[SportyGirly125]

@itsfi This pic is so good. It’s gives me comfy cozy Fall vibes-sweater weather. 

[Anonymous]

@SportyGirly125 @itsfi I feel ashamed because I live in a major, major city, yet I've never stepped foot into a Trader Joes.

I know that it's a grocery store, but is it a completely organic store like Whole Foods? Is it more budget friendly than Whole Foods or the same price?

[itsfi]

@Anonymous, echoing what @SportyGirly125 posted. The vast majority of products at TJ’s is less expensive than WFs, though WFs offers more variety/brand. WF had a bulk section and that was a lot more budget friendly but I believe that’s been suspended as a result of Covid, as has its other self service options (hot foods, salad bar, etc). WFs also has a deli and bakery in its stores; TJ does not. 

[Anonymous]

@itsfi @SportyGirly125 Really???? They don't have a hot foods area or bakery? 😨 That's what I was looking for, actually! I love buying freshly baked brownies and cupcakes, fried chicken, pizza slices and macaroni. Is it because of COVID or have they never had one? I know that Aldi's doesn't have one, but Walmart does. I've ordered custom made sandwiches from Walmart a few times.

[SportyGirly125]

@Anonymous The only thing they had was samples at the back of the store and free coffee.  Sprouts is almost like Whole Foods where they sell their brand and others, has juices to buy, hot sandwiches they can make and heat up for you.  Sprouts has more organic stuff but is cheaper than Whole Foods and a little more expensive than Trader Joe’s. If you ever been to a Trader Joe’s they are not very big. A lot smaller than your average grocery store and they look tiny compared to Whole Foods. 

[SportyGirly125]

@Anonymous @It’s cheaper than Whole Foods but they only sell their brand mainly.  It’s not completely organic.

[itsfi]

Ahhh, sweater weather @SportyGirly125! It’ll probably be at least another month before that happens here. Has the weather started cooling down for you? 

[SportyGirly125]

@itsfi @Only a little. It was 90 degrees when we were at the Hello Kitty Cafe. 

[DaneeBT]

I love the pumpkin decorations at your Trader Joe's @itsfi! So cool! Also, I've been wanting to try out the Pumpkin Kringle! How'd you like it?

[itsfi]

@DaneeBT, I was wondering how they would set it up this year. I like this arrangement, too. 🍂 🎃 

The Kringle is good. It’s pumpkin caramel spice and I thought it might be sweeter than the original flavored Kringle but that’s not the case. To me, it actually tastes less sweet, but I do get a fall feel to it. Nice on its own but I think it would go really well warmed up and paired with a cup of coffee or tea. 😋 That’s on tomorrow’s menu! 😉 

 

[DaneeBT]

@itsfi I didn't realize it was Pumpkin Caramel Spice. I thought it was just Pumpkin! That sounds SO good! I regret not grabbing it on my last trip!

[itsfi]

@DaneeBT, I didn’t realize that either until I opened the bag! 😍 It’s not too sweet, which I prefer. 

[SportyGirly125]